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Wake (Watersong #1)

by Amanda Hocking (Goodreads Author)

3.68 of 5 stars 3.68 · rating details · 4,803 ratings · 894 reviews

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

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 the...more

Kindle Edition, 309 pages

Published August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Press

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Wake
by Amanda Hocking (Goodreads Author)

Release date: Apr 16, 2013

To celebrate the release of Tidal on 6/4, dip into Wake, the first book in the Watersong series.

Gemma Fisher seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pret…more

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Mar 02, 2013 Booknut rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fish-scales-and-tails, cliff-hanger, books-i-love-dearly, curses

I use to think mermaids looked like this:

Only to realise they're actually like this:

Yep. Officially creeped out of sirens and mermaids in general.

Pretty girls that can turn into mermaids? Yep, I can deal with that.
Swimming skills enhanced? I can deal with that as well.
Breathing underwater? Go for it.
Can sing creepily and lure guys? Maybe a bit weirded out, but still doable.

Get peckish and decide to EAT HUMANS???!!!

39 likes · like · see review

Jun 26, 2012 Mimi Valentine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, gorgeous-covers, pure-awesomeness, reviewed

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I've only read two-thirds of the Trylle Trilogy so far, but that has already been enough to make me fall in love with Amanda Hocking's books! Her creatures? They're always beautifully captivating, and that's no different in this first book for her brand new Watersong series!

Right off the bat, my favourite thing about this book is the sister relationship between Gemma and Harper. As a girl with her own adoring big sis, I couldn't help but smile at the accuracy — especia...more Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I've only read two-thirds of the Trylle Trilogy so far, but that has already been enough to make me fall in love with Amanda Hocking's books! Her creatures? They're always beautifully captivating, and that's no different in this first book for her brand new Watersong series!

Right off the bat, my favourite thing about this book is the sister relationship between Gemma and Harper. As a girl with her own adoring big sis, I couldn't help but smile at the accuracy — especially about how different they are! Harper is practical, straightforward, and a little overprotective of her little sister; Gemma is carefree, openhearted, and in love with swimming. They're polar opposites, yet their perspectives create a fun dynamic that really works.

There are two sets of romances in this book — one for each sister — and both are love-triangle-free and undeniably sweet! ♥ But while Gemma's relationship with the boy next door, Alex, is too adorable for words, my favourite is of Harper and Daniel's. They meet on hilariously embarrassing terms and continue on a little tense, until Daniel manages to break the safe-playing girl out of her shell. I kept giggling into my hand, it was that fun!

But as adorable as this book is, I kept feeling like it was missing something. The characters are sweet but lack a little depth; the siren lore is cool but nothing mind-blowingly original; and it's very predictable. I never had any problem setting it down before finishing, which is trouble for a girl who's used to one-sit reads!

With a sweet factor that breaks the scale and a sisterly bond that will warm your heart, Wake is a fantastic start to a bound-to-be great series! I wasn't as captivated with it was I was with her other books, but Amanda Hocking is still an author to watch out for. :)

BUY or BORROW?: Flaws aside, I still think this book is definitely worth picking up (and certainly buy-worthy enough with that cover)!

(Original review at Mimi Valentine's YA Review Blog)(less)

32 likes · like · see review

Apr 22, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 out of 5 rating

I am always fascinated by mermaid stories (I just know its because of my love for The Little Mermaid) and that flows over into a love of siren stories as well.

I really liked the characters in this story. Harper was the older sister with the tough outer shell. She's had to step up to become the mother-like figure, protective and worrying, and can't let anyone see the softer side of her. Gemma is the typical younger sister--more relaxed and free except with her hobby of swimmin...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Elefill rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Gemma vive en el pueblo costero de Capri, junto con su padre Brian y su hermana mayor Harper. Sus días transcurren tranquilos y mas ahora que es verano, por las mañanas va a la piscina a entrenarse y a la caída del so,l baja hasta la bahía a darse un baño nocturno. Le encanta el agua y nadar. Su meta es poder ir algún día a las olimpiadas y parece que cada vez esta mas cerca de conseguirlo.

Además este verano hay cosas que han cambiado, Gemma por fin tiene coche, aunque sea una chatarra, y ha emp...more Gemma vive en el pueblo costero de Capri, junto con su padre Brian y su hermana mayor Harper. Sus días transcurren tranquilos y mas ahora que es verano, por las mañanas va a la piscina a entrenarse y a la caída del so,l baja hasta la bahía a darse un baño nocturno. Le encanta el agua y nadar. Su meta es poder ir algún día a las olimpiadas y parece que cada vez esta mas cerca de conseguirlo.

Además este verano hay cosas que han cambiado, Gemma por fin tiene coche, aunque sea una chatarra, y ha empezado a fijarse en su vecino, y amigo de Harper, Alex. Pero no solo ocurren cosas en la vida de Gemma. Capri al ser de costa tiene bastante turismo en verano y este año no es una excepción. Este verano han llegado cuatro chicas -Penn, Thea, Lexi y Arista- misteriosas, deslumbrantes y algo siniestras, que no parecen tener ningún plan; y en el pueblo han empezado a desaparecer algunos jóvenes sin ninguna explicación.

A Gemma esos acontecimientos no le afectan hasta que desaparece Luke, el mejor amigo de Alex, y las cuatro misteriosas chicas empiezan a interesarse por ella. A Harper no le hace mucha gracia, pero Gemma siente curiosidad, sin saber que el juntarse con ellas puede tener consecuencias funestas. Después de pasar una noche con las chicas y casi morir, Gemma se encuentra cambiada sin saber por que; pero cuando descubra la razón, solo le quedaran dos caminos posibles: morir o marcharse junto a ellas -a pesar de ser unos monstruos- para poner a salvo a los que mas quiere.

Nos encontramos con una historia de sirenas, como bien dice el titulo y la sinopsis (que este punto para mi, ha sido un enorme fallo destaparlo por parte de la editorial, ya que le quita el poco misterio que podía tener el libro), pero en esta novela no nos encontramos con la sirena tipo Ariel -La Sirenita-, si no que nos encontramos a unos seres en su naturaleza mas ancestral, tal como se las describían en la Grecia Clásica (las dos versiones). La autora nos ha traído de vuelta la mitología griega, mostrándonos unos seres hermosos a la par que brutales.

Los personajes son bastante creíbles y sus personalidades bien definidas (aunque unos simpatizan mas que otros y quizas demasiado jovenes para ciertas actitudes). No son los típicos personajes juveniles: Gemma, una chica normal, bastante guapa y deportista que viene de una familia desestructurada, pero a la que adora. Harper que a pesar de lo joven que es, se ha ocupado de la casa desde hace años y es muy sobreprotectora con Gemma. Daniel, el "don nadie" que demuestra tener la cabeza en su sitio y prestar ayuda a quien la necesite. Alex, el vecino "friki" y buenazo, que le roba el corazón a nuestra protagonista. Sin olvidarnos de las malas, que son de armas tomar y capaces de hacer lo que haga falta para conseguir lo que quieren.

Aunque el libro lo cogí con reservas, ya que mi única experiencia con la autora no fue muy satisfactoria, tengo que decir que este libro me ha gustado. Es una historia interesante, con una buena narración, un ritmo ágil y con una pluma que va mejorando (se nota que la autora ha progresado con la escritura). Solo decir que hay un par de cosas que no me han cuadrado, pero por lo demás, lo recomiendo si os apetece una tarde entretenida leyendo sobre seres acuáticos. Por mi parte, solo queda esperar a la continuación, y ver como Harper y Daniel cogen mas protagonismo

3'5(less)

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May 27, 2012 Christian Marotti rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-favorites

[SPOILER FREE]

"Sirens exist, Mermaids don't." - Penn "Wake".

Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an ARC of "Wake" by Amanda Hocking! I was wary on reading another Amanda Hocking book because I really didn't like Switched, but I didn't request Wake. St. Martin's sent it because I'm on their reviewer list, so I was surprised to see it in my mailbox last week. After looking over the synopsis and reading the prologue, I decided to go on another Hocking adventure and this adventure I truly e...more
[SPOILER FREE]

"Sirens exist, Mermaids don't." - Penn "Wake".

Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an ARC of "Wake" by Amanda Hocking! I was wary on reading another Amanda Hocking book because I really didn't like Switched, but I didn't request Wake. St. Martin's sent it because I'm on their reviewer list, so I was surprised to see it in my mailbox last week. After looking over the synopsis and reading the prologue, I decided to go on another Hocking adventure and this adventure I truly enjoyed. If you enjoy books that are mythology reboots, then pick up Wake when it comes out 8/7/12.

Now on to my book thoughts!

I dived right into "Wake" expecting a love triangle, a bitchy protagonist, and over caked romance. I was pleasantly surprised. There is no love triangle, Gemma is a likable protagonist, and the romance was set at the perfect amount. I loved the writing style! Amanda needs to write more books in third person POV. The book starts off with Gemma at the bay, swimming. You get to know her right away and then you are introduced to her sister Harper who is an overprotective, motherly gush-bear. The sisters's mother is in a home with mental issues and their father works on the docks of the town. Alex is our love interest for Gemma and I loved him. Daniel is Harper's love interest and I was drooling over him. Then we are introduced to the new girls in town. Penn, Thea, and Lexi. The boys in town can't get enough of them, so much so that some even begin to go missing. Let me tell you now, I hated these three girls. I wanted to smack Penn so bad. They reminded me of the plastics in Mean Girls, except these girls can rip your head off and can breathe underwater. Things begin to grow tremendously intense once Gemma decides to hang with the girls for one night... and wakes up the next morning feeling too different. From there the story takes off and I enjoyed every bit of it.

That is where I will leave off, spoiler free! So I hope you pick this book up when it comes out and I can't wait to read the second in the Watersong series. Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC and I will gladly accept more in the future ;)

-R.D.(less)

7 likes · like · see review

Jul 31, 2012 Jena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Amanda Hocking always finds a way to lure me into her completely unique stories. She has such a creative mind, and Wake is no different. She takes a creature we all know and makes them dangerous, more so than normal and I loved every bit of it.

Wake revolves around two sisters: Gemma and Harper. Gemma lives for swimming and being in the water. She's beautiful and carefree. Harper on the other hand has resumed the role of "mom" and constantly is working hard and looking out for her family. One nig...more Amanda Hocking always finds a way to lure me into her completely unique stories. She has such a creative mind, and Wake is no different. She takes a creature we all know and makes them dangerous, more so than normal and I loved every bit of it.

Wake revolves around two sisters: Gemma and Harper. Gemma lives for swimming and being in the water. She's beautiful and carefree. Harper on the other hand has resumed the role of "mom" and constantly is working hard and looking out for her family. One night Gemma hangs out with Penn, Lexi, and Thea... three beautiful strangers that most people tend to steer clear of. The next morning Gemma wakes up changed and she knows something happened to her. It doesn't matter that she has a loving family or a new boyfriend, she's changed and unfortunately her only options just may break her and her sister's heart.

With most duel perspectives, you get a girls voice and a guys voice, but not with Wake. Instead, Amanda gave the view points of two sisters and I really liked how it was done. We were able to get inside both of their heads and see how different their lives actually are. I loved how Harper was so protective over Gemma. Harper is one of those characters where you look at her and you go "she carries the weight of the world", yet you love her for it. Another thing I loved was that Amanda gave each sister a love interest, yet both boys and both relations are so different.

Alex, is the boy next door. The geek who turned completely sexy and sweet. I loved Alex and how he cared for Gemma. Then on the other side was Daniel and Harper. Their relationship starts off completely different than Alex and Gemma's. It's slow, and clumsy, and yet somehow perfect. Daniel is such a good match for Harper and he was always there for her when she needed him and I'm so excited to see where their relationship goes.

Once you start getting into the story of Wake, it really picks up. You start to fall in love with all the characters. You wonder what dangers could possibly be lying around the corner. The way Amanda spun her lure was so unique and slightly freighting. And, with the way the story ended I'm dying to read Lullaby so I can find out what happens next!(less)

11 likes · like · see review

Dec 28, 2012 Katie Halliday rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Gemma is a very beautiful girl & loves the sea. It gives her freedom, and she feels safe there. Gemma then starts falling in love with the boy next door, Alex, who was always the best friend, but this summer, they have decided to take their relationship to the next level. Harper, her sister, has a caring bone inside her, and has looked after Gemma ever since their Mum had a terrible accident. Three strange girls have arrived in town. They are fearless, gorgeous and enticing, and although the...more Gemma is a very beautiful girl & loves the sea. It gives her freedom, and she feels safe there. Gemma then starts falling in love with the boy next door, Alex, who was always the best friend, but this summer, they have decided to take their relationship to the next level. Harper, her sister, has a caring bone inside her, and has looked after Gemma ever since their Mum had a terrible accident. Three strange girls have arrived in town. They are fearless, gorgeous and enticing, and although they have captured everyone's attention, it's Gemma they are interested in, and they want her to be part of their group. One night, Gemma decides to take a swim, when she finds the three girls having a party on the cove. They invite her, and draw her in into drinking a mysterious concoction. The next morning, Gemma wakes up feeling different, and immediately knows something is wrong. Gemma is faster, stronger and beautiful than before. As she tries to uncover the truth, she ends up being torn between leaving her family, or going off with the strange girls, and entering a world with so many different possibilities.

This is the first book I have ever read from the author Amanda Hocking. It is the first book in the 'Watersong' series. I have heard a load of good things about this new series from her, and I decided to take the plunge, and I'm glad I did.
All the characters are like-able in this. The story mainly revolves around the two sisters Gemma and Harper, and the things that their life encounters. I feel sorry for both of them because their Mum had a terrible accident, and is now in a home where they occasionally visit her, normally on a Saturday. The Mum has to be constantly reminded who they are and why they're there upon every visit. You then have the three mysterious girls: Penn, Lexi and Thea. They seem to have a certain danger about them, and when they enter a room all eyes are on them. The Dad only plays a minor part in this story, as he is normally working a lot, and he tends to be very forgetful with his lunch for work, which Harper normally makes for him and brings to him. Finally, you have the two guy interests of the sisters. Alex is the typical friend who suddenly becomes hot, and he begins his relationship with Gemma. Daniel lives on a boat by the dock, which was left to him. There are definite romantic sparks between Harper and Daniel, but because Harper is going to study in a couple of months, she is holding back.
There is a nice size to this book. The chapters aren't too short, nor too long. Not a lot happens in this novel, and it probably seems that way as it is being spread across a series.
I wouldn't say there was anything I disliked about the story, as I do enjoy books about mermaids and sirens, etc. I can't wait to read the next book from this series.
I really like the cover design to this. Not only is it blue, which is my favourite colour, but it holds a certain mystery behind it.
Overall, I give this book five stars because I liked the storyline, would recommend, and would most definitely read again, if given the time.
Add this book to your "to read" list, because I give it two thumbs up.

Happy reading =)(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 08, 2012 Eileen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, mythology, owned, physical-book, romance, tour-stop, young-adult

Check out more of my reviews at ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***!

Wake isn't your normal mermaid book. It isn't a normal mermaid book where the protagonist embraces his/her nature as a mermaid. It's much more creative than that. Wake is an internal battle against what Gemma has become, and she's trying to fight the fact that she's become a siren. I don't know why I haven't read Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy because after what I've seen here, I know I want to see more from Amanda Hocking in...more Check out more of my reviews at ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***!

Wake isn't your normal mermaid book. It isn't a normal mermaid book where the protagonist embraces his/her nature as a mermaid. It's much more creative than that. Wake is an internal battle against what Gemma has become, and she's trying to fight the fact that she's become a siren. I don't know why I haven't read Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy because after what I've seen here, I know I want to see more from Amanda Hocking in the very near future. I'm practically itching to get a hold of the next book in the Watersong series, Lullaby.

Another thing I loved about this siren idea was the fact that it was backed up with a myth. The siren concept in Wake was explained exceptionally well and you were never lost. Harper and Gemma are the main characters in Wake, and they each had their own problems. They were flawed, but strong. Harper was only trying to protect Gemma, and Gemma was just trying to do what was right. The supporting characters, mainly the love interests, were so well-developed they were just like main characters.

My favorite character was definitely Daniel. He was Gemma's sister Harper's love interest, and he was just full of snark and sarcasm that I couldn't help but love him. I relished every scene that Daniel was in, and when he wasn't in a scene, I was craving to see him again. It's almost never that I have a favorite character that I haven't gotten to know, but Daniel was so funny I was laughing every time he cracked a joke and I have heard that Amanda Hocking is hilarious, and I kind of have no choice to jump on that bus as well.

I felt the romance between Gemma and Alex was a little forced and happened too quickly, and that resulted in a very subtle form of insta-love. The romance I was really focusing on was Harper and Daniel's. Not only do I love Daniel's hilarious character, they never actually did anything other than talk to each other, but Harper liked Daniel and he was achingly sweet and a great listener. He was a fantastic match to Harper's serious attitude.

What I loved the most about Wake was the way it was written. Amanda featured the main characters' emotions and thoughts, as well as the supporting characters. You were able to really get to know the characters and you knew how they felt. It's written in that type of third person that features many points of views, not that third person that is basically like first person, only instead of "I" words, it uses "he/she" words. I'm usually really reluctant to read books told in third person because it's so hard for me to bond with the characters, but I felt like I was able to bond with the characters.

Wake is full of tension and tough decisions. Gemma has to battle with herself and make the ultimate decision: kill or be killed. Gemma wants to do what's right, especially after she's turned into a siren by Penn, Lexi, and Thea, but it's hard when the other option would be dying herself. In the end, she did the right thing, although I could tell it killed her and she always knew she needed to face it. Wake was wrapped up extremely well, leaving you more than a little anxious for the sequel.

Wake is the perfect novel for anybody who enjoys Greek mythology or mermaids. Fans of Aimée Carter's Goddess Test trilogy or Anna Banks's Of Poseidon will most likely fall in love with the premise and writing of Wake.

(less)

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Sep 26, 2012 Kadbury(Young Readers) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Let me be blunt I'm not a huge fan of this novel.

I'm going to write a different review for this one because I feel like it ...

The Positives

Harper : I loved Harper! She's Gemma's sister and some chapters are from her point of view. She's a practical and responsible character that I could connect to easily.My main problem is the fact that she wasn't the main character! Harper had so much more spark than Gemma that I was waiting to read her point of view (POV)

Harper and Daniel's relationship: I lov...more

19 likes · like · see review

Mar 07, 2013 Katja rated it 2 of 5 stars

Amanda Hocking's Trylle series was recommended to me last year, but when I saw the cover for Wake I decided to try the Watersong series instead.

For the longest time I've been on the search for a mermaid story that I could LOVE, but sadly the search continues. Somehow mermaid stories have a tendency to turn really nasty - I mean aside from causing ships to sink, fictional sirens are psychopathic. My sort of crazy mermaid simply doesn't know social etiquette. Perhaps,Disney is to blame for my diss...more Amanda Hocking's Trylle series was recommended to me last year, but when I saw the cover for Wake I decided to try the Watersong series instead.

For the longest time I've been on the search for a mermaid story that I could LOVE, but sadly the search continues. Somehow mermaid stories have a tendency to turn really nasty - I mean aside from causing ships to sink, fictional sirens are psychopathic. My sort of crazy mermaid simply doesn't know social etiquette. Perhaps,Disney is to blame for my dissatisfaction with Mermaid stories that aren't their version of The Little Mermaid. I think I'm expecting less mean Girls with an appetite for death and more I like to sing with my best friends, who are crustaceans and seahorses, and in my spare time I ride dolphins! Not really, but I'm after some sort of happy medium. When I find it I'll know.

I love Wake's cover, and the blurb, but the write up is misleading. From the summary above, I didn't expect that Gemma would be less interesting than her sister, Harper. The story is told from both points of view and each time it switched back to Gemma from Harper, I found myself losing interest and that's despite the story being Gemma's. Given the duel narration, I'm also surprised Harper's not mentioned in the blurb.

Penn, Lexi and Thea are a creepy and beautiful set of girls, and I thought Amanda Hocking came up with a strong bit of backstory as to how the three of them came to be the way they were. The scenes about them and Gemma swimming were well written, but the parts about them being odd and alluring to the towns people felt over-laboured.

Some parts of the plot are meant to be suspenseful - especially the interest of the three beautiful girls in Gemma - but I dare the reader not to figure out how the story will play out. In the end I felt the strongest part of Wake wasn't the main story, but Harper's romance with a boy she's determined not to see as boyfriend material.

All in All: Wake wasn't easy for me to review. Amanda Hocking has a solid descriptive style of writing, which makes Wake an easy read. There was never a question of me not finishing the book, but if it hadn't been for Harper's scenes, that would have changed. Since the story is told in duel narration and I liked one narrator and not the other, and I cared about one romantic couple and not the other I'll reflect my split of interest by dividing the five stars down the middle. 2.5 stars out of 5.

I'll be sure to give The Trylle series a try though, as it could be - despite my love for watery themes - that mermaid stories aren't for me. Turns out the last book I gave 2.5 stars to was also a mermaid story: Lost Voices by Sarah Potter.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 18, 2012 Brie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: uhhhmmm-what, wanted-to-stab-myself-in-the-eye

Sigh.

I don't know where to start or what to say about it all without giving away spoilers.

Don't get me wrong, if you have half a brain you can figure out what it's about. And I liked the general story idea, I really really did, but the execution of the idea left me angry and going, "WHAT THE FUCK?!?!"

I can say that this is another one of those stories where the heroine is dinosaur-shit deep in a massive life-threatening murderous mess and what does she do? What does this brain-trust do?

I can't t...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, bea12, to-trade, summer-2012

I read this book in about a day, while (ironically) in my pool. I've noticed a recent increase in mermaid books, but what I loved about Wake was that it wasn't necessarily about mermaids, but rather about sirens, which a lot of the books seem to be more about. This book doesn't even disguise how awful the sirens are either.

What I love most about taking a pre-existing myth or idea is that there are so many ways to twist it into your own. The sirens in Wake are different from the mermaids in Lies...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Stephanie Cowart rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I've enjoyed anything that Amanda Hocking has written thus far so I went in to this book with high expectations. I was definitely not disappointed. I've never read anything about sirens or mermaids so I was very interested in this latest series.
I was pulled in pretty quickly to Gemma and Harper's world near the sea. The author did a great job setting things up and taking time to give some background on Gemma and Harper's family life - dad at home...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Natalia Belikov rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, young-adult, arc, not-finished

Well. I couldn't finish this book. And the fact that I couldnt finish it doesn't mean that there's nothing to look forward to it. So keep in mind that my opinion is based only on the first 139 pages of the advance reader's copy of this book.

I like Amanda Hockings' writing, but this book really didn't do it for me.

I got until page 139 of 309 (from arc) and I am still waiting for the story to take off. Only after 120 pages something finally happened, but the problem was that "that something" wasn'...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Kara rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, dropped-series-graveyard, for-review, mermaids, fantasy, didn-t-live-up-to-expectations, young-adult

Wake had a great story concept. It could have been an original mermaid story with a lot of depth. It was an inventive idea and I liked it. Cursed sirens needed to find a substitute girl to make their group of four again because they need to have four at all times. They pick Gemma because she is strong, beautiful, and a competitive swimmer. Of course there is a romance in there as well. It's YA. It almost has to have a romance. Well, it doesn't, but you will be hard-pressed to NOT find a romance...more Wake had a great story concept. It could have been an original mermaid story with a lot of depth. It was an inventive idea and I liked it. Cursed sirens needed to find a substitute girl to make their group of four again because they need to have four at all times. They pick Gemma because she is strong, beautiful, and a competitive swimmer. Of course there is a romance in there as well. It's YA. It almost has to have a romance. Well, it doesn't, but you will be hard-pressed to NOT find a romance in a YA book these days. Unfortunately, this book was pretty lousy. I'm just not going to sugar coat this review. I don't have it in me. The story concept was a good one, but the rest of this book tanked majorly with me. I was bored to tears.

The writing was awkward. REALLY awkward. The narration was odd. I felt almost the entire time like I was being told a story. The writing style was very detached and there was a lot of odd POV switching that left me feeling really confused. Was it deliberate or was the writing just THAT bad? The book was written in the the third person but we would enter both Gemma and her sister Harper's minds in the span of a couple paragraphs. No page break, no new chapter, just a really bizarre third person multiple POV that I still can't figure out. I think it was unintentional and I hope it will be straightened out before the final copy is released, but as a reader, you have to worry a little if the author doesn't know how to write and stay in one POV.

Most of the characters were pretty flat. I didn't mind the protagonist, Gemma, but the rest of the characters were cardboard cutouts. Her sister Harper was annoying and stifling and I wanted to throttle her throughout the entire book. Gemma was not helpless and I don't know why she never stood up to her sister. Harper was ridiculous and she continued to annoy me. I was an only child, and so I don't know what it's like to have a sister, but I can tell you that Harper's behavior would not fly with me. Ever. And then she kept calling her dad Brian, and that was really weird too. There was just a lot of weirdness in this book.

There was hardly any imagery and no sensory language. I had a hard time picturing the setting and the tone of the writing left me really bored and unconnected to the characters. In places the dialogue was very awkward, and then there was an issue of there not being ENOUGH dialogue. The author TOLD me the story throughout the entire book. And I hate that. I really, truly, hate it.

I haven't read a single mermaid story that has worked for me yet. The highest rating I have given a mermaid book is 3 stars, and unfortunately, this book will not be getting that high of a rating. I was really disappointed with this one, and I am left wondering if I should even bother reading any more of Ms. Hocking's books. Maybe her writing style just isn't for me. I need depth in my stories. This one stayed completely on the surface. Not recommended. Yes, it really was that bad.(less)

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Aug 14, 2012 Christy (Love of Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, e-book, read-in-2012

As some of you may know, I’m a huge Hocking fan. I first discovered her books when I bought my first Kindle almost two years ago. I was hooked! I devour every book of hers as soon as they are released. Here’s the thing, though, I’ve never read a book with the whole mermaid/siren thing going on. I’ve seen a lot of them around, but they just haven’t appealed to me. However, I knew as soon as I saw Wake that it was going to be my first in the genre. Admittedly, there was a little fear that I wouldn...more As some of you may know, I’m a huge Hocking fan. I first discovered her books when I bought my first Kindle almost two years ago. I was hooked! I devour every book of hers as soon as they are released. Here’s the thing, though, I’ve never read a book with the whole mermaid/siren thing going on. I’ve seen a lot of them around, but they just haven’t appealed to me. However, I knew as soon as I saw Wake that it was going to be my first in the genre. Admittedly, there was a little fear that I wouldn’t like it because of the siren theme. But you know what? I should have learned by now not to doubt Amanda Hocking, because this book was really good!

First of all, I’m not going to use the word “mermaid” anymore in regards to this book, because these are sirens. And yes, there’s a difference. In fact, these sirens were way on the creepy psycho side, which was a big plus for me. For the most part, I like my creatures creepy and my villains villainous. The author lets the reader know right from the start that these are not sweet docile creatures – they are downright dangerous.

Gemma is the star swimmer at her high school, and even has aspirations of going to the Olympics. She feels at home in the water, but her favorite place to swim is out in the bay at night. I really liked Gemma and her sister Harper. Harper is older, and will be off to college once the summer is over. She’s pretty uptight, but I thought it was kind of funny when she would get annoyed by people, especially Daniel. Speaking of Daniel, I loved every scene he was is. He’s funny and sexy – can’t get much better than that. As much as I liked Alex, Gemma’s hot geeky neighbor/boyfriend, I didn’t feel like I got as much from him as I did the other characters. And then there is Marcy, who is probably my favorite character besides Daniel. She was so blunt and anti-social, that it cracked me up whenever she said anything.

I really like the format of Wake, the way it was wrote from both Gemma and Harper’s POV. There is just something about Amanda Hocking’s writing that makes it so easy to get into the story. And Wake was no exception. I also thought the ending was done well. It’s a cliffhanger, but it’s in a good way.

Overall, I thought this was a great introduction to a genre that was new to me. I’m so excited, because the 2nd book, Lullaby, will be out in November of 2012. Now I won’t have to wait long to find out what happens to Gemma! I definitely recommend this book, especially for people who haven’t tried a mermaid/siren book yet.

(less)

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Nov 15, 2012 Ashley Fierro rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: proper-heroine

And so I heard Amanda Hocking's writes stories that you don't see very often, now, that been said, Wake it's different from the average mermaid tale.

Beauty is only skin deep. And so is this book.

The story was thrilling; it started off bit on the show side, but it was written in such a captivating way I couldn't put it down until I was finished! It was an absolutely great read. The dialogue was painfully robotic, or better yet, the characters basically responded like parrots (I'm saying that in...more

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May 10, 2013 Sαღιnα rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: brb-staring-at-the-cover, zzzz

This book is not particularly bad. I might have liked it when I was twelve.

Things I liked:
1. Daniel.
2. Harper.
3. Daniel and Harper's chemistry.
4. The history behind the sirens' curse.

Except that the book was very much dull. (view spoiler)
My main problem was the writing style. It was not at all fun to read. There would be details on things we don't wanna know about and obvious things...more

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May 06, 2013 *•.♥.•*Sabrina Rutter*•.♥.•* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-horror-fantasy-series

Who knew that Gemma's love of swimming could turn out to become a curse. Gemma had always loved swimming, and she especially loved the freedom she found in a night time swim down at the bay. Nothing in her life could have prepared her for the nightmare that was stalking her every move.

Harper, Gemma's big sister is concerned about the changes in her, but never in a million years could she have guessed the cause. Sure things had been a little different with her best friend Alex, and Gemma obvious...more

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Apr 16, 2013 Terri rated it 1 of 5 stars

If I could have abandoned this book, I would have. I have talked all year in booktalks to my students about the current popularity of mermaids and the like in young adult books. It is not my trend of choice, but the students in my Book Club decided that we would try a mermaid book so I struggled through our book of choice, Amanda Hocking's "Wake." Though the concept had potential, the story was banal, poorly written to the point of being laughable, predictable, and yada yada yada.

Let's start wit...more If I could have abandoned this book, I would have. I have talked all year in booktalks to my students about the current popularity of mermaids and the like in young adult books. It is not my trend of choice, but the students in my Book Club decided that we would try a mermaid book so I struggled through our book of choice, Amanda Hocking's "Wake." Though the concept had potential, the story was banal, poorly written to the point of being laughable, predictable, and yada yada yada.

Let's start with the opening line of Chapter 1: "The engine made a bizarre chugging sound, like a dying robot llama, followed by an ominous click-click." Really? A dying robot llama? Who even knows what a llama sounds like? Let alone a robot llama. That is just a preview of Hocking's bizarre attempt at imagery. I got to the point where I just read dialogue (which was at times laughable as well)because the descriptive passages were so clunky, and I just wanted to get it over with.

The story focuses on sisters Gemma and Harper Fisher. Since a car accident that led to her mother being placed in a group home, older sister Harper has taken on the responsibility of caring for younger sister, Gemma. Gemma is a beautiful, supposedly a smart, driven young lady who excels as a swimmer. For being so smart, however, she sure does a lot of stupid things like swimming alone after dark in the bay. She is interested in the geeky older boy next door, Alex. When four beautiful tourists show up in this seaside community, strange things begin to happen, including the disappearance of one of the four girls and several teenage boys. We eventually find out that they are sirens who are interested in Gemma because of her beauty and love of the water. There is a confusing, awkward, didactic attempt to explain the mythology from whence the girls came, but even lovers of all things mythological will find this a stretch. Then, when one of the girls turns into a monstrous emu, the book completely went over the cliff for me.

Character development is also weak. The motivations and actions of the characters are not fully explored and, consequently, are often not believable. It is very difficult at first to determine which sister is which, as point of view shifts between the two are awkward and sudden. I found myself having to go back and read passages as a result.

In terms of themes, Hocking gets pretty didactic at times. Any attempt at a lesson is not subtle at all. For instance, Daniel tries to teach Harper that she is not responsible for what happens to her sister, Gemma. The conversation, intended to teach us that "You can't protect people from themselves," is so obviously stated that it is ludicrous. Daniel gives an example from his own life that completely refutes the message that he's trying to get across to Harper: "'It took me years to accept the fact that it wasn't my fault that John died...I don't know if I'll ever truly forgive myself for what happened. But that doesn't mean you should feel the same way.'" What?

I also objected to all of the sexism in the book. Boys following girls like drooling idiots because of their attractiveness. Or this line, "'But the thing is, when you live long enough, and you see things, you realize that it's impossible for mortal men to really love anyone. Knowing this will save you heartbreak.'" Ugh!

I could go on and on but, frankly, the book isn't worth the effort. It is, however, a good exercise to read a really bad book once in awhile. It reminds me what a good book is, and that writing one is truly an art.

Not recommended. I will be curious as to what my Book Club kids have to say. Stay tuned...(less)

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Apr 09, 2013 Leselurch rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

*Worum geht's?*
Für die Schwestern Gemma und Harper könnte es ein wundervoller Sommer werden. Während Harper sich ehrgeizig auf die Uni vorbereitet, trainiert Gemma hart für ihr Schwimmteam und ist zum ersten Mal richtig verliebt. Doch dann tauchen die drei mysteriösen und wunderschönen Mädchen Penn, Lexi und Thea auf - und mit ihnen zieht das Unheil über die kleine Insel. Seit sie Gemma bei einem nächtlichen Schwimmausflug gesehen haben, haben sie ein besonderes Interesse an ihr. Harper sorgt si...more

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Mar 29, 2013 K.C. Blake rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the first Amanda Hocking book I've read. It was interesting. I read it in two days. The reason I gave it three stars instead of four is because this was the first in a series, and I didn't love the characters enough to read the next book. They were intersting. I just didn't love them. This book is about mermaids, if it isn't obvious by the cover, and this isn't a being that has been written to death, so I decided to give it a try. Hocking gives us four or five pov characters (I lost trac...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Luz Patrizsa Hyacinth Villamor rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked Amanda Hocking's Trylle Trilogy and I never expected to dislike this book so much. Well, I didn't really dislike it that much, though. It's just that it was so bland and boring. I wasn't impressed with the plot. It was so predictable. It didn't drive me on edge and I find Gemma so annoying.

Oh, stop with the ranting girl and get on with your review! (mentally slapping myself)

Let me state the things I loved about this book first.

1. "The sister relationship between Gemma and Harper"
I deeply...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Jocelyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy

Calling Gemma a water baby doesn’t do her justice. She’s a champion swimmer who’s planning to make it to the Olympics, and when she’s not training at school she’s night swimming in the bay, under the stars. Her family and new boyfriend know how amazing Gemma is, especially in the water – but they’re not the only ones who’ve taken an interest in her aquatic affinity.

There used to be four girls. Supermodel-pretty, they’re new in town and spend most of their time down at the cove, or in the bay lik...more

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Mar 08, 2013 Keira D. rated it 5 of 5 stars

I bought this book via Amazon and downloaded it on my pc. I don't own a kindle, and so I had to do it this way. I have been fascinated with Amanda Hocking ever since I read about her online. I wasn't sure if a 40 something year old woman should be reading a young adult novel, but actually - I was glad I did because I found it highly entertaining! I have always had a love for oceans, marine life, and anything to do with mermaids. In fact, I wrote a mermaid story myself! Amanda does have a way wit...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Isaias rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Me interesaba mucho leer este libro porque presentaba una historia diferente de los libros juveniles de hasta ahora: Las sirenas.
Debo decir que se ve la mejoría en la escritura de Hocking y que nos presento este nuevo mundo de una forma excelente.
No me costo sentirme metido dentro del pueblo de Capri, y a pesar de que no me sentí identificado con ninguno de los personajes, no me costo entender sus situaciones y sentirme ahí con ellos.
Me agradó como presento el tema de las sirenas, como contó la...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Katherine rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: bullshit, the-author-needs-to-die-in-a-fire

TW: Eating disorders, Misogyny

I learned too late that this was the same author of the Trylle books. I hated the first book with a burning passion, but I was too far into this to give up when I heard the news. I decided I'd finish it. Her writing certainly hasn't improved with a new series.

After three pages I lost my shit. The writing was something I would expect from a fifth grader.
"The engine made a bizarre chugging sound, like a robot llama." (Hardcover edition, page 3)
I read this out loud to...more TW: Eating disorders, Misogyny

I learned too late that this was the same author of the Trylle books. I hated the first book with a burning passion, but I was too far into this to give up when I heard the news. I decided I'd finish it. Her writing certainly hasn't improved with a new series.

After three pages I lost my shit. The writing was something I would expect from a fifth grader.
"The engine made a bizarre chugging sound, like a robot llama." (Hardcover edition, page 3)
I read this out loud to this person I talk with at school and she and I started laughing. She said that it was quite an interesting comparison and that she didn't know that robot llamas existed.

I can handle terrible writing so long as snide remarks aren't being made. Ooh, all the girls are ~EVIL!!!1!!1!!! sluts~, and he throws like such a gurl!!1!!! haha so weak because girls are weak, get it?, and according to this book I am an immature loser because I spend all my time in my room and play video games and read books. The only way I can be redeemed is if I magically turn hot, but that's not going to happen.

And then this remark was made:
"What did you guys do with her? Did you eat her? And then throw her up afterwards, because obviously, you are bulimic?" (Hardcover 89)

Yes, let's make insults about a disease that slowly kills tons of people of all genders every year. I have a friend recovering from bulimia and it hurts me to watch her struggle every day. She hates herself and she doesn't know how to love herself any longer. Go to hell, Hocking. Go step on a whole containers worth of Legos, you heartless sack of shit. And don't say this doesn't reflect her views-there was nothing that stated what was said was wrong. Go step on Legos and then sit on a thumbtack, Hocking.

The story seemed rushed, the characters all one-sided. The romance was incredibly forced because guys and girls can't just be friends.

A rather confusing part of the novel was where it mentioned a bunch of middle-schoolers reading Judy Blume's Forever for school. Yeah, they're reading what was the Fifty Shades of Grey from the 70's that is still controversial today. Was the author high when she mentioned that or was her head just up her ass? I'm pretty sure a book where a dick is constantly referred to as "Ralf" and all sex scenes are explicit isn't exactly going to be required reading.

The mythology was totally bent out of shape. The author just didn't try on that part. Persephone died? She's a fucking immortal and she lives in the underworld for fuck's sake. How can she die? And Hera, the wife of Zeus, can't make herself be worshiped again? This book is ridiculous.

Please don't read this. I am begging you, please don't. Unless you want to read confusing mythology, flat characters, forced and unrealistic romances, misogynistic bullshit, and jokes about a deadly disease, then feel free to read it. I'm sure it'll be right up your alley.(less)

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Feb 02, 2013 Sam rated it 1 of 5 stars

I've read quite a few of Amanda Hocking's books, (Hollowland being my favorite), and so I was excited to read this one.

I really shouldn't have been.

The writing was very boring, characterization was poor, and the whole story was-shall we say- redundant.

One of my favorite examples of the redundancy (which I believe appropriately describes the style of the whole book) is the scene about coffee.

"'I just made some coffee a little bit ago.' 'Coffee would be great.' Daniel followed her into the kitchen...more

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Jan 30, 2013 Johi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Having read most of Amanda Hocking's self-published books, I was hesitant to buy Wake. A big part of my enjoyment of some of her other books has been the entertainment-to-cost ratio. So I didn't buy Wake for a while; but when it was at a special discounted price of $2.99 I was so happy and bought it right away.

Then... I had to read it. It took me forever to finish; a first for an Amanda Hocking book. I'd read a few chapters and then put it down, and not pick it up for days. I think now that what...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Emily rated it 2 of 5 stars

The only reason I gave this two stars is that I did finish it. Of course, given the really incredible lack of resolution in the ending, I feel like finishing it was a waste of time.

The good: There's a good in this book? About the only thing it has going for it is an original ideal in a world swamped with teenager-turned-supernatural stories. That and there aren't any love triangles.

The bad: Most everything else. The writing is really bad. The characters are flat, environments and locations are...more

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About Amanda Hocking

I live in Minnesota, and I write young adult paranormal romance and urban fantasy mostly. The My Blood Approves series is about vampires in Minneapolis, and its available now. I also wrote the Trylle Trilogy, which is a paranormal romance without vampires, shifters, mermaids, fae, angels, dragons, ghosts, or ninjas.

My latest book is Hollowland - a zombie urban fantasy set in the dystopian near fu...more

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Quotes from Wake

“So we know she's safe and taken care of?" Daniel asked, and she nodded. "Good. Then why don't we do something that you want to do?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know. What do you like to do?"

"Um...." Her stomach rumbled, since crying always made her hungry. "I like eating breakfast."

"That's so weird." Daniel grinned. "Because I like making French toast."

"That works out, doesn't it?” — 14 people liked it

“You really do hate me, don't you? I mean, destroying someone's ice-cream cone? That's vicious."
Her cheeks reddened. "I didn't see you there. Honestly." She wiped at his shirt more frantically, as if she could prevent it from staining if she rubbed hard enough.
"Oh, now I see your plan, and it's far more devious than I thought." Daniel smirked. "You were looking for an excuse to grope me.” — 12 people liked it

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Wake (Watersong #1)

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