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Oct 06, 2013 G.J. Griffiths rated it really liked it

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The book does not fall into a genre that I would normally read and so I was not surprised to find that I did not enjoy The Siren's Tale. The story moves continuously, and at times confusingly, from past to present with a multitude of characters. I found the first chapter rather long and tedious, even though I realised that it was meant to be an introduction to provide some history of the sirens. Such a long and detailed exposition is not the best way of pulling in this reader’s attention and I w The book does not fall into a genre that I would normally read and so I was not surprised to find that I did not enjoy The Siren's Tale. The story moves continuously, and at times confusingly, from past to present with a multitude of characters. I found the first chapter rather long and tedious, even though I realised that it was meant to be an introduction to provide some history of the sirens. Such a long and detailed exposition is not the best way of pulling in this reader’s attention and I would have preferred much of this to emerge as the tale progressed. However, I was relieved to find the book is well written by an obviously talented author – such a treat in the growing world of poorly crafted indie books.

This is a story that takes sirens of Greek mythology and places them into the modern world - and it is well done. Most of the story takes place in the early twentieth century and involves Cassandra, one of the last remaining sirens in the world. She has to battle with the inner conflict between her two life forces, that of siren against human nature. Whereas a siren is described as an “unrepentant pagan spirit”, unwilling to conform, with a ravenous sexual appetite and magical power, the loving and rewarding relationships that Cassandra experiences throughout her life constantly force her to realise a change of heart.

Let me state at this point that I am not a prude, and as a child of the 1960s who read the unexpurgated versions of D H Lawrence, and who recently enjoyed novels of Anthony Burgess I am difficult to shock. But I find the frequent use of crude expletives in the narrative of a book very disappointing – and they are liberally scattered about in this novel. The use of crude profanity in the dialogue is to be expected sometimes and I find that generally acceptable as it conveys reality. In the narrative I feel it detracts from the overall quality of the book.

The Siren’s Tale can be recommended to those readers who enjoy paranormal erotic romance. It has humour, believable settings and powerful characters, with a hint of magic. It reminds me very much, in parts, of the novels of Dennis Wheatley who I read and enjoyed as a young adult. Even though it is not my kind of read nowadays I considered giving this book 5 stars because it so well done in so many areas, but, because of the lack of subtlety in the narrative describing so many sensual scenes, it finished up with 4 stars from me.

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Jun 30, 2013 D.R. rated it it was amazing

Anne Carlisle combines erotic, siren-infused romance with a fictional view of rustic frontier Wyoming in THE SIREN’s TALE, the second book in the HOME SCHOOLING TRILOGY. The dominance of the educated, cunning, and alluring sirens over their male conquests makes Carlisle’s novel a staple on the nightstand of female readers seeking steamy paranormal passion. However, the story also contains abundant suspense, capable of pulling readers of all genres anxiously through the novel -- page to page, cha Anne Carlisle combines erotic, siren-infused romance with a fictional view of rustic frontier Wyoming in THE SIREN’s TALE, the second book in the HOME SCHOOLING TRILOGY. The dominance of the educated, cunning, and alluring sirens over their male conquests makes Carlisle’s novel a staple on the nightstand of female readers seeking steamy paranormal passion. However, the story also contains abundant suspense, capable of pulling readers of all genres anxiously through the novel -- page to page, chapter to chapter.

The second book begins in 1977 with Chloe Vye providing a history lesson on the family’s siren heritage to her cousin, Marlena Bellum, in order to influence Marlena’s decision to keep her unborn child and their siren lineage progressing into the 20th century. The spirit of Chloe’s deceased mother and the book’s main character, Cassandra Vye, assists with providing the lesson. The history lesson flashes back to 1900 in Alta, Wyoming where a dazzling, red-haired Cassandra is cursed by a religious zealot in the small community for her role in breaking up the wedding plans of a young couple. Cassandra possesses a siren’s power to willingly lure men to her side, but opts to use the power sparingly, preferring they come to her freely. As Cassandra serially consumes and loses lovers, she becomes aware of the deadly nature of the curse she’d been given. Many close to Cassandra ultimately meet their demise.

Pregnant with the bastard son of her dead lover, Cassandra flees Alta for the bright theatre lights of San Francisco. She gives up her firstborn son to adoption and becomes a successful actress, taking the stage name of Nevada Carson. It is the offspring of this son and his Native American wife who later reenters the story with a biter hatred of his now deceased grandmother and her family. Chloe and Cassandra succeed in convincing Marlena to keep her baby and the family’s siren legacy alive, but it is clear that troubles still lie ahead and Cassandra’s curse will live on. Readers are advised to stay tuned for Book 3.
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Jul 29, 2013 Vickie Britton rated it really liked it

You expect cowboys in the frontier West, or maybe the ghost of a saloon girl... but sirens? Though paranormal is not my usual fare, I was drawn into the interesting premise of this novel. The author successfully draws from mythology and literature to create her world. Since sirens are mostly known for causing tragedy, any human must beware! An enticing read, especially for those who enjoy a paranormal romance.

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