What do you think?
Rate this book
The Accidental Siren
Mara Lynn is the most beautiful girl in the world. James Parker is the ordinary boy who discovers her power.
James had his summer all planned out. He would enjoy the carefree days in the woods behind his castle home, avoid the maniacal Danny Bompensaro, and shoot an epic movie with his best friend Whit. But when he rescues a mysterious girl chained inside a normal suburban home, his summer collapses into a beautiful nightmare he'll never forget.
Told from the perspective of a man recalling his youth, The Accidental Siren is a twisted fairytale about young love, growing up in the 90s, and the frightening potential of infinite beauty.
James had his summer all planned out. He would enjoy the carefree days in the woods behind his castle home, avoid the maniacal Danny Bompensaro, and shoot an epic movie with his best friend Whit. But when he rescues a mysterious girl chained inside a normal suburban home, his summer collapses into a beautiful nightmare he'll never forget.
Told from the perspective of a man recalling his youth, The Accidental Siren is a twisted fairytale about young love, growing up in the 90s, and the frightening potential of infinite beauty.
243 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2012
50 people are currently reading
1365 people want to read
About the author
Jake Vander-Ark
6 books189 followers"I want to offend my readers. I want them to fall in love, to lose their minds, to think and feel and dream. If they're not shellshocked and hungry by the final page, I haven't done my job."
Whether it's a modern-day fairytale or hardcore science fiction, Jake Vander Ark attacks every story with brutal realism and down-to-earth characters. No subject is taboo. Truth is paramount.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago influenced the experimental quirks of his stories, while his pursuits in Hollywood hammered the importance of traditional storytelling. This unique fusion of structure and innovation gave life to the most beautiful girl in the world in THE ACCIDENTAL SIREN, the gritty morality tale of LIGHTHOUSE NIGHTS, the cryptic prologue of THE BRANDYWINE PROPHET, and the mind-melting climax of THE DAY I WORE PURPLE.
When Jake isn't writing, he's building rustic furniture for his small business, engaging with his readers online, and livin' it up with his dog. To see more of his creative work, check out www.vanderarkbooks.com.
Whether it's a modern-day fairytale or hardcore science fiction, Jake Vander Ark attacks every story with brutal realism and down-to-earth characters. No subject is taboo. Truth is paramount.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago influenced the experimental quirks of his stories, while his pursuits in Hollywood hammered the importance of traditional storytelling. This unique fusion of structure and innovation gave life to the most beautiful girl in the world in THE ACCIDENTAL SIREN, the gritty morality tale of LIGHTHOUSE NIGHTS, the cryptic prologue of THE BRANDYWINE PROPHET, and the mind-melting climax of THE DAY I WORE PURPLE.
When Jake isn't writing, he's building rustic furniture for his small business, engaging with his readers online, and livin' it up with his dog. To see more of his creative work, check out www.vanderarkbooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 2, 2017
Jake Vander Ark is one of the only self-published authors that I've read that I believe truly deserves to see a wide release. I've read his books and for the life of me, I can't see why he's not signed to a major publisher. Don't be fooled by this book's YA-ish ebook cover. It has definitely attracted readers, but to me this book is darker than any young adult fiction I've ever come across.
The story takes place during the eventful summer of 1994 in western Michigan as young James Parker just wants to make an awesome movie with his buddies. Everything changes when they meet Mara, the most beautiful girl in the world, who not only changes the course of their summer, but changes their lives forever. The book begins as your usual coming-of-age tale, but as each chapter rolls along, and the atmosphere builds, you slowly begin to realize that you are reading something much more twisted and extraordinary than you originally expected.
Vander Ark's prose is a huge part of why the book works so well. It's gorgeous and really carries you through this ultimately haunting story of obsession and growing-up the way a great book can. When he details the awesome scene where James and the other neighborhood boys are listening silently in the trees one night as the mysterious girl finishes her hypnotic singing lessons at home, he writes THIS magnificent line:
The book ultimately feels like something that Stephen King would be proud to write these days. You can find the ebook for free and if this review doesn't convince you to read the novel, then check out the plethora of 5-star reviews on its page. I can't wait to read more by this author! Check out his other novels as well: The Brandywine Prophet and Lighthouse Nights.
The story takes place during the eventful summer of 1994 in western Michigan as young James Parker just wants to make an awesome movie with his buddies. Everything changes when they meet Mara, the most beautiful girl in the world, who not only changes the course of their summer, but changes their lives forever. The book begins as your usual coming-of-age tale, but as each chapter rolls along, and the atmosphere builds, you slowly begin to realize that you are reading something much more twisted and extraordinary than you originally expected.
Vander Ark's prose is a huge part of why the book works so well. It's gorgeous and really carries you through this ultimately haunting story of obsession and growing-up the way a great book can. When he details the awesome scene where James and the other neighborhood boys are listening silently in the trees one night as the mysterious girl finishes her hypnotic singing lessons at home, he writes THIS magnificent line:
“The night seemed suddenly defiled by the absence of music, as if the silence itself was injecting a sickness that only another song could cure.”
The book ultimately feels like something that Stephen King would be proud to write these days. You can find the ebook for free and if this review doesn't convince you to read the novel, then check out the plethora of 5-star reviews on its page. I can't wait to read more by this author! Check out his other novels as well: The Brandywine Prophet and Lighthouse Nights.
August 7, 2012
I gave this book a 5 star rating, and here is why...
You know the part in Aladdin where the Genie says,
"PHEEEEEEEE - NOMEEEEEE - NALLLLLLL COOOOOOOOSMIC POWWWWWWWAHS!" ??
Well that's the only explanation that I could come up with as to how this book was that friggin good. lol He either laced the watering hole with the ceremonial kool-aid, or he was blessed by the gods with a ridiculously amazing talent for writing. I'm thinking both. haha ( I don't give out a five star rating lightly so it must have been hoodoo. lol)
I won't lie though, I was beyond hesitant to pick up this book. I dislike stories about pubescent young love. They do nothing for me because I have a hard time relating to the characters and everything seems rather perverse because it's an adult story that comes from the mouths of babes. I have a total disconnect and I just move on. However, a friend of mine read and reviewed the book and was falling all over her blog about it. And while I still had reservations, I scurried over and stalked out the author and decided it would be unfair of me, not to give it a shot. Now I can say that without a doubt, it was the best move I have made so far.
Right from the very first page I was intrigued. My fingers had a mind of their own and kept thumbing through the pages to absorb more. It felt as if I honestly couldn't get enough. Not only was I reading this twisted epic re telling of adolescence, but I was IN it. I wasn't in it in the traditional sense, but my whole reality was transformed into this world and I felt like part of it. It's an amazing feat for a writer to accomplish that level of intensity and he pulled it off. I applaud Jake Vander Ark for his abilities and his passion.
As I continued on with the book, I thought to myself, "What is it about Mara that makes her so desirable? Why is this girl so significant?". The only answer I could come up with, was that it felt like he was using Mara as a symbol of obsession to convey to the masses that there is always that one person/love that is our Achilles heel. The one we sacrifice everyone and everything for and we are too blinded with tunnel vision to realize how badly it's affecting the world around us.
I'm curious to know if when he was writing Mara, if he actually had a 12 yr old girl in mind. She was adolescent in the sense that she had whimsical female traits that are indicative to a young girl, but her mind was this cavernous hole of darkness and deceit. There were no bounds to her manipulation. Talk about chilling! She may have only been 12, but the experiences she had up to that point in her life were abusive and sick and when you experience things like that, you are forced to mature mentally. Your frontal lobe is drenched in steroids and your innocence is left struggling and weak. This turns you into a potentially lethal individual, and although Mara was sweet and adorable and fun, she was indeed what Vander Ark painted her as; a siren. At least that's my humble opinion anyway.
If Mara had a mantra, I believe this would be it. lol
"Bound in darkness you will hear my cry,
and long you shall till the day you die."
Those poor people didn't stand a chance!
The rest of the cast did amazing things for me. He nailed the bullies and the crazies. The jocks were typical. Whit, the best friend, was great! James - our leading man - was adorable and I just wanted to hug him. I could gush for hours about Livy, and Age, and the twins. but then it wouldn't be fun for you to discover them for yourself, so I digress. Vander Ark painted everyone so beautifully, that it felt like more than just his imagination. Almost as if they were actual memories and not fiction. I think the reason it felt so authentic and real, is because there was no holding back. A lot of people try to be politically correct in their writing so as not to offend anyone, but not him. He pulled out all the stops and it was as believable as an autobiography.
The scenes in the book were laid out perfectly too. I could see, hear, smell, and taste everything. I felt like I was in the middle of a movie. Literally. At one point, I was on set, in the middle of the creepiest action scene ever. I actually shivered and attempted to close my eyes because I didn't want to witness what I knew was coming. It was righteous! I like to think that I partook in the greatest movie never made. lol Think Carrie meets Final Destination meets The Pied Piper, and you have Mara wrapped in a beautifully horrific bow. Creepy, right?
I fell in love with this book because it achieved every goal that we as readers have for our beloved authors. I laughed, I cried, I contemplated, I cringed, and I questioned. Most importantly, I felt. I was an emotional roller coaster till the very end. No matter what page I was on, or what scene I was in, I felt everything. The lust and betrayal alone are enough to satiate your palate, but there is just so much more to experience. You can't read this book and tell me that you didn't feel something when you read it. It's highly improbable that anyone could.
You know the part in Aladdin where the Genie says,
"PHEEEEEEEE - NOMEEEEEE - NALLLLLLL COOOOOOOOSMIC POWWWWWWWAHS!" ??
Well that's the only explanation that I could come up with as to how this book was that friggin good. lol He either laced the watering hole with the ceremonial kool-aid, or he was blessed by the gods with a ridiculously amazing talent for writing. I'm thinking both. haha ( I don't give out a five star rating lightly so it must have been hoodoo. lol)
I won't lie though, I was beyond hesitant to pick up this book. I dislike stories about pubescent young love. They do nothing for me because I have a hard time relating to the characters and everything seems rather perverse because it's an adult story that comes from the mouths of babes. I have a total disconnect and I just move on. However, a friend of mine read and reviewed the book and was falling all over her blog about it. And while I still had reservations, I scurried over and stalked out the author and decided it would be unfair of me, not to give it a shot. Now I can say that without a doubt, it was the best move I have made so far.
Right from the very first page I was intrigued. My fingers had a mind of their own and kept thumbing through the pages to absorb more. It felt as if I honestly couldn't get enough. Not only was I reading this twisted epic re telling of adolescence, but I was IN it. I wasn't in it in the traditional sense, but my whole reality was transformed into this world and I felt like part of it. It's an amazing feat for a writer to accomplish that level of intensity and he pulled it off. I applaud Jake Vander Ark for his abilities and his passion.
As I continued on with the book, I thought to myself, "What is it about Mara that makes her so desirable? Why is this girl so significant?". The only answer I could come up with, was that it felt like he was using Mara as a symbol of obsession to convey to the masses that there is always that one person/love that is our Achilles heel. The one we sacrifice everyone and everything for and we are too blinded with tunnel vision to realize how badly it's affecting the world around us.
I'm curious to know if when he was writing Mara, if he actually had a 12 yr old girl in mind. She was adolescent in the sense that she had whimsical female traits that are indicative to a young girl, but her mind was this cavernous hole of darkness and deceit. There were no bounds to her manipulation. Talk about chilling! She may have only been 12, but the experiences she had up to that point in her life were abusive and sick and when you experience things like that, you are forced to mature mentally. Your frontal lobe is drenched in steroids and your innocence is left struggling and weak. This turns you into a potentially lethal individual, and although Mara was sweet and adorable and fun, she was indeed what Vander Ark painted her as; a siren. At least that's my humble opinion anyway.
If Mara had a mantra, I believe this would be it. lol
"Bound in darkness you will hear my cry,
and long you shall till the day you die."
Those poor people didn't stand a chance!
The rest of the cast did amazing things for me. He nailed the bullies and the crazies. The jocks were typical. Whit, the best friend, was great! James - our leading man - was adorable and I just wanted to hug him. I could gush for hours about Livy, and Age, and the twins. but then it wouldn't be fun for you to discover them for yourself, so I digress. Vander Ark painted everyone so beautifully, that it felt like more than just his imagination. Almost as if they were actual memories and not fiction. I think the reason it felt so authentic and real, is because there was no holding back. A lot of people try to be politically correct in their writing so as not to offend anyone, but not him. He pulled out all the stops and it was as believable as an autobiography.
The scenes in the book were laid out perfectly too. I could see, hear, smell, and taste everything. I felt like I was in the middle of a movie. Literally. At one point, I was on set, in the middle of the creepiest action scene ever. I actually shivered and attempted to close my eyes because I didn't want to witness what I knew was coming. It was righteous! I like to think that I partook in the greatest movie never made. lol Think Carrie meets Final Destination meets The Pied Piper, and you have Mara wrapped in a beautifully horrific bow. Creepy, right?
I fell in love with this book because it achieved every goal that we as readers have for our beloved authors. I laughed, I cried, I contemplated, I cringed, and I questioned. Most importantly, I felt. I was an emotional roller coaster till the very end. No matter what page I was on, or what scene I was in, I felt everything. The lust and betrayal alone are enough to satiate your palate, but there is just so much more to experience. You can't read this book and tell me that you didn't feel something when you read it. It's highly improbable that anyone could.
November 18, 2012
HOLY. CRAP.
That was just.....just.....JUST WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ????????
HOLY HELLISKI THAT WAS MIND-BLOWING.
I was like, "It's an okay book" but when it hit a certain part in it, I was like...a Zomb Ferret too lol. I just needed to know what happened. And it was DEEPLY rewarding. Like holy cow. What a climax of an ending. It was certainly edgy and something remarkable to read. I'm honored to have stumbled upon Jake Vander Ark's work. And I'll certainly be picking up a paper copy once I stumble upon it. I want to read the prologue and epilogue -- yes I read this on wattpad, mainly because I was curious and deeply amused how every review was like 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5, etc etc.
And where to start?
The characters were quite something. Each alive and a faithful reminder that kids can get like that. It was crazy. And it was played rather honestly. For those of you who read it will probably be going, "ARE YOU INSANE?" but I am right. I've seen such cruel sick actions depicted in this story. Oh it was just endearing. Vander Ark has a talent of allowing readers into loving a character SO much then twisting your heart to hate the living guts of the said character lol.
And the plot, while at first it was a bit hard to get into at first for me. It's probably because I've been doing NOTHING but essays as of late, so that's probably screwing with my feelings for this story. But honestly it was so honest. Well it played honest. Everything depicted in the story certainly felt real, like a mind-trip back to my own childhood when I was that age. It was crazy. It was hormones GALORE. It had sickening INSANITY. Most of all it was something that made you think about and reflect.
And good god the climax just left me breathless. Speechless even, as you saw at the beginning of this review. I was just stunned as the story transformed me along with its twists and turns. It was just amazing. I honestly thought I knew how something was going to happen and yet it turns completely upside-down.
ARGH YOU VANDER ARK AND YOUR AMAZING PLOT UNSEEABLE TWISTS.
But in all it was certainly a blast. I'm quite glad I read it. And I see hope in the writing world once more. It was new, dark, vibrant, edgy, stunning piece of work. I truthfully don't know how to describe or express it anymore but WOW.
Keep on writing Jake Vander Ark!
I look forward to reading the others you have on wattpad and adding them to my ever-growing book collection in the flesh....or rather in the paper. o3o
Thank you for an exciting new read! <3
Just.....WOW.
That was just.....just.....JUST WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ????????
HOLY HELLISKI THAT WAS MIND-BLOWING.
I was like, "It's an okay book" but when it hit a certain part in it, I was like...a Zomb Ferret too lol. I just needed to know what happened. And it was DEEPLY rewarding. Like holy cow. What a climax of an ending. It was certainly edgy and something remarkable to read. I'm honored to have stumbled upon Jake Vander Ark's work. And I'll certainly be picking up a paper copy once I stumble upon it. I want to read the prologue and epilogue -- yes I read this on wattpad, mainly because I was curious and deeply amused how every review was like 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5, etc etc.
And where to start?
The characters were quite something. Each alive and a faithful reminder that kids can get like that. It was crazy. And it was played rather honestly. For those of you who read it will probably be going, "ARE YOU INSANE?" but I am right. I've seen such cruel sick actions depicted in this story. Oh it was just endearing. Vander Ark has a talent of allowing readers into loving a character SO much then twisting your heart to hate the living guts of the said character lol.
And the plot, while at first it was a bit hard to get into at first for me. It's probably because I've been doing NOTHING but essays as of late, so that's probably screwing with my feelings for this story. But honestly it was so honest. Well it played honest. Everything depicted in the story certainly felt real, like a mind-trip back to my own childhood when I was that age. It was crazy. It was hormones GALORE. It had sickening INSANITY. Most of all it was something that made you think about and reflect.
And good god the climax just left me breathless. Speechless even, as you saw at the beginning of this review. I was just stunned as the story transformed me along with its twists and turns. It was just amazing. I honestly thought I knew how something was going to happen and yet it turns completely upside-down.
ARGH YOU VANDER ARK AND YOUR AMAZING PLOT UNSEEABLE TWISTS.
But in all it was certainly a blast. I'm quite glad I read it. And I see hope in the writing world once more. It was new, dark, vibrant, edgy, stunning piece of work. I truthfully don't know how to describe or express it anymore but WOW.
Keep on writing Jake Vander Ark!
I look forward to reading the others you have on wattpad and adding them to my ever-growing book collection in the flesh....or rather in the paper. o3o
Thank you for an exciting new read! <3
Just.....WOW.
October 5, 2012
We all have either met girls or heard of girls that are so gorgeous that every girl wants to be just like her and every boy wants to own her. I am very serious about the word "own". She is the epitome of sweetness and beauty that you can't help but want to keep all to yourself. I have actually known two girls like this. As kids they always looked like they were ten years older than they were. They weren't devolped like a woman, but it was like a woman was trapped in this angelic body. The Accidental Siren is about a girl just like this. Every boy that sees her is instantly in love and it is rather obvious that adult males feel her allure as well. All the young girls want to be her best friend. Girls tend to have a little more resistance to her power, but even the strong fall.
Mara had lived a rough twelve years. James meets her when he tries to purchase a video camera from her "aunt" whom you will learn has a very interesting past. Upon their first meeting, James discovers boys watching her from nearby trees and videotaping as well. The reason for their leering? Mara has a voice that entrances everyone, young and old, when she sings. Hearing her songs once will leave you craving more like a cocaine addict. James finds this very interesting, but is even more shocked when Mara sends a note flying from her bedroom window to him asking to meet later in secret. He literally gets in a fist fight over the note from one of the stalkers. This is just the beginning of things to come during one of the craziest summers of James's life.
I must say that this was a very strange story, but I couldn't put it down. I, like the characters in the book, was entranced with Mara's seemingly supernatural abilities. I kept reading out of a kind of morbid curiosity of what would happen next and how Mara may have caused it. I felt a sort of jealousy over this girl because I always wanted to be like her. Of course when you get to the ending, you will understand why I am actually happy not to have been like Mara.
Read more reviews at Identity Discovery Blog.
May 6, 2015
I feel like it's been a while since I've read a book that really sucked me into the story and made me feel something. This book did just that, though, and I already know I'll have trouble putting my thoughts about it into words.
It was beautifully written, with a creepy vibe that builds upon itself in a subtle way. I love how everything sort of ends ambiguously - some reasons are never explained, and I think that they work pretty well when left to the imagination.
I'll probably end up picking this one up in physical format, because I really want to support this author and I'm looking forward to reading the other books they've already written.
It was beautifully written, with a creepy vibe that builds upon itself in a subtle way. I love how everything sort of ends ambiguously - some reasons are never explained, and I think that they work pretty well when left to the imagination.
I'll probably end up picking this one up in physical format, because I really want to support this author and I'm looking forward to reading the other books they've already written.
February 27, 2019
I won this novel from the Goodreads giveaway and thank you for that.
The Accidental Siren Jake Vander-Ark
It is a great read. It reminds me of watching The Goonies or Stand by Me or perhaps Stranger Things. I enjoyed it mostly because it interests me and reminds me about growing up in many instances. However, a few things at the end threw me off. It is a good teenage love story.
The Accidental Siren Jake Vander-Ark
It is a great read. It reminds me of watching The Goonies or Stand by Me or perhaps Stranger Things. I enjoyed it mostly because it interests me and reminds me about growing up in many instances. However, a few things at the end threw me off. It is a good teenage love story.
March 23, 2015
A great coming-of-age story that is amusing in some sections and serious as all hell in others. It strikes a nice balance and the climax is vivid. There are also a lot of nice little surprises along the way. Looking forward to more from Jake Vander Ark.
July 16, 2012
Article first published as Book Review: The Accidental Siren by Jake Vander Ark on Blogcritics.
Review also posted on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
I received a free copy of The Accidental Siren for review purposes.
The Accidental Siren by Jake Vander Ark is a young adult debut set in Lake Michigan that follows twelve year-old James during the summer of 1994. This particular summer is unforgettable for young James since it is the year he experiences his first love. Beautiful and surreal, twelve year-old Mara is the object of every boy’s dream, yet her attraction goes beyond reality and touches on the supernatural.
Vander Ark successfully recreates 1994 for the reader by using references to popular artists, films, and trends of the time. He openly warns the reader of the prejudices that were still active in the early nineties; racial discrimination being an important subject in this novel. The Accidental Siren also explores the difficulties of growing up. James, a prepubescent boy when we meet him, struggles with his weight, hormones, and changing body as the summer progresses.
James, as a protagonist, is unreliable. As the frightening conclusion approaches, he does nothing to show us that he is affected by what he’s learned about Mara. At times, as is pointed out within the story, the reader is left wondering if James is in fact relaying the truth, or if everything we’ve learned from him is all an illusion caused by obsession.
There are moments where Vander Ark’s characters appear unrealistic. However, an older version of James reflects on particular events in certain chapters, reminding the reader that this is an adult’s retelling of a childhood memory.
Written in beautiful prose, Vander Ark’s tale warns of the perils of obsession. The setting is described using flawless metaphors that paint James's world in the reader's mind. The plot becomes more haunting with every chapter, effectively dragging the reader deeper into the story with every twist and turn.
Jake Vander Ark's debut is a wonderful book to read not just because of how original it is, but because the writing in itself is something magical that the reader can't detach him/herself away from.
Review also posted on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
I received a free copy of The Accidental Siren for review purposes.
The Accidental Siren by Jake Vander Ark is a young adult debut set in Lake Michigan that follows twelve year-old James during the summer of 1994. This particular summer is unforgettable for young James since it is the year he experiences his first love. Beautiful and surreal, twelve year-old Mara is the object of every boy’s dream, yet her attraction goes beyond reality and touches on the supernatural.
Vander Ark successfully recreates 1994 for the reader by using references to popular artists, films, and trends of the time. He openly warns the reader of the prejudices that were still active in the early nineties; racial discrimination being an important subject in this novel. The Accidental Siren also explores the difficulties of growing up. James, a prepubescent boy when we meet him, struggles with his weight, hormones, and changing body as the summer progresses.
James, as a protagonist, is unreliable. As the frightening conclusion approaches, he does nothing to show us that he is affected by what he’s learned about Mara. At times, as is pointed out within the story, the reader is left wondering if James is in fact relaying the truth, or if everything we’ve learned from him is all an illusion caused by obsession.
There are moments where Vander Ark’s characters appear unrealistic. However, an older version of James reflects on particular events in certain chapters, reminding the reader that this is an adult’s retelling of a childhood memory.
Written in beautiful prose, Vander Ark’s tale warns of the perils of obsession. The setting is described using flawless metaphors that paint James's world in the reader's mind. The plot becomes more haunting with every chapter, effectively dragging the reader deeper into the story with every twist and turn.
Jake Vander Ark's debut is a wonderful book to read not just because of how original it is, but because the writing in itself is something magical that the reader can't detach him/herself away from.
July 29, 2012
Wow.
There are honestly no words to describe the genius that is "The Accidental Siren." It's one of the best, most original books I've read in so long, with a hooking premise, memorable characters, and the perfect ending that you won't see coming from a mile off...and yet when you stop to think about it, you'll realise it couldn't have rounded off any other way. Jake Vander Ark manages to recreate the summer of '94 so well with his enchanting prose that you'll actually feel as though you're there in the moment with the main character, twelve-year-old James Parker.
This book is a must-have for anyone, regardless of what genres you usually read. There's something for everyone here - from humour to suspense to romance in the form of young love. It's mind-blowing and haunting, and it'll leave you wondering about the true nature of certain characters long after you turn the last page.
There are honestly no words to describe the genius that is "The Accidental Siren." It's one of the best, most original books I've read in so long, with a hooking premise, memorable characters, and the perfect ending that you won't see coming from a mile off...and yet when you stop to think about it, you'll realise it couldn't have rounded off any other way. Jake Vander Ark manages to recreate the summer of '94 so well with his enchanting prose that you'll actually feel as though you're there in the moment with the main character, twelve-year-old James Parker.
This book is a must-have for anyone, regardless of what genres you usually read. There's something for everyone here - from humour to suspense to romance in the form of young love. It's mind-blowing and haunting, and it'll leave you wondering about the true nature of certain characters long after you turn the last page.
July 11, 2012
Absolutely incredible. From the very first page it's deeply engaging, exciting, fun, mystical and whimsical. It's contemplative and introspective (even long after it's done.) The book is deftly eerie and beautifully twisted; there is a perfect mesh of serenity and hysteria. Every detail of every character has a purpose, every theme and motif is so effortlessly intertwined in the rope that is this book-- every fiber of that rope is one whole piece that can be traced back; not one string is cut or frayed.
In other words, this book is brilliant and ittook my breath away. If you don't read it, you're really missing out on something great.
Jake Vander Ark
In other words, this book is brilliant and ittook my breath away. If you don't read it, you're really missing out on something great.
Jake Vander Ark
April 19, 2013
Let me be the first to say (or I don't know if I'm the first, I actually didn't read any of the other reviews from this site), that I didn't expect to love this book as much as I do. There's a certain characteristic that the good authors have, and though I haven't figured out their secret power yet, it's rare. It lets the readers get sucked into the story, and it does not ease up until you have finished completely, and after you've told the author and your family and friends and anyone who will listen to you about these characters who are suddenly so real, you don't know what to do.
This book has been so fantastic, and I'll surely be buying it soon enough.
This book has been so fantastic, and I'll surely be buying it soon enough.
October 16, 2012
The best books are the ones you can't stop reading. You just have to know what is going to happen next. The Accidental Siren is all of that. Vander Ark has created a story that you can't stop reading with characters that you love and hate. James, the leading character, is adorable and you just want to hug him. Mara is alluring and psychotic all at the same time. I love complex characters and all of these were point on in their multi-layered personalities.
I have to admit I was reluctant to read this story. I don't enjoy pubescent love stories. They don't call to me even though I do enjoy a good adolescent sci-fi or fantasy story. I guess the throw back to romance in those awkward days are just too much for my damaged teenage psyche. This story is different in that you can relate to difficulties of the young people in a way that reminds you it wasn't just you that had troubles in your teens.
Vander Ark is a talented writer with a wonderful gift for crafting with the written word. I am excited that he has chosen to write as a means for his passion. I look forward to reading his other books and finding more great gems from this young man.
I have to admit I was reluctant to read this story. I don't enjoy pubescent love stories. They don't call to me even though I do enjoy a good adolescent sci-fi or fantasy story. I guess the throw back to romance in those awkward days are just too much for my damaged teenage psyche. This story is different in that you can relate to difficulties of the young people in a way that reminds you it wasn't just you that had troubles in your teens.
Vander Ark is a talented writer with a wonderful gift for crafting with the written word. I am excited that he has chosen to write as a means for his passion. I look forward to reading his other books and finding more great gems from this young man.
Read
December 23, 2014BRILLIANT
I'm not much for reviews (as you'll find this one is disappointingly short) but this is such a wonderful book and deserves the highest form of praise. I mean wow. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this novel. It's fantastically written, has an excellent plot, and is a real page-turner (I literally didn't put it down for like 50gazillion hours, lol). After reading this book I just had to sit down and think and breathe and take it all in because my mind was blown (patiently waiting on the sequel *wink* *wink* Jake). One statement of advice before reading (and you should read it. you won't regret it, I promise.): expect the unexpected.
(Oh and congratulations Jake, I first read this book on wattpad and I had to buy it. I wish you all the success in the world! This is truly a fantastic story and I'll be looking out for the rest of your work in the future. I'm positive you won't disappoint ;) Best of luck my friend, you truly deserve it.)
I'm not much for reviews (as you'll find this one is disappointingly short) but this is such a wonderful book and deserves the highest form of praise. I mean wow. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this novel. It's fantastically written, has an excellent plot, and is a real page-turner (I literally didn't put it down for like 50gazillion hours, lol). After reading this book I just had to sit down and think and breathe and take it all in because my mind was blown (patiently waiting on the sequel *wink* *wink* Jake). One statement of advice before reading (and you should read it. you won't regret it, I promise.): expect the unexpected.
(Oh and congratulations Jake, I first read this book on wattpad and I had to buy it. I wish you all the success in the world! This is truly a fantastic story and I'll be looking out for the rest of your work in the future. I'm positive you won't disappoint ;) Best of luck my friend, you truly deserve it.)
July 29, 2012
This was absolutely creative and intriguing. When you think one thing is going to happen, something else does. The fun of reading is not knowing what is going to happen. It's unpredictable and original. I could read this story over and over again no matter what.
You can really connect to the characters in the story. It made me feel all kinds of things. I would recommend this to anyone no matter what kind of books they read because honestly.. It's hard not to love this story! Reading this was possibly the best choice I ever made.
You can really connect to the characters in the story. It made me feel all kinds of things. I would recommend this to anyone no matter what kind of books they read because honestly.. It's hard not to love this story! Reading this was possibly the best choice I ever made.
March 7, 2013
What in the heck was that?!? I can't even begin to describe how much this book pulled me in. Things start out rather ho-hum, then an inexplicable gesture from an old lady sets in motion a series of, well, indescribable events. I can't give anything away, but let's just say the ending is one that would make Stephen King grin from ear to ear.
July 29, 2012
AMAZING! Simply AMAZING. There are no other words to describe it. Beautifully twisted and breath-takingly well written, "The Accidental Siren" will leave you on the edge of your seat long after you finish reading the last page.
July 30, 2012
This book by Jake Vander Ark is amazing. This book grabs your attention straight away. The storyline develops brilliantly, it was very difficult to put the book down! I will definitely read this again and again! This is a great book that I would recommend to everyone.
September 13, 2016
This book seriously, desperately, needs an editor. There were grammatical mistakes, sentences left completely unfinished, the syntax itself carried a pretentiousness that only amateurs bring to the table, and whether this was the fault of the author or not, the ebook was nauseatingly improperly formatted. (Would split the middle of a sentence into a new paragraph for nearly every sentence)
There were also continuity errors galore. One minute Mara and James would be having a conversation in the living room, only for the next sentence to state that they were in James' room.
The characters themselves ranged from 2 dimensional caricatures to mildly interesting, sometimes.
The plot needs to be reigned in. The first 2/3 of the book were boring as all hell, and quite honestly pointless. It was literally 170 pages of how mysteriously attractive a 12 year old girl was. The tons of pages dedicated to the hill and the dreams and the "I need to go now goodbye forever" stunt Mara pulls was weird and entirely unnecessary as it's never explained what the point of all that was, what it meant, what it was supposed to be for Mara, and ultimately what it did for her (which was, apparently, nothing). The parts that aren't dedicated to a 22 year old narrator looking back on his youth by fetishizing a 12 year old were spent on the movie he made with his friends during the summer that the narration takes place. This movie was boring to read about and doesn't even end up doing anything for the plot. In fact, the main character literally abandons the entire project. The last 60 or so pages were actually quite well written, which is the only reason I'm giving it two stars instead of one. I suppose I just think there should have been more pay off for all the built up forced-down-our-throats "mysteriousness" that was Mara. Yes, we find out in the end that she's a literal siren, with all the murderous tendencies included, but where did it come from? Why did the narrator build up hype for a few seconds about wanting to get to the bottom of what Mara is but never again question that very plot point ever again? What was the point of this story without the core question on everyone's mind of what Mara is and where she /actually/ comes from? And what was Mara's motive, did she consciously or subconsciously kill boys that fell under her spell? Why didn't she kill/try to kill Whit and James? Why only select few?
Another pressing issue is the age of these characters. They should have been aged up to make them at least high school freshmen. The author states in his bio that he likes to offend his readers, which is another classic amateur label, but two 12 year olds having sex is entirely unnecessary and honestly just uncomfortable. Brutalizing the kitten was a pointless enough grab at controversy.
That all being said, there were a few things I liked about the book.
I liked the liberal agenda of being anti-racism, as you don't see that in YA, and especially not from boy-narrator-coming-of-age stories.
I liked the setting. It was a cool and unique location, the castle, and despite the continuity errors, I felt like I could picture it well.
I also liked the quote in one of the earlier chapters where Whit and James say they think Luke Skywalker is a whiny little brat as I have been saying that my whole life. Excellence.
And I liked the idea of a literal siren in realistic fiction. A swell idea. I just wish it was made the actual plot of the story, as it was promised to me by the synopsis, the narrator, and the title.
But other than that, boy, as an editor do I want nothing more than to get my hands all over this... manuscript.
There were also continuity errors galore. One minute Mara and James would be having a conversation in the living room, only for the next sentence to state that they were in James' room.
The characters themselves ranged from 2 dimensional caricatures to mildly interesting, sometimes.
The plot needs to be reigned in. The first 2/3 of the book were boring as all hell, and quite honestly pointless. It was literally 170 pages of how mysteriously attractive a 12 year old girl was. The tons of pages dedicated to the hill and the dreams and the "I need to go now goodbye forever" stunt Mara pulls was weird and entirely unnecessary as it's never explained what the point of all that was, what it meant, what it was supposed to be for Mara, and ultimately what it did for her (which was, apparently, nothing). The parts that aren't dedicated to a 22 year old narrator looking back on his youth by fetishizing a 12 year old were spent on the movie he made with his friends during the summer that the narration takes place. This movie was boring to read about and doesn't even end up doing anything for the plot. In fact, the main character literally abandons the entire project. The last 60 or so pages were actually quite well written, which is the only reason I'm giving it two stars instead of one. I suppose I just think there should have been more pay off for all the built up forced-down-our-throats "mysteriousness" that was Mara. Yes, we find out in the end that she's a literal siren, with all the murderous tendencies included, but where did it come from? Why did the narrator build up hype for a few seconds about wanting to get to the bottom of what Mara is but never again question that very plot point ever again? What was the point of this story without the core question on everyone's mind of what Mara is and where she /actually/ comes from? And what was Mara's motive, did she consciously or subconsciously kill boys that fell under her spell? Why didn't she kill/try to kill Whit and James? Why only select few?
Another pressing issue is the age of these characters. They should have been aged up to make them at least high school freshmen. The author states in his bio that he likes to offend his readers, which is another classic amateur label, but two 12 year olds having sex is entirely unnecessary and honestly just uncomfortable. Brutalizing the kitten was a pointless enough grab at controversy.
That all being said, there were a few things I liked about the book.
I liked the liberal agenda of being anti-racism, as you don't see that in YA, and especially not from boy-narrator-coming-of-age stories.
I liked the setting. It was a cool and unique location, the castle, and despite the continuity errors, I felt like I could picture it well.
I also liked the quote in one of the earlier chapters where Whit and James say they think Luke Skywalker is a whiny little brat as I have been saying that my whole life. Excellence.
And I liked the idea of a literal siren in realistic fiction. A swell idea. I just wish it was made the actual plot of the story, as it was promised to me by the synopsis, the narrator, and the title.
But other than that, boy, as an editor do I want nothing more than to get my hands all over this... manuscript.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2013
Originay posted on Inkspiration
When I snagged this book off the Kindle store, for free, I didn't really think much of it. I'd read an early version of Lighthouse Nights, another one of Vander Ark's novels, on Wattpad and gotten to know him and his writing fairly well. Or so I thought.
This book completely surprised me. The beginning is set well, the way you'd expect it to go out (not that that's a bad thing), however it soon turns very dark. When I say dark, I don't mean murder mystery dark, but make you think and question kind of dark.
The themes of beauty, romance, and attraction ring very true. I mean, if there truly was a girl who was beautiful beyond all others, these events aren't far-fetched. There are some truths in this novel that I didn't even want to face. Imagines of both the boys in the trees, and of Livy at Mara's window, are some that will never leave me.
Setting his main characters at the early middle schooler age puts the reader in an interesting position along with the characters. James and Whit weren't young enough to still think girls have cooties, but they weren't old enough to be high school lust hungry men, either. As James states throughout the novel, Mara changes him. She matures him too early.
James was very intriguing. His overall journey from the boy who only wants to direct, to the boy who wants to be different, to the boy who's lost and doesn't know what to think is phenomenal. There are plenty of moments that could have made me hate James, but as the third person narrator reminds us again and again, most of this story isn't James' fault. He isn't impenetrable.
This brings me to my second point about James. I loved him most in his small moments, his vulnerable moments. There I was caught up in when Mara and James meet alone, and I found myself wondering what is James thinking about? "Mara didn't care about my weight", Vander Ark writes. It's this insecure thought, this small moment, that stuck with me.
Above all, Vander Ark is true to his characters and reality. The blurb about a real life siren might make it seem like a book which escapes real life, but in essence, it depicts this world in a much better more realistic way than many other more grounded plot-based books.
When I snagged this book off the Kindle store, for free, I didn't really think much of it. I'd read an early version of Lighthouse Nights, another one of Vander Ark's novels, on Wattpad and gotten to know him and his writing fairly well. Or so I thought.
This book completely surprised me. The beginning is set well, the way you'd expect it to go out (not that that's a bad thing), however it soon turns very dark. When I say dark, I don't mean murder mystery dark, but make you think and question kind of dark.
The themes of beauty, romance, and attraction ring very true. I mean, if there truly was a girl who was beautiful beyond all others, these events aren't far-fetched. There are some truths in this novel that I didn't even want to face. Imagines of both the boys in the trees, and of Livy at Mara's window, are some that will never leave me.
Setting his main characters at the early middle schooler age puts the reader in an interesting position along with the characters. James and Whit weren't young enough to still think girls have cooties, but they weren't old enough to be high school lust hungry men, either. As James states throughout the novel, Mara changes him. She matures him too early.
James was very intriguing. His overall journey from the boy who only wants to direct, to the boy who wants to be different, to the boy who's lost and doesn't know what to think is phenomenal. There are plenty of moments that could have made me hate James, but as the third person narrator reminds us again and again, most of this story isn't James' fault. He isn't impenetrable.
This brings me to my second point about James. I loved him most in his small moments, his vulnerable moments. There I was caught up in when Mara and James meet alone, and I found myself wondering what is James thinking about? "Mara didn't care about my weight", Vander Ark writes. It's this insecure thought, this small moment, that stuck with me.
Above all, Vander Ark is true to his characters and reality. The blurb about a real life siren might make it seem like a book which escapes real life, but in essence, it depicts this world in a much better more realistic way than many other more grounded plot-based books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2018
This book pretty much redefined my definition of 'good' and has possibly spoiled future books for quality. Thanks for the amazing read, I won't be forgetting this one for a long time.
December 23, 2016
This book is wonderfully written, moving, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. The story-within-a-story format is subtle--just enough of it to offer the perspective of a grown man looking back on his adolescence, without being disruptive or intrusive to flow of the story. Vander Ark really gets into the minds of characters, in a way that suggests to the reader that he remembers exactly what it was like to be an adolescent boy, with all of the mixed up emotions, self-doubts, emerging sexuality, and hopes for the future. I wouldn't normally choose to read a story told from the first-person perspective of a young boy, but I've read all of Vander Ark's other books and just knew I had to read this one, and will read anything and everything he writes in the future.
It's suspenseful, although not in the first couple of chapters. It picks up quickly and becomes a real page-turner, with plot twists and turns. The words melancholy and bittersweet--but hopeful--come to mind. Parts of it are disturbing, and there is one scene involving a pet that almost made me want to stop reading, but it was integral to the plot and not just a gratuitously violent event, and I was invested in the story and enjoying the writing so much that the thought about possibly stopping was just a fleeting one.
There was something that I didn't like about the book, but it was very personal to my own experiences growing up. The characters' experiences of bullying, some emotionally abusive and sexist elements, the dynamic of being popular and well-liked versus different, misunderstood, and at times feeling powerless, were triggers that brought me back to some traumatic elements of my own adolescence. But that also shows how well-developed and realistic-feeling the characters are, and how engrossing the story is. I'm glad it didn't stop me from finishing the book. I would have missed out on the experience of adding another beautifully written and moving story to my favorites shelf.
It's suspenseful, although not in the first couple of chapters. It picks up quickly and becomes a real page-turner, with plot twists and turns. The words melancholy and bittersweet--but hopeful--come to mind. Parts of it are disturbing, and there is one scene involving a pet that almost made me want to stop reading, but it was integral to the plot and not just a gratuitously violent event, and I was invested in the story and enjoying the writing so much that the thought about possibly stopping was just a fleeting one.
There was something that I didn't like about the book, but it was very personal to my own experiences growing up. The characters' experiences of bullying, some emotionally abusive and sexist elements, the dynamic of being popular and well-liked versus different, misunderstood, and at times feeling powerless, were triggers that brought me back to some traumatic elements of my own adolescence. But that also shows how well-developed and realistic-feeling the characters are, and how engrossing the story is. I'm glad it didn't stop me from finishing the book. I would have missed out on the experience of adding another beautifully written and moving story to my favorites shelf.
October 10, 2012
Originally posted at A Little Bit of R&R Reviews
Okay...I usually like to write a synopsis with my review but I'm feeling quite incompetent right now. Why is it that really awesome books always turn me into a bumbling idiot? I really enjoyed this book. It's written as James' memoir and he writes about the time that he met Mara, who is the siren in this book. I feel like James' character was well written. He really sounds like a 12 year old and I find it refreshing. I notice too often with other books that characters' voices don't always match their age. The development of each character made me feel like I knew them. I like knowing more about the rest of the characters instead of just the main ones.
The story line was good. At first I thought it was a little drawn out, but I realized at the end that it was all necessary. This was more of a "young" romance novel. If you're looking for steamy, this isn't the book for you. I would have liked more of the paranormal aspect. There were some major turn of events at the end that I did not see coming...especially the last paragraph. Overall, it was a good read and I definitely recommend it. This is totally unrelated to my rating of the book but I couldn't imagine Mara as a blonde. I kept picturing her as a raven haired beauty. I had to constantly yell at myself and say "hey, that's not right."
This face pretty much sums up my reaction LOL.
Okay...I usually like to write a synopsis with my review but I'm feeling quite incompetent right now. Why is it that really awesome books always turn me into a bumbling idiot? I really enjoyed this book. It's written as James' memoir and he writes about the time that he met Mara, who is the siren in this book. I feel like James' character was well written. He really sounds like a 12 year old and I find it refreshing. I notice too often with other books that characters' voices don't always match their age. The development of each character made me feel like I knew them. I like knowing more about the rest of the characters instead of just the main ones.
The story line was good. At first I thought it was a little drawn out, but I realized at the end that it was all necessary. This was more of a "young" romance novel. If you're looking for steamy, this isn't the book for you. I would have liked more of the paranormal aspect. There were some major turn of events at the end that I did not see coming...especially the last paragraph. Overall, it was a good read and I definitely recommend it. This is totally unrelated to my rating of the book but I couldn't imagine Mara as a blonde. I kept picturing her as a raven haired beauty. I had to constantly yell at myself and say "hey, that's not right."
This face pretty much sums up my reaction LOL.
August 10, 2016
There is no other book that exemplifies obsession like The Accidental Siren. It is a mixture of many classics, from Greek legends of seductive sirens to a mixture of Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury. But in the heart of it all, it is the story of a boy whose life is ruined --although not completely realised by him-- by a girl considered "the most beautiful girl in the world."
It is the kind of book that is slow in aspects, but super quick in other parts of the novel. A lot of the themes revolve around the concept of beauty, jealousy and obsession. The characters undergo growth --every last one of them-- and there is little in common from the beginning of the character to the end. Loyalties are tested, battles are fought, but the true villain belongs to the girl who causes it all. We watch the characters fall apart, change for the worse, go at great lengths for her.
The characters are a great mix. None of them are brainless, and the protagonist, James, is possibly my favourite of them all. He has true morals, and a clear consequence for his actions and reactions. Different races, ages and personalities are reflected in this book, with no character seen as one-dimensional.
Some of the novel was a little too quick, in my opinion, while others felt rushed. However, the last chapter was absolutely perfect; hauntingly so. The effect never wears off. No matter where the characters run, the effect of Mara Lynn will remain. It will follow them forever, this obsession.
May 2, 2014
I was apprehensive of reading this, really the summary didn't sound like something I would typically go for, when you bring in potentially supernatural elements to a story, it can go bad easily, but the writer balanced it well. I really enjoyed this story partly because I had little to no clue what was about to happen next. I really liked to side character Livy, especially the offbeat way she handled her insecurities. I do wish that the whole hill scene would have been delved into deeper, it doesn't feel like that whole angle was explored well enough. What was unique about this story is the siren herself, usually a character with a supernatural level of beauty or allure, the second you read it, you understand the shtick. Yeah sure she's totally beautiful, but she's a total bitch, yeah she can hypnotize people with her voice, but it's because she's a witch. There is no obvious play on this, and a character that leaves you actually wanting to guess, makes for a very entertaining read. Is she just an innocent kid? Is she conniving? Is she oblivious? I would really love to see a sequel to this.
October 5, 2012
I read this book for Promotional Book Tours. This book is definetly not what I was expecting. This book had twists and turns that I never saw coming.
James is 12 yrs old and falls for a young girl his own age. Everyone loves Mara too. James is constantly fighting others for her attention.
James spends the summer making a movie with his friends. While making the movie he also has to deal with bullies, and protecting Mara. Things are not always as they seem. Sometimes you need to look deeper and find the truth. It's hard to imagine one girl could have so many people fight for her attention/love.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. There is so much more I'd love to say in this review but I don't want to give anything in the book away. This is definetely the type of book you read, suggest your friends read and then discuss it with them. It would be a great book club book.
James is 12 yrs old and falls for a young girl his own age. Everyone loves Mara too. James is constantly fighting others for her attention.
James spends the summer making a movie with his friends. While making the movie he also has to deal with bullies, and protecting Mara. Things are not always as they seem. Sometimes you need to look deeper and find the truth. It's hard to imagine one girl could have so many people fight for her attention/love.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. There is so much more I'd love to say in this review but I don't want to give anything in the book away. This is definetely the type of book you read, suggest your friends read and then discuss it with them. It would be a great book club book.
September 27, 2012
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This was an amazing story! I was drawn in from the very beginning, starting with James Parker and his undertaking to make his first movie. Then my curiosity was peaked with the introduction of Mara Lynn into the story. I couldn’t comprehend how this young girl could draw so much attention from the inside of a home. This story has many twists and turns, the characters are so realistic, I’m sure you will connect with at least one of them. For me, it was Whit, being disabled myself and a computer geek, I totally got him. I also grew with a best friend and had a very similar relationship as Whit and James had. This will be one of my favorite reads this year! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
December 2, 2012
This was one interesting book! The book was told by James Parker as he wrote a book about the summer he was 12 years old. James was an inspiring filmmaker and was making a film over the summer to enter in a art festival. The readers are introduced to James' family and friends in a way that makes you feel like you are there. We are also introduced to Mara, a beautiful girl who has a special gift almost like putting everyone that meets her under a spell. Mara has lived a secret life that gets unfolded by James when he visits a house to by a camera. The book continues to have many twists that keep you turning the page to find out what will happen next. First loves, fighting off bullies and making a movie, all things that James experiences at twelve and has changed his life forever.
July 17, 2012
This was the first book I read by Jake Vander Ark, and I've been hooked to his books ever since. There was something about his writing that drew me in and kept me wanting to read more about James. As the story went on and we met Mara, more things started happening, started building on one another. The end was incredible and riveting. I never would have expected it from the beginning, but it was the perfect ending. There were so many little touches in the plot that made the ending as great as it was. Frankly, it was an utterly brilliant story, and you won't regret reading it, that I can promise you!
June 19, 2015
Fiction Captivating. A beautifully written, mesmerizing tale. This is the kind of story that will stay with you forever. It feels like A Prayer for Owen Meany with a little bit of horror thrown in for good measure. Don't disregard it because of the low number of readers. I'm not an ARC reader and I'm normally quite stingy with my 5 stars.
This book is for adults, not teens, due to .
This book is for adults, not teens, due to .
June 24, 2016
This is one of those rare gems that doesn't let you pin it down along the way. Is it an autobiography? It seems like it very well could be. Pure fantasy? It's possible. It comes across so realistically that the key magical moments are all the more potent. It struck me as a more youthful sort of Steven King or Clive Barker story and kept me enticed all the way through. The line between reality and fantasy was so perfectly blurred that even the most rational of readers will end up contemplating the sorcery of a certain siren's song.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews