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La sirena
Kahlen es una sirena, obligada a servir a Oceania atrayendo seres humanos a las acuosas tumbas con su voz, la cual es mortal para cualquier humano que la escuche. Akinli es humano. Un chico amable y guapo, él es todo lo que Kahlen jamás había soñado. Enamorarse pone a ambos en peligro... pero Kahlen no puede soportar mantenerse apartada. ¿Lo arriesgará todo para seguir los latidos de su corazón?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2009
2732 people are currently reading
67957 people want to read
About the author
Kiera Cass
43 books66.2k followers100 Things I Love:
Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.
Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,233 reviews
February 14, 2017
Well that was disappointing
February 29, 2016
All in all, I liked this book, it was fresh, cute and a fast read, and that's what I needed (because I've been reading heartbreaking, sad books). That said... it was not what I expected. In good ways and in bad ways. Let's start with something I'm not sure if I liked or not, but it sure had me intrigued: The Ocean.
I really liked Her sometimes, but there were other times that She just confused me. I mean, I liked the idea, I think that She was the strongest character of the book, and it's the first time I read something like it. Her relationship with the girls was one of my favorite aspects of the story, it was very motherly.
Akinli was another character I really enjoyed reading, he was just too sweet, caring and funny. I just wish we had more of him in the book. Also! I liked that I thought I knew how his story would end and NOPE! Kiera really surprised me this time :P. I'm not saying I loved the way it ended, but it took me by surprise! Definitely not the cliché I was expecting.
Now let's talk about Kahlen... I kinda like her, but not so much. I'm in a point of my life were I can't stand characters whose only aspiration in life is to get married. I also feel that she was unfair with her sisters most of the time... and half of the book she was just bitter and depressed. Blah...
Hmmm what else? Oh! THE INSTA LOVE. I mean, it wasn't exactly insta love, but it happened way too fast! I can accept that she instantly had a crush in Akinli (I mean, I would've, too!)... but then in one day she was suddenly in love. What. THEY WERE CUTE TOGETHER! But I'm not a fan of the whole "soulmates" thing when is not well developed :/...
That's everything I got to say (for now). I enjoyed the book, the ending felt satisfying, but that's all.
I really liked Her sometimes, but there were other times that She just confused me. I mean, I liked the idea, I think that She was the strongest character of the book, and it's the first time I read something like it. Her relationship with the girls was one of my favorite aspects of the story, it was very motherly.
Akinli was another character I really enjoyed reading, he was just too sweet, caring and funny. I just wish we had more of him in the book. Also! I liked that I thought I knew how his story would end and NOPE! Kiera really surprised me this time :P. I'm not saying I loved the way it ended, but it took me by surprise! Definitely not the cliché I was expecting.
Now let's talk about Kahlen... I kinda like her, but not so much. I'm in a point of my life were I can't stand characters whose only aspiration in life is to get married. I also feel that she was unfair with her sisters most of the time... and half of the book she was just bitter and depressed. Blah...
Hmmm what else? Oh! THE INSTA LOVE. I mean, it wasn't exactly insta love, but it happened way too fast! I can accept that she instantly had a crush in Akinli (I mean, I would've, too!)... but then in one day she was suddenly in love. What. THEY WERE CUTE TOGETHER! But I'm not a fan of the whole "soulmates" thing when is not well developed :/...
That's everything I got to say (for now). I enjoyed the book, the ending felt satisfying, but that's all.
February 9, 2017
The Siren was a...
SNOOZEFEST.
I'm so disappointed in this book. I was such a huge fan of The Selection series so I expected to really like The Siren but honestly, everything was just super dull.
The characters were boring. The only thing I enjoyed about the siren sisters was their dedication and loyalty to one another. The concept behind the Sirens and the Ocean was interesting but I didn't really love it. And on top of that, the romance was 100 percent insta-love. Their feelings developed too fast after just one date that lasted for about an hour and because of that, it became way too unrealistic for me and I couldn't even feel any of the emotions that I was supposed to feel in the end.
Prior to reading the book, I thought the negative reviews were just a little harsh and I expected that the book would actually improve by a long shot once Kiera Cass rewrote and republished it again, but if I thought this "new and improved" version was ehhh, I could only imagine how the first edition must've been.
The only thing that really saved this book for me was the last 50 pages or so but even then, 50 pages doesn't nearly make up for the other disappointing 250.
Long story short, reading The Siren felt like a Disney Little Mermaid knockoff. The only difference was that Disney actually pulled off the insta-love romance.
Although this book fell short for me, I'm still a huge fan of Kiera Cass. I love her writing and the concepts that she comes up with. Hopefully she comes out with a new book outside of The Selection series to make up for this one because you can always count on me to pick up a book by Kiera Cass.
I'm so disappointed in this book. I was such a huge fan of The Selection series so I expected to really like The Siren but honestly, everything was just super dull.
The characters were boring. The only thing I enjoyed about the siren sisters was their dedication and loyalty to one another. The concept behind the Sirens and the Ocean was interesting but I didn't really love it. And on top of that, the romance was 100 percent insta-love. Their feelings developed too fast after just one date that lasted for about an hour and because of that, it became way too unrealistic for me and I couldn't even feel any of the emotions that I was supposed to feel in the end.
Prior to reading the book, I thought the negative reviews were just a little harsh and I expected that the book would actually improve by a long shot once Kiera Cass rewrote and republished it again, but if I thought this "new and improved" version was ehhh, I could only imagine how the first edition must've been.
The only thing that really saved this book for me was the last 50 pages or so but even then, 50 pages doesn't nearly make up for the other disappointing 250.
Long story short, reading The Siren felt like a Disney Little Mermaid knockoff. The only difference was that Disney actually pulled off the insta-love romance.
Although this book fell short for me, I'm still a huge fan of Kiera Cass. I love her writing and the concepts that she comes up with. Hopefully she comes out with a new book outside of The Selection series to make up for this one because you can always count on me to pick up a book by Kiera Cass.
June 24, 2016
Please do yourself 2 favors:
1. Do not avoid this book simply because you hated Cass's The Selection series. The two are nothing, nothing, nothing alike. The characters, the world, the writing tone are all so very different. Sure, you may still dislike this one for any number of reasons, but if you're interested in the premise, don't judge it based on a totally separate book series.
2. Do not avoid this book simply because mushy romances aren't your thing. Yes, there is a romance, and that's very much a big part of the story but there is also SO MUCH MORE. And it's actually more of a tragic tale that I expected.
This is a story about many types of love. Sisterly love. Friendship. Parental love. Learning to love yourself. (Love for cake.) And yes, romantic love too. This is one of the best romances I've read in a long time, which is ironic because the love interest appears in less than a quarter of the book total, but what I really took away from this book was all the other kinds of love. Especially the parental love. The parent in this book is the Ocean. She is very much a character in this story and the way in which she loves her Siren daughters is so reminiscent of a mother trying to hold on to her growing children.
I'm struggling with wording this next part (thanks brain), but I also want to point out that although this book in no way felt like it was dealing with religion, I got a sense of some religious symbolism. I believe Cass is Christian, so I wondered if maybe the Ocean was meant to be a personification (naturification?) of God. There are definitely many traits of the Ocean that aren't Biblical, but it was a parallel that I saw and it hit me on an emotional level. Any symbolism you may or may not personally see reflected in the Ocean aside, the way in which Cass brought to a life a character that in this world was a type of deity and creator full of undying and jealous love was simply astounding.
There are a few more things I want readers to know about this story that make it really awesome.
-The main characters are college age, which is refreshing.
-The fantasy element of this world was VERY fleshed out. Siren mythology is not a backdrop, it's heavily involved in the story.
-The love interest was a good guy. A very believable, kind guy. A nice break from the over abundance of bad boys in YA and NA.
And to be fair, here are some things that might turn you off.
-There is a heavy dose of instalove. I can hear most of you groaning. But this was the most convincing case of instalove I have ever seen and the reason for that comes down to the fact that these characters didn't spend every waking moment together with their feelings being clouded by being so wrapped up in each other. For the story being told here, it felt fitting.
- I don't even have another point here. But having only one point looked weird. Hi.
Overall, it's a simple and yet very powerful story that I think would appeal to readers young and old alike.
1. Do not avoid this book simply because you hated Cass's The Selection series. The two are nothing, nothing, nothing alike. The characters, the world, the writing tone are all so very different. Sure, you may still dislike this one for any number of reasons, but if you're interested in the premise, don't judge it based on a totally separate book series.
2. Do not avoid this book simply because mushy romances aren't your thing. Yes, there is a romance, and that's very much a big part of the story but there is also SO MUCH MORE. And it's actually more of a tragic tale that I expected.
This is a story about many types of love. Sisterly love. Friendship. Parental love. Learning to love yourself. (Love for cake.) And yes, romantic love too. This is one of the best romances I've read in a long time, which is ironic because the love interest appears in less than a quarter of the book total, but what I really took away from this book was all the other kinds of love. Especially the parental love. The parent in this book is the Ocean. She is very much a character in this story and the way in which she loves her Siren daughters is so reminiscent of a mother trying to hold on to her growing children.
I'm struggling with wording this next part (thanks brain), but I also want to point out that although this book in no way felt like it was dealing with religion, I got a sense of some religious symbolism. I believe Cass is Christian, so I wondered if maybe the Ocean was meant to be a personification (naturification?) of God. There are definitely many traits of the Ocean that aren't Biblical, but it was a parallel that I saw and it hit me on an emotional level. Any symbolism you may or may not personally see reflected in the Ocean aside, the way in which Cass brought to a life a character that in this world was a type of deity and creator full of undying and jealous love was simply astounding.
There are a few more things I want readers to know about this story that make it really awesome.
-The main characters are college age, which is refreshing.
-The fantasy element of this world was VERY fleshed out. Siren mythology is not a backdrop, it's heavily involved in the story.
-The love interest was a good guy. A very believable, kind guy. A nice break from the over abundance of bad boys in YA and NA.
And to be fair, here are some things that might turn you off.
-There is a heavy dose of instalove. I can hear most of you groaning. But this was the most convincing case of instalove I have ever seen and the reason for that comes down to the fact that these characters didn't spend every waking moment together with their feelings being clouded by being so wrapped up in each other. For the story being told here, it felt fitting.
- I don't even have another point here. But having only one point looked weird. Hi.
Overall, it's a simple and yet very powerful story that I think would appeal to readers young and old alike.
March 30, 2022
This isn't one of those books you can be super critical of. It's very insta-lovey with less of a focused plot - a really tropey, white-and-heterosexual read with more of a fantasy element to the romance. But if you don't really care too much you can enjoy it.
Four stars, originally five. I’ve just read this so many times before reviewing it that I’ve picked up on all the unwelcome details…so my rating is lowered now.
Let’s start with the plot. I looooove Greek mythology. I’m not saying that as a Percy Jackson/Heroes of Olympus/Rick Riordan fan. I’m saying that as someone who:
- read several Greek mythology textbooks before ever picking up the Percy Jackson books
- read the Iliad just because the Odyssey was going to be an English assignment
- read two different versions of the Odyssey just to get a “better understanding”.
- has read all of the Percy Jackson books three times
- has read the Heroes of Olympus series three times
- has been to the Parthenon in Nashville
- has randomly researched the minor gods/goddesses/creatures in Greek mythology out of boredom
So. I was expecting more Greek elements when I first picked this one up. Was I disappointed by the lack of mythology? Not really, since I had been anticipating this read for a while. I was too excited to finally read it to really care.
[Okay, moving past my unnecessary list of stuff].
I was a bit hesitant the first time I read this (which was about two years ago, maybe three. So I’m mainly writing from the perspective of my latest reread), because romance books are not really my thing. I had never read The Selection.
But I loved this.
I really, really loved this. I loved all the characters (except for Elizabeth because she was more selfish and annoying), especially Miaka. I loved Kahlen’s perspective on everything and I loved how she still hadn’t figured herself out after ninety-nine years of life. I loved the concept of this private society of Sirens, and the system they served with the Ocean.
I wasn’t quite there for the romance, which is a bit unfortunate since this is a romance book. Fight me, but insta-love is just so useless and annoying.
I will win that fight.
Still, Kahlen and Akinli were just so, so cute. I couldn’t help rooting for them to be together (which is the point of a romance, but it doesn’t always work for me). They had chemistry, and they understood each other perfectly. It was so much fun to read.
“Whatever happened, I'd met my person, the one my soul connected to.”
The writing. I think the writing in this one was pretty different from The Selection – this was more flowery, more relaxed and swoon-worthy. I mean, it sounded similar, but this one felt sweeter (although, Kahlen is a lot sweeter than America).
“Love is a risk worth taking.
I'd waited an eternity for this.
I'd have waited all over again if I had to.
I was meant to be kiss this boy, designed to be held by him.
All the careful postures I held melted away, and I pulled him closer.
We were stars.
We were music.
We were time.”
The characters were all fun, but they weren’t layered or deep. Which was fine, I think, since that wasn’t a huge part of the story. It felt like the only two main characters were really Kahlen and Akinli, and the Ocean of course. But everyone else was just a side character.
That being said, I loved Miaka. I empathized with Padma. And I admired Elizabeth, as much as she annoyed me. I do love my badass heroines (AELINNNNN) but Kahlen was really amazing. She is essentially a normal girl – and over the course of the novel, she realizes that time and time again. She isn’t strong or unbreakable, she’s human. And I loved having an element like that in this kind of book.
“How magical it was just to be a normal girl.”
I liked the idea of the system that the Sirens served, with the Ocean. It was really easy to understand, but it was a real central force in the book. I think I’d love to be a siren for the experience it gets. But the way it was painted in the plot was just unflattering, mostly because it goes against everything the main character truly wanted.
“I kept waiting for something to happen, which isn’t how life works. In closed environments, everything just repeats.”
Holy shit does that quote up there represent quarantine.
I think my favorite part was the one day that Kahlen and Akinli had together. It was magical, and reading it reminded me of how I felt in seventh grade. There was a boy, and he liked me, and we were pretty good friends (if anyone actually wants to know, we weren’t a thing). And our moments together felt kind of the way I did when reading that day in Port Clyde – like someone actually knew me and cared.
It didn’t last. But it was nice to find that kind of feeling.
“I could tell in his face that I could burn the house down, and he’d just get out marshmallows and thank me for the lovely flame. I’m not sure I could make a mistake big enough for him not to forgive.”
Overall, I loved this book. I loved it the first time I read it, and I still love it now. My only issue is that I enjoyed it less this time around, because I could find all the little things that were covered up before. It's not really a super-critical book, since it doesn't really cover a lot, but overall it's a light read. I see why people don't like it, as it's definitely not the best, but I enjoy this one.
Four stars, originally five. I’ve just read this so many times before reviewing it that I’ve picked up on all the unwelcome details…so my rating is lowered now.
Let’s start with the plot. I looooove Greek mythology. I’m not saying that as a Percy Jackson/Heroes of Olympus/Rick Riordan fan. I’m saying that as someone who:
- read several Greek mythology textbooks before ever picking up the Percy Jackson books
- read the Iliad just because the Odyssey was going to be an English assignment
- read two different versions of the Odyssey just to get a “better understanding”.
- has read all of the Percy Jackson books three times
- has read the Heroes of Olympus series three times
- has been to the Parthenon in Nashville
- has randomly researched the minor gods/goddesses/creatures in Greek mythology out of boredom
So. I was expecting more Greek elements when I first picked this one up. Was I disappointed by the lack of mythology? Not really, since I had been anticipating this read for a while. I was too excited to finally read it to really care.
[Okay, moving past my unnecessary list of stuff].
I was a bit hesitant the first time I read this (which was about two years ago, maybe three. So I’m mainly writing from the perspective of my latest reread), because romance books are not really my thing. I had never read The Selection.
But I loved this.
I really, really loved this. I loved all the characters (except for Elizabeth because she was more selfish and annoying), especially Miaka. I loved Kahlen’s perspective on everything and I loved how she still hadn’t figured herself out after ninety-nine years of life. I loved the concept of this private society of Sirens, and the system they served with the Ocean.
I wasn’t quite there for the romance, which is a bit unfortunate since this is a romance book. Fight me, but insta-love is just so useless and annoying.
I will win that fight.
Still, Kahlen and Akinli were just so, so cute. I couldn’t help rooting for them to be together (which is the point of a romance, but it doesn’t always work for me). They had chemistry, and they understood each other perfectly. It was so much fun to read.
“Whatever happened, I'd met my person, the one my soul connected to.”
The writing. I think the writing in this one was pretty different from The Selection – this was more flowery, more relaxed and swoon-worthy. I mean, it sounded similar, but this one felt sweeter (although, Kahlen is a lot sweeter than America).
“Love is a risk worth taking.
I'd waited an eternity for this.
I'd have waited all over again if I had to.
I was meant to be kiss this boy, designed to be held by him.
All the careful postures I held melted away, and I pulled him closer.
We were stars.
We were music.
We were time.”
The characters were all fun, but they weren’t layered or deep. Which was fine, I think, since that wasn’t a huge part of the story. It felt like the only two main characters were really Kahlen and Akinli, and the Ocean of course. But everyone else was just a side character.
That being said, I loved Miaka. I empathized with Padma. And I admired Elizabeth, as much as she annoyed me. I do love my badass heroines (AELINNNNN) but Kahlen was really amazing. She is essentially a normal girl – and over the course of the novel, she realizes that time and time again. She isn’t strong or unbreakable, she’s human. And I loved having an element like that in this kind of book.
“How magical it was just to be a normal girl.”
I liked the idea of the system that the Sirens served, with the Ocean. It was really easy to understand, but it was a real central force in the book. I think I’d love to be a siren for the experience it gets. But the way it was painted in the plot was just unflattering, mostly because it goes against everything the main character truly wanted.
“I kept waiting for something to happen, which isn’t how life works. In closed environments, everything just repeats.”
Holy shit does that quote up there represent quarantine.
I think my favorite part was the one day that Kahlen and Akinli had together. It was magical, and reading it reminded me of how I felt in seventh grade. There was a boy, and he liked me, and we were pretty good friends (if anyone actually wants to know, we weren’t a thing). And our moments together felt kind of the way I did when reading that day in Port Clyde – like someone actually knew me and cared.
It didn’t last. But it was nice to find that kind of feeling.
“I could tell in his face that I could burn the house down, and he’d just get out marshmallows and thank me for the lovely flame. I’m not sure I could make a mistake big enough for him not to forgive.”
Overall, I loved this book. I loved it the first time I read it, and I still love it now. My only issue is that I enjoyed it less this time around, because I could find all the little things that were covered up before. It's not really a super-critical book, since it doesn't really cover a lot, but overall it's a light read. I see why people don't like it, as it's definitely not the best, but I enjoy this one.
September 14, 2016
If an author's idea of romantic development is making the characters ask each other what their favorite color is, I’m pretty sure they don’t have any personality.
March 9, 2016
The Siren es una novela rápida y sencilla, con un punto de partida interesante y una historia de amor algo típica.
La primera novela que leo de Kiera Cass fuera del mundo de La Selección (de hecho, es la única que tiene), y es también la primera novela que ella escribió. Pese a haber sido revisada y editada, creo que se nota la mejora que ha tenido en el resto de sus trabajos. Vamos, que sí, se nota que le faltaba poner un poco en orden las ideas y dotarlas de detalles.
La novela es en sí entretenida: las situaciones que se dan son conflictos medios, es decir, nada épico ni que vaya a cambiar el mundo, pero se dan de manera totalmente justificada y fluyen dentro de la historia. Los personajes juegan un punto bastante importante en la novela, sobre todo el grupo de amigas de la protagonista, y creo que le aportan a la novela el toque justo de humor que necesita.
En cuanto a la trama en sí, no me ha parecido ni rompedora ni diferente, pero me ha gustado cómo se ha utilizado la naturaleza de sirena de la protagonista. Sin duda, una manera inteligente de organizar una historia. He encontrado similitudes con La Sirenita y también a algunas escenas bíblicas (yo no soy religioso, pero la autora lo es, y mucho, y en este trabajo se nota bastante).
Sin duda, una novela que he disfrutado y que me ha gustado. Entretenida pero que no me ha aportado gran cosa. Es la típica novela que coges para leer algo ligero o para leer en época de exámenes. Echadle un ojo
La primera novela que leo de Kiera Cass fuera del mundo de La Selección (de hecho, es la única que tiene), y es también la primera novela que ella escribió. Pese a haber sido revisada y editada, creo que se nota la mejora que ha tenido en el resto de sus trabajos. Vamos, que sí, se nota que le faltaba poner un poco en orden las ideas y dotarlas de detalles.
La novela es en sí entretenida: las situaciones que se dan son conflictos medios, es decir, nada épico ni que vaya a cambiar el mundo, pero se dan de manera totalmente justificada y fluyen dentro de la historia. Los personajes juegan un punto bastante importante en la novela, sobre todo el grupo de amigas de la protagonista, y creo que le aportan a la novela el toque justo de humor que necesita.
En cuanto a la trama en sí, no me ha parecido ni rompedora ni diferente, pero me ha gustado cómo se ha utilizado la naturaleza de sirena de la protagonista. Sin duda, una manera inteligente de organizar una historia. He encontrado similitudes con La Sirenita y también a algunas escenas bíblicas (yo no soy religioso, pero la autora lo es, y mucho, y en este trabajo se nota bastante).
Sin duda, una novela que he disfrutado y que me ha gustado. Entretenida pero que no me ha aportado gran cosa. Es la típica novela que coges para leer algo ligero o para leer en época de exámenes. Echadle un ojo
July 1, 2017
This book was laaaaaaame. I listened to it on audio and considered DNF'ing at least 10 times. Major instalove. Flat writing. Flat characters. The resolution was way too convenient. I did like the concept of the siren world and the Ocean being personified. I think it would've been better if someone else wrote this book. I think I might be done with Kiera Cass.
September 17, 2020
I don't know how to review this book. It wasn't the best thing I have ever read, but with my emotions all mixed up and my health not being as it should be right now, this book straight up made me cry for what I yearn for: love.
Ever since I was little, I have fallen in love with the ideas of mermaids (or sirens, as some have called them). They are beautiful and mythical and quite honestly the root of my obsession of fantasy novels and movies. Anyone who knows me knows that, even though I am a poor swinner, I can't get enough of the siren folklore.
So when Kiera Cass, the author of "The Selection" Series that I liked well enough, writes a book with the title "Sirens" I literally didn't even hestiate and ordered it off Amazon to keep and to hold forever. I didn't actually read it for months and months because I had so many other books to read. But with patiently waiting for Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas, I decided to pick up this little 327 page book and I do not regret anything about it.
Kahlen is a siren. The ocean is her mother. She has three sisters at one time and together they are silent until the ocean calls them to sink a ship for her. The reasoning behind sinking ships and killing hundreds of people a year is because the ocean has to be able to have some to save thousands. Kahlen and her sisters absolutely hate the fact that they take lives, but the ocean promises that they will forget her after their 100 years is up and they are free to live as humans again.
Akinli runs into a mute-girl in the library and finds himself drawn to her even though he has never heard her voice. But she mysteriously vanishes after their first date until some months later when she washes up on the shore, upset and in a very fancy dress (which is strange since she is soaking wet).
After some unfortunate events, Akinli and Kahlen both end up very, very sick: both emotionally and physically. What is to blame? You'll have to read that to find out.
My heart hurt for not only these two characters, but for the sisters of Kahlen. For how can such a lovely ending be so brutal and cruel to my heart? I know that I am going through some things in real life over here, but... IDK this book was a short one in what I am used to reading but I absolutely adored it. I cry all the time in books and movies and... ever so I can't say that it is unusual but it felt different.
It is not a fast paced book. It is not a deep thinking book. It is merely a story of a siren and her mother the ocean. If you need a break from your war-fighting, heart thumping books, this 327 paged book is for you. It's a slow burn for sure.
I'm not one for romantic books and I still liked this book. I am so happy I bought and I am keeping this book.
Ever since I was little, I have fallen in love with the ideas of mermaids (or sirens, as some have called them). They are beautiful and mythical and quite honestly the root of my obsession of fantasy novels and movies. Anyone who knows me knows that, even though I am a poor swinner, I can't get enough of the siren folklore.
So when Kiera Cass, the author of "The Selection" Series that I liked well enough, writes a book with the title "Sirens" I literally didn't even hestiate and ordered it off Amazon to keep and to hold forever. I didn't actually read it for months and months because I had so many other books to read. But with patiently waiting for Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas, I decided to pick up this little 327 page book and I do not regret anything about it.
Kahlen is a siren. The ocean is her mother. She has three sisters at one time and together they are silent until the ocean calls them to sink a ship for her. The reasoning behind sinking ships and killing hundreds of people a year is because the ocean has to be able to have some to save thousands. Kahlen and her sisters absolutely hate the fact that they take lives, but the ocean promises that they will forget her after their 100 years is up and they are free to live as humans again.
Akinli runs into a mute-girl in the library and finds himself drawn to her even though he has never heard her voice. But she mysteriously vanishes after their first date until some months later when she washes up on the shore, upset and in a very fancy dress (which is strange since she is soaking wet).
After some unfortunate events, Akinli and Kahlen both end up very, very sick: both emotionally and physically. What is to blame? You'll have to read that to find out.
My heart hurt for not only these two characters, but for the sisters of Kahlen. For how can such a lovely ending be so brutal and cruel to my heart? I know that I am going through some things in real life over here, but... IDK this book was a short one in what I am used to reading but I absolutely adored it. I cry all the time in books and movies and... ever so I can't say that it is unusual but it felt different.
It is not a fast paced book. It is not a deep thinking book. It is merely a story of a siren and her mother the ocean. If you need a break from your war-fighting, heart thumping books, this 327 paged book is for you. It's a slow burn for sure.
I'm not one for romantic books and I still liked this book. I am so happy I bought and I am keeping this book.
October 28, 2024
[2.8⭐] 𝙇𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙖 de Kiera Cass es una novela fantástica de romance juvenil escrita en 2009. La historia se centra en Kahlen, una joven sirena obligada a servir a Oceanía durante cien años, atrayendo humanos a su destino final mediante su melodiosa voz ya que Oceanía se alimenta de ellos. Los planes de este ente se ven comprometidos cuando Kahlen comienza a enamorarse de Akinli, un joven amable y atractivo. Este amor pone en peligro a ambos, pero Kahlen no puede mantenerse alejada de él y hará hasta lo imposible para protegerlo.
Como he mencionado tantas veces, las sirenas son mis criaturas mitológicas favoritas, así que leo todos los libros en los que aparecen.
Es una historia fantástica que tiene una premisa muy original, así que tengo que elogiar bastante en aquel aspecto a la autora. Generalmente, casi todas las historias de sirena suelen ser las mismas, así que es bueno que haya mezclado elementos típicos de las sirenas y haya podido, aún así, escribir una trama original. Se puede presenciar la inspiración de Cass con el cuento original de 𝙇𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙖 de Hans Christian Andersen. En este caso, la autora ha optado utilizar el elemento de la ausencia de voz para reescribir la historia; aquí, las sirenas no pueden hablar con los humanos ya que se van directamente a su propia muerte al escucharlas (como si estuvieran en una especie de trance). Por ello, no puedo más que felicitar a la escritora.
Por otro lado, me temo que los personajes se me han hecho un tanto planos. Me llama la atención que a la protagonista no le importen sus familiares. Al inicio de la obra, muere toda su familia en frente de ella, pero a la joven no le importa ni en lo más mínimo. Uno esperaría a que llorara, se angustiara o cayera en una depresión, pero no es el caso. La muchacha los ve morir y asume su nuevo destino: servir como prisionera por cien años. En este aspecto, siento que a la escritora le faltó un poco más de desarrollo emocional.
Además, me he dado cuenta que la novela presenta errores de narración. En un momento, aparece en la narración que Kahlen escribió su nombre en un papel, pero parece que a la autora se le olvida que ha escrito aquello ya que, una página después, vuelve a narrar que escribe su nombre en un papel. Entiendo que es normal el olvidarse de lo que uno narra, pero el libro es del 2009 y me llama la atención que nadie haya arreglado esa parte.
También, la resolución del conflicto no logró convencerme del todo. Se me hace bastante extraño que haya podido saldar su deuda con Oceanía y no la haya matado siendo que ya le había dado varias advertencias. Entiendo que pueda ser un amor bastante fuerte, pero sigue sin calzarme del todo con su personalidad tan cruel (porque, hay que recordar, mata todo el tiempo a humanos y ha matado a muchas otras sirenas que no le han obedecido). De cierta manera, siento que hay algo que no logra encajar y que no tiene mucha coherencia.
Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝙇𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙖 no es un libro reflexivo o que tenga un gran mensaje oculto, simplemente sirve para entretener a los amantes de las sirenas y a los que quieren leer una linda historia de amor.
Como he mencionado tantas veces, las sirenas son mis criaturas mitológicas favoritas, así que leo todos los libros en los que aparecen.
Es una historia fantástica que tiene una premisa muy original, así que tengo que elogiar bastante en aquel aspecto a la autora. Generalmente, casi todas las historias de sirena suelen ser las mismas, así que es bueno que haya mezclado elementos típicos de las sirenas y haya podido, aún así, escribir una trama original. Se puede presenciar la inspiración de Cass con el cuento original de 𝙇𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙖 de Hans Christian Andersen. En este caso, la autora ha optado utilizar el elemento de la ausencia de voz para reescribir la historia; aquí, las sirenas no pueden hablar con los humanos ya que se van directamente a su propia muerte al escucharlas (como si estuvieran en una especie de trance). Por ello, no puedo más que felicitar a la escritora.
Por otro lado, me temo que los personajes se me han hecho un tanto planos. Me llama la atención que a la protagonista no le importen sus familiares. Al inicio de la obra, muere toda su familia en frente de ella, pero a la joven no le importa ni en lo más mínimo. Uno esperaría a que llorara, se angustiara o cayera en una depresión, pero no es el caso. La muchacha los ve morir y asume su nuevo destino: servir como prisionera por cien años. En este aspecto, siento que a la escritora le faltó un poco más de desarrollo emocional.
Además, me he dado cuenta que la novela presenta errores de narración. En un momento, aparece en la narración que Kahlen escribió su nombre en un papel, pero parece que a la autora se le olvida que ha escrito aquello ya que, una página después, vuelve a narrar que escribe su nombre en un papel. Entiendo que es normal el olvidarse de lo que uno narra, pero el libro es del 2009 y me llama la atención que nadie haya arreglado esa parte.
También, la resolución del conflicto no logró convencerme del todo. Se me hace bastante extraño que haya podido saldar su deuda con Oceanía y no la haya matado siendo que ya le había dado varias advertencias. Entiendo que pueda ser un amor bastante fuerte, pero sigue sin calzarme del todo con su personalidad tan cruel (porque, hay que recordar, mata todo el tiempo a humanos y ha matado a muchas otras sirenas que no le han obedecido). De cierta manera, siento que hay algo que no logra encajar y que no tiene mucha coherencia.
Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝙇𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙖 no es un libro reflexivo o que tenga un gran mensaje oculto, simplemente sirve para entretener a los amantes de las sirenas y a los que quieren leer una linda historia de amor.
will-never-read
August 13, 2016Another book I had on my TBR shelf for months and months...gone.
September 28, 2017
I hate to say this but even though the book wasn’t really bad, it wasn’t anything much else either. In other words, it was simply meh. Actually in retrospect, it was kind of bad. Just kind of. I couldn’t wait to finish it not because it’s compelling or anything. I just wanted to be over with it which I wasn’t expecting to be feeling because despite the Selection Series being a cheesy fairytale dystopia, I found the writing gripping and it’s why I liked it. I’m sad to say that that was a missing ingredient here in Ms. Kiera Cass’ standalone.
The premise is interesting enough but the totality of the parts to create a meaningful whole just failed to deliver. The dialogues and the humor were bland. The romance not very convincing which is sad since Siren is basically a romance novel attempting to disguise as an urban fantasy.
There wasn’t any color or complexity to the writing. The span of time the story supposedly covers wasn’t well explored. There wasn’t any real conflict. The Ocean, as a powerful entity like a sort of Titan should have been formidable and respectable but its personification wasn’t too far from that of a stereotyped stage mother. Even the job of the girls as Sirens seemed pointless although I guess it has to be that way since they simply have to sing and lure people to plunge to their deaths. Perhaps, that’s the only accurate thing presented in the book. How present day Sirens would actually live. They would party all night long. Lol.
Gah! I’m sorry about the really negative review but at least I didn’t dnf it. That means the book is still entertaining enough to be read until the end and at it has a happy ending so yay!
January 14, 2017
A pesar del orden de publicación, The Siren fue el primer libro que escribió Kiera Cass y eso se nota muchísimo en el estilo, la manera de escribir y el cómo nos cuenta la autora la historia. Pero bueno, antes de decirles de qué va The Siren, quiero contarles que la historia me sorprendió muchísimo. La aproximación de Kiera Cass a la figura mitológica de la sirena me dejó muy intrigada, pues no era para nada lo que me esperaba. Vamos, que suponía que iba a ser algo muy tipo La Sirenita de Disney con aventuras submarinas y demás... pero no. ¡Y fue increíble que no sucediera lo que me imaginaba!
The Siren empieza con un barco naufragando. En medio del caos, Kahlen termina separada de sus padres y a merced de las aguas del Océano. Nadando y deseando no morir, Kahlen pronto se encuentra con unas mujeres en el agua, quienes le dicen que puede vivir a cambio de entregar su vida durante cien años a los deseos del Océano. Kahlen acepta y así empieza su vida como sirena, un ser con una voz tan letal que cualquiera que la escuche perecerá en el Océano. Sin embargo, las sirenas en este libro pueden vivir una vida relativamente normal en la superficie, siempre y cuando ningún mortal escuche su voz.
Han pasado 80 años desde el naufragio y la verdadera historia en The Siren empieza cuando Kahlen está viviendo con sus hermanas (también sirenas) en Miami. Allí cada una hace lo que le plazca: salen a clubes por la noche, viven la vida loca y, en el caso de nuestra protagonista, van a la Universidad. Kahlen, quien durante 80 años ha cumplido con su deber de cantar en ciertas ocasiones para que los barcos naufraguen y el Océano se alimente de las víctimas, es una chica que vive una vida tranquila, sin llamar mucho la atención y, casi siempre, encerrada en su cabeza lamentando las vidas que ha quitado. Cierto día, mientras Kahlen está en la biblioteca, conoce a un chico, Akinli, que realmente ve a través de toda su belleza y se interesa genuinamente por ella. Le habla a pesar de que ella no puede responder y la mira como nunca antes nadie la ha mirado. Y es en ese momento en el que empieza el gran problema de The Siren, pues no hay nada que esté más prohibido para las sirenas que el enamorarse de un mortal, ya que el Océano es un ser demandante y no permitirá que sus sirenas amen a nadie más que no sea Ella.
Mientras leía The Siren no podía dejar de sonreír un poco pensando en lo hermosa que era la relación/no-relación de Kahlen y Akinli. Dado que Kahlen viene de los años 20 y Akinli es uno de esos pocos chicos que aún son enteramente románticos, sus interacciones eran una cosa de otro mundo. La conexión que se iba formando entre los dos era tan ingenua, pura y tierna que no podía dejar de desear a cada página que pasaba que Akinli fuera real. Ahora, con respecto a Kahlen... me identifiqué muchísimo con ella. Y no sólo por el hecho de que amara los libros. Kahlen es una chica tímida, que quiere uno de esos amores antiguos, que duren toda la vida y que te hagan querer abrazar, tocar y estar con esa otra persona cada minuto de tus días.
Pero bueno, más allá del aspecto romántico del libro (que tampoco es mucho, a pesar de lo que puedan creer), el universo sobre las sirenas que crea Kiera Cass es fascinante. El hecho de que sean sirvientes del Océano durante 100 años, el que ese ser las use para alimentarse de náufragos cada mes, el que puedan vivir una vida relativamente normal en la superficie, el que cuando entran al océano no tengan colas de pez... No sé, puede que estos sean elementos recurrentes en la mitología, pero el verlos aplicados a una época actual fue increíble.
Uno de los elementos que más me gustó de The Siren fue la gran cantidad de personalidades que albergaban las hermanas de Kahlen, las sirenas. Si bien la historia de Aisling es la que más me atrajo de todas, el saber un poco de la vida pasada de cada una de estas chicas atadas al Océano fue bastante refrescante, pues el libro de vez en cuando se hacía un poco lento. ¡Ahhh! Pero si hay algo que Kiera Cass hizo bien en The Siren fue hacernos sufrir. Por supuesto que esta mujer no nos va a regalar una historia de amor sin grandes fuerzas de la naturaleza, destinos escritos e inseguridades que intenten separar a Kahlen y Akinli.
Sobre el final del libro, empezamos a ver cómo Kahlen va transformándose y volviéndose esta mujer que va a pelear contra viento y marea por poder seguir a su corazón y no los dictados del Océano. ¡Ese es uno de los mejores puntos de la historia! El cambio en el personaje, a pesar del estado en el que se encuentra, nos demuestra lo fuerte que pueden ser los sentimientos y la cantidad de sacrificios que una persona (o una sirena) está dispuesta a hacer cuando ya ha encontrado a la otra mitad de su corazón.
En fin, que si sigo escribiendo seguro se me sale algún spoiler, pero el punto es que The Siren, a pesar de no ser -ni de lejos- el mejor libro de Kiera Cass, tiene una historia que se disfruta muchísimo, mitología que te sorprende, personajes que te enamoran y sentimientos que se quedan contigo hasta mucho después de haber leído la última página.
“Love is a risk worth taking.
I'd waited an eternity for this.
I'd have waited all over again if I had to.
I was meant to be kissed by this boy, designed to be held by him.
All the careful postures I held melted away, and I pulled him closer.
We were stars.
We were music.
We were time.”
The Siren empieza con un barco naufragando. En medio del caos, Kahlen termina separada de sus padres y a merced de las aguas del Océano. Nadando y deseando no morir, Kahlen pronto se encuentra con unas mujeres en el agua, quienes le dicen que puede vivir a cambio de entregar su vida durante cien años a los deseos del Océano. Kahlen acepta y así empieza su vida como sirena, un ser con una voz tan letal que cualquiera que la escuche perecerá en el Océano. Sin embargo, las sirenas en este libro pueden vivir una vida relativamente normal en la superficie, siempre y cuando ningún mortal escuche su voz.
Han pasado 80 años desde el naufragio y la verdadera historia en The Siren empieza cuando Kahlen está viviendo con sus hermanas (también sirenas) en Miami. Allí cada una hace lo que le plazca: salen a clubes por la noche, viven la vida loca y, en el caso de nuestra protagonista, van a la Universidad. Kahlen, quien durante 80 años ha cumplido con su deber de cantar en ciertas ocasiones para que los barcos naufraguen y el Océano se alimente de las víctimas, es una chica que vive una vida tranquila, sin llamar mucho la atención y, casi siempre, encerrada en su cabeza lamentando las vidas que ha quitado. Cierto día, mientras Kahlen está en la biblioteca, conoce a un chico, Akinli, que realmente ve a través de toda su belleza y se interesa genuinamente por ella. Le habla a pesar de que ella no puede responder y la mira como nunca antes nadie la ha mirado. Y es en ese momento en el que empieza el gran problema de The Siren, pues no hay nada que esté más prohibido para las sirenas que el enamorarse de un mortal, ya que el Océano es un ser demandante y no permitirá que sus sirenas amen a nadie más que no sea Ella.
Mientras leía The Siren no podía dejar de sonreír un poco pensando en lo hermosa que era la relación/no-relación de Kahlen y Akinli. Dado que Kahlen viene de los años 20 y Akinli es uno de esos pocos chicos que aún son enteramente románticos, sus interacciones eran una cosa de otro mundo. La conexión que se iba formando entre los dos era tan ingenua, pura y tierna que no podía dejar de desear a cada página que pasaba que Akinli fuera real. Ahora, con respecto a Kahlen... me identifiqué muchísimo con ella. Y no sólo por el hecho de que amara los libros. Kahlen es una chica tímida, que quiere uno de esos amores antiguos, que duren toda la vida y que te hagan querer abrazar, tocar y estar con esa otra persona cada minuto de tus días.
Pero bueno, más allá del aspecto romántico del libro (que tampoco es mucho, a pesar de lo que puedan creer), el universo sobre las sirenas que crea Kiera Cass es fascinante. El hecho de que sean sirvientes del Océano durante 100 años, el que ese ser las use para alimentarse de náufragos cada mes, el que puedan vivir una vida relativamente normal en la superficie, el que cuando entran al océano no tengan colas de pez... No sé, puede que estos sean elementos recurrentes en la mitología, pero el verlos aplicados a una época actual fue increíble.
Uno de los elementos que más me gustó de The Siren fue la gran cantidad de personalidades que albergaban las hermanas de Kahlen, las sirenas. Si bien la historia de Aisling es la que más me atrajo de todas, el saber un poco de la vida pasada de cada una de estas chicas atadas al Océano fue bastante refrescante, pues el libro de vez en cuando se hacía un poco lento. ¡Ahhh! Pero si hay algo que Kiera Cass hizo bien en The Siren fue hacernos sufrir. Por supuesto que esta mujer no nos va a regalar una historia de amor sin grandes fuerzas de la naturaleza, destinos escritos e inseguridades que intenten separar a Kahlen y Akinli.
Sobre el final del libro, empezamos a ver cómo Kahlen va transformándose y volviéndose esta mujer que va a pelear contra viento y marea por poder seguir a su corazón y no los dictados del Océano. ¡Ese es uno de los mejores puntos de la historia! El cambio en el personaje, a pesar del estado en el que se encuentra, nos demuestra lo fuerte que pueden ser los sentimientos y la cantidad de sacrificios que una persona (o una sirena) está dispuesta a hacer cuando ya ha encontrado a la otra mitad de su corazón.
En fin, que si sigo escribiendo seguro se me sale algún spoiler, pero el punto es que The Siren, a pesar de no ser -ni de lejos- el mejor libro de Kiera Cass, tiene una historia que se disfruta muchísimo, mitología que te sorprende, personajes que te enamoran y sentimientos que se quedan contigo hasta mucho después de haber leído la última página.
“Love is a risk worth taking.
I'd waited an eternity for this.
I'd have waited all over again if I had to.
I was meant to be kissed by this boy, designed to be held by him.
All the careful postures I held melted away, and I pulled him closer.
We were stars.
We were music.
We were time.”
March 2, 2023
totally loved this book. it was so different to the Selection Series but just as beautiful. Love will find a way ❤
Read
November 18, 2018
“Books were a safe place, a world apart from my own. No matter what had happened that day, that year, there was always a story in which someone overcame their darkest hour. I wasn't alone.”
Ugh... I could NOT bring myself to finish this book. I. Just. Couldn't. I got 35% and had enough! It's such a shame because I absolutely ADORED The Selection series. 'The Siren' couldn't even compete! Clearly, this is just not for me lol. It was way too slow and boring and really I didn't even like the plot! The whole book was just bland and incredibly predictive. It was also 100% Insta-Love rubbish. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
*Read at your own peril*
Ugh... I could NOT bring myself to finish this book. I. Just. Couldn't. I got 35% and had enough! It's such a shame because I absolutely ADORED The Selection series. 'The Siren' couldn't even compete! Clearly, this is just not for me lol. It was way too slow and boring and really I didn't even like the plot! The whole book was just bland and incredibly predictive. It was also 100% Insta-Love rubbish. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
*Read at your own peril*
September 12, 2017
This is a retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, and due to being fascinated and familiar with both the story and mermaid lore in general, this was a highly anticipated release for me. And, as you can probably guess from my rating, I was left a little disappointed.
I felt the story opened strongly. The reader is thrust straight into the heart of the action with no preamble and we oversee the death of the main protagonist's parents and her subsequent rebirth in mermaid form, all within the first few pages. I was immediately hooked! However, the plot, whilst not at all bland, felt drawn out with long periods of little action or forward movement and it led to me feeling a total disconnect with the characters. I was enjoying the story but I wasn't invested in it.
The main character, Kahlen, was likable enough but both her and her mermaid sisters seemed to fall into strict stereotypes that felt too rigid to be real. There was an inevitable love interest and an instantaneous attraction between the two that dominated much of the plot and I would have much preferred see the struggles in the family dynamic play out between these siblings of fate.
I loved how the Ocean was addressed in the novel. She was personified as a matriarchal governing body that relied on the souls of drowned bodies. It would have been very easy for her to be cast as the villain of the story but her eternal love and nurturing of her daughters made her endearing and her cause a complex one. This also brought into question who the villain exactly was and it was interesting to see the blurring of the good/bad binaries come into play.
Whilst not at all a bad book, I found this to be a forgettable one. It didn't gel with me, as a reader. and didn't appeal to any of my personal literary interests. Cass' writing is definitely far superior in her The Selection series than in this stand-alone and, was it not for that, I would be hesitant to read more of her work based solely on this example.
I felt the story opened strongly. The reader is thrust straight into the heart of the action with no preamble and we oversee the death of the main protagonist's parents and her subsequent rebirth in mermaid form, all within the first few pages. I was immediately hooked! However, the plot, whilst not at all bland, felt drawn out with long periods of little action or forward movement and it led to me feeling a total disconnect with the characters. I was enjoying the story but I wasn't invested in it.
The main character, Kahlen, was likable enough but both her and her mermaid sisters seemed to fall into strict stereotypes that felt too rigid to be real. There was an inevitable love interest and an instantaneous attraction between the two that dominated much of the plot and I would have much preferred see the struggles in the family dynamic play out between these siblings of fate.
I loved how the Ocean was addressed in the novel. She was personified as a matriarchal governing body that relied on the souls of drowned bodies. It would have been very easy for her to be cast as the villain of the story but her eternal love and nurturing of her daughters made her endearing and her cause a complex one. This also brought into question who the villain exactly was and it was interesting to see the blurring of the good/bad binaries come into play.
Whilst not at all a bad book, I found this to be a forgettable one. It didn't gel with me, as a reader. and didn't appeal to any of my personal literary interests. Cass' writing is definitely far superior in her The Selection series than in this stand-alone and, was it not for that, I would be hesitant to read more of her work based solely on this example.
November 7, 2012
Reviewed by Samantha Clanton, aka Harlequin Twilight for TeensReadToo.com
After reading this story, it is taking everything in me to not totally gush; it is that good. THE SIREN is the story of Kahlen, mostly, along with her sisters and the Ocean. A siren is a singer, a singer of the Ocean. In order to maintain herself, the Ocean must feed; sirens help her to do that.
Kahlen and her "sisters," Marilyn and Aisling, begin the story and you find out quite a lot of how sirens and their lives work. They are beautiful, they can live around regular humans, they can live semi-normal lives, but there's a catch - they cannot age, which means staying in one place for more than a few years isn't possible, and they cannot, under any circumstances, speak, laugh, scream, or make a sound outside of a sigh or breath around a human person.
There can be no more than four sirens at a time, and not everyone will choose to live the lives that these girls have agreed to. Their sentence is 100 years, after which the Ocean will return them and they will become normal again, and begin aging from whatever age they are frozen into (almost sounds like a dream come true at times). With only their "sisters" for company, it can become lonely, and for Kahlen that causes daydreams. That is, until one day while sitting on the beach she meets a man. He is beautiful, sad, lonely, in pain, and yet there is something about him that Kahlen can't let go.
The Ocean warns Kahlen that no matter what happens, those must stay daydreams and she cannot chance their secret by letting her fantasies run away with her. Kahlen decides she wants to make a difference and takes up sign language, which transforms into spending a few years at schools for the deaf teaching children, and later teenagers, that being deaf isn't always a bad thing.
Kahlen gets new "sisters," Miaka and Elizabeth, who help transform her into something better than she ever imagined she could be. Miaka is creative and she is also Kahlen's first "little sister," while Elizabeth is wild and crazy, and brings out the fun and slightly mischievous side of Kahlen. Aside from Aisling being withdrawn and bitter (think Mr. Scrooge), you don't know much about her for the most part, but she is a very important piece of Kahlen's puzzle.
Once this human, Akinli, enters Kahlen's world, nothing else seems to mean as much. Not even the secret that she is bound to keep, and with less than 20 years left on her sentence, will it all be destroyed because of this? Now Kahlen has found the one thing she has always wanted. Is the life she could have worth destroying the life she does have? Or can she have both?
More than anything, this is a story of love and hope. Whether that love be between sisters, family, lovers, strangers, or even love for yourself; it covers all the bases. Once I started, it was hard to stop, and I really didn't want this story to end. There were numerous parts where I actually found myself tearing up, and that never happens! Some of these situations made me want to become a siren, and then there would be a moment that broke my heart.
Kiera Cass may be a first-time author, but I pray this is not her only book. This is truly a beautiful story all the way through. I love the imagery; it is phenomenal and almost makes you feel like you're really there (and let me tell you, there were many times in the Ocean descriptions where the song Dark Blue by Jack's Mannequin got stuck in my head. Thanks Kiera!).
It's been a long time since I have seen a first-time author whose writing style is as beautiful as this, and she definitely has not only the talent to be a wonderful writer, but also the imagination to successfully tell a story that is not only entertaining, but also touching.
If there was one book that I would recommend this year so far, it would be THE SIREN. Just make sure you have time on your hands, because once you start you won't be able to stop until the very end. Even then, I flipped back and forth over the final pages, hoping that there would be more magically appear before my eyes. After all, this is a fantasy!
After reading this story, it is taking everything in me to not totally gush; it is that good. THE SIREN is the story of Kahlen, mostly, along with her sisters and the Ocean. A siren is a singer, a singer of the Ocean. In order to maintain herself, the Ocean must feed; sirens help her to do that.
Kahlen and her "sisters," Marilyn and Aisling, begin the story and you find out quite a lot of how sirens and their lives work. They are beautiful, they can live around regular humans, they can live semi-normal lives, but there's a catch - they cannot age, which means staying in one place for more than a few years isn't possible, and they cannot, under any circumstances, speak, laugh, scream, or make a sound outside of a sigh or breath around a human person.
There can be no more than four sirens at a time, and not everyone will choose to live the lives that these girls have agreed to. Their sentence is 100 years, after which the Ocean will return them and they will become normal again, and begin aging from whatever age they are frozen into (almost sounds like a dream come true at times). With only their "sisters" for company, it can become lonely, and for Kahlen that causes daydreams. That is, until one day while sitting on the beach she meets a man. He is beautiful, sad, lonely, in pain, and yet there is something about him that Kahlen can't let go.
The Ocean warns Kahlen that no matter what happens, those must stay daydreams and she cannot chance their secret by letting her fantasies run away with her. Kahlen decides she wants to make a difference and takes up sign language, which transforms into spending a few years at schools for the deaf teaching children, and later teenagers, that being deaf isn't always a bad thing.
Kahlen gets new "sisters," Miaka and Elizabeth, who help transform her into something better than she ever imagined she could be. Miaka is creative and she is also Kahlen's first "little sister," while Elizabeth is wild and crazy, and brings out the fun and slightly mischievous side of Kahlen. Aside from Aisling being withdrawn and bitter (think Mr. Scrooge), you don't know much about her for the most part, but she is a very important piece of Kahlen's puzzle.
Once this human, Akinli, enters Kahlen's world, nothing else seems to mean as much. Not even the secret that she is bound to keep, and with less than 20 years left on her sentence, will it all be destroyed because of this? Now Kahlen has found the one thing she has always wanted. Is the life she could have worth destroying the life she does have? Or can she have both?
More than anything, this is a story of love and hope. Whether that love be between sisters, family, lovers, strangers, or even love for yourself; it covers all the bases. Once I started, it was hard to stop, and I really didn't want this story to end. There were numerous parts where I actually found myself tearing up, and that never happens! Some of these situations made me want to become a siren, and then there would be a moment that broke my heart.
Kiera Cass may be a first-time author, but I pray this is not her only book. This is truly a beautiful story all the way through. I love the imagery; it is phenomenal and almost makes you feel like you're really there (and let me tell you, there were many times in the Ocean descriptions where the song Dark Blue by Jack's Mannequin got stuck in my head. Thanks Kiera!).
It's been a long time since I have seen a first-time author whose writing style is as beautiful as this, and she definitely has not only the talent to be a wonderful writer, but also the imagination to successfully tell a story that is not only entertaining, but also touching.
If there was one book that I would recommend this year so far, it would be THE SIREN. Just make sure you have time on your hands, because once you start you won't be able to stop until the very end. Even then, I flipped back and forth over the final pages, hoping that there would be more magically appear before my eyes. After all, this is a fantasy!
May 23, 2018
[4.5 stars] No one is more surprised than me how much I freaking loved this book.
Cass and I have a bit of a hit or miss relationship where I’m either 100% on-board fangirling… or throwing the book in disgust. Luckily, The Siren fell into the former category – something I wasn’t led to expect based on some brutal early reviews I read for the book. I have a theory as to why it caused such harsh reactions for fans of Cass’ work:
The book is less about the romance, where the main love interest is kept on the periphery for most of the book, and more about the relationship girl has with her sisters, mother ocean, and (most importantly) her heart. It’s a book filled to the brim with inner conflict as Kahlen struggled to come to terms with her lot in life and find her place in the world. I can see how most readers (misled by the romance-heavy nature of her previous series) might have gotten bored with the plot as it drifted further and further from the love story. As someone who is kind of sick of seeing the same recycled romance in YA, The Siren screamed to me something profoundly different and I enjoyed the shit out of it.
I think this is one I might actually want to reread. Certainly it deserves a spot in my collection (coveted and limited space at the moment). I don’t think it’s a book I could recommend with confidence because it’s a very specific, atypical YA that doesn’t fit the mold, but it definitely fit the bill as the refresh I needed in the genre.
Recommendations: I wouldn’t recommend this necessarily for fans of Cass’ other work because it satiates an entirely different craving. Instead I’d probably hand it to the lovers of those tragic “girls in pretty dresses in a slightly dystopia era” series (which I call “elegant dystopia”). I’d also hand this to someone expressly tired with typical YA romances.
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.nikihawkes.com
Other books you might like:
Cass and I have a bit of a hit or miss relationship where I’m either 100% on-board fangirling… or throwing the book in disgust. Luckily, The Siren fell into the former category – something I wasn’t led to expect based on some brutal early reviews I read for the book. I have a theory as to why it caused such harsh reactions for fans of Cass’ work:
The book is less about the romance, where the main love interest is kept on the periphery for most of the book, and more about the relationship girl has with her sisters, mother ocean, and (most importantly) her heart. It’s a book filled to the brim with inner conflict as Kahlen struggled to come to terms with her lot in life and find her place in the world. I can see how most readers (misled by the romance-heavy nature of her previous series) might have gotten bored with the plot as it drifted further and further from the love story. As someone who is kind of sick of seeing the same recycled romance in YA, The Siren screamed to me something profoundly different and I enjoyed the shit out of it.
I think this is one I might actually want to reread. Certainly it deserves a spot in my collection (coveted and limited space at the moment). I don’t think it’s a book I could recommend with confidence because it’s a very specific, atypical YA that doesn’t fit the mold, but it definitely fit the bill as the refresh I needed in the genre.
Recommendations: I wouldn’t recommend this necessarily for fans of Cass’ other work because it satiates an entirely different craving. Instead I’d probably hand it to the lovers of those tragic “girls in pretty dresses in a slightly dystopia era” series (which I call “elegant dystopia”). I’d also hand this to someone expressly tired with typical YA romances.
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.nikihawkes.com
Other books you might like:
June 22, 2016
1.5/5
It was my intention to write a more coherent review, but after months of not doing it I'm just pasting the notes I took while reading/directly after finishing. So I apologize for the slight stream of consciousness style review.
So much instalove. She met him. He was cute. They baked a cake together and of course she loves him forever and ever and can't live without him. Literally.
Also, Akinli's creepy candle wax burn was so ridiculously creepy. Seriously, GTFO of this book.
It felt more like a generic high school romance than a supernatural love story.
No plot happened except Kahlen's instalove with Akinli. Then, suddenly a crisis was crammed into the remaining 40 pages. Seriously, 80% of the book is boring. Would have actually been better as a novella, not enough substance for the full 325 pages it is.
Of course, MC falls into a depression a-la-Bella Swan for years when she can't be near him because it's just too much to be separated from her one true love that she's known for just a few hours.
And then there's the personified Ocean who switches between talking to them like the sirens are employees and then talks to them like they're BFFs. It was pretty weird at times.
While reading, this was hovering between 2 and 2.5 stars, but the last few pages were so worthy of eyerolling that I just had to lower the rating.
Where was the world building? Yes, it was based in the contemporary world, but there were still elements that the reader was supposed to accept because Cass didn't bother to explain it at all. How did the sirens originate? How did they come to be? It felt like the author didn't want to look up mythology and said, "They just do, kay?"
Would have been so much better without the romance at all. This could have been a fantastic 'girl power' story with the sirens as the focus and the dynamics of their friendship and the tragic job they must perform. The shipwreck scenes included were so brief, but they could have been so powerful. Instead, we got a creepy romance at the forefront with two dimensional supporting sirens in the background. Padma's story could have been SO good.
The 'crisis' included just felt so out of place, so disjointed and random, that it actually took away from whatever story there actually was.
The only positive I have is that this is a standalone and this story won't be dragged on any longer. The cover is also really pretty so two positives!
Thankfully, I checked it out of my library.
It was my intention to write a more coherent review, but after months of not doing it I'm just pasting the notes I took while reading/directly after finishing. So I apologize for the slight stream of consciousness style review.
So much instalove. She met him. He was cute. They baked a cake together and of course she loves him forever and ever and can't live without him. Literally.
Also, Akinli's creepy candle wax burn was so ridiculously creepy. Seriously, GTFO of this book.
It felt more like a generic high school romance than a supernatural love story.
No plot happened except Kahlen's instalove with Akinli. Then, suddenly a crisis was crammed into the remaining 40 pages. Seriously, 80% of the book is boring. Would have actually been better as a novella, not enough substance for the full 325 pages it is.
Of course, MC falls into a depression a-la-Bella Swan for years when she can't be near him because it's just too much to be separated from her one true love that she's known for just a few hours.
And then there's the personified Ocean who switches between talking to them like the sirens are employees and then talks to them like they're BFFs. It was pretty weird at times.
While reading, this was hovering between 2 and 2.5 stars, but the last few pages were so worthy of eyerolling that I just had to lower the rating.
Where was the world building? Yes, it was based in the contemporary world, but there were still elements that the reader was supposed to accept because Cass didn't bother to explain it at all. How did the sirens originate? How did they come to be? It felt like the author didn't want to look up mythology and said, "They just do, kay?"
Would have been so much better without the romance at all. This could have been a fantastic 'girl power' story with the sirens as the focus and the dynamics of their friendship and the tragic job they must perform. The shipwreck scenes included were so brief, but they could have been so powerful. Instead, we got a creepy romance at the forefront with two dimensional supporting sirens in the background. Padma's story could have been SO good.
The 'crisis' included just felt so out of place, so disjointed and random, that it actually took away from whatever story there actually was.
The only positive I have is that this is a standalone and this story won't be dragged on any longer. The cover is also really pretty so two positives!
Thankfully, I checked it out of my library.
February 7, 2017
Kiera Cass has that style to write books which are kind of cute and really easy to get into them but at some points everything turns out so predictive and nothing surprised me and specially in this book. In The Selection books I kind of read all of them really fast and I enjoyed them a lot, but The Siren I had to force myself a little bit to keep reading it and the plot was kind of cheesy. If there's something that I really liked was the relationship between the sisters but...sadly that's all. I enjoyed it mostly because it has the same style as The Selection and it makes you want to read more but the insta love and all the idea of sirens and everything going on there...just no.
July 11, 2018
Demasiados clichés en una historia tan corta, predecible y cursi hasta el cansancio.
September 21, 2009
Wow, Kiera Cass has such talent. She is definately an author to watch! The Siren covers decades all in 276 pages, and you never once find yourself bored, only overcome with a need to know what happens next. You grow with the characters and experience their life. The Siren had me crying at numerous points and I'm by no means a big crier in books. It wasn't just sad parts that had me crying either, I was tearing up over some of the happiest parts of the book. Parts of The Siren were so heartbreaking, but there were so many parts that were full of joy, happiness, and life. Every time I found myself putting it down, I was plotting how to find time to read more.
The first half was more about the life of a Siren, and what Kahlen and the others go through, but the second half sends you plunging head first into the perfect romance Kahlen finds with Aklini. Aklini is about the sweetest guy ever! You fall for him the moment he walks onto the page.
The characters Cass creates are just phenomonal. Even the minor characters that play a smaller part are so filled with life. Even the Ocean herself is a character; she speaks, breathes, and causes everything to happen. This sets The Siren apart from other books dealing with the same subject, and enhances it. Kahlen was such a strong character, and that was one of my favorite things about her. Strong female characters make everything better.
Cass's writing was such a joy to read. It was beautiful and was filled with hope, joy, and heartbreaking moments. The story she writes was so unique, and she simply draws you in. The Siren is a story to take you on a journey and stay in your heart. The Siren is a book for anyone who loves a story to get lost in. I cannot wait to see more works by Kiera Cass.
The first half was more about the life of a Siren, and what Kahlen and the others go through, but the second half sends you plunging head first into the perfect romance Kahlen finds with Aklini. Aklini is about the sweetest guy ever! You fall for him the moment he walks onto the page.
The characters Cass creates are just phenomonal. Even the minor characters that play a smaller part are so filled with life. Even the Ocean herself is a character; she speaks, breathes, and causes everything to happen. This sets The Siren apart from other books dealing with the same subject, and enhances it. Kahlen was such a strong character, and that was one of my favorite things about her. Strong female characters make everything better.
Cass's writing was such a joy to read. It was beautiful and was filled with hope, joy, and heartbreaking moments. The story she writes was so unique, and she simply draws you in. The Siren is a story to take you on a journey and stay in your heart. The Siren is a book for anyone who loves a story to get lost in. I cannot wait to see more works by Kiera Cass.
February 23, 2016
Release the gowns.
The name Kiera Cass is synonymous with young adult, instant love, cliche storylines and of course ballgowns. Her Selection series covers are absolutely stunning and considering the predicament her protagonist America finds herself in, are well suited to the storyline and a great representation. Her novels are perfect for early teen readers who love a fairytale romance. The Siren on the other hand managed to weave underwater ballgowns into the storyline and although I enjoyed it sporadically despite my rating, it really wasn't for me.
The storyline follows our protagonist Kahlen, pronounced Kaylynn according to Kiera Cass' Tumblr page. Kahlen was once a wealthy society girl, traveling the open seas with her parents when tragedy strikes. While those around her have perished, Kahlen is offered a lifeline. To join the sisterhood of singing Sirens or join her parents on the ocean floor. She wants to live and tentatively accepts the deal.
Fast forward eighty years and Kahlen is now a Siren, immortal and only twenty years from completing her role until another takes her place. Along with her sisters in Elizabeth, Miaka and the soon to be departed Aisling, Kahlen serves the Ocean in an emotional contract which sees her sing to to feed her thirst for human life. The Ocean is portrayed as an energy who owns the life of each Siren until her time of servitude is over. She's possessive and continues to brainwash her possessions that they are her property. Although ruling with with a firm and controlling hand, She is passive aggressive and uses the motion of Her waves to caress her Sirens to soothe them in their time of need.
The Ocean has now become a third party in the strangest love triangle I've come across.
Akinli is a quiet and intelligent college student, meeting Kahlen in the student library in which he works. Apart from a name that sounds more like a cocktail, he's actually the only likable character The Siren has to offer. Like her sisters, Kahlen is mute. She communicates using sign language for the fear of her musical voice luring others to their death. Of course Akinli finds this endearing and cake baking ensues.
Good times kids. Good times.
Alas, their relationship can never be and Kahlen leaves behind a heartbroken Akinli to devote herself to the Ocean once more. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder and it isn't long until Kahlen wants to return, confiding in her sisters about the absence of love of her life that is slowly destroying her spirit. If she returns to Miami, the Ocean will surely destroy the sea fairing Akinli as punishment, ensuring She has Kahlen's devotion.
That's quite the dilemma Kahlen.
What did surprise me is that The Siren isn't a new release, but a polished version of an earlier release. It had potential, but I feel the finer details of the storyline is what let The Siren down. The mythology behind the Sirens felt flimsy. Mythical beings that were said to have lured men to their deaths, their willpower stripped away and leaving girls who lacked both personality and distinguishing traits. The romance soon became the focal point of the storyline and rather than world building or introducing much needed mythology while the young loves were separated, what I found was little more than teen angst and pining away for a boy she has only just met.
#typicalcass
The overall storyline had a wonderful premise, a mythical and immortal being, a forbidden romance and obstacles to overcome. But the lack of world building, little to no character development felt as though it could have been mistaken for satire. For all it's faults and there were many many faults, I still couldn't put it down.
The name Kiera Cass is synonymous with young adult, instant love, cliche storylines and of course ballgowns. Her Selection series covers are absolutely stunning and considering the predicament her protagonist America finds herself in, are well suited to the storyline and a great representation. Her novels are perfect for early teen readers who love a fairytale romance. The Siren on the other hand managed to weave underwater ballgowns into the storyline and although I enjoyed it sporadically despite my rating, it really wasn't for me.
The storyline follows our protagonist Kahlen, pronounced Kaylynn according to Kiera Cass' Tumblr page. Kahlen was once a wealthy society girl, traveling the open seas with her parents when tragedy strikes. While those around her have perished, Kahlen is offered a lifeline. To join the sisterhood of singing Sirens or join her parents on the ocean floor. She wants to live and tentatively accepts the deal.
Fast forward eighty years and Kahlen is now a Siren, immortal and only twenty years from completing her role until another takes her place. Along with her sisters in Elizabeth, Miaka and the soon to be departed Aisling, Kahlen serves the Ocean in an emotional contract which sees her sing to to feed her thirst for human life. The Ocean is portrayed as an energy who owns the life of each Siren until her time of servitude is over. She's possessive and continues to brainwash her possessions that they are her property. Although ruling with with a firm and controlling hand, She is passive aggressive and uses the motion of Her waves to caress her Sirens to soothe them in their time of need.
The Ocean has now become a third party in the strangest love triangle I've come across.
Akinli is a quiet and intelligent college student, meeting Kahlen in the student library in which he works. Apart from a name that sounds more like a cocktail, he's actually the only likable character The Siren has to offer. Like her sisters, Kahlen is mute. She communicates using sign language for the fear of her musical voice luring others to their death. Of course Akinli finds this endearing and cake baking ensues.
Good times kids. Good times.
Alas, their relationship can never be and Kahlen leaves behind a heartbroken Akinli to devote herself to the Ocean once more. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder and it isn't long until Kahlen wants to return, confiding in her sisters about the absence of love of her life that is slowly destroying her spirit. If she returns to Miami, the Ocean will surely destroy the sea fairing Akinli as punishment, ensuring She has Kahlen's devotion.
That's quite the dilemma Kahlen.
What did surprise me is that The Siren isn't a new release, but a polished version of an earlier release. It had potential, but I feel the finer details of the storyline is what let The Siren down. The mythology behind the Sirens felt flimsy. Mythical beings that were said to have lured men to their deaths, their willpower stripped away and leaving girls who lacked both personality and distinguishing traits. The romance soon became the focal point of the storyline and rather than world building or introducing much needed mythology while the young loves were separated, what I found was little more than teen angst and pining away for a boy she has only just met.
#typicalcass
The overall storyline had a wonderful premise, a mythical and immortal being, a forbidden romance and obstacles to overcome. But the lack of world building, little to no character development felt as though it could have been mistaken for satire. For all it's faults and there were many many faults, I still couldn't put it down.
January 5, 2018
Una historia entretenida de un tema del que por algún motivo desconocido no es tan común en la literatura, sobre todo en la juvenil.
Una historia fresca y ligera en la que es sencillo seguir la trama y a las protagonistas, lo más curioso es el extraño papel que juega el mar, que va de la mano al ritmo que toma todo el libro.
De dio una bonita sensación veraniega desde el principio y hasta la última página, la historia de romance estuvo más o menos, al final la explicación fue un tanto apresurada e ilógica, tomando en cuenta las propias palabras de la protagonista, pero en general entretenida.
Una historia fresca y ligera en la que es sencillo seguir la trama y a las protagonistas, lo más curioso es el extraño papel que juega el mar, que va de la mano al ritmo que toma todo el libro.
De dio una bonita sensación veraniega desde el principio y hasta la última página, la historia de romance estuvo más o menos, al final la explicación fue un tanto apresurada e ilógica, tomando en cuenta las propias palabras de la protagonista, pero en general entretenida.
January 29, 2016
I cannot express how much I loved this book. Sweet. Heartwarming. THE SIREN is a story about many different kinds of love. I cried happy and sad tears. Once again, Kiera Cass delivered a tale that kept me reading late into the night. I can't explain it. Her books are sirens of their own.
May 19, 2017
“There’s always room for love. Even if it’s as small as a crack in the door.”
Oh, The Siren you had so much promise! Why didn't you live up to all your potential?
I have such mixed emotions about The Siren. I wanted to love this such much. I saw the beautiful hardcover book in the store and read the summary and I was instantly sold. It's my first book from Kiera Cass, so I won't be drawing any comparisons between this and The Selection series. This is also my first book about sirens and it just fell really flat most of the time.
Let me start on a positive note about what I did like. I actually loved the relationship between the sirens. It felt genuine and I loved the loyalty and friendship they had together. They completely had each other's backs, even if it might cost them something in return. I would like to see more books that highlighted this. I also found the relationship between Kahleen and The Ocean quite interesting. The idea that The Ocean loved these girls but that she was like an overbearing and controlling mother was very interesting and at times I felt a lot for Her. I also liked that it didn't fully focus on romance, there is romance in it but the love interest isn't even in the book that much. I was fine with that because the romance aspect was fairly forgettable.
So, where did this book not work for me? Well, the insta-love part was a little over-board for me (pun intended). I get that Kahleen might grow attached fairly fast since her world has been really isolated but I didn't really buy that Akinli would fall as fast. He was a fairly bland love interest, I would have liked some more developing between the characters. I also found the book repeated itself a lot and that can drive me mad. It's like it is reminding of big time and time again. After a couple reminders, I think we have it. I also understand why so many reviewers said this book is slow, it just is. I wasn't particularly bored but I certainly wouldn't have minded if it picked up its pace somewhere in the book, it didn't. If it had been anymore than 300 pages then I think I would have had even more issues with this one. The length was good for the fact it stayed pretty slow. I think the story had some interesting ideas and I would've liked to have seen it go much darker but that is just me. It's actually a fairy creepy premise.
In the end I gave this two stars because it's not something I'm going to remember. It wasn't awful but it wasn't that enjoyable for me either. I don't think I would've got this one in hardcover if I had known a little more about it, although the hardcover is quite beautiful. I can't really recommend this one but if you like Cass's other work than it might be worth it for you to check out. You probably won't remember it in a year but it's an ok way to kill a couple hours.
February 13, 2016
*3.5 stars*
March 29, 2016
REVIEW OF THE 2016 VERSION
Watch My Spoiler-Free Review on Youtube
http://youtu.be/vfIOQWCYeaE
Watch My Spoiler-ful Discussion on Youtube
https://youtu.be/yFIfXaQoAM4
I finished this book the day I received it, nearly a week and a half ago, and since then I have let this book marinate in my head and heart. This review IS SPOILER-FREE.
Though I did receive a free ARC, I was not paid or compensated in any way for this review. The thoughts and ideas are my own based on the book's content.
Two Versions
It’s really, really, REALLY no secret that I love the first version printed in 2009 The Siren. It was refreshing, it was exciting, it was everything I hoped for in a book. Though I loved it, it was flawed for mass production. So when it was announced that HarperTeen would pick it up for a rewrite for 2016, I was beyond ecstatic. Getting an ARC to read (& review) 40 days before the release was the only thing better. Now, the two versions should really be treated as separate entities. You can love both, or love one more than the other, and it’ll make no difference because they are separate on purpose. They are similar books, but not the same. Besides character names, the time setting, and a handful of landmarks, so much has changed, AND IT’S GOOD. Imagine having to return to your old school paper and projects from 6 years. There’s a million things you'd probably change with the time and resources, both because it wasn’t perfect the first time and also because you’ve improved over the past 6 years. This was a daunting task by Kiera Cass, and I’m impressed by the result.
Summary
Kahlen (pronounced Kay-lynn) is a girl born in the 1910s who was given a second chance at life after nearly drowning. The Ocean employs 3-5 young women as Sirens to sing ships to their doom (so the Ocean can eat the drowned victims and maintain vitality to serve the planet), just like out of a Greek myth (the sirens, not the Ocean eating people for energy). In exchange for 100 years of service, the sirens will forget their past lives as a Siren and finally have the life they were meant to live.
It’s a lonely existence with no human contact, but Kahlen has her Siren Sisters: Aisling, Miaka, and Elizabeth, bringing together girls of every age and every experience to learn from each other.
But Kahlen breaks the rules. By falling in love with a human, Akinli (pronounced Akin-lee, it rhymes with McKinley), the very species she's designed to kill, she risks her secret and both of their lives. The stakes are high (the water’s rough, but this love is ours) when even a single slip up could cost Kahlen and Akinli their lives.
Quotes
Kiera Cass’ true artistry will always be her well-formed interesting characters, and her memorable, beautiful, epic one-liner quotes. Some of these have already been teased:
-“I’d waited an eternity for this. I’d have waited all over again if I had to. I was meant to kiss this boy, designed to be held by him.” (There’s another line on this page which is even more beautiful and gasp-inducing).
-“Life is pointless. Love is pointless. And still, wouldn’t I do every second of it all over again?” “I’m guessing yes.“ “Undoubtedly. Yes.”
-“There’s always room for love. Even if it’s as small as a crack in the door.” (A very important quote, as you’ll see.)
There are so many more, it takes all I have NOT to tweet random lines from the book all day long.
Final Thoughts
The Siren covers so many topics, one *might* think it wouldn’t be able to do that effectively, but Kiera Cass finds a way. The topics include, no fewer than: social norms across times, diversity of experiences, abuse, sacrifice, ALL sorts of love (motherly, friendship, soulmate), the impact of nature on the world, and the impact of the world on nature, the balance of life, and loss. With supernatural and fantasy elements set in the modern world, including important friendships and relationships, this book is more than a romance, though that relationship is at the center of most of the book.
For fans of The Selection series, you’ll love learning about this new world, obsessing over the all-consuming romance, and pondering the theme that there are things worth fighting for because they are right.
For new readers of Kiera Cass, it’s a standalone book (no waiting for sequels!) and a perfect book-sized sampler of her work.
Watch My Spoiler-Free Review on Youtube
http://youtu.be/vfIOQWCYeaE
Watch My Spoiler-ful Discussion on Youtube
https://youtu.be/yFIfXaQoAM4
I finished this book the day I received it, nearly a week and a half ago, and since then I have let this book marinate in my head and heart. This review IS SPOILER-FREE.
Though I did receive a free ARC, I was not paid or compensated in any way for this review. The thoughts and ideas are my own based on the book's content.
Two Versions
It’s really, really, REALLY no secret that I love the first version printed in 2009 The Siren. It was refreshing, it was exciting, it was everything I hoped for in a book. Though I loved it, it was flawed for mass production. So when it was announced that HarperTeen would pick it up for a rewrite for 2016, I was beyond ecstatic. Getting an ARC to read (& review) 40 days before the release was the only thing better. Now, the two versions should really be treated as separate entities. You can love both, or love one more than the other, and it’ll make no difference because they are separate on purpose. They are similar books, but not the same. Besides character names, the time setting, and a handful of landmarks, so much has changed, AND IT’S GOOD. Imagine having to return to your old school paper and projects from 6 years. There’s a million things you'd probably change with the time and resources, both because it wasn’t perfect the first time and also because you’ve improved over the past 6 years. This was a daunting task by Kiera Cass, and I’m impressed by the result.
Summary
Kahlen (pronounced Kay-lynn) is a girl born in the 1910s who was given a second chance at life after nearly drowning. The Ocean employs 3-5 young women as Sirens to sing ships to their doom (so the Ocean can eat the drowned victims and maintain vitality to serve the planet), just like out of a Greek myth (the sirens, not the Ocean eating people for energy). In exchange for 100 years of service, the sirens will forget their past lives as a Siren and finally have the life they were meant to live.
It’s a lonely existence with no human contact, but Kahlen has her Siren Sisters: Aisling, Miaka, and Elizabeth, bringing together girls of every age and every experience to learn from each other.
But Kahlen breaks the rules. By falling in love with a human, Akinli (pronounced Akin-lee, it rhymes with McKinley), the very species she's designed to kill, she risks her secret and both of their lives. The stakes are high (
Quotes
Kiera Cass’ true artistry will always be her well-formed interesting characters, and her memorable, beautiful, epic one-liner quotes. Some of these have already been teased:
-“I’d waited an eternity for this. I’d have waited all over again if I had to. I was meant to kiss this boy, designed to be held by him.” (There’s another line on this page which is even more beautiful and gasp-inducing).
-“Life is pointless. Love is pointless. And still, wouldn’t I do every second of it all over again?” “I’m guessing yes.“ “Undoubtedly. Yes.”
-“There’s always room for love. Even if it’s as small as a crack in the door.” (A very important quote, as you’ll see.)
There are so many more, it takes all I have NOT to tweet random lines from the book all day long.
Final Thoughts
The Siren covers so many topics, one *might* think it wouldn’t be able to do that effectively, but Kiera Cass finds a way. The topics include, no fewer than: social norms across times, diversity of experiences, abuse, sacrifice, ALL sorts of love (motherly, friendship, soulmate), the impact of nature on the world, and the impact of the world on nature, the balance of life, and loss. With supernatural and fantasy elements set in the modern world, including important friendships and relationships, this book is more than a romance, though that relationship is at the center of most of the book.
For fans of The Selection series, you’ll love learning about this new world, obsessing over the all-consuming romance, and pondering the theme that there are things worth fighting for because they are right.
For new readers of Kiera Cass, it’s a standalone book (no waiting for sequels!) and a perfect book-sized sampler of her work.
June 29, 2016
Oh lord guys, this was bad. Like, really, really bad. I would have DNFd it at 20% except I had a snow day and the only other thing I had to do today was take a really long nap, which I probably should have done instead.
This read like a seventh grader's Twilight AU fan fiction, both the writing and the plot. The main character, Kahlen, fell in love with Akinli in literally three hours, and because of that her life was destroyed for YEARS. Also, Kahlen and Akinli are dumb YA names if I ever read them, so that didn't help the eye roll factor.
Also, Kahlen was basically a mope from the beginning, even before she met Akinli, and then after she meets him she's a SUPER MOPE. Also their whole relationship was so wholesome that it was really just bland. Like, there was nothing that defined Akinli as a character or made him stand out or demonstrated why Kahlen was so super in love with him. And then her whole ambition in life was to get married, and there was nothing else that she wanted, so I can only assume she fell in love so hard because Akinli was literally the first boy to ever talk to her.
I see a lot of people talking about how sweet her relationship with her sisters is, which I didn't get at all, because Kahlen spent the majority of the time with her sisters being sad by herself in her room. And the sisters were so one note - Elizabeth was "loose" and was totally slut-shamed throughout the entire book, and Padma was Indian and her portrayal was cartoony/borderline racist. Every time she spoke I cringed.
Also, the Sirens' deal with the Ocean is really ill-defined. So, the Sirens have to sing their song so boats will crash in order to feed the Ocean, but it never says what the consequences are if the Ocean isn't fed. Will all of the water fly out of the earth's atmosphere and land on the moon? Will all of the fish die? Also, why does the Ocean have to feed on humans? Why can't it be polar bears, or fish? I don't know, because they never say. The whole bad story had a terrible foundation.
On top of everything else, the writing style was just so simple. It felt like middle grade, not YA. The dialogue was really unnatural and never fell into a rhythm. There might have been a couple of attempts at humor but nothing landed at all.
It looks like a lot of people liked this, so I'm probably in the minority, but this is definitely the worst book I've read in 2016 so far. I liked The Selection for its silly novelty, but this has really soured me on Kiera Cass's writing. I don't think I'll be tempted to read any of her future books.
This read like a seventh grader's Twilight AU fan fiction, both the writing and the plot. The main character, Kahlen, fell in love with Akinli in literally three hours, and because of that her life was destroyed for YEARS. Also, Kahlen and Akinli are dumb YA names if I ever read them, so that didn't help the eye roll factor.
Also, Kahlen was basically a mope from the beginning, even before she met Akinli, and then after she meets him she's a SUPER MOPE. Also their whole relationship was so wholesome that it was really just bland. Like, there was nothing that defined Akinli as a character or made him stand out or demonstrated why Kahlen was so super in love with him. And then her whole ambition in life was to get married, and there was nothing else that she wanted, so I can only assume she fell in love so hard because Akinli was literally the first boy to ever talk to her.
I see a lot of people talking about how sweet her relationship with her sisters is, which I didn't get at all, because Kahlen spent the majority of the time with her sisters being sad by herself in her room. And the sisters were so one note - Elizabeth was "loose" and was totally slut-shamed throughout the entire book, and Padma was Indian and her portrayal was cartoony/borderline racist. Every time she spoke I cringed.
Also, the Sirens' deal with the Ocean is really ill-defined. So, the Sirens have to sing their song so boats will crash in order to feed the Ocean, but it never says what the consequences are if the Ocean isn't fed. Will all of the water fly out of the earth's atmosphere and land on the moon? Will all of the fish die? Also, why does the Ocean have to feed on humans? Why can't it be polar bears, or fish? I don't know, because they never say. The whole bad story had a terrible foundation.
On top of everything else, the writing style was just so simple. It felt like middle grade, not YA. The dialogue was really unnatural and never fell into a rhythm. There might have been a couple of attempts at humor but nothing landed at all.
It looks like a lot of people liked this, so I'm probably in the minority, but this is definitely the worst book I've read in 2016 so far. I liked The Selection for its silly novelty, but this has really soured me on Kiera Cass's writing. I don't think I'll be tempted to read any of her future books.
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