#148 Book Review: Wake

Wake
Release Date: August 7th 2012
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

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.

Cover:
SO BEAUTIFUL AND GORGEOUS! I cannot stop staring at the cover. It's even more beautiful in real life. I love how the UK/AU cover of Wake is the same with the US cover because the UK/AU covers of the Trylle trilogy are different to the US ones. I love how the model looks as if she's swimming in the water and the blue theme of the cover is absolutely gorgeous. 

Story:

Beautiful. Fearless. Dangerous.

Wake is the enthralling first book in the Watersong series. After reading Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy, I really want to read more of her books. Knowing that she has an upcoming new series, I am really excited to read it and Wake completely immersed me into a new world of sirens.

Gemma loves swimming and water so much. She trains during the day in swimming pool but goes out on a late night swim in the sea. In Capri, there are a number of people already missing and Harper, Gemma's sister is worried of Gemma's peculiar hobby of swimming at night. There's also the three girls Harper fears. They look as though they are superstars but something is definitely strange about them. But little does Harper know that one late swim night one day completely changes Gemma's life. 

Wake introduces me to a world of sirens. They are like mermaids but they're not. They have tails, their singing can lure all men and of course, they are beautiful and gorgeous. But, they are scary because they actually feed on human by drinking their blood and flesh. The story plot is enticing although the story plot does not develop a lot since it mainly revolves around Gemma trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding her changes until the ending which develops into a new story. As Gemma's life changes, I want to know more about what is going on with her and the three mysterious girls. I really enjoyed this book and I think the theme of sirens in this book is well-executed!

Characters:
Gemma and Harper are sisters that I quite adore in this book. Although personally, I connected more with Harper compared to Gemma because she's the older sister. I completely understand how hard it is to take care of a younger sister like Gemma, particularly when they are hiding secrets which can completely ruin or change their lives. Gemma is an okay character but sometimes I think she needs to treat her sister with more respect. I also really dislike the three girls. They are too evil and scary! 


Onto the boys! So Gemma likes a guy called Alex. He's a nerdy-turned-hot guy who is charming, sweet but sadly, too easy to lure by the sirens. But I think he's great for Gemma. And there's also Daniel, the guy who lives in a boat (because he was evicted from his apartment) who is interested in Harper. The growing relationship between Gemma and Alex, Harper and Daniel is really interesting and I can't wait to see how the story develops in the sequel between the couples!

Overall:
In the beautiful Capri where you spend your time swimming in waters, a mystery is lurking behind the three girls who caught everyone's attention. Wake is an enticing story of Gemma as her life changes, making her closer to her passion of water but making her further from her family and her love. Amanda Hocking's writing will lure you deep into the world of Watersong and fans of the Trylle trilogy will also enjoy her newest series!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Wake!

Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy!

Check out the book trailer below!