Review: Wake by Amanda Hocking

Title: Wake
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Age Group: Young Adult
Category:  Fantasy/ Romance
Release date: August 7th, 2012
Pages: 309 (ARC)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Source: Review
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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

Upon the first few chapters, we learn that our main character, Gemma, is a strong and determined young swimmer on the track to the Olympics and nothing will get in her way of that--not even her dad's rules or her sister's complaints.  After all, the only reason that Harper cares so much about her sister is because boys have mysteriously gone missing and being the older of the two, she feels the need to protect her, but Gemma takes midnight dips in the bay with no concern about that.  When Gemma unknowingly catches the interest of three mysterious girls, she begins to find herself in more trouble than she could have ever imagined.

I found Wake to be a fun and interesting read; perfect for summer and any lover of mythological creatures.  The characters, while mostly entertaining, were a little difficult to relate to at times.  While I liked Gemma, I instantly developed hard feelings for Harper, who seemed to do nothing but nag.  Once the reader learns what happened to their mother, it's easy to understand why she does act so protective, but it's still hard for me to empathize with her.  Out of all the characters, it's pretty easy for me to say that I fell in love with Gemma and Harper's love interests the most.  The romances were simple, but so sticky sweet.

After what Gemma thought would be another ordinary night swimming near the cove, she's faced with two very difficult and very crucial decisions.  Either way, nothing will be the same and she'll have to say goodbye to everyone she's ever cared for.  Whether or not she'll be able to is the real question.  It all comes down to kill or be killed.

The author did an incredible job telling this ominous tale about three very beautifully disturbing Sirens and how they came to be, how they try to take what's not theirs and leave people brokenhearted.  Wake was easy to follow and perfectly-paced with no unnecessary parts strewn about.  Being interested in Sirens and Greek mythology for a while, I'm very pleased with the story overall and can't wait to find out more.