reviews
Feb 19, 2012
EDIT: Gave the book another star because it still has a book-length plot, however small, and the romance is not the main focus. It far exceeds other YA books in that aspect, but only that aspect.
OKAY. First things first before we get started...
Tricia Rayburn's 'Siren' will now be called 'Mermaid' to avoid confusion.
The Sirens from Greek mythology were 2-5 bird women (or just women) that lived on rocky islands. I don't think a name is ever specif More...
OKAY. First things first before we get started...
Tricia Rayburn's 'Siren' will now be called 'Mermaid' to avoid confusion.
The Sirens from Greek mythology were 2-5 bird women (or just women) that lived on rocky islands. I don't think a name is ever specif More...
6 comments
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(9 people liked it)
Jan 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 More...
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 More...
36 comments
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(26 people liked it)
Mar 28, 2011
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 wer More...
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 wer More...
0 comments
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(4 people liked it)
Jul 26, 2010
An emotional supernatural mystery with a soft spot for family.
It began establishing the relationship between Justine and Vanessa and how important the setting will be for the story. And then melts away into the incident that will change their lives forever.
The story revolves around Vanessa's search for answers surrounding her sister's death, uncovering hidden secrets along the way that eventually reveals something that would or could call for a second book.
Af More...
It began establishing the relationship between Justine and Vanessa and how important the setting will be for the story. And then melts away into the incident that will change their lives forever.
The story revolves around Vanessa's search for answers surrounding her sister's death, uncovering hidden secrets along the way that eventually reveals something that would or could call for a second book.
Af More...
Feb 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. Sh
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5 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Aug 30, 2011
I haven't actually read any books involving Mermaids before Siren, so I was pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoyed it as I did have my reservations. I found the beginning a little confusing, but once the story line began to unroll I was able to make sense of it all and enjoy what was taking place. The characters were likable (and loathe-able where appropriate) and the story flowed well, the character development was consistent and seeing (so to speak) their interaction and relationships ch
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5 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Feb 05, 2012
Let me start off by saying that yes I picked up this book purely based on its cover. Can you blame me? I mean, the eyes and title are shiny. But honestly I think the cover may have been the best thing about this book. That may sound harsh, and I really didnt hate the book, its just that there was absolutely no wow factor. But the cover gets five stars, so theres that.
Characters: Considering the only character I really really liked was Justine and she died within the first coupl More...
Characters: Considering the only character I really really liked was Justine and she died within the first coupl More...
Jan 19, 2012
Inhalt: Vanessa und ihre Schwester Justine verbringen den Sommer immer zusammen mit ihrer Familie in Winter Harbor einem Hafen und Ferienort in Maine. Neben ihrem dortigen Ferienhaus steht das Haus der Familie Carmichael, die dauerhaft in Winter Harbor leben und zwei Söhne haben, Caleb und Simon. Seit dem Vanessa und Justine nach Winter Harbor kommen, sind sie mit dem Jungen befreundet und als sie älter wurden, wurde jeden Sommer aus der Freundschat zwischen Caleb und Justine mehr. So wie jeden
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Dec 27, 2011
After an awful trip to the library and spending days unable to find any good electronic books, I really needed-and wanted-a good book. While surfing on Goodreads, I came across Siren; it's the best book I've read in a while.
Justine, Vanessa, Caleb, and Simon are all excellently written and developed charecters, even Justine, who (as told in synopsis) dies pretty quickly. You continue delving deeper into the personalities of each charecter.
Vanessa was an excellent protagonist! She's More...
Justine, Vanessa, Caleb, and Simon are all excellently written and developed charecters, even Justine, who (as told in synopsis) dies pretty quickly. You continue delving deeper into the personalities of each charecter.
Vanessa was an excellent protagonist! She's More...
3 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Dec 03, 2011
I’m going to be completely honest; I bought this book simply because it has a gorgeous cover. I wasn’t expecting to like it all that much but I knew I had to add it to my shelf. Turns out, Siren surprised me. I really enjoyed it and just ordered undercurrent, the sequel, because I simply couldn’t wait to read it. After Siren, I can tell it will be great.
The mystery of Siren is thrilling. There were times I didn’t want to put the book down. It engaged me from page one. The sett More...
The mystery of Siren is thrilling. There were times I didn’t want to put the book down. It engaged me from page one. The sett More...
Sep 28, 2011
Three words, best-book-EVER!! I absolutely adored Siren, I devoured every word from the beginning to the end. Tricia combined the mystery and romance so perfectly, the story fit together like a jigsaw. I love the way Tricia added her own spin to the mythological creatures, sirens and disguised them as everyday people.
I was really happy when the story started off with mystery at the very beginning, i hate it when you have to read a book all the way to the middle to even start gett More...
I was really happy when the story started off with mystery at the very beginning, i hate it when you have to read a book all the way to the middle to even start gett More...
4 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Aug 22, 2011
What I liked: 1) Simon. I adore geeky, studious guys. 2) The location - imagining myself in Maine, where the summer weather is maybe 70 degrees was quite a change from the 110 degrees we're having here in Texas. I loved how vivid and lively the scenery was in the story. 3) Sirens. I'm enjoying branching out on my paranormal creatures. It's not all vampires and wizards anymore. I don't know much folklore about sirens, mostly what you get from The Odyssey, so I found this very enjoyable. 4) Light
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Jul 30, 2011
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jul 24, 2011
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0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 15, 2011
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(1 person liked it)
Jun 10, 2011
Original review at http://inkscratchers.blogspot.com/
Siren has the features to be an amazing book, unfortunately, it falls a little short. I wish I could say I adored it but I didn’t, I didn’t dislike it, I just didn’t love it.
As a paranormal reader, sirens are something I haven’t read much of, I’m not sure there are many books out there about them and I was extremely excited to read this book, so much so that when I found it in my local supermarket I begged my mother fo More...
Siren has the features to be an amazing book, unfortunately, it falls a little short. I wish I could say I adored it but I didn’t, I didn’t dislike it, I just didn’t love it.
As a paranormal reader, sirens are something I haven’t read much of, I’m not sure there are many books out there about them and I was extremely excited to read this book, so much so that when I found it in my local supermarket I begged my mother fo More...
Jun 04, 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 -
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0 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Jun 01, 2011
There might be spoilers in this review, I'm not sure since it all seemed obvious what was going to happen in this story from the beginning.
I did not like this book, I found it really boring. I finished it in about an hour or so. I liked the concept with the siren (salt in the blood), but I'm disappointed with the lack of actual fins and mermaids.
The characters are all irritating and have little to no depth. Parental characters are confusing, why would you let your daughter drive More...
I did not like this book, I found it really boring. I finished it in about an hour or so. I liked the concept with the siren (salt in the blood), but I'm disappointed with the lack of actual fins and mermaids.
The characters are all irritating and have little to no depth. Parental characters are confusing, why would you let your daughter drive More...
0 comments
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(2 people liked it)
May 19, 2011
I was a little reluctant to read the Siren, because it's release and progress has been a matter of significant discretion, pondering over the cover I presumed it to be an adventure book for children, you know ones where they inflate the idea of a little peck on the mouth and make it a catastrophically immense deal... yah, that one... But I was pretty much off target and will admit, was infact defiled in the "First impressions" department...
First off as it is a custom of mine to More...
First off as it is a custom of mine to More...
May 05, 2011
Siren drew me in from the first page. Although the book started a bit slow for my tastes and some of the earlier transitions were truly awkward, I enjoyed reading about Vanessa and her fears for everything. The writing is a bit apprehensive and shaky to start with, but by the fifth or so page I wasn't even noticing writing flaws anymore. I was completely drawn in to this irresistible world and characters.
Unlike some reviewers, I had no problem with the (lack of) parental concerns in More...
Unlike some reviewers, I had no problem with the (lack of) parental concerns in More...
Apr 01, 2011
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Mar 21, 2011
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 Sirendefinitely 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 fam
More...
Dec 26, 2010
This book was definitely an interesting one. The beginning can lure any reader. The mystery revolving around Justine and other's deaths was really intriguing throughout the book.
The Pros of this book:
-the beginning- which was fact paced and makes you read further
-the main character Vanessa- usually, I don't like characters who are scared of everything, but Vanessa is that one exception to the rule. She may be scared of everything, but she is the sister everyone wants.
-th More...
The Pros of this book:
-the beginning- which was fact paced and makes you read further
-the main character Vanessa- usually, I don't like characters who are scared of everything, but Vanessa is that one exception to the rule. She may be scared of everything, but she is the sister everyone wants.
-th More...
Dec 01, 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 r More...
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 r More...
5 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Nov 04, 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 fa
More...
3 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Oct 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) J More...
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) J More...
0 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Sep 17, 2010
Although I love YA fiction, I loved the premise of this story, and I loved the folklore, I couldn’t help but be left wanting. The ending was inappropriately placed as I feel much was left to be desired. I wanted to know what happened between Vanessa and Simon, what about Caleb? I know those who have not read the book and therefore don’t know what I mean about questioning the relationships between the characters, but I have to throw it in here.
As for the plot, the story had/has great More...
As for the plot, the story had/has great More...
Sep 03, 2010
A witchy tale sans witches.
The Sands sisters are close. Justine has always been Vanessa’s biggest cheerleader and Vanessa has always adored her older sister. This summer, before the family has a chance to settle into their vacation home, Justine drowns. Her death is unfortunate, but easily explained by everyone. Except Vanessa. When she starts to look into her sister’s life leading up to the accident, Vanessa realizes she didn’t know Justine as well as she thought.
So, the More...
The Sands sisters are close. Justine has always been Vanessa’s biggest cheerleader and Vanessa has always adored her older sister. This summer, before the family has a chance to settle into their vacation home, Justine drowns. Her death is unfortunate, but easily explained by everyone. Except Vanessa. When she starts to look into her sister’s life leading up to the accident, Vanessa realizes she didn’t know Justine as well as she thought.
So, the More...
Aug 11, 2010
For Vanessa Sands, summer has always been in Winter Harbor with her wild older sister Justine and the Carmichael boys. But Vanessa has never really felt part of the group; her shyness and fears prevent her from participating in all of Justine’s daring excursions. When Justine dies in a cliff diving accident, everything changes for Vanessa. She discovers that her beloved sister Justine had been keeping secrets from everyone. Torn between wanting to move on and figuring out who her sister really w
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0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Aug 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 o More...
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 o More...
2 comments
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(3 people liked it)
