Book Review: Wake

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

"I'm a mermaid?"
"We're sirens."
"What's the difference?"
"Well, for starters, mermaids don't exist, and we do."
p.160, Wake ARC

For what it is worth, Hocking creates an interesting siren myth based on actual Greek myths with a few little tweaks. But it was odd how Hocking went to all the trouble of making a line in the sand, so to speak, regarding mermaids vs. sirens, and it just flies out the window not even a chapter or two later.

Final Verdict:

I tried to go into Wake with little to no expectations. But after enjoying the Trylle series so much, it was a bit hard. Once I figured out that we were dealing with sirens, not mermaids, that took Wake to another level. Unfortunately, there was nothing groundbreaking about this read. An interesting myth, sure. But never once was I surprised by the turn of events. All in all, it felt a bit flat. Right now, I am not sure where I stand with this series. I am willing to give the next book a try. Hopefully, the next installment will add that something that I am looking for.

Kate

Kate is the co-blog owner of The Book Monsters. I am a twenty-something year old who is passionate about reading. I currently hold a B.A. in English and am married to my high school sweetheart. We have two (cat) children, Gracie and Kit, who are total divas. I have an insane and possibly unhealthy passion for reading. You can usually find me with my nose buried in a book.

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