The Siren's Tale

Home Schooling #2

by Anne Carlisle

Cassandra, a smart siren in human form, can have any man she wants. So long as she wants him dead. Told in part by the ghost of the main character, the story follows Cassandra's headlong pursuit of passion in the hinterlands of the Old West, where she comes into conflict with a powerful curse, which passes down the generations. Cassandra has phenomenal success in the silent film industry in California, but troubles remain. Her demon grandson is headed to Wyoming to wreak revenge for his father, the bastard son she abandoned. And the family is threatened by extinction, unless the youngest carries her illegitimate pregnancy to term.
Genre: paranormal historical-romance
Age Group: 16+ NA-Adult

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2013

About the author

Anne Carlisle is an author and writing professor who lives in Key West, Florida, and Orting, WA. She has a Ph. D. in 19th Century British Literature from Case Western Reserve University, where she also served on the faculty. A former Dean at Golden Gate University in San Francisco, she currently is a Professor of Writing for the University of Maryland University College, where she teaches writing to servicemen and women throughout the world. She also teaches writing for American International University. As a fromer literary magazine editor, newspaper columnist, and platform speaker, she published a trade book on writing (Every Manager an Efffective Writer, Penton Press) and received awards for creative writing (novel manuscript, The National Writers Club) and journalistic writing (ANPA). She authored hundreds of feature articles. Anne Carlisle is the author of
BIRDWOMAN, Memoirs of a Lovesick Siren, published by Absolutely Amazing eBooks (2016) and two previous novels.
THE SIREN'S TALE (Lazy Day Publishing, 2013) and HOMESCHOOLING (BookLocker, 2012)

Reviews

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin, I was given a copy for an honest review of the book.

First, I am normally not a paranormal reader. After reading the Twilight series I completely lost interest in vampires, werewolves, ghosts, etc... What made this book stand out to me was that the paranormal element wasn't something you usually expected. I like the fact that Anne used sirens and later in her book, she brings in some Greek mythology (which I adore) to further explain the role of sirens in her tale. I like that.

Though this is part of the HOME SCHOOLING TRILOGY, the book can be read as a standalone. This second installment begins with Chloe Vye's retelling of her mother Cassandra's past to her cousin Marlena Bellum, hoping to educate her about their siren heritage and influence Marlena to come to a decision about her life problems. The history all began in 1900 Alta, Wyoming, where the beautiful redhead Cassandra is hexed by a religious fanatic. Cassandra does have powerful siren powers, but she only uses them on occasion, and prefers her lovers to come to her of their own will. After attracting and then losing many, she finally comes to realize how deadly the curse is.

Another thing I must add is that Anne's characters are so vivid!! Cassandra is a paranormal figure, yet she is humanly portrayed. She has powers, but she has problems too. A lot of them. I got to read and feel Cassandra's warring emotions as she struggles to do what was right and what was in her heart. She overcame many obstacles and I was half in awe of her. This woman is one complex figure, but she is not immortal, and I love how Anne does not downplay her flaws.

That being said, I really enjoy the book plot and how Anne combines past and present POVs. Though this is NA, the writing style is unique, almost bordering on full adult. It took me some time to get into the book, but once I fell into the characters and the addicting story plot, I was hooked. I just HAD to know what happened to Cassandra, and what Marlena decides. This book kept me on my toes and though the story doesn't end with a cliffhanger, it leaves the reader wanting more of the tale. Cassandra's curse still lives on, and a bitter enemy is quietly closing ranks on their family. Yikes! I will be reading book 1 of this series and definitely book 3 when it comes out!!

5 STARS!!

[Hock Tjoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impeccably written, this paranormal and (mildly) erotic novel is at times very dense. Like a tapestry that has more knots per square inch than the average, The Siren's Tale has many threads, but it is clear that the primary one is the "home-schooling"--preparation--of a new generation siren (there are not many of them left).

The main voice is that of Cassandra Vye who left Wyoming around 1900 for San Francisco and had a "second career" as Nevada Carson, scriptwriter and actress in the silent movies, and by the 1970s has assumed her presence as a ghost. The second participant is Cassie's daughter Chloe, an evolutionary biologist "saving her egg for the most vital sperm" but who unfortunately had a botched abortion and must remain thereafter childless. The next generation is therefore the daughter of a cousin.

Throughout, Cassandra peeks, peers and voices her opinion: "I come from a long line of non-conformist women with voracious sexual appetites and gifted with paranormal powers; call us sirens." This tapestry has many such gems woven into its fabric where it jostles with "native biddies" who must suffer the "badinage" of Cassie's dialogue and monologues, internal and external. War, she declares, is the jealousy of old men visited on young males.

Despite her lustful nature and willful flight to San Francisco, Cassandra's nature takes a turn. Perhaps due to the combined influence of Nicholas (Nick) Brighton and Caleb Scattergood, she learns to appreciate sweetness and devotion in addition to passion. She lashes out against the brutality of slavery and back-lot abortions. (Early 1900s.) A Native American maid in Cassie's household is driven from her reservation but found refuge in Nick's good works.

This contributes, alas, to the languors of the novel: Nick's preaching and tracts, the school for Native Americans, the Scattergood Accountancy Trust for Foundlings, the REITs and battles against development interests, the amalgamation of post-modern architecture with psychology, better child-rearing and how to improve memory.

For sirens have this over humans; they have eidetic memories and perfect recall. So why, we wonder, does Cassie feel compelled to watch the "Tour of Market Street," six times, to seek an image of Nick who was in San Francisco during the great earthquake and fire, catastrophes she escaped because of a short term "loan" to International Studios in Hollywood?

But withal, the author writes for "women trying to navigate the hook-up culture with the Bible in one hand and Fifty Shades of Grey in the other." And for the men who wish to understand them.

Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything a great novel should be! Anne Carlisle is a magnificent writer! The Siren's Song has it all..a superb plot, characters who jump off the page and a wonderfully macabre tinge of supernatural! I loved this book!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I have to say before the review starts that I was given a copy for an honest review of this book.

Second, I owe Anne apology. This should have been done 2 weeks ago, but with multiple family members hospitalized, including my son for 3 days and another death in the family, I just couldn’t get any reading done like I should have.

Now, on to the review.

I am struggling with this one. I enjoyed the book. I truly did. It took me a little bit to get into it, but once I was in it, I was in it. I think my problem was that I came into this knowing more history about sirens than your average person would if they didn’t have an interest in supernatural beings. I have a fascination with the supernatural and read up on it both in non-fiction and fiction books.

That being said, that is my issue, not Anne Carlisle’s. You know how when someone is stuck on your traditional vampire, a new take on vampires might be hard for them. It’s kind of that way for me. I was expecting more sensuality from the sirens in this book, more siren-ness, less human traits.

That being said, Anne does a great job showing the internal struggle that Cassandra has between her Siren part and her human part. Her siren part is wanting to use her powers on men for her own advantage while her human part wants to have a man love her for her, with no tricks.

There’s a curse and there’s jumping between time periods, multiple generations, it really truly is a good book. It is very well written. The book goes into a lot of the history between the various lines of the families in the book. There’s a lot of superstition in the old time period, which you would expect in a settlement in Wyoming in Cassandra’s time period.

I’m curious to read the first one, HOME SCHOOLING: The Fire Night Ball (The Home Schooling Trilogy), the beginning of Marlena’s story and the next one that comes after The Siren’s Tale because in this third book we have another entity entering the picture (I’m not saying who, no spoilers). It would also concern Marlena and I’m assuming bring back Cassie to look over her family.

See, told you it was a good book. I’m already planning on reading the other ones in the series (and that is what makes it 4 stars for me, because I want to buy the other 2), it was just that I went into this expecting a lot more siren sensuality in The Siren’s Tale and that left me having trouble connecting for a bit with the book. That’s all my fault, not the author’s.

[D.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. just wow.

I received a free copy courtesy of the author

The Book
The sexual exploits of sirens in human form make for charming erotic-paranormal entertainment and spicy inspiration for YA/NA readers. Female power and intellect clash with rustic superstition, with deadly consequences, as the siren Cassandra seeks a life of fiery passion in the Old West. The consequences affect her lovers and descendants, owing to a curse that deflects the sirens' paranormal powers toward the dark side. The contemporary frame poses questions: Will the youngest siren learn how to live and love? Can a siren's voracious appetite for adventurous passion be reconciled with core human values?


My Opinion
Wow. Wow. Wow.
I first loved this bok just because it isn't about werewolves and/or vampires.
This book was amazing. The storytelling was amazing. I was so drawn into the book that I couldn't stop until I finished it.

I felt like some was telling ME a story. talking directlying to me.

The way she intertwined the POVs and the timelines was just so amazing.

This is definitely one of the best paranormal books I've read.
Anne Carlisle is a great storyteller.

I have nothing bad to say about those book

[Colleen Bratley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman's way can be blatant, subtle or anything in between. In this book a siren and her lineage are that and more. Following them in their trek through the years showed just how manipulative sirens can be, but the author also showed that no matter what, the human side of emotions can actually rule the roost.
In case you don't know what a siren is, it won't take long to figure it out reading this book. This story changes the Greek mythology principle a bit, but the basic idea remains. The beguiler beckons, and the sailor (man) responds. There are love scenes and explicit details that romance readers will love. The book is well written by a talented author.
I do have to say though, the story goes from past to present several times, with a lot of characters. That has always posed a challenge for me. I don't know what it is, but I tend to question who everyone is, how they are connected, and what impact they have on the character or the story. So reading this was more involved than usual, but that's just my crazy reality.
The many characters in the book all play a part that impacts the lead character or her descendants, but what you think you understand about one or more of them may surprise you when you turn the page. I thought I had Cassandra all figured out, but of course I didn't. The same held true for some of the others as well. That kind of writing keeps the reader engaged while they try again to figure it all out.
Anne was adept at giving the characters human emotions, but also countering that with their siren abilities and keeping you in the dark as to which would win out. She makes you realize that we are all good at manipulating things to get what we want when we can, unless fortunately in certain settings, our conscience rules and keeps us sane, compassionate, and loving toward more than just our agendas. Giving her characters depth and breadth kept them real and interesting. Showing that the character getting what they wanted to happen didn't necessarily make them feel as they expected, brought you a connection to their lives. You felt their emotions.
Some authors have a good story, but their writing needs a little work. Anne is already a skilled writer. I would really like to see another book with a lot more magic in it. I think her creative mind would take us on a journey we would remember. If you think you know what you would do if you were a siren, you might be surprised. There is so much more to life with love and enriching relationships that were born from natural and simplistic beginnings. This siren finds out what the difference is and hopes her family will too. The warnings she ignored must not live on.

[G.J. Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[C.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gives the siren myth a modern tweak. In the narrator's own words, a siren is an “unrepentant pagan spirit”, a non-conformist woman with a voracious sexual appetite and paranormal powers.

The story begins with Zaddie Drake, an intelligent young woman with her own advice column, who comes from a long line of sirens. Talking to the dead is one of her powers. The spirit of Cassandra comes to her and tells her story, explaining about the Widow Brown’s curse, and how it threatens to end the siren line. Adding spice to the story is the character’s internal conflict between her siren half, which is groomed to seek personal gratification above all else, and human half, that desires to be loved, to give love, in the confines of a relationship built on fidelity and mutual commitment. The story weaves back and forth between different generations of sirens. All the jumping distanced me from the characters, slowed the pace, and made the book feel chopped up. These issues aside, the stylish prose and absorbing plot kept me turning the pages. Overall, this is a well-thought-out story. The dialogue is fun in the some place, heartbreaking in others, but always witty. For example, this little exchange between Cassie and Tony made me laugh out loud.

“I have become an annoying habit to you. How devastating. I used to be the apple of your eye.”
“More like the worm. Now please go home.”.

The book is rich with clever dialogue. There are intense moments throughout. I found it worth reading for the lightning scene alone--vivid and emotional! I found myself rooting for the curse to be broken, for happiness to be found, and vindication. The book is sexy in places, but in my opinion, it's several steps away from being full erotica (thankfully). If you're looking for a unique romance featuring strong women, hot men, and throbbing parts (as in mystical siren birthmarks, ha), and paranormal abilities, The Siren’s Tale would be a smart choice.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I am torn on my rating. I really liked the book, but I had trouble with a few things. I wish I could do half stars because I really feel that I fell at a 3.5 star rating. I liked the story quite a bit. I enjoyed the fact that we were hearing the story as it was told to Marlena and that Marlena was getting the story to understand who she was and help her make decisions for her future. I had some difficulty getting into it because there was so much background, but I loved that the author didn't rush through the ending. She gave us a conclusion, but added information that led you to where the third book would pick up. I was so happy there wasn't a huge cliffhanger and that we had something to go on all at the same time. However, I felt like there was so much background information at the beginning that I almost felt confused because it was so much to take in at once. My suggestion would have been to put in a family tree and just do the background as the Cassie and Chloe told the story without repeating any of the parts of the story. I think I would have enjoyed it simply being from Cassie's point of view as the story was told just because I think I would have had a better connection with her then. My other issue is that this was listed as erotica. I didn't think there was anything in it that led to an erotica classification....romance, yes, but not erotica. Erotica says lots of in depth sex scenes to me and this one is definitely not that in my opinion. I don't think it took anything away from the story to leave out the erotica part, but I would personally list this as a paranormal romance long before I would consider it erotica.

*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Shawn Otomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this book does not fall into a genre that I normally read, I was pleasantly surprised by The Siren's Tale. Anne Carlisle crafts a tail that reimagines the sirens from Greek mythology in the modern world and she does it well. The main part of the story takes place in the 1900s and revolves around the character of Cassandra, one of the last remaining sirens int he world. Due to the conflict between her dual natures, siren vs. human, she finds herself embroiled in a constant storm of drama, quite a bit of it self-inflicted.

I found that the characters that the author created were flawed, sometimes extremely unlikable, and reminiscent of people that I knew. In other words, she created extremely life-like protagonists that act like people that we know, rather than people we'd hope to know. At first, I found her characters a little disconcerting, until I realized what the author was doing. After that realization, I enjoyed the characters quite a bit, and found their interactions with the plot to be quite captivating.

The only negative thing that I have to say about the book is the first chapter/introduction. It is meant to provide some history on the sirens, but I found it quite confusing because it introduces a multitude of characters that the reader never comes into contact with later on. However, after that first chapter, the story takes off and moves along quite well.

The strength of the novel to me is Carlisle's narrative. She has a knack as a storyteller and provides the right amount of ups and downs to keep the reader enthralled in the story, not to mention the fact the she throws in a few curves that I know that I did not see coming. Definitely a recommended read for the lovers of this genre!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Siren’s Tale by Anne Carlisle
I received this book in exchange for an honest review by the Author and the “Lovers of Paranormal” Group on Goodreads.com
A wonderful book which details the life of Cassandra, a Siren living in the early 1900’s and her internal struggle between the Siren and human aspects of her nature. This book is a re-crafting of the Siren tales from Greek Mythology, but set in the modern world. Although I have not read the first book in this series, I felt that ‘The Siren’s Tale’ is a fantastic stand alone book. I have to admit that this book does take a while to get into, as it starts off with Chloe Vye ( Cassandra’s daughter )explaining the family curse, history and the siren heritage to her cousin Marlena Bellum, so lots of detail and history to plough through in the first chapter, but then the story takes off and turns into a rich tapestry of a story which is fantastic. This book is rich and descriptive. It is a well crafted story with plenty of suspense, adventure and a generous helping of romance which unfold in a smooth and effortless manner. The writing is descriptive and flows well, and the characters are well described and extremely life-like. This is a unique and creative spin on your typical paranormal book, which any lover of paranormal and romance books will thoroughly enjoy. A very entertaining read from a talented author, which I absolutely loved.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided a free copy of this book by the author and goodreads group Lovers of Paranormal in exchange for an honest review.

The Siren's Tale is a very rich, intricately beautiful story. I will say that I haven't read the 1st book in this series but I didn't feel at all lost. At first, it seemed kind of overwhelming to try keeping up with all of the characters and their respective story lines but the author does a great job of tying it all together. I enjoyed the detail with which each character was written. Cassandra Vye (nee Nevada Carson) was my favorite. There is plenty of heartbreak in The Siren's Tale but there is also lots of hope and strong women. The survival of their species falls directly on each generation to make sure that there is another generation of Sirens. There is just so much to this story and it is intricately woven together. Some of it was kind of hard to get through because it felt repetitive in some spots, but overall it was an enjoyable read. I highly recommend it!

Thank you Anne Carlisle!

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! It was refreshing to see a romance centered around sirens instead of vampires, werewolves and Co, not only that, but a siren who tries not to use her powers. Cassandra is a super-natural character with problems and flaws. Although she's faced with one tense situation after the other, her biggest lesson seems to be learning to handle and accept the truth about herself. The great writing and wonderful scenes combined with a plot, which hooks right in and doesn't let go, made me a fan after the first few chapters. And the best thing? There's going to be a Book #3, and I can join Cassandra and her sirens again.

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the book in exchange for my honest review (Goodreads.com R2R) LoP

Some books caught you by surprise and this was one of them.
Chloe Vye start this story off by retelling her mother Cassandra's past to her cousin Marlena Bellun, to educate her about life problems. This makes it easier if you didn't read the first book. This what make a great book novel and someday a great movies. The characters was well defined and the plot was amazing. To the lovers of horror and historical romance do not miss this one...
We are jumping on this one with a 4.5 stars****
jackee322001.tumblr.com
http://cometomefantasy.blogspot.com

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the history of the sirens line. Anne does a fantastic job of of giving the history behind this family.
Throughout the book there are time jumps, but Anne does a wonderful job of connecting everything together. After I noticed that there where a lot of time period jumps, I was a little hesitant, but glad I read it anyways! I think I'll have to go and get the first book in the series, and than read this again!

[Vickie Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me a long time get through, the whole idea of. Siren and her life intrigued me;
I found myself intrested during the beginning of the book but one it moved into Cassandra vey story rewriting style changed. The change in writing style became like reading a history book or a journal ,I just could not completely engage with the characters because of it. Cassandra Vye,s story had so much potential but or me it fell short.

[Alannah Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Free copy of the book given for honest review*

I haven't read the first book but I did think it was great as a standalone book. While I have read some paranormal books, I don't think I have ever read anything about sirens. I can't believe I finished this book in less than two days. Carlisle's characters appear so vivid which really drew me into the plot line of the book. Honestly I don't really have anything bad to say about this, Carlisle really knows how to write a great book.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received an ARC copy for my review**

I never read the first book maybe I do it now, but is was a good book, well written and you get drawn in before you know it.
It's one of the better paranormal books I've read.

I'm not going to spoil you with giving a short description you have to read it to come to the same conclusion as I, great book and great author.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a PDF copy of the book after entering into the give away (which I didn't win) so that I could read and give an honest review on here,B&N and amazon. I was and am still delighted to be asked to do so.
However I was not a fan of this book. I really wanted to given the situation. I got to chapter 10 and decided I just couldn't couldn't read any more from sheer exasperation. I had just read the family curse and the actual words had nothing to do the Vye's being lovers with the Drakes! Which I had led to believe up to that point. I also didn't like a single character and honestly got confused who was who and how they were related. The 1st couple of chapters read like and essay and mostly a family history on the who was who/relations and even in chapter 6or 7 I was wandering "who's she again?" Because I had forgotten her name already. Obviously was not that interested in the character (whom the book opened with) if I couldn't even remember her name when she came up in the book again & again. I found all the characters, selfish, self serving individuals with no redeeming qualities. I didn't even find the "love scenes lustful or sexy.
It got to the point that I was having to force myself to read 3 pages a day just to move it along, then decided it is having to move to my "couldn't finish" shelf. Sorry Anne

Okay so the good things I can say about the book is that it is intelligently well written. And in a day and age where people can publish their own works that are terribly written and often without spell check or proof read I can totally appreciate that. I did enjoy reading about Wyoming in the 1900's before the intrusions of the story and obviously Anne has done some research on that era/place. Erm......

Yep! That's it!

[Nicky Peacock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the idea of a story about Sirens. Although I hadn’t read the first book in the series, it was pretty clear that you didn’t need to.

The story is told, not really through the eyes of one character but as a kind of story-telling in itself to another character, a kind of relaying if you will – which although is a brilliantly new concept, was kind of lacking for me. I couldn’t feel much emotion about what was going on and it felt as though the whole book was one long info dump, which I personally don’t like. I think the key to a good book is a great storyline, and for a great book, it’s unravelling that storyline without the reader even noticing that that is what you’re doing – this had a great plot, but for me was delivered in a less than ideal manner.

From a writer’s perspective I have to give props to the author for at least trying something new. Just for me, it didn’t work and I kind of found myself skipping certain parts – which is not a a good reader trait. The love scenes were a little bland, which was a shame as the sexual aspect of Sirens is one of their more favourable traits for an author to play with.

There had been a lot of research done about the place and time period which was good and helped to add some scene setting.

The front cover doesn’t really explain much about the book, but it is pretty and quite frankly I’ve seen worse.

Overall I’d give The Siren’s Tale (#2) 3 out of 5 stars. An interesting way of writing a novel.

[Christie Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can see my review on Turning Pages here.

I am both a lover of historical fiction and Greek mythology, so I got to feed both of those beasts with this lovely novel by Anne Carlisle. I had never read a novel about sirens before The Siren’s Tale, and this intriguing introduction did not disappoint. Although the second in a series, TST is great as a stand alone, and it fueled my desire to go back and read the first book. TST is a story about a family of sirens dealing with a curse across familial generations. I loved Carlisle’s interesting take on sirens in the modern world, and their journey there from the past.
There are parts of the story that are heavy in history that are a little tougher for the reader to navigate. Please continue your journey. All these facts come beautifully into play, and Carlisle has a few tricks up her sleeve that you won’t see coming. Although classified as erotica, it isn’t permeated with intense love scenes as is commonly found in the genre, so I would chalk it up to paranormal romance. And one you will enjoy!

[Tanya Watt · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I never read the first book in the Home Schooling Trilogy. I was given The Siren’s Tale in exchange for an honest review. That said, I was a little worried I wouldn’t know the story and have a hard time giving my review.

Well, I easily figured out the story was being told to Marlena, she had some important choices to make and needed to know her family heritage. The more I got into the book, the more I liked hearing about the family, and Cassandra and her complex life. I forgot all about this being a second book, and started to wonder what choice Marlena was going to make and where it would take her.

I was a bit confused about the way the sirens seemed more human than a sexual siren I’ve read about in the past, but other than that I really liked this book, and want to read more of the Home Schooling Trilogy:)

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion. While the backstory in the beginning was difficult to get through, I enjoyed the story of the sirens, and have to say it's unlike any paranormal story I've read before! The writing is top notch, and the characters were entertaining. I only gave this book 4 stars as I'm a modern snob, and don't get as excited about anything not in this era.

[Kasey Cocoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review on my blog.


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra]

Won as part of the 2013 Holiday Party in the Erotic Enchants Group!