Friday, February 21, 2014

Review: Wake by Amanda Hocking

Title: Wake
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: Tor
Series: Watersong #1
Format: Paperback
Source: Personal purchase

Description:


Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.


My thoughts:

I saw this at the bookstore and bought it when I found the blurb appealing. When I see the center of the story is water or snow, I can't stop myself from going for it. Wake, first book of the Watersong series, is like a creepy Disney movie. I wasn't in love with, and the turn of events didn't really surprise me, but I liked how magical it was and want to read the rest of the series as well. 

Gemma and her big sister Harper live in Capri, Maryland with their father. Their mother is staying at a mental institution. With its endless beaches by the ocean, Capri is a big tourist attraction. When three girls--Penn, Thea and Lexi-- come into town, they're instantly drawn to Gemma. When you've read the book's blurb you can guess what it will lead to, but getting there is still rather exciting.

Knut Ekvall's "The Fisherman and the Siren"

Hocking has created realistic, very believable characters. Like I've said before, even though you can guess what's going to happen, you can still enjoy how things will unfold without getting bored. The big sister-little sister relationship between Harper and Gemma, Harper assuming the mother role because theirs isn't around to take it on, their father having to deal with two teenage girls... First love, first kiss and, at last, a girl who loves the water being able to breathe in it...

Lullaby (2nd book) and Tidal (3rd book) are already out, and Elegy will be released in August 2013.
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