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Siren #1
Siren
Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything--the dark, heights, the ocean--but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge. That is until Justine goes cliff diving one night near the family's vacation house in Winter Harbor, Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day.
Vanessa's parents want to work through the tragedy by returning to their everyday lives back in Boston, but Vanessa can't help feeling that her sister's death was more than an accident. After discovering that Justine never applied to colleges, and that she was secretly in a relationship with longtime family friend Caleb Carmichael, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor to seek some answers.
But when Vanessa learns that Caleb has been missing since Justine's death, she and Caleb's older brother, Simon, join forces to try to find him, and in the process, their childhood friendship blossoms into something more.
Soon it's not just Vanessa who is afraid. All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes home to a string of fatal, water-related accidents . . . in which all the victims are found grinning from ear to ear.
As Vanessa and Simon probe further into the connections between Justine's death and the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance, and that will change her life forever.
Vanessa's parents want to work through the tragedy by returning to their everyday lives back in Boston, but Vanessa can't help feeling that her sister's death was more than an accident. After discovering that Justine never applied to colleges, and that she was secretly in a relationship with longtime family friend Caleb Carmichael, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor to seek some answers.
But when Vanessa learns that Caleb has been missing since Justine's death, she and Caleb's older brother, Simon, join forces to try to find him, and in the process, their childhood friendship blossoms into something more.
Soon it's not just Vanessa who is afraid. All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes home to a string of fatal, water-related accidents . . . in which all the victims are found grinning from ear to ear.
As Vanessa and Simon probe further into the connections between Justine's death and the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance, and that will change her life forever.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published July 13, 2010
101 people are currently reading
12134 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Rayburn
19 books398 followersTricia Rayburn lives on eastern Long island with her fiancé and crazy shih tzu. She tries to eat vegetables instead of candy but, in her weaker moments, loves Reese's Pieces. The Melting of Maggie Bean is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 673 reviews
January 29, 2011
Flashy-eyed women in Winter Harbor, grinning male corpses washed onto the beach, a dead girl whispering things into her sister's ear ... a stunning secret to be revealed. Wow.
Let's get this out of the way quick and dirty (after having endured 154 pages): I do not recommend this book, not even to mermaid-lovers, because ...
- The plot is so very disconnected. Things happen without the reader being "informed". For instance you switch from the scene in which Justine storms out of the beach house to the scene after her funeral and you ask "What? Somebody has died? Who, when?" After some frantic flapping of the recently read pages you calm down, because you haven't missed a word. You just have to fill in the essentials. Welcome to the world of Young Adult Sudoku. On the other hand you know looong before Nessa what those women around her are (the title, the evilness oozing out of their pores, their attractiveness to men, the bodies washed on shore, the flashy, silvery mirror eyes ... *yaaawwwwn*. Apart from the hair color, though, at least the cover fits, and I love it.)
- The characters are too uninteresting, too mean to be believable or too dumb to be comfortable to be around. (How can you not notice that your nymphomanic mom is hitting on your boyfriend, when she is practically crawling over his skin with her tongue?)
- There are sirens or - to be exact - decendants of evil man-eating/man-murdering sirens, no question. But: no underwater plot, no fins, at least I didn't spot them when I was flipping through the rest of the book. I understand that there is the necessity of saltwater getting mixed into your blood if you want to be a proper siren. That's it.
- The romance isn't even partially believable to me (I am glad that fellow mermaid-group-member Alyssa thought differently, although we seem to be on the same page as the rest of the plot is concerned): Nessa's sister dies. Timid Nessa, who was always completely dependent on that sister, mourns her for a bit and feels she has to bring light into the sudden death (the reader says "Yes, please. We don't even know the basics.") and - plong - she feels attracted to childhood buddy and neighbor Simon, brother of Justine's on and off boyfriend Caleb and - above all - a completely boring and geeky meteorology student, who says so often "Three minutes, please, I have to take a few measurements." (= water levels and such in the midst of a thunder storm or an investigation) during the first 150 pages that I wanted to stuff his equippment up his ... nose. But Nessa always patiently answers something in the vein of "Sure, want me to help? Global warming beats my sister's death and your brother's strange disappearance every day. Awful weather, isn't it?". And then she lusts a tiny bit after that future world changer.)
- Luckily my own life-story doesn't involve mourning a tragically departed family member, but I thought that Nessa and her parents were acting and reacting pretty strangely after losing of Justine. We are told that Nessa has problems falling asleep and she wants to find out more. But that's all. I compared Nessa to Kate Mercier, who loses her parents in Die for Me and I have to say Kate's numbness and hurt feel real, whereas Nessa feels "huh"?
One star for the cover, none to the book.
Let's get this out of the way quick and dirty (after having endured 154 pages): I do not recommend this book, not even to mermaid-lovers, because ...
- The plot is so very disconnected. Things happen without the reader being "informed". For instance you switch from the scene in which Justine storms out of the beach house to the scene after her funeral and you ask "What? Somebody has died? Who, when?" After some frantic flapping of the recently read pages you calm down, because you haven't missed a word. You just have to fill in the essentials. Welcome to the world of Young Adult Sudoku. On the other hand you know looong before Nessa what those women around her are (the title, the evilness oozing out of their pores, their attractiveness to men, the bodies washed on shore, the flashy, silvery mirror eyes ... *yaaawwwwn*. Apart from the hair color, though, at least the cover fits, and I love it.)
- The characters are too uninteresting, too mean to be believable or too dumb to be comfortable to be around. (How can you not notice that your nymphomanic mom is hitting on your boyfriend, when she is practically crawling over his skin with her tongue?)
- There are sirens or - to be exact - decendants of evil man-eating/man-murdering sirens, no question. But: no underwater plot, no fins, at least I didn't spot them when I was flipping through the rest of the book. I understand that there is the necessity of saltwater getting mixed into your blood if you want to be a proper siren. That's it.
- The romance isn't even partially believable to me (I am glad that fellow mermaid-group-member Alyssa thought differently, although we seem to be on the same page as the rest of the plot is concerned): Nessa's sister dies. Timid Nessa, who was always completely dependent on that sister, mourns her for a bit and feels she has to bring light into the sudden death (the reader says "Yes, please. We don't even know the basics.") and - plong - she feels attracted to childhood buddy and neighbor Simon, brother of Justine's on and off boyfriend Caleb and - above all - a completely boring and geeky meteorology student, who says so often "Three minutes, please, I have to take a few measurements." (= water levels and such in the midst of a thunder storm or an investigation) during the first 150 pages that I wanted to stuff his equippment up his ... nose. But Nessa always patiently answers something in the vein of "Sure, want me to help? Global warming beats my sister's death and your brother's strange disappearance every day. Awful weather, isn't it?". And then she lusts a tiny bit after that future world changer.)
- Luckily my own life-story doesn't involve mourning a tragically departed family member, but I thought that Nessa and her parents were acting and reacting pretty strangely after losing of Justine. We are told that Nessa has problems falling asleep and she wants to find out more. But that's all. I compared Nessa to Kate Mercier, who loses her parents in Die for Me and I have to say Kate's numbness and hurt feel real, whereas Nessa feels "huh"?
One star for the cover, none to the book.
December 30, 2015
Review copy provided by publisher
Why I Read this Book: You know those books out there, the ones that you’ve heard about but really had no desire to read? Sure, you’ve read the blurb but it doesn’t do anything for you. Or it’s about something (perhaps a certain paranormal/methodical creature) that you just don’t read…? That’s what Siren was to me. But then it became something completely different.
When I was asked to review Siren, I wasn’t sure if I was up for it. I checked the reviews on Goodreads and the reviews were good but the reviews were also very mysterious. I had a feeling what the book would be about just by the title and that is what made me hesitant. The reviews were not clear on whether or not my assumptions were correct but every time I asked someone about the book, someone who had already read it, they said I had to read it. I listened and boy, am I glad I read this book!
What I Liked: The author takes character connection to a whole other dimension. I felt like I was there with Vanessa. This book blew me away. And finally, the geeky, nerdy guy gets the attention of the leading lady instead of the “ultimate bad boy”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my bad boys but the geeks got to get in on some of the action too. It just gives it a nice, realistic change in the world of YA.
The cover is haunting. The cold, silver eyes appear to be looking right into your soul. The tiny little air bubbles lead me to believe the girl is under water, which leaves me breathless. The back cover is not as clear to make out; my guess is that it’s sound waves, most likely under water as well. The cover definitely jumps out at you, making you want to pick it up. Like I said – haunting.
What I Didn’t Like: I was left with some unanswered questions; questions that I’m sure will be answered in the next two installments. Simon is also due for some answers and I can’t wait to see how he takes them.
Overall Impression: Siren has unique twists and a storyline that went from interesting to very interesting. I was captivated from the start and never loss interest. This is a book that you’ll want to gobble up in one sitting and it will leave you wanting seconds. Thank goodness Siren is part of a trilogy! I am not ready to let go of Vanessa, Simon or Caleb and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them. Siren was a great summer read! The sequel to Siren will be out next summer and the 3rd installment in the trilogy will be out the summer after that.
Why I Read this Book: You know those books out there, the ones that you’ve heard about but really had no desire to read? Sure, you’ve read the blurb but it doesn’t do anything for you. Or it’s about something (perhaps a certain paranormal/methodical creature) that you just don’t read…? That’s what Siren was to me. But then it became something completely different.
When I was asked to review Siren, I wasn’t sure if I was up for it. I checked the reviews on Goodreads and the reviews were good but the reviews were also very mysterious. I had a feeling what the book would be about just by the title and that is what made me hesitant. The reviews were not clear on whether or not my assumptions were correct but every time I asked someone about the book, someone who had already read it, they said I had to read it. I listened and boy, am I glad I read this book!
What I Liked: The author takes character connection to a whole other dimension. I felt like I was there with Vanessa. This book blew me away. And finally, the geeky, nerdy guy gets the attention of the leading lady instead of the “ultimate bad boy”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my bad boys but the geeks got to get in on some of the action too. It just gives it a nice, realistic change in the world of YA.
The cover is haunting. The cold, silver eyes appear to be looking right into your soul. The tiny little air bubbles lead me to believe the girl is under water, which leaves me breathless. The back cover is not as clear to make out; my guess is that it’s sound waves, most likely under water as well. The cover definitely jumps out at you, making you want to pick it up. Like I said – haunting.
What I Didn’t Like: I was left with some unanswered questions; questions that I’m sure will be answered in the next two installments. Simon is also due for some answers and I can’t wait to see how he takes them.
Overall Impression: Siren has unique twists and a storyline that went from interesting to very interesting. I was captivated from the start and never loss interest. This is a book that you’ll want to gobble up in one sitting and it will leave you wanting seconds. Thank goodness Siren is part of a trilogy! I am not ready to let go of Vanessa, Simon or Caleb and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them. Siren was a great summer read! The sequel to Siren will be out next summer and the 3rd installment in the trilogy will be out the summer after that.
November 28, 2018
This book truly had a lot of potential and was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, but it wasn't great.
Long story short - Justine Sands leaps to her death, and her sister Vanessa is determined to find out why. Their childhood friend Caleb - also Justine's boyfriend and the last person to see her alive - has disappeared. Vanessa teams up with Caleb's brother Simon (who has totally become a lot cuter over the past year!) and along the way makes friends with Paige. Paige has a sister named Zara, a beautiful and terrible girl who is desired by all the men in the land and gives Vanessa excruciating headaches when she's around.
It's pretty clear who the Sirens are in this story from the beginning. There's not really a mystery here, though Tricia Rayburn tries really hard to create one. This book is remarkably long for the actually depth of the plot line, and the end comes quickly with an obvious set up for book 2.
There are definitely some weird and unbelievable moments in this book. Like when Vanessa, who has been scared of everything her whole life, suddenly becomes mentally and emotionally stronger after sleeping with Simon. Erm. Yeah, not a great message for young girls.
Also, when both Vanessa's mother and then Caleb and Simon sit her down to tell her how much more beautiful and intriguing than Justine she is, and that Justine was terribly jealous of her. Like it was so important for Vanessa to realize how beautiful she is and how it makes her even more desirable because she's sO unAwAre Of her BEAutYYY. Even if her personality is flat as a board. Pure Bella Swan syndrome.
It's also one of those novels where the adults are like, WhAT;s haPPenIngg??? And the teens have to band together with the two elderly outcasts to save the town. I don't buy it.
Additionally there are a lot of "fuck science" moments that we're just supposed to believe.
Oh, and the kicker is when Vanessa
Overall it's a pretty forgettable read, and I won't be moving on to the second book.
Long story short - Justine Sands leaps to her death, and her sister Vanessa is determined to find out why. Their childhood friend Caleb - also Justine's boyfriend and the last person to see her alive - has disappeared. Vanessa teams up with Caleb's brother Simon (who has totally become a lot cuter over the past year!) and along the way makes friends with Paige. Paige has a sister named Zara, a beautiful and terrible girl who is desired by all the men in the land and gives Vanessa excruciating headaches when she's around.
It's pretty clear who the Sirens are in this story from the beginning. There's not really a mystery here, though Tricia Rayburn tries really hard to create one. This book is remarkably long for the actually depth of the plot line, and the end comes quickly with an obvious set up for book 2.
There are definitely some weird and unbelievable moments in this book. Like when Vanessa, who has been scared of everything her whole life, suddenly becomes mentally and emotionally stronger after sleeping with Simon. Erm. Yeah, not a great message for young girls.
Also, when both Vanessa's mother and then Caleb and Simon sit her down to tell her how much more beautiful and intriguing than Justine she is, and that Justine was terribly jealous of her. Like it was so important for Vanessa to realize how beautiful she is and how it makes her even more desirable because she's sO unAwAre Of her BEAutYYY. Even if her personality is flat as a board. Pure Bella Swan syndrome.
It's also one of those novels where the adults are like, WhAT;s haPPenIngg??? And the teens have to band together with the two elderly outcasts to save the town. I don't buy it.
Additionally there are a lot of "fuck science" moments that we're just supposed to believe.
Oh, and the kicker is when Vanessa
Overall it's a pretty forgettable read, and I won't be moving on to the second book.
May 26, 2013
Nope. Couldn't finish this halfway through. Impossibly boring. What mystery?
The majority of the book deals with Nessa's grief and her coming to terms with her sister's mysterious death through running away from her life and living alone. I can't believe her parents would allow their under-aged daughter to do that, no matter how much they're grieving themselves. There was more about Nessa being a waitress/dealing with Queen Bee Waitress than of her being enmeshed in whatever mystery. Yet another mermaid book that has let me down.
The majority of the book deals with Nessa's grief and her coming to terms with her sister's mysterious death through running away from her life and living alone. I can't believe her parents would allow their under-aged daughter to do that, no matter how much they're grieving themselves. There was more about Nessa being a waitress/dealing with Queen Bee Waitress than of her being enmeshed in whatever mystery. Yet another mermaid book that has let me down.
Read
April 13, 2025well, this series continues to live in obscurity and man, that cover is still terrifying for no reason (the beach covers are so much better). I still have not met another person irl that has read these books. “Siren” was the first book that i fell in love with after the twilight books (the series that got me into reading). It was one of my favorite YA books when i was in middle school and i haven’t read it since. one of my goals is to reread this and the twilight series.
October 1, 2023
This was a book I’d absolutely loved as a kid and it doesn’t really hold up anymore.
July 9, 2016
Оказа се по - интересна от очакваното! Все още не мисля, че е съвършена - бих казала дори, че повечето от моментите са страшно предвидими и вече добре познати. Но е увлекателна. Особено когато се чете на плажа, както се случи при мен!
November 10, 2010
I have to admit, I'm glad I got this one from the library. I'd heard some buzz about it and was excited to read it, but it ultimately felt really flat to me. I love a good teen paranormal read, but this one felt underdeveloped with boring characters that I couldn't bring myself to really care about. I found the lack of parental supervision when something so horrific had just happened to be completely unrealistic, and I was bothered that Vanessa, who had never kissed a boy before, went from kissing her friend Simon to sleeping with him in practically the same paragraph. Frankly, the romance was just flat and pretty lifeless.
And let's talk about the ending. It felt really rushed and left me wondering what had just happened. And sirens? I'm still not totally clear on them, either. The mythology was never really explained or developed, so I'm lost there, too.
And just a side note, did anyone who's read Carrie Jones' Need series (which was written first) see a lot of quirky similarities? Both stories had a major character named Zara (an unusual name) with a Grandma Betty (seriously, same name). Both stories had the characters driving a Subaru and a red Mini Cooper, and they were both set in Maine with a main character who's afraid of everything. I mean, lots of stories take place in Maine, but it was strange how the characters drove the same unique cars and had the same unusual names. I know it's minor, but I was just wondering if anyone else noticed the strange similarities.
Anyway, I know a lot of people enjoyed this novel, but for me, I wish I'd skipped it and read something else with my time like Sophie Jordan's Firelight. Now THAT was worth spending an evening reading.
And let's talk about the ending. It felt really rushed and left me wondering what had just happened. And sirens? I'm still not totally clear on them, either. The mythology was never really explained or developed, so I'm lost there, too.
And just a side note, did anyone who's read Carrie Jones' Need series (which was written first) see a lot of quirky similarities? Both stories had a major character named Zara (an unusual name) with a Grandma Betty (seriously, same name). Both stories had the characters driving a Subaru and a red Mini Cooper, and they were both set in Maine with a main character who's afraid of everything. I mean, lots of stories take place in Maine, but it was strange how the characters drove the same unique cars and had the same unusual names. I know it's minor, but I was just wondering if anyone else noticed the strange similarities.
Anyway, I know a lot of people enjoyed this novel, but for me, I wish I'd skipped it and read something else with my time like Sophie Jordan's Firelight. Now THAT was worth spending an evening reading.
October 14, 2010
4 hearts for Siren!
Siren intertwines the mythology of mermaids who could sing sailors to their deaths on rocky shores with modern day sirens in Winter Harbor, Maine.
The sleuthing of a grieving sister, Vanessa and her friend/romantic interest, Simon, explore numerous strange deaths and extremely bizarre weather that is happening on Lake Kantanka in Winter Harbor, Maine. When Simon's younger brother, Caleb goes missing right after Vanessa's sister (and Calebs girlfriend) Justine plunges from a cliff they decide that what's happening isn't just the result of bad weather. Each man that washes ashore is smiling and this isn't the first time it's happened in Winter Harbor.
When Vanessa meets the Marchand family she's puzzled by her strange reaction to them and theirs to her; somethings not right with this family of women and Vanessa will find out what it is with Simon's help-and maybe Justines.
There's a definite creep factor to the book along with plenty of tension filled suspense, edge of your seat adventure, sweet beginnings of romance and, of course, some pretty cool mythology.
The character descriptions were perfect, they were real, heartfelt people that I could relate to. The suspense is pretty much constant throughout the book and I felt at times like I wanted to skip to the end just to see what was going to happen because I couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen (but I made a vow that I would never do that after I did it once and it ruined the book for me!). So, I read on, tense and tormented but satisfied with the ending even though it left just enough questions to make for a very nice sequel.
Mild Sexual Content and Language
Siren intertwines the mythology of mermaids who could sing sailors to their deaths on rocky shores with modern day sirens in Winter Harbor, Maine.
The sleuthing of a grieving sister, Vanessa and her friend/romantic interest, Simon, explore numerous strange deaths and extremely bizarre weather that is happening on Lake Kantanka in Winter Harbor, Maine. When Simon's younger brother, Caleb goes missing right after Vanessa's sister (and Calebs girlfriend) Justine plunges from a cliff they decide that what's happening isn't just the result of bad weather. Each man that washes ashore is smiling and this isn't the first time it's happened in Winter Harbor.
When Vanessa meets the Marchand family she's puzzled by her strange reaction to them and theirs to her; somethings not right with this family of women and Vanessa will find out what it is with Simon's help-and maybe Justines.
There's a definite creep factor to the book along with plenty of tension filled suspense, edge of your seat adventure, sweet beginnings of romance and, of course, some pretty cool mythology.
The character descriptions were perfect, they were real, heartfelt people that I could relate to. The suspense is pretty much constant throughout the book and I felt at times like I wanted to skip to the end just to see what was going to happen because I couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen (but I made a vow that I would never do that after I did it once and it ruined the book for me!). So, I read on, tense and tormented but satisfied with the ending even though it left just enough questions to make for a very nice sequel.
Mild Sexual Content and Language
October 25, 2010
In the end, I am glad I am finally done with this book. Seriously, I expected so much more from this book and in the end, Tricia Rayburn didn't come close to my expectations. Which weren't that high to be honest. I just wanted to read an exciting story about sirens. And I got nothing. Well, not enough.
The beginning is slow and confusing but well, it could improve right?! Well, it didn't. The problem is that the blurb practically does reveal all until page 250 or so. From there on, the book finally(!) picks up some speed. You think so at least. But it already slows down 20 pages later. The ending itself is just...well let's get over with it. At least I felt so while reading it. It's very open and you know there will be a sequel. Which I am not sure I have to read. I think you could wrap up the whole story with one book but whatever.
Anyway, I was bored so so much while reading this. Like I said, nothing happens at all. There is always the weather and the diners at the restaurant. Everything is way too predictable. I know it is YA but still...
Not my cup of tea, I guess.
The beginning is slow and confusing but well, it could improve right?! Well, it didn't. The problem is that the blurb practically does reveal all until page 250 or so. From there on, the book finally(!) picks up some speed. You think so at least. But it already slows down 20 pages later. The ending itself is just...well let's get over with it. At least I felt so while reading it. It's very open and you know there will be a sequel. Which I am not sure I have to read. I think you could wrap up the whole story with one book but whatever.
Anyway, I was bored so so much while reading this. Like I said, nothing happens at all. There is always the weather and the diners at the restaurant. Everything is way too predictable. I know it is YA but still...
Not my cup of tea, I guess.
August 2, 2018
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
I adore mermaid books, but I have to say Siren did not live up to my expectations.
The beginning was sooooo slow and boring. It took a while for the mystery to get interesting and for Vanessa and her friends to realize that there were sirens behind the recent deaths. It was kinda obvious, I don't know why they didn't figure it out sooner.
I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Vanessa was so freakin boring. She had zero personality. And the romance with Simon came out of nowhere. I can't stand insta-love.
I still had a lot of unanswered questions when I finished. What happened to Raina? To Zara? The other sirens? Was Justine a siren? Was Vanessa? Who the fuck is Charlotte Bleu and what does she have to do with Vanessa? This book reminded me of Lucid, because upon finishing both books I had NO CLUE what just happened. And not in a good "it blew my mind" way. More like in a confused "what the hell did I just read" way.
So, why not one star? It wasn't terrible. The beginning was slow, and the action-packed ending felt weird. But in the middle, when they were gathering clues and stuff, it was kinda interesting. Plus, the author's writing wasn't completely terrible.
I adore mermaid books, but I have to say Siren did not live up to my expectations.
The beginning was sooooo slow and boring. It took a while for the mystery to get interesting and for Vanessa and her friends to realize that there were sirens behind the recent deaths. It was kinda obvious, I don't know why they didn't figure it out sooner.
I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Vanessa was so freakin boring. She had zero personality. And the romance with Simon came out of nowhere. I can't stand insta-love.
I still had a lot of unanswered questions when I finished. What happened to Raina? To Zara? The other sirens? Was Justine a siren? Was Vanessa? Who the fuck is Charlotte Bleu and what does she have to do with Vanessa? This book reminded me of Lucid, because upon finishing both books I had NO CLUE what just happened. And not in a good "it blew my mind" way. More like in a confused "what the hell did I just read" way.
So, why not one star? It wasn't terrible. The beginning was slow, and the action-packed ending felt weird. But in the middle, when they were gathering clues and stuff, it was kinda interesting. Plus, the author's writing wasn't completely terrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2011
I wasn't sure what to think about this at first. I love books about mermaids and other sea people and I love mythology, so I was intrigued by the description of this book. The book started off a little slow and confusing for me, but eventually I got into it and I'm glad I stuck with it. The story is great, and it doesn't portray sirens as just the villain or just the hero. It's not just one girl fighting a group of sirens. It's about her relationships with some of them, positive and negative. She also discovers some interesting things about herself. Also, I really like Simon. I love when love interests in paranormal books aren't creepy and are actually pretty chill, which is how I would describe him. Though at the very end, Vanessa muses about how she hasn't been honest with Simon, I wouldn't be surprised if he figures it out on his own at this point. Can't wait for the next book to see what happens!
January 23, 2015
It's somewhere between 1.5 stars to 2 stars. A very forgettable book with cardboard cutout characters and empty villains who are evil just for the sake of being evil. Plus, the author failed to explain a lot of things.
May 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this one. It was definitely different. It looks like there could be a sequel. Can't wait to find out!
March 13, 2020
Въпреки, че има повече романтика от колкото харесвам, книгата е лека, мистериозна и ми хареса повече от колкото очаквах и си спомням...
July 22, 2018
Най-обичам когато очаквам някоя книга да не ми хареса особено или да не е нещо невероятно, а после я заобичам.
July 13, 2010
I consider myself lucky when I say that I was able to read SIREN months before its release. In fact, I picked it up based solely the title and cover art, before I'd ever even heard of it. I had no idea what to expect, but soon found myself completely immersed in the mystery and romance of Rayburn's phenomenal YA debut.
It isn’t hard to guess what the novel is about, given the description and title, but that doesn’t stop Tricia Rayburn from writing a compelling mystery with a great love story. Sure, the reader knows that there will be mysterious deaths and Vanessa's relationship with a childhood friend will most likely grow into something more, but the lack of mystery is made up for by the superb writing and characters.
When I hear "siren," the first thought that pops into my head is mermaids. Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid to be precise. Sirens are not mermaids, which Rayburn makes abundantly clear. There are very few YA novels that involve honest-to-goodness, homocidal sirens, but, if they're anything like Rayburns', I wish there were more. I'm hopeful that Rayburn will further explore siren lore in her future novels; in SIREN the history and motivations were mentioned, but I would love to see further exploration.
Despite the obvious spoilers about the mysterious deaths, Rayburn still keeps readers on their toes. While it is quite obvious who is killing these men, the why isn’t so clear. In addition, Vanessa’s sister dies under mysterious circumstances, adding an unexpected twist. Justine’s death can't be pinned on the sirens as easily as male deaths.
Apart from the supernatural plot line, SIREN is also a great coming-of-age story. Vanessa grows significantly throughout the novel as she discovers more about herself, Justine, and the history of Winter Harbor. I found her relationship with her late sister to be particularly interesting; there was so much more to the sisters’ story than I had anticipated.
And then there’s Simon. SIREN's description boasts a burgeoning relationship between Vanessa and Simon, which, of course, caught my eye. I definitely like romances where "friends" find themselves becoming "more than friends" and Rayburn writes the evolution wonderfully. There's just the right amount of tension and denial and confusion.
Grade: A
It isn’t hard to guess what the novel is about, given the description and title, but that doesn’t stop Tricia Rayburn from writing a compelling mystery with a great love story. Sure, the reader knows that there will be mysterious deaths and Vanessa's relationship with a childhood friend will most likely grow into something more, but the lack of mystery is made up for by the superb writing and characters.
When I hear "siren," the first thought that pops into my head is mermaids. Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid to be precise. Sirens are not mermaids, which Rayburn makes abundantly clear. There are very few YA novels that involve honest-to-goodness, homocidal sirens, but, if they're anything like Rayburns', I wish there were more. I'm hopeful that Rayburn will further explore siren lore in her future novels; in SIREN the history and motivations were mentioned, but I would love to see further exploration.
Despite the obvious spoilers about the mysterious deaths, Rayburn still keeps readers on their toes. While it is quite obvious who is killing these men, the why isn’t so clear. In addition, Vanessa’s sister dies under mysterious circumstances, adding an unexpected twist. Justine’s death can't be pinned on the sirens as easily as male deaths.
Apart from the supernatural plot line, SIREN is also a great coming-of-age story. Vanessa grows significantly throughout the novel as she discovers more about herself, Justine, and the history of Winter Harbor. I found her relationship with her late sister to be particularly interesting; there was so much more to the sisters’ story than I had anticipated.
And then there’s Simon. SIREN's description boasts a burgeoning relationship between Vanessa and Simon, which, of course, caught my eye. I definitely like romances where "friends" find themselves becoming "more than friends" and Rayburn writes the evolution wonderfully. There's just the right amount of tension and denial and confusion.
Grade: A
August 11, 2010
Ummmmmm, is there a sequal?? And if so could I read it....like now.....
This book was great! I loved reading every part of it. From the very first word on the page to the last word, this book had me holding my every waking breath. It caught me, making me read this in one day. Yeah, thats how fast I devoured this.
After Vanessa older sisters passes she leave going in search of some answer to her sisters death. Vanessa is all of a sudden is witnessing death occuring by the ocean.Sailors found at the shore with nothing but a wide grin on their faces. With the help of a neighborhood boy she knew all of her life, Simon, they set out and pursue what they never though could ever exist.
Vanessa is one character I could relate too. Like her, I am afraid of trying new or scary things. I rather stay where it is safe. Vanessa has never been brave before and well, she finds herself having to things she never dreamed of in order to find out what happen to her sister.
The romance in this book was just right. I like to read how it blossomed between Simon and Venessa, they fit just right together.
Now the ending, Tricia goes out with a bang leaving my hanging and wanting more!
The last sentencce left me breathless and well angry. Sorry Tricia! Its that well, I want to keep reading to know what happen the Vanessa, but I guess I will just have to wait and see.
If you have not read Siren you should. Tricia did a great job writing this. There were no curse words, but there was one sexual scene. Not in total description but enough to know to figure out whats going on. Other than that. The book was great!
This book was great! I loved reading every part of it. From the very first word on the page to the last word, this book had me holding my every waking breath. It caught me, making me read this in one day. Yeah, thats how fast I devoured this.
After Vanessa older sisters passes she leave going in search of some answer to her sisters death. Vanessa is all of a sudden is witnessing death occuring by the ocean.Sailors found at the shore with nothing but a wide grin on their faces. With the help of a neighborhood boy she knew all of her life, Simon, they set out and pursue what they never though could ever exist.
Vanessa is one character I could relate too. Like her, I am afraid of trying new or scary things. I rather stay where it is safe. Vanessa has never been brave before and well, she finds herself having to things she never dreamed of in order to find out what happen to her sister.
The romance in this book was just right. I like to read how it blossomed between Simon and Venessa, they fit just right together.
Now the ending, Tricia goes out with a bang leaving my hanging and wanting more!
The last sentencce left me breathless and well angry. Sorry Tricia! Its that well, I want to keep reading to know what happen the Vanessa, but I guess I will just have to wait and see.
If you have not read Siren you should. Tricia did a great job writing this. There were no curse words, but there was one sexual scene. Not in total description but enough to know to figure out whats going on. Other than that. The book was great!
December 2, 2010
What a great read. I didn't except to be so swept away by the story. (that was for you Sophie) LOL
I didn't except to enjoy Siren as much as I did. I'm not a huge mermaid/siren fan, but Tricia Rayburn has presented such a fantastic mythology and a beautiful, vivid setting that I am changing my tune. I absolutely enjoyed reading Siren. I was hooked from the get go with the setting being in Maine. It's beautifully described and adds a lot of elements and feelings to the book.
I really enjoyed the characters, as they're heart broken, real, and it was very easy to feel for them and relate to them. Vanessa is grieving over her sister and her best friend, sweet romantic lead, Simon, is in search of his brother. Both go missing at the same time and Vanessa and Simon are out to find out what's happened to them. Let me just say, Siren is full of suspense and mystery. I was on the edge the whole time and didn't want to put the book done until I found out what was really going on. Vanessa and Simon uncover a lot of clues and few answers and those who hold the answers they really need are characters you wouldn't want to cross.
The mythology is fantastic! Tricia takes the traditional mermaid/siren lore and adds her own spin to it, making it a very unique book. There's plenty of edge of your sit, "I need to know what happened" suspense, some sweet romance, and mystery. There is some mild language and sexual context, but over all this is a read I think older YA fans will enjoy.
I didn't except to enjoy Siren as much as I did. I'm not a huge mermaid/siren fan, but Tricia Rayburn has presented such a fantastic mythology and a beautiful, vivid setting that I am changing my tune. I absolutely enjoyed reading Siren. I was hooked from the get go with the setting being in Maine. It's beautifully described and adds a lot of elements and feelings to the book.
I really enjoyed the characters, as they're heart broken, real, and it was very easy to feel for them and relate to them. Vanessa is grieving over her sister and her best friend, sweet romantic lead, Simon, is in search of his brother. Both go missing at the same time and Vanessa and Simon are out to find out what's happened to them. Let me just say, Siren is full of suspense and mystery. I was on the edge the whole time and didn't want to put the book done until I found out what was really going on. Vanessa and Simon uncover a lot of clues and few answers and those who hold the answers they really need are characters you wouldn't want to cross.
The mythology is fantastic! Tricia takes the traditional mermaid/siren lore and adds her own spin to it, making it a very unique book. There's plenty of edge of your sit, "I need to know what happened" suspense, some sweet romance, and mystery. There is some mild language and sexual context, but over all this is a read I think older YA fans will enjoy.
June 5, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It wasn't as fast paced as other books I've read, but at the same time it kind of was, but in a different way. Which I know doesn't make any sense whatsoever. It didn't have a ton of battle scenes, the romance throughout wasn't as intense as in most books. But I think I liked that more, because it seemed more realistic, like kind of a break from how books these days are. And I liked that at the end, Vanessa said that even though she jumped, she was still scared - it didn't make her unafraid of her old fears. I feel like that made it more realistic, instead of a classic "happily ever after" ending.
My problem though was that sometimes, Rayburn didn't make things very clear. When Vanessa and Simon were parting ways while walking the trail with Betty, I had to reread it. I was kid of unsure about who was walking with Betty and who was staying behind and why. And also, before that, when Simon said he didn't want Vanessa to go with himself and Betty, it seemed unclear that she was going to go with them. Like Simon didn't reenforce the idea that she stay, and she didn't really outright insist that she go. I guess I just felt that sometimes things were unclear or foggier than they should have been, there should have been more explanation.
All fogginess aside, I really enjoyed Siren! I'm impatiently awaiting Undercurrent to come out in July, I'm glad I've found another author I like so much!
My problem though was that sometimes, Rayburn didn't make things very clear. When Vanessa and Simon were parting ways while walking the trail with Betty, I had to reread it. I was kid of unsure about who was walking with Betty and who was staying behind and why. And also, before that, when Simon said he didn't want Vanessa to go with himself and Betty, it seemed unclear that she was going to go with them. Like Simon didn't reenforce the idea that she stay, and she didn't really outright insist that she go. I guess I just felt that sometimes things were unclear or foggier than they should have been, there should have been more explanation.
All fogginess aside, I really enjoyed Siren! I'm impatiently awaiting Undercurrent to come out in July, I'm glad I've found another author I like so much!
November 5, 2010
Wow, I'm so glad I read this book. It's definitely on my top favorite books list. I'm even more excited that it's a trilogy because Siren definitely leaves you wanting to know so much more. I didn't think I was going to read this book in one day. I was really wrong. Right from the beginning I am so curious as to what is going to happen. It's one big mystery book and that's why I loved it so much. There was so much mystery that WASN'T predictable, there was summer love, and love for your family and friends. I was constantly guessing and that's why I had to read more.
Vanessa is a great character. To me, she's mature for her age and doesn't play dumb. I love the fact that her and her sister Justine got along. I also liked that brothers Simon and Caleb got along as well. There's also another duo in this book which makes you really appreciate your own siblings and parents. In all, this book just really captured my heart and mind because love is so pure and the mystery just really puts that all in to place.
The Cover: It's not my favorite and I believe the eyes should be silver, not purple which kind of bothered me.
Ratings
Ending: 4 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars
* My overall rating of the book is based on the story *
Vanessa is a great character. To me, she's mature for her age and doesn't play dumb. I love the fact that her and her sister Justine got along. I also liked that brothers Simon and Caleb got along as well. There's also another duo in this book which makes you really appreciate your own siblings and parents. In all, this book just really captured my heart and mind because love is so pure and the mystery just really puts that all in to place.
The Cover: It's not my favorite and I believe the eyes should be silver, not purple which kind of bothered me.
Ratings
Ending: 4 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars
* My overall rating of the book is based on the story *
March 8, 2010
After I reached page 40 in this book I remember looking down at the page number and being amazed that I had learned so much about our characters and the story in that number of pages. After that, I would find myself trying to keep on task doing something else but wandering back to Siren to read more.
Our main character, Vanessa, gets involved in a mystery of sorts, which keeps you guessing as the reader for the entire thing. As you may have guessed, the title does play a role, but since it has elements of fantasy you aren't able to immediately figure out what is happening with Vanessa and her sister.
It's a hefty book (almost 350 pages), but I whipped through it and really enjoyed myself (besides the time I was reading it alone at night and my phone rang, making me jump). The one thing I did NOT like, and actually really really did not like, were bits in the end - some of it felt rushed and I was not satisfied with how it was tied up in the end. I'm wondering if they are hoping for a sequel?
This is a very strong read, especially for those that enjoy paranormal books.
Our main character, Vanessa, gets involved in a mystery of sorts, which keeps you guessing as the reader for the entire thing. As you may have guessed, the title does play a role, but since it has elements of fantasy you aren't able to immediately figure out what is happening with Vanessa and her sister.
It's a hefty book (almost 350 pages), but I whipped through it and really enjoyed myself (besides the time I was reading it alone at night and my phone rang, making me jump). The one thing I did NOT like, and actually really really did not like, were bits in the end - some of it felt rushed and I was not satisfied with how it was tied up in the end. I'm wondering if they are hoping for a sequel?
This is a very strong read, especially for those that enjoy paranormal books.
December 31, 2023
Love this book!
August 13, 2017
i finished like three days ago. haha. forgot to update. I loved it though
July 9, 2015
Quick and dirty: I love the mystery of the book but it would have been better if they explained more about the Sirens..
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
August 19, 2024
Vanessa has always felt she’s living in the shadow of her sister, Justine. Justine is fearless, strong and always willing to push herself. Vanessa is too scared to even swim in the Harbour of their summer home residence after an accident a few years earlier.
Then, one day, the unthinkable happens. Justine is killed after jumping from local cliffs. Nobody is quite sure how to cope.
Vanessa finds herself heading back to their lakeside home alone. She is scared, but still thinks she hears her sister’s voice. She also has Simon Carmichael, her childhood friend, to spend time with. But as they spend time together they realise the rising number of deaths in the area cannot be a coincidence.
Vanessa and Simon have to confront parts of their past in order to work out exactly what’s causing these deaths…and how to stop them. E can see what’s going on well before Vanessa admits it to herself…and the little detail slipped in about Vanessa doesn’t exactly come as a surprise.
Then, one day, the unthinkable happens. Justine is killed after jumping from local cliffs. Nobody is quite sure how to cope.
Vanessa finds herself heading back to their lakeside home alone. She is scared, but still thinks she hears her sister’s voice. She also has Simon Carmichael, her childhood friend, to spend time with. But as they spend time together they realise the rising number of deaths in the area cannot be a coincidence.
Vanessa and Simon have to confront parts of their past in order to work out exactly what’s causing these deaths…and how to stop them. E can see what’s going on well before Vanessa admits it to herself…and the little detail slipped in about Vanessa doesn’t exactly come as a surprise.
March 25, 2018
It's been a while since I read a book in almost one sitting! I was hooked by this story ! I wanted to read more to know what will happen (even if I guessed most of the story in the beginning) It wasn't perfect but I spent a very good time! I will read the next book for sure.
April 4, 2017
Understated, capturing YA? In my library? It's more likely than you think. The pace of the book reminds me of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, another recent library find.
June 1, 2018
This was a strong start to a series... but did I love it... no
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