Wake by Amanda Hocking

Posted August 9, 2012 | 41 Comments

Wake by Amanda HockingWake
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: Watersong #1
Published by: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Format: Paperback
Pages: 309
Source: Publisher

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

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.

As some of you may know, I’m a huge Hocking fan.  I first discovered her books when I bought my first Kindle almost two years ago.  I was hooked!  I devour every book of hers as soon as they are released.  Here’s the thing, though, I’ve never read a book with the whole mermaid/siren thing going on.  I’ve seen a lot of them around, but they just haven’t appealed to me.  However, I knew as soon as I saw Wake that it was going to be my first in the genre.  Admittedly, there was a little fear that I wouldn’t like it because of the siren theme.  But you know what?  I should have learned by now not to doubt Amanda Hocking, because this book was really good!

First of all, I’m not going to use the word “mermaid” anymore in regards to this book, because these are sirens.  And yes, there’s a difference.  In fact, these sirens were way on the creepy psycho side, which was a big plus for me.  For the most part, I like my creatures creepy and my villains villainous.  The author lets the reader know right from the start that these are not sweet docile creatures – they are downright dangerous.

Gemma is the star swimmer at her high school, and even has aspirations of going to the Olympics.  She feels at home in the water, but her favorite place to swim is out in the bay at night.  I really liked Gemma and her sister Harper.   Harper is older, and will be off to college once the summer is over.  She’s pretty uptight, but I thought it was kind of funny when she would get annoyed by people, especially Daniel.  Speaking of Daniel, I loved every scene he was is.  He’s funny and sexy – can’t get much better than that.  As much as I liked Alex, Gemma’s hot geeky neighbor/boyfriend, I didn’t feel like I got as much from him as I did the other characters.  And then there is Marcy, who is probably my favorite character besides Daniel.  She was so blunt and anti-social, that it cracked me up whenever she said anything.

I really like the format of Wake, the way it was wrote from both Gemma and Harper’s POV.  There is just something about Amanda Hocking’s writing that makes it so easy to get into the story.  And Wake was no exception.  I also thought the ending was done well.  It’s a cliffhanger, but it’s in a good way.

Overall, I thought this was a great introduction to a genre that was new to me.  I’m so excited, because the 2nd book, Lullaby, will be out in November of 2012.  Now I won’t have to wait long to find out what happens to Gemma!  I definitely recommend this book, especially for people who haven’t tried a mermaid/siren book yet.

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You can listen to the entire 1st chapter of Wake HERE!

 

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41 responses to “Wake by Amanda Hocking”

  4. Stephanie

    I’m falling in love with the cover more every time I see it! I’m so excited for Wake. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  6. Liz

    I love Amanda Hocking too! That’s funny how you said two years ago, cause that’s around the time I got my kindle and the Trylle trilogy was one of the first books I read. I also have a friend – a guy! – who LOVES Amanda Hocking. I can’t wait to send this post to him so he can enter too!

    I love your review, and I’m super excited to read this!

    Liz recently posted: Release Day Party/Giveaway: Long Time Coming by Jennifer James
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  11. Candace

    I have on read her very first self pubbed book and it might have been like right when it first came out. I didn’t love it, it was pretty rough going for me. But obviously her books must get better cause shes done so well. And then all these traditionally published books are most definitely going to be edited well. I have the first two in the Trylle trilogy, now I need to read them. I’m so glad this one lived up to expectations too!

    Candace recently posted: Gregg Olsen lunch and Port Gamble walking tour event recap.
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  12. Gale Nelson

    thanks for the giveaway. Amanda is one of my favotire writers and I look forward to getting my hands on this book.

    Reply
  15. Kelly

    I really wanna read this one. Love the trailer. I just finished Of Poseidon and now want to read another mermaid story.

    Reply
  26. alicia marie

    I’ve read this as an ebook and really enjoyed it! Wouldn’t mind having a hard copy too : ) Thanks for the giveaway!!

    Reply
  38. Cheles Bells

    I’ve been a huge fan of Amanda ever since I stumbled upon my free copy of Hollowland! I have Wake, but haven’t gotten to it yet – I’m looking forward to it even more now that I’ve read your review. Great review and giveaway!

    Cheles Bells recently posted: Intangible by J. Meyers
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