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Siren Suicides #1
I Chose to Die
On a rainy September morning that just so happens to be her sixteenth birthday, Ailen Bright, a chicken-legged, straw-haired teenager, decides to commit suicide via drowning in the family bathtub. The ornate marble tub, adhering to her abusive father's love for anything expensive and Italian, is decorated by five sirens - who seemingly help her escape the house when her father breaks down the bathroom door. After an almost-successful suicide attempt number two, which lands her at the bottom of a lake, she learns that sirens are, in fact, real, and they want to turn her into one of them. An amazing, yet dark look into the mind and heart of a suicidal teenager, this urban fantasy follows Ailen's struggle to figure out the meaning of life, the unraveling of her confusing feelings for her theatrically goofy best friend Hunter, and her desperate battle for her father's love.
266 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2013
77 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
Ksenia Anske
10 books634 followersKsenia Anske was born in Moscow, Russia, and came to the US in 1998. She is the author of dark fantasy short fiction and 8 novels, and the resident writer of the Amtrak Residency Program 2015 (http://kseniaanske.com). Her novel Rosehead won Honorary Mention in the YA Category in the Indie Ebook Award 2016. Ksenia lives in Seattle.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 92 reviews
February 6, 2015
The premise of this story is anti-suicide. However, the fantasy in this fiction ruins a lot of the empathy factor.
Ailen Bright is naive, resentful, and self-destructive. She's the epitome of teenage angst, and we meet her at her darkest hour: she decides suicide is her best option in the face of an abusive, misogynist father and a mother who killed herself and left Ailen alone with him. The only silver lining is Ailen's best friend, Hunter, and her inanimate siren sisters who decorate the bathtub she plans to drown in.
The story deconstructs the foolishness of choosing suicide. It's an intense experience watching Ailen struggle with the consequences of her choice. It's even more frightening how she escapes into internal fantasies of siren sisters to avoid the reality of her life.
But that leads you only through the first few chapters.
The siren mythology becomes the dominant aspect of the story. See, the sirens are actually real, and they want to help Ailen. This is when the narrative transforms into this action/adventure involving siren hunters and magic, losing the majority of the introspection it had before. I'm told what to think and feel as Ailen runs around indecisively, the focus of everyone's attention as she whines and mopes about not being loved. She doesn't get the opportunity to develop or mature because all her bad decisions are wiped clean, which leads me to believe that if there was no supernatural intervention, this would be a far, far darker story.
The later parts of the novel are groan-worthy. I'd go as far as to say every character loses their depth for the sake of an archetype: hero, villain, love interest, fairy godmother, etc. The only reason this is part of a trilogy is because nothing is answered except that Ailen isn't dead, her final decision more of an unwilling circumstance rather than a true character turning point.
It's less about anti-suicide and more about wish fulfillment.
Ailen Bright is naive, resentful, and self-destructive. She's the epitome of teenage angst, and we meet her at her darkest hour: she decides suicide is her best option in the face of an abusive, misogynist father and a mother who killed herself and left Ailen alone with him. The only silver lining is Ailen's best friend, Hunter, and her inanimate siren sisters who decorate the bathtub she plans to drown in.
The story deconstructs the foolishness of choosing suicide. It's an intense experience watching Ailen struggle with the consequences of her choice. It's even more frightening how she escapes into internal fantasies of siren sisters to avoid the reality of her life.
But that leads you only through the first few chapters.
The siren mythology becomes the dominant aspect of the story. See, the sirens are actually real, and they want to help Ailen. This is when the narrative transforms into this action/adventure involving siren hunters and magic, losing the majority of the introspection it had before. I'm told what to think and feel as Ailen runs around indecisively, the focus of everyone's attention as she whines and mopes about not being loved. She doesn't get the opportunity to develop or mature because all her bad decisions are wiped clean, which leads me to believe that if there was no supernatural intervention, this would be a far, far darker story.
The later parts of the novel are groan-worthy. I'd go as far as to say every character loses their depth for the sake of an archetype: hero, villain, love interest, fairy godmother, etc. The only reason this is part of a trilogy is because nothing is answered except that Ailen isn't dead, her final decision more of an unwilling circumstance rather than a true character turning point.
It's less about anti-suicide and more about wish fulfillment.
November 20, 2016
I chose to die is the first novel by Ksenia Anske and definitely piques my interest in regards to the rest of this series and her other work. That said, I think I can easily say that this book has four aspects for me that I enjoy in varying degrees.
1. The concept. The idea that is the foundation of the Siren Suicides is downright brilliant. A young girl makes a rash decision and the result is that something that she daydreamed about becomes a reality when she becomes a siren. The process isn't pleasant to say the least and Ailen Bright has gone through a ton of things in her search for making sense of her life. How she becomes a siren and what being a siren entails is a refreshing take and a good slice of fiction that was a treat to read.
2. The story arc. A strong start, a hit or miss middle, and a hurried finale left me curious to see what happens but I can't say I was fully satisfied as a reader. I think Anske could have offered a better resolution rather than a tie in for her next book and the last two chapters felt a bit rushed for me. When Ksenia takes her time to describe something and reveal a new concept bit by bit, great things happen. When her hands are trying to keep up with a story bursting forth, some pages feel as if they could have benefitted from a little marination. Like I said though, it's a strong start and it shows that when she hits her stride good things happen on a page.
3. Characters. Another mixed bag. Ailen and her transformation take off when you're riding on descriptions and her internal monologue. Hunter is a bit of an odd character. Canosa has moments when I love her and moments where I can't really see her intentions. Finally, Papa Bright is an intensely dislikable (Ailen consistently refers to him as Papa, and having seen Stranger Things recently, I can easily say that anyone called Papa is going to be awful). Papa and his Maserati and his fancy shoes is an awful antagonist that is pretty much instantly hatable. There's A lot to dislike there and he consistently delivers.
4. The dialogue. The only aspect that was more miss than hit for me, was the dialogue. Often times I was engaged with the descriptions but was knocked out of it with dialogue that at least for me missed the mark. I know Ailen is a teenager that's gone through a lot of things, but she kept stumbling back to the same thought patterns that would bite her in the tail. The dynamic between her and Hunter/Canosa/Papa was not consistent and you were only sure that she was in Hunter's graces, that her father hated her, and that Canosa was so on and off that you'd wonder if she were real.
That said, I still enjoyed the book even though it took me a while to read and I will be reading more work from the author. If you want a different take on fiction with a great concept, check this out. Even with its flaws, it has something to enjoy.
1. The concept. The idea that is the foundation of the Siren Suicides is downright brilliant. A young girl makes a rash decision and the result is that something that she daydreamed about becomes a reality when she becomes a siren. The process isn't pleasant to say the least and Ailen Bright has gone through a ton of things in her search for making sense of her life. How she becomes a siren and what being a siren entails is a refreshing take and a good slice of fiction that was a treat to read.
2. The story arc. A strong start, a hit or miss middle, and a hurried finale left me curious to see what happens but I can't say I was fully satisfied as a reader. I think Anske could have offered a better resolution rather than a tie in for her next book and the last two chapters felt a bit rushed for me. When Ksenia takes her time to describe something and reveal a new concept bit by bit, great things happen. When her hands are trying to keep up with a story bursting forth, some pages feel as if they could have benefitted from a little marination. Like I said though, it's a strong start and it shows that when she hits her stride good things happen on a page.
3. Characters. Another mixed bag. Ailen and her transformation take off when you're riding on descriptions and her internal monologue. Hunter is a bit of an odd character. Canosa has moments when I love her and moments where I can't really see her intentions. Finally, Papa Bright is an intensely dislikable (Ailen consistently refers to him as Papa, and having seen Stranger Things recently, I can easily say that anyone called Papa is going to be awful). Papa and his Maserati and his fancy shoes is an awful antagonist that is pretty much instantly hatable. There's A lot to dislike there and he consistently delivers.
4. The dialogue. The only aspect that was more miss than hit for me, was the dialogue. Often times I was engaged with the descriptions but was knocked out of it with dialogue that at least for me missed the mark. I know Ailen is a teenager that's gone through a lot of things, but she kept stumbling back to the same thought patterns that would bite her in the tail. The dynamic between her and Hunter/Canosa/Papa was not consistent and you were only sure that she was in Hunter's graces, that her father hated her, and that Canosa was so on and off that you'd wonder if she were real.
That said, I still enjoyed the book even though it took me a while to read and I will be reading more work from the author. If you want a different take on fiction with a great concept, check this out. Even with its flaws, it has something to enjoy.
January 14, 2014
I have somewhat of a love-hate relationship with this book. Ksenia Anske definitely has some talent. She can write beautifully descriptive scenes, and has created unique characters with a storyline that felt new and different. However, too heavy of descriptions weighed down the plot, making this book tough to get through.
Ailen Bright is a rather damaged character. Her mother is gone, her father is abusive, and she doesn’t want to live anymore. I thought Anske handled Ailen’s depression and her feelings about committing suicide well. I understood her thought process and why Ailen makes most of the choices she does. However, she’s a little quirky when it comes to what things she thinks internally and what she decides to say aloud. She makes a number of comments aloud that I thought would have been more likely for her to have just internalized. Also, I didn’t like how she jumped back and forth between trusting Hunter and not trusting him. She seemed a little too wishy washy about that. I do commend her, however, for taking on the serious themes that are in this book and exploring them honestly.
There is some beautiful imagery in this book; I particularly love how the souls were described as sounds. Anske displays some true talent with her writing. However, while the imagery was well written, there was way too much of it. I feel like large chunks of detail could have been cut without affecting the storyline. At one point they were driving through town and there was so much detail it felt like I was being given directions, it was just unnecessary. The excessive imagery makes parts of the book feel drawn out, and overall the pacing feels off. There’s lots of action, but every action is drawn out with heavy imagery taking away from it.
If you’re the type of person who loves lyrical prose and enjoys detailed scenes, I would highly recommend this book. For me, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for Anske, but, this particular book didn’t suck me in the way I wanted it to.
To read more of Lauryn April's Reviews go to http://laurynapril.blogspot.com/
Ailen Bright is a rather damaged character. Her mother is gone, her father is abusive, and she doesn’t want to live anymore. I thought Anske handled Ailen’s depression and her feelings about committing suicide well. I understood her thought process and why Ailen makes most of the choices she does. However, she’s a little quirky when it comes to what things she thinks internally and what she decides to say aloud. She makes a number of comments aloud that I thought would have been more likely for her to have just internalized. Also, I didn’t like how she jumped back and forth between trusting Hunter and not trusting him. She seemed a little too wishy washy about that. I do commend her, however, for taking on the serious themes that are in this book and exploring them honestly.
There is some beautiful imagery in this book; I particularly love how the souls were described as sounds. Anske displays some true talent with her writing. However, while the imagery was well written, there was way too much of it. I feel like large chunks of detail could have been cut without affecting the storyline. At one point they were driving through town and there was so much detail it felt like I was being given directions, it was just unnecessary. The excessive imagery makes parts of the book feel drawn out, and overall the pacing feels off. There’s lots of action, but every action is drawn out with heavy imagery taking away from it.
If you’re the type of person who loves lyrical prose and enjoys detailed scenes, I would highly recommend this book. For me, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for Anske, but, this particular book didn’t suck me in the way I wanted it to.
To read more of Lauryn April's Reviews go to http://laurynapril.blogspot.com/
November 23, 2013
When Ailen tries to commit suicide in her father’s siren-decorated bathtub, she wakes up in a world where those sirens are real. It’s all a near-death experience, a mere hallucination, or so she thinks—until she runs away from home and attempts suicide again, selling her soul in return for becoming a sister siren.
I wasn’t sure if this was going to be a fantasy book, or a social issues book. It’s a blend of both, really. This was a deliciously dark read, and I was hooked from the beginning. The description is fantastic, particularly that of the sirens in the bathtub, and I can really get into Ailen’s shoes. Ailen often thinks of the world in numbers, calculating durations and distances and memorizing every number associated with her birth.
I’ve read several books with abusive parents, but they always seemed two-dimensional and over the top. Here, for the most part, it was well done—it felt real, as if I were Ailen being slapped and yelled at. Later on, however, the father felt less real, more two-dimensional... almost in a comic way (which was not the idea).
All being said and done, I agree that it could still use some tightening, and occasionally the prose is a bit choppy. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending—it felt like something was missing, and I wasn’t satisfied by Ailen’s character growth. After a certain point, around the 60% mark, I was no longer as absorbed as I had been at the beginning.
This book gets a solid 4: the first half was a 5, and the second half was a 3.
I wasn’t sure if this was going to be a fantasy book, or a social issues book. It’s a blend of both, really. This was a deliciously dark read, and I was hooked from the beginning. The description is fantastic, particularly that of the sirens in the bathtub, and I can really get into Ailen’s shoes. Ailen often thinks of the world in numbers, calculating durations and distances and memorizing every number associated with her birth.
I’ve read several books with abusive parents, but they always seemed two-dimensional and over the top. Here, for the most part, it was well done—it felt real, as if I were Ailen being slapped and yelled at. Later on, however, the father felt less real, more two-dimensional... almost in a comic way (which was not the idea).
All being said and done, I agree that it could still use some tightening, and occasionally the prose is a bit choppy. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending—it felt like something was missing, and I wasn’t satisfied by Ailen’s character growth. After a certain point, around the 60% mark, I was no longer as absorbed as I had been at the beginning.
This book gets a solid 4: the first half was a 5, and the second half was a 3.
January 20, 2016
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
"On the brink of death, I want to live like never before."
This book follows Ailen, a 16 year old who is not happy with life. Since making the decision to commit suicide, her life is thrown upside down and she starts uncovering things along the way. I wasn't a fan of her character most of the time. How she reacts to her father... I wanted to slap some sense into her!! At times she had the backbone I crave in a main character but most of the time, it was nowhere to be seen. And that, made me mad.
I absolutely DESPISE her father. He is paychotic and the worst type of human being imaginable. He disgusted me, to put it bluntly.
I loved the illustrations at the top of each chapter!!! Only thing I have to say about that is that they were sort of spoilers. If you don't mind knowing what happens in the chapter then it isn't much to think about. But, for me, I would've liked more mystery.
I saw quite a few things coming which didn't make it enjoyable for me. I also felt this book to be a little... out of control. It just seemed everywhere and sadly, I didn't really get anything out of it. There are too many unanswered questions so I shall continue reading the next two!
"On the brink of death, I want to live like never before."
This book follows Ailen, a 16 year old who is not happy with life. Since making the decision to commit suicide, her life is thrown upside down and she starts uncovering things along the way. I wasn't a fan of her character most of the time. How she reacts to her father... I wanted to slap some sense into her!! At times she had the backbone I crave in a main character but most of the time, it was nowhere to be seen. And that, made me mad.
I absolutely DESPISE her father. He is paychotic and the worst type of human being imaginable. He disgusted me, to put it bluntly.
I loved the illustrations at the top of each chapter!!! Only thing I have to say about that is that they were sort of spoilers. If you don't mind knowing what happens in the chapter then it isn't much to think about. But, for me, I would've liked more mystery.
I saw quite a few things coming which didn't make it enjoyable for me. I also felt this book to be a little... out of control. It just seemed everywhere and sadly, I didn't really get anything out of it. There are too many unanswered questions so I shall continue reading the next two!
September 2, 2013
I was lucky enough to read Siren Suicides' second draft, back when it was one big volume. The majority of the warts had been eliminated at this point. I re-read the final release.
Most criticism for this book is in regard to the writing. Yes, it is florid, and yes, it is almost disorienting in the gold release.
It should be. It really helps set the tone for this "undead" world in which Ailen exists. Ethereal and dreamlike and sad.
I think Anske hit the nail on the head by choosing to employ such language for this type of a book. Wouldn't work with another type of YA fare, say, The Hunger Games, where the action is stark, quick and brutal. Yes, Siren Suicides is brutal at times, but this milieu needs a penning that is slower, providing more for the reader to chew on. This form is perfect for this kind of setting.
Most criticism for this book is in regard to the writing. Yes, it is florid, and yes, it is almost disorienting in the gold release.
It should be. It really helps set the tone for this "undead" world in which Ailen exists. Ethereal and dreamlike and sad.
I think Anske hit the nail on the head by choosing to employ such language for this type of a book. Wouldn't work with another type of YA fare, say, The Hunger Games, where the action is stark, quick and brutal. Yes, Siren Suicides is brutal at times, but this milieu needs a penning that is slower, providing more for the reader to chew on. This form is perfect for this kind of setting.
October 24, 2017
Having read all of Ksenia's books, I had a few issues with this one, as I thought that, at times, she wasn't voicing the characters in a realistic way, and she was getting lost in her own descriptions. But even though that was the last book of hers to read, it was actually the first book she wrote, so I had to be forgiving. The things that I love about her writing are present in this one anyway. Beautifully created fantasy worlds mixed with mythology elements and personal experiences, unexpected brilliance in wording of the small, but important, things and journeys of self discovery and empowerment!
August 22, 2013
I was introduced to Siren Suicides about the same time I met the author via Google+. I was privileged enough to start reading while she was still writing it. The evolution from one book to a trilogy has been exciting to watch.
I have enjoyed the story of the main character as I have never read a book quite like this. The story line is original and moves at a good pace. Looking forward to finishing Book#2 and starting Book#3.
I have enjoyed the story of the main character as I have never read a book quite like this. The story line is original and moves at a good pace. Looking forward to finishing Book#2 and starting Book#3.
November 25, 2014
It all starts with a death wish, hope for paternal love, and Ailen wanting to get revenge on her father for what he did to her and her mom. Ailen Bright was the daughter that was supposed to be a son. She was the woman who was a weak creature needing to be controlled lest she decide to charm off men’s pants and make them do stupid crap (according to her father).
Ailen turns into a Siren, the embodiment of an otherworldly thing that feeds off men’s souls, but she is not alone in this world. She was created by the Siren of Canosa and the three underling Sirens: Pisinoe, Ligeia, and Teles. They hunt for souls and are hunted themselves by Siren Hunters. Will Ailen learn to accept who she is? Will she be able to accept the life she jumped out of?
My Review:
I hold a special place in my reader’s bookshelf for Ksenia Anske. I have read Rosehead and Irkadura and I know she is a special person and a special writer. The Siren Suicides was written as a three part book, as Ksenia pointed out at a live reading, because it was too long to be one book. The point being that a reader cannot simply read one book, but needs to read the entire series as if it is one lengthy novel. This review, then, is of the entire three-part series.
There were so many aspects of the Siren Suicides that I loved that it’s difficult to even start writing a review. I’m in awe of Anske’s talent as a writer. I always wanted a writer like Neil Gaiman, who would write something I wanted to read, something with the sympathies of a plot and characters on the verge of reality that could hold my attention, even while the author’s imagination is running wild. I have found that in Ksenia Anske. She is everything a reader could ask for, and I’m glad that she quit her day job to devote herself to writing.
Anske perfects a writing style devoted to beautiful phrases and well-crafted words that I cannot believe she didn’t grow up with English as a first language. I only wish that I didn’t read so fast so that I could savor the sounds and images Anske creates. This is a book well worth listening to as an audiobook if ever the author converted her novels into audiobooks.
“My saliva is acid syrup. My blood is concentrated seawater pumped through my veins by a dead heart. My power is my voice, and I’m using it—using it plenty. Eating my dinner, humans served live, their souls draped over the garnish of soulless siren. It’s supposed to satisfy me, but makes me hungrier still, as if it’s the last meal I’ll ever eat.” (Page 31 of book 2).
The concept of a Siren is not new, but the image and voice Ksenia gives to this creature is creative, a new spin on the vampire/werewolf genre with their incessant need to feed off of humans. Ksenia’s Sirens are not always the beautiful ethereal creatures that call to sailors from the depths of the ocean, they personify people and travel on land and water. They have powers of oneness with the water, not superpowers, but a true calling with the natural element. What baffles me about the Sirens is how they are not discovered by any other than the Siren Hunter(s) when they presumably have killed so many. Sirens feed on souls and Ksenia gives life to the very essence of a person using all her senses so that the reader is enveloped in a short truth of a person: their soul. No wonder sirens find them so tasty.
“I try to imagine the sound of his soul, to bring back that feeling of home—the clatter of food cooked on the stove, the clanking of dishes, the shuffling of feet in slippers on a wooden floor, laughter, the anticipation of a meal, birds chirping behind an open window, the buzzing of insects basking in rays of the morning sun. Vivaldi’s Summer, its violins.” (Page 241 of book 3).
Ailen is not the perfect character. She bugs me at times throughout the books. She is moody and stubborn. In the first book I’m not even sure I can trust her feelings and I’m not sure she can think clearly about the world, but by the second book I’m believing everything she sees and feels. I want to sympathize with her so badly that I believe everything. When she gets upset at herself for her shortcomings and when she breaks her promises to herself, giving in to her weakness, I want to tell her that she is not perfect and that is alright. I want to give her the words she craves from her father. Anske has a knack for creating characters you want to comfort and protect.
Ailen Bright is such a strange troubled character that I held my breath as I wondered what she would do, what would happen to her next. At times I worried that Ksenia didn’t have a final purpose or point to the book, or even a good conclusion because Ailen doesn’t know what is going on or what will happen. We are left at the mercy of this poor sad teenager’s unending fantasy nightmare… Until the last chapter. Anske delivered the only logical conclusion to the story. I was disappointed because she tells us over and over throughout the series what will happen and when I’m given the end I can’t help but think it was coming all along, even though I wanted something else, something different. Even as an author myself, I couldn’t think of a better conclusion that I would have been satisfied with, it just isn’t possible. There is only one possible ending and I’m glad Anske delivered it, because any other ending would have been terrible.
The only major shortcoming was the length of the three novels combined, as they only work as parts of a whole.
On a final note, this series is based in Seattle and is entirely true to the environment of Seattle and the characteristics (including weather) one can find in this place and for that I love Anske.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the imagination of Neil Gaiman, the seduction of a vampire book, anything else by Ksenia Anske, or a fantasy suicide novel.
Ailen turns into a Siren, the embodiment of an otherworldly thing that feeds off men’s souls, but she is not alone in this world. She was created by the Siren of Canosa and the three underling Sirens: Pisinoe, Ligeia, and Teles. They hunt for souls and are hunted themselves by Siren Hunters. Will Ailen learn to accept who she is? Will she be able to accept the life she jumped out of?
My Review:
I hold a special place in my reader’s bookshelf for Ksenia Anske. I have read Rosehead and Irkadura and I know she is a special person and a special writer. The Siren Suicides was written as a three part book, as Ksenia pointed out at a live reading, because it was too long to be one book. The point being that a reader cannot simply read one book, but needs to read the entire series as if it is one lengthy novel. This review, then, is of the entire three-part series.
There were so many aspects of the Siren Suicides that I loved that it’s difficult to even start writing a review. I’m in awe of Anske’s talent as a writer. I always wanted a writer like Neil Gaiman, who would write something I wanted to read, something with the sympathies of a plot and characters on the verge of reality that could hold my attention, even while the author’s imagination is running wild. I have found that in Ksenia Anske. She is everything a reader could ask for, and I’m glad that she quit her day job to devote herself to writing.
Anske perfects a writing style devoted to beautiful phrases and well-crafted words that I cannot believe she didn’t grow up with English as a first language. I only wish that I didn’t read so fast so that I could savor the sounds and images Anske creates. This is a book well worth listening to as an audiobook if ever the author converted her novels into audiobooks.
“My saliva is acid syrup. My blood is concentrated seawater pumped through my veins by a dead heart. My power is my voice, and I’m using it—using it plenty. Eating my dinner, humans served live, their souls draped over the garnish of soulless siren. It’s supposed to satisfy me, but makes me hungrier still, as if it’s the last meal I’ll ever eat.” (Page 31 of book 2).
The concept of a Siren is not new, but the image and voice Ksenia gives to this creature is creative, a new spin on the vampire/werewolf genre with their incessant need to feed off of humans. Ksenia’s Sirens are not always the beautiful ethereal creatures that call to sailors from the depths of the ocean, they personify people and travel on land and water. They have powers of oneness with the water, not superpowers, but a true calling with the natural element. What baffles me about the Sirens is how they are not discovered by any other than the Siren Hunter(s) when they presumably have killed so many. Sirens feed on souls and Ksenia gives life to the very essence of a person using all her senses so that the reader is enveloped in a short truth of a person: their soul. No wonder sirens find them so tasty.
“I try to imagine the sound of his soul, to bring back that feeling of home—the clatter of food cooked on the stove, the clanking of dishes, the shuffling of feet in slippers on a wooden floor, laughter, the anticipation of a meal, birds chirping behind an open window, the buzzing of insects basking in rays of the morning sun. Vivaldi’s Summer, its violins.” (Page 241 of book 3).
Ailen is not the perfect character. She bugs me at times throughout the books. She is moody and stubborn. In the first book I’m not even sure I can trust her feelings and I’m not sure she can think clearly about the world, but by the second book I’m believing everything she sees and feels. I want to sympathize with her so badly that I believe everything. When she gets upset at herself for her shortcomings and when she breaks her promises to herself, giving in to her weakness, I want to tell her that she is not perfect and that is alright. I want to give her the words she craves from her father. Anske has a knack for creating characters you want to comfort and protect.
Ailen Bright is such a strange troubled character that I held my breath as I wondered what she would do, what would happen to her next. At times I worried that Ksenia didn’t have a final purpose or point to the book, or even a good conclusion because Ailen doesn’t know what is going on or what will happen. We are left at the mercy of this poor sad teenager’s unending fantasy nightmare… Until the last chapter. Anske delivered the only logical conclusion to the story. I was disappointed because she tells us over and over throughout the series what will happen and when I’m given the end I can’t help but think it was coming all along, even though I wanted something else, something different. Even as an author myself, I couldn’t think of a better conclusion that I would have been satisfied with, it just isn’t possible. There is only one possible ending and I’m glad Anske delivered it, because any other ending would have been terrible.
The only major shortcoming was the length of the three novels combined, as they only work as parts of a whole.
On a final note, this series is based in Seattle and is entirely true to the environment of Seattle and the characteristics (including weather) one can find in this place and for that I love Anske.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the imagination of Neil Gaiman, the seduction of a vampire book, anything else by Ksenia Anske, or a fantasy suicide novel.
June 13, 2014
Half way through Chapter 14 of Ksenia Anske’s Siren Suicides, and I just now decide to make some notes. I started it yesterday, and only abandoned it to selfishly write my own story. Well, that’s not entirely true. The truth is that, after reading her entire blog, the articles about reading, writing, editing, marketing – and loving those – I was a bit afraid that I wouldn’t like her actual novel and that I wouldn’t know how to say that appropriately. I hate being disappointed in someone’s writing, especially after I already like them. Before you assume anything, this was not the case here.
I should have started this document with Chapter 1 (but hey, it’s never too late, right?). I‘m doing it now, and while I am a nobody as far as writers are concerned, I do believe that people are more likely to read novels others have read and expressed opinions about. My humble opinion is that Ksenia Anske deserves to be read and taken in. Let her live on the pages in front of you, you can just feel the longing for it, and the passion that goes into every turn of phrase.
So here goes (I number ideas because it’s easier for me to keep track of them, I apologize to those how find this annoying; also, please keep in mind that I don’t have any professional training as far as writing is concerned, and some of the points are purely subjective):
1. I love the idea of turning into a siren, and continue some kind of existence when all you want is to die and disappear forever. We all seem to have a fascination with what happens after dying (I personally love movies dealing with that), and many writers have dealt with the topic (myself included). However, the idea of turning into something not dead but not alive either, something so beautiful, enticing, and lethal as sirens, is just different to me. Taking an old myth and turning it into something this new and current takes, I think, a lot of talent and guts. Ksenia Anske has plenty of both, and I don’t doubt that we’ll be seeing that in all her books.
2. I love the new combinations of nouns and adjectives, verbs and adverbs, in ways that I have myself considered before but always dismissed as “incorrect”. I love that she’s not afraid of that, and the end result shows it beautifully. I will not point them out, there’re too many of them:)
3. I love that the story happens really fast, the chapters are all connected, you don’t miss any of the action. This would make a great movie, I can imagine the visual effects involved. Plus, who wouldn’t want to experience being a siren and have that kind of strength and power, even if it’s the result of such a sad decision to end your own life?
4. I love how Hunter addresses Ailen and her father with the typically adolescent ‘dude’. The dialogue seems so effortless and flowing, as if the writer has multiple personalities and is able to inhabit each one at a time, by pure choice, and switching between them as fast as the lines switch from one character to another.
5. This whole first book somehow reminded me of Perfume by Patrick Suskind, where the main character processes his environment through the sense of smell. The siren here processes everything through hearing: “I can’t hear a single soul.” Also, I love the way souls ‘sound’: “The first cop, his belly jiggling, his soul bitter – a mixture of clanking beer bottles and bowling balls - …” – each description of a soul gives you the perfect amount of insight into fleeting characters that are only there to make what Ailen experiences all the more intense.
6. I LOOOOVE the sarcasm!:)
7. One-word sentences: I’ve always heard/read/learned that one-word sentences are a big no-no, and thus have always avoided them even when, deep down inside, I knew they worked. I’ve been so focused on all these things that others tell me are wrong, that I completely forgot to trust my gut and go with what I feel is right. One-word sentences just work, but I had to see them used by Ksenia Anske to finally accept it completely. Thanks!
8. I love the descriptions of the city. I feel like I could take them as directions, and follow them to all the places where Ailen goes. Beautiful!
9. I love the subtle insights into the psychological makeup of the characters” “It’s devoid of any clutter, with only a few wall shelves on each side holding select tools – my father’s style of keeping everything organized with almost surgical precision.” – Ch. 18, pp. 223. These are all over the book, so just go read it yourself!
**
I just finished the first book of the series, and I am posting this now because I know these points will apply to the other books as well. I find myself completely trapped in the story, and need to know how it continues. Ailen’s struggle with the lack of love from her father and the doubts related to her mother is so vivid and you can’t help but wonder if she will ever get the answers she’s looking for. I don’t need to read the other two books to recommend this to others. Please go to www.kseniaanske.com and get the books! You will only understand what I’m talking about after you read them yourself.
PS. I will update this post after I read the other two. Can’t wait, although I will have to because there are people here mowing our lawn, there’s cleaning to be done (uugghh), and someone at school needs my help with a report.
I should have started this document with Chapter 1 (but hey, it’s never too late, right?). I‘m doing it now, and while I am a nobody as far as writers are concerned, I do believe that people are more likely to read novels others have read and expressed opinions about. My humble opinion is that Ksenia Anske deserves to be read and taken in. Let her live on the pages in front of you, you can just feel the longing for it, and the passion that goes into every turn of phrase.
So here goes (I number ideas because it’s easier for me to keep track of them, I apologize to those how find this annoying; also, please keep in mind that I don’t have any professional training as far as writing is concerned, and some of the points are purely subjective):
1. I love the idea of turning into a siren, and continue some kind of existence when all you want is to die and disappear forever. We all seem to have a fascination with what happens after dying (I personally love movies dealing with that), and many writers have dealt with the topic (myself included). However, the idea of turning into something not dead but not alive either, something so beautiful, enticing, and lethal as sirens, is just different to me. Taking an old myth and turning it into something this new and current takes, I think, a lot of talent and guts. Ksenia Anske has plenty of both, and I don’t doubt that we’ll be seeing that in all her books.
2. I love the new combinations of nouns and adjectives, verbs and adverbs, in ways that I have myself considered before but always dismissed as “incorrect”. I love that she’s not afraid of that, and the end result shows it beautifully. I will not point them out, there’re too many of them:)
3. I love that the story happens really fast, the chapters are all connected, you don’t miss any of the action. This would make a great movie, I can imagine the visual effects involved. Plus, who wouldn’t want to experience being a siren and have that kind of strength and power, even if it’s the result of such a sad decision to end your own life?
4. I love how Hunter addresses Ailen and her father with the typically adolescent ‘dude’. The dialogue seems so effortless and flowing, as if the writer has multiple personalities and is able to inhabit each one at a time, by pure choice, and switching between them as fast as the lines switch from one character to another.
5. This whole first book somehow reminded me of Perfume by Patrick Suskind, where the main character processes his environment through the sense of smell. The siren here processes everything through hearing: “I can’t hear a single soul.” Also, I love the way souls ‘sound’: “The first cop, his belly jiggling, his soul bitter – a mixture of clanking beer bottles and bowling balls - …” – each description of a soul gives you the perfect amount of insight into fleeting characters that are only there to make what Ailen experiences all the more intense.
6. I LOOOOVE the sarcasm!:)
7. One-word sentences: I’ve always heard/read/learned that one-word sentences are a big no-no, and thus have always avoided them even when, deep down inside, I knew they worked. I’ve been so focused on all these things that others tell me are wrong, that I completely forgot to trust my gut and go with what I feel is right. One-word sentences just work, but I had to see them used by Ksenia Anske to finally accept it completely. Thanks!
8. I love the descriptions of the city. I feel like I could take them as directions, and follow them to all the places where Ailen goes. Beautiful!
9. I love the subtle insights into the psychological makeup of the characters” “It’s devoid of any clutter, with only a few wall shelves on each side holding select tools – my father’s style of keeping everything organized with almost surgical precision.” – Ch. 18, pp. 223. These are all over the book, so just go read it yourself!
**
I just finished the first book of the series, and I am posting this now because I know these points will apply to the other books as well. I find myself completely trapped in the story, and need to know how it continues. Ailen’s struggle with the lack of love from her father and the doubts related to her mother is so vivid and you can’t help but wonder if she will ever get the answers she’s looking for. I don’t need to read the other two books to recommend this to others. Please go to www.kseniaanske.com and get the books! You will only understand what I’m talking about after you read them yourself.
PS. I will update this post after I read the other two. Can’t wait, although I will have to because there are people here mowing our lawn, there’s cleaning to be done (uugghh), and someone at school needs my help with a report.
November 13, 2014
I can't give this book anything less than three stars because at times I was blown away. During the first quarter of the book, when the MC attempts and commits suicide I was immersed in this book. This introduction wasn't shock value. It was a well written, emotionally potent, and complex opening that I really connected with. There were some additional moments in the body of the book that were written just as well, and these scenes indicate that this book could have been amazing.
If it had the time to breathe.
I know how this story was created. I have been following it on Twitter. Six drafts were done in a year and a half of this 3 book series. And I love her dedication. But her later drafts would have been more effective if there was a long period of time between drafts, like I am talking at least a year. For the author to mature and grow and learn how to avoid all the writing errors that make it really obvious that this book is someone's first book.
There is no point in making a long list of every error that is in this book besides battering the author, so I will only mention a few things to explain my point. One thing that really pulled me out of the story was the MC knowing information without having to work to gain that information in anyway. For example, she knows how her siren powers and body works without anyone telling her. She knows what is going on in other character's heads without them expressing it. She just knows. She also "just knows" that everything negative/evil about her is her siren inside of her-- even though there is no reason at all for her to be black/white like that. There are a LOT of selfish and reckless things to say about the MC. I really don't believe that all of this is because she is a siren and she was perfectly good before.
Another thing that jerked me out of the story was the writing style. At times there were paragraphs of purple prose that really added nothing but flowery language to the story. That should have been cut. At other times there were paragraphs of technical telling, especially in regards to emotions of characters, that also should have been cut.
Before I close off with a last complaint, I will admit that though the story seemed to be directionless at times, it did consistently have a high-level of conflict, which kept it interesting and fun to read.
Okay, this book did teach me that when discussing my own writing, I shouldn't talk about my themes, and let my readers infer it. If the author didn't give her main reason for writing this book (to discourage teen suicide), then I wouldn't have the complaint about it. But because she did, I now have to judge wether she succeeded or not.
I say that she didn't. For a book written to discourage teens for killing herself, the MC's life really is a lot better now that she is living dead / killed herself. If the MC was remorseful for her life and she dealt with a plot of being uncomfortable with nothingness and isolation, than that would be a book that discourages teen suicide. But really, killing herself was the best thing she did for herself, at least so far. I understand that it created a romantic disconnect from her human love interest (also v. Twilight) but now she has that siren family she always wanted. So... I wouldn't really say it succeeded thematically though it talked about the painful process of death in a couple of scenes that were very gruesome and discouraging, to a point.
In conclusion, though I said all of this, I do plan on reading the next book. Yes, #1 was sub-par but creative. There were elements to sirenhood that was unique and captivating in comparison to other fantasy books. So, I believe the unanswered questions can have some really unique answers that I want to find out.
If it had the time to breathe.
I know how this story was created. I have been following it on Twitter. Six drafts were done in a year and a half of this 3 book series. And I love her dedication. But her later drafts would have been more effective if there was a long period of time between drafts, like I am talking at least a year. For the author to mature and grow and learn how to avoid all the writing errors that make it really obvious that this book is someone's first book.
There is no point in making a long list of every error that is in this book besides battering the author, so I will only mention a few things to explain my point. One thing that really pulled me out of the story was the MC knowing information without having to work to gain that information in anyway. For example, she knows how her siren powers and body works without anyone telling her. She knows what is going on in other character's heads without them expressing it. She just knows. She also "just knows" that everything negative/evil about her is her siren inside of her-- even though there is no reason at all for her to be black/white like that. There are a LOT of selfish and reckless things to say about the MC. I really don't believe that all of this is because she is a siren and she was perfectly good before.
Another thing that jerked me out of the story was the writing style. At times there were paragraphs of purple prose that really added nothing but flowery language to the story. That should have been cut. At other times there were paragraphs of technical telling, especially in regards to emotions of characters, that also should have been cut.
Before I close off with a last complaint, I will admit that though the story seemed to be directionless at times, it did consistently have a high-level of conflict, which kept it interesting and fun to read.
Okay, this book did teach me that when discussing my own writing, I shouldn't talk about my themes, and let my readers infer it. If the author didn't give her main reason for writing this book (to discourage teen suicide), then I wouldn't have the complaint about it. But because she did, I now have to judge wether she succeeded or not.
I say that she didn't. For a book written to discourage teens for killing herself, the MC's life really is a lot better now that she is living dead / killed herself. If the MC was remorseful for her life and she dealt with a plot of being uncomfortable with nothingness and isolation, than that would be a book that discourages teen suicide. But really, killing herself was the best thing she did for herself, at least so far. I understand that it created a romantic disconnect from her human love interest (also v. Twilight) but now she has that siren family she always wanted. So... I wouldn't really say it succeeded thematically though it talked about the painful process of death in a couple of scenes that were very gruesome and discouraging, to a point.
In conclusion, though I said all of this, I do plan on reading the next book. Yes, #1 was sub-par but creative. There were elements to sirenhood that was unique and captivating in comparison to other fantasy books. So, I believe the unanswered questions can have some really unique answers that I want to find out.
June 22, 2016
Siren Suicides is a fun, exciting read that takes you into a land where sirens exist, siren hunters roam, relationships aren't perfect, and love is true.
"How about you become a siren and torture his soul with your songs, never killing him, holding him by a thread on the precipice of dying,as long as you want to. Watch him squirm and plead like a worm."
Ksenia Anske takes us into the mind of Ailen, a young girl who lives with her dad. I have to tell you guys that I was totally reading Alien, instead of Ailen, for the first half of the book! haha. But back to business, Ailen's mom left her 6 years ago and she has been living with her abusive dad since. She has a rough life and has thought about ending it many times. Her dad doesn't deserve her.
Ailen decides to take a bath one morning in hopes that she will be able to take her own life. She nearly succeeds! She is taken on a crazy adventure where sirens are real and are hunting her. Ailen, who turned into a siren after death, made the others really angry. To make matters worse, her best friend and dad are people you would never imagine them to be. Ailen is in danger. Will her father kill her? Who is Hunter really? Is she safe? Is this even real? Is Ailen dead?
"Babies are my favorite; their souls are so sweet, sweeter than candy."
Ksenia Anske wrote an amazing story! The ending was shocking! It was hard to write this review without giving anything major away. Anske's books all have beautiful covers! I drool over all of them! I can not wait to read more by this lovely author.
"How about you become a siren and torture his soul with your songs, never killing him, holding him by a thread on the precipice of dying,as long as you want to. Watch him squirm and plead like a worm."
Ksenia Anske takes us into the mind of Ailen, a young girl who lives with her dad. I have to tell you guys that I was totally reading Alien, instead of Ailen, for the first half of the book! haha. But back to business, Ailen's mom left her 6 years ago and she has been living with her abusive dad since. She has a rough life and has thought about ending it many times. Her dad doesn't deserve her.
Ailen decides to take a bath one morning in hopes that she will be able to take her own life. She nearly succeeds! She is taken on a crazy adventure where sirens are real and are hunting her. Ailen, who turned into a siren after death, made the others really angry. To make matters worse, her best friend and dad are people you would never imagine them to be. Ailen is in danger. Will her father kill her? Who is Hunter really? Is she safe? Is this even real? Is Ailen dead?
"Babies are my favorite; their souls are so sweet, sweeter than candy."
Ksenia Anske wrote an amazing story! The ending was shocking! It was hard to write this review without giving anything major away. Anske's books all have beautiful covers! I drool over all of them! I can not wait to read more by this lovely author.
November 26, 2013
Well, i wasn't sure about writing the review cause i gave this book just 3 stars (for me it's pretty much but...) So i really hope our dear author won't have any bad emotions if she would read my poor text.
I started "I chose to die" a month ago and really had some hard time with it. On the one hand, i really love the style of the author and her ideas as well. The plot of the story is so fascinating and you have such a high hopes when you open the book.
On the other hand, i didn't quite believe in to this story in general. I mean... for me it's like some kind of magic. Suddenly you can imagine it in your head. Sadly, while i was reading i had a feeling that something was missing. And it's not as much about an editing as the characters. They was somehow too flat to be real. Like every time when you are ready to believe they have a blast and do not follow their way. If they are actually a dozen of different people in one. Also in the end i suddenly realized i don't understand why the main characters actually love each other. What they love in each other. Probably that's why i didn't fall for them.
Nevertheless i read it all to make my opinion and i definitely wanna see next Ksenia's works. She has a great style and amazing passion for writing so no doubts that her works are becoming better and better. Thank you for an inspiration to keep writing myself!
I started "I chose to die" a month ago and really had some hard time with it. On the one hand, i really love the style of the author and her ideas as well. The plot of the story is so fascinating and you have such a high hopes when you open the book.
On the other hand, i didn't quite believe in to this story in general. I mean... for me it's like some kind of magic. Suddenly you can imagine it in your head. Sadly, while i was reading i had a feeling that something was missing. And it's not as much about an editing as the characters. They was somehow too flat to be real. Like every time when you are ready to believe they have a blast and do not follow their way. If they are actually a dozen of different people in one. Also in the end i suddenly realized i don't understand why the main characters actually love each other. What they love in each other. Probably that's why i didn't fall for them.
Nevertheless i read it all to make my opinion and i definitely wanna see next Ksenia's works. She has a great style and amazing passion for writing so no doubts that her works are becoming better and better. Thank you for an inspiration to keep writing myself!
September 6, 2013
A first book by a twitter phenomenon with an astonishing command of a language she's mastered in just a little over 10 years. I've never stopped to underline a beautiful passage of writing in the first book of a budding author, but I did so many times with this book. Absolutely gorgeous use of language and some moments that made my heart stop. That said...
The book could have used some tightening. I think. She is wandering into fantasy areas not often explored, and that requires walking the reader through tough ancient lore that's unfamiliar. It's hard to separate the need to understand the world of sirens from spending too much time on the angst of the young protagonist, which she describes with blistering clarity. Often. I also had a little trouble with the father and lack of character development.
Her other books have been tightened and the storytelling skills amped up significantly. This is a writer to watch with anticipation. I'd also highly recommend her blog and her sincere efforts at helping others who have gone through abuse or been tempted by suicide. These are dangerous waters, serious business, and this author has published her book under the Creative Commons License with unlimited sharing in hopes she will touch, and perhaps save, a life.
The book could have used some tightening. I think. She is wandering into fantasy areas not often explored, and that requires walking the reader through tough ancient lore that's unfamiliar. It's hard to separate the need to understand the world of sirens from spending too much time on the angst of the young protagonist, which she describes with blistering clarity. Often. I also had a little trouble with the father and lack of character development.
Her other books have been tightened and the storytelling skills amped up significantly. This is a writer to watch with anticipation. I'd also highly recommend her blog and her sincere efforts at helping others who have gone through abuse or been tempted by suicide. These are dangerous waters, serious business, and this author has published her book under the Creative Commons License with unlimited sharing in hopes she will touch, and perhaps save, a life.
September 18, 2013
If I had to rate this book just on content alone, I might make the rating lower. The abusive father comes across as a flat, opaque, almost omniscient figure. But that is probably just what he would seem to the daughter he's tortured all of her life. Any last minute reconciliation or even understanding would have rung false. My biggest question -- the identity and motivation of the other sirens -- is going to keep me looking for sequels. Because frankly, although more editing could have tightened up some of the repetitive run-from-papa/caught-by-papa/run-from-papa sequences, this is a brilliant book. Gorgeous sentences, beautiful development of the relationship between the two doomed teenagers, and lovely writing overall. The ending seemed sudden and inexplicable (sequel? please?) and overall the book would just have seemed sad, except for one thing. I can't think of any other book I've read where just reading the dedication -- with the explanation of the author's background and relationship with her own daughter -- frames the entirely depressing story with a sense of hope for the future, for healing, and for love. And that makes "I Chose to Die" a miracle.
PS: As a temporarily-absent Seattle dweller, I particularly loved that Rachel the Pig has an important role!
PS: As a temporarily-absent Seattle dweller, I particularly loved that Rachel the Pig has an important role!
August 12, 2014
Siren Suicides is an interested trilogy and I’m glad I read it. Ksenia Anske has a very important message for her readers and I liked that. I gave it 4 stars because there are a few things that made me lift my eyebrows during reading, but let’s just take things from the beginning.
Ailen’s story starts really great since she is locked in her bathroom, trying to end her life. Those first chapters, have really stayed in my mind and pulled me in the story right away.
Ailen is an interesting character, but a little confused. She doesn’t really know what she wants and she keeps doing crazy things all the time. But that’s the concept and it’s pretty good. I could feel how confused she was.
When Ailen jumps in the water, a new world appears and it’s pretty interesting to follow her. Throughout the book, we understand her feelings and there are many detailed scenes explaining us her thoughts and emotions. I’m not fan of parts like these, but it doesn’t stand in the way of enjoining the book. At least it didn’t bother me.
What I didn’t enjoy so much is that too many things happen in a very short time. The book has lots of action, but I find it hard to believe it. So, I find that the pacing is a little off.
That’s it for book one. Read it, I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Ailen’s story starts really great since she is locked in her bathroom, trying to end her life. Those first chapters, have really stayed in my mind and pulled me in the story right away.
Ailen is an interesting character, but a little confused. She doesn’t really know what she wants and she keeps doing crazy things all the time. But that’s the concept and it’s pretty good. I could feel how confused she was.
When Ailen jumps in the water, a new world appears and it’s pretty interesting to follow her. Throughout the book, we understand her feelings and there are many detailed scenes explaining us her thoughts and emotions. I’m not fan of parts like these, but it doesn’t stand in the way of enjoining the book. At least it didn’t bother me.
What I didn’t enjoy so much is that too many things happen in a very short time. The book has lots of action, but I find it hard to believe it. So, I find that the pacing is a little off.
That’s it for book one. Read it, I hope you’ll enjoy it.
April 18, 2016
Ksenia Anske has written a book that digs deep into a teenage girl's psyche, keeping a fantastical story about a girl who becomes a siren grounded in reality. A book that is an adventure, a fantasy, but also one whose main themes include a teenager's struggle with suicide and with self worth, a daughter's relationship with her abusive father, and what it means to truly love.
It's Ksenia's writing that takes it to the next step. She strings words together in ways that seem to breathe fresh air into a language I've studied for years. It's simultaneously beautiful and perfectly accurate--she describes something and you instantly connect to what she's saying, and you KNOW and you're THERE.
This edition is an updated version of the first book Ksenia Anske published--it takes three Siren Suicides novels and condenses them into one. When I first heard of this, I wasn't sure about it and thought I would only read the original "unabridged" version. But now I can say: READ THIS ONE. She didn't just condense them into one book for something to do. She did it because THIS is how the story was meant to be told.
It's Ksenia's writing that takes it to the next step. She strings words together in ways that seem to breathe fresh air into a language I've studied for years. It's simultaneously beautiful and perfectly accurate--she describes something and you instantly connect to what she's saying, and you KNOW and you're THERE.
This edition is an updated version of the first book Ksenia Anske published--it takes three Siren Suicides novels and condenses them into one. When I first heard of this, I wasn't sure about it and thought I would only read the original "unabridged" version. But now I can say: READ THIS ONE. She didn't just condense them into one book for something to do. She did it because THIS is how the story was meant to be told.
July 29, 2015
This is a refreshingly genuine fantasy story about AND by a girl who has lived through childhood domestic abuse. Ailen's journey is so reminiscent of Ksenia Anske's own, I often found myself mistakenly calling the character "Ksenia". Fair warning, this book does get very dark, but that's to be expected from a story that opens with the main character attempting suicide.
Ailen and her partner in crime Hunter are effortlessly loveable, and have gotten themselves caught up in an adventure that never once stops threatening their lives and their precious relationship. Throw in a world swimming in water, music, and magic, and you have all the makings of a great fantasy epic that happens to be a true story.
I felt this book could have used some more involved editorial work and tightened in places, but the trip-ups are far from fatal. A fantastic book, in my honest opinion.
Ailen and her partner in crime Hunter are effortlessly loveable, and have gotten themselves caught up in an adventure that never once stops threatening their lives and their precious relationship. Throw in a world swimming in water, music, and magic, and you have all the makings of a great fantasy epic that happens to be a true story.
I felt this book could have used some more involved editorial work and tightened in places, but the trip-ups are far from fatal. A fantastic book, in my honest opinion.
September 17, 2013
I really liked how the book started - I couldn't put it down. It made me recall the days of reading Harry Potter books in the wee hours of the morning. When I reached the half point, I felt that the story was no longer tight, but thankfully it picked up toward the end.
After finishing the book I felt that there were too many loose ends, which is good, because I am on to reading Book 2, but is unsatisfying if I choose to read just the first book.
I would have to agree with an earlier reviewer that there could be more done to the story of how Aileen discovers her superpowers, it feels strange that she "just knows".
I am very intrigued by Aileen's mother story, I hope it is revealed in Books 2 or 3.
I think for the debut novel, this is quite a success!
After finishing the book I felt that there were too many loose ends, which is good, because I am on to reading Book 2, but is unsatisfying if I choose to read just the first book.
I would have to agree with an earlier reviewer that there could be more done to the story of how Aileen discovers her superpowers, it feels strange that she "just knows".
I am very intrigued by Aileen's mother story, I hope it is revealed in Books 2 or 3.
I think for the debut novel, this is quite a success!
February 10, 2017
It's an eery story. And I feel weird while reading it. It almost feels as if I died with the siren and I'm watching her from the dead. I wonder what she's going to do next with her newfound abilities. What the siren does for a majority of the time is run away. She entrances people here and there. Then deals with the conflicts of a siren hunter and siren sisters. On top of all that a love relationship surfaces, but there is little time to act upon it. This is a very good story for teens and anyone who may be struggling with their identity and their place in the world. It's very well written for being written as a second language. There are a couple misspellings that need to be edited, but it's not enough to make any noise over.
September 4, 2013
I thought the book was good. I liked the concept of a story about sirens and siren hunters. I liked the characters. Ailen was a little too whiny, and that was annoying at times, but can you really blame her after all she had to go through even before turning into a siren? I liked the relationship between her and Hunter, and I didn't even put two and two together about his name until somebody pointed it out. I really hated her dad, but you're supposed to, so that's good. He was a very good villain. I would have liked to see Ailen take more initiative, but I guess that will happen in the later books. This is a good first act for the three part series.
February 5, 2014
I've been following Ksenia Anske on Twitter for a while now and I've always enjoyed her tweets about writing. so I decided more out of curiosity than anything to try this book. and I'm so glad I did.
The book starts with Ailen Bright trying to commit suicide on her sixteenth birthday, in a desperate attempt to escape her abusive father. Although the opening is dark, the story actually morphs into a lively and imaginative tale as Ailen's suicide attempt has very unforeseen consequences. Ksenia weaves a magical tale with exceptional skill. Her powers of description are vivid, really pulling you into the story.
The book starts with Ailen Bright trying to commit suicide on her sixteenth birthday, in a desperate attempt to escape her abusive father. Although the opening is dark, the story actually morphs into a lively and imaginative tale as Ailen's suicide attempt has very unforeseen consequences. Ksenia weaves a magical tale with exceptional skill. Her powers of description are vivid, really pulling you into the story.
September 12, 2013
I CHOSE TO DIE, the first book in Ksenia Anske's SIREN SUICIDES series, was such a non-stop rush, I literally could not put it down—I was completely sucked in, and had to see what was going to happen next!
Written in the real-time constant flow of Ailen Bright's sixteenth birthday day, I CHOSE TO DIE offers a thrilling and quite unique portrayal of mythological sirens. Plop them in the water of the modern world, and get ready to hit the ground running!
I can't wait to read the next two books and find out more about these creatures Ms. Anske has gifted us with!
Written in the real-time constant flow of Ailen Bright's sixteenth birthday day, I CHOSE TO DIE offers a thrilling and quite unique portrayal of mythological sirens. Plop them in the water of the modern world, and get ready to hit the ground running!
I can't wait to read the next two books and find out more about these creatures Ms. Anske has gifted us with!
August 8, 2016
I received a finished copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
5 thoughts while reading Siren Suicides
5 thoughts while reading Siren Suicides
December 5, 2013
OMIGOSH. This book was so awesome. The character really portrays how it feels to be in a depressing world you can't escape from. Ailen Bright made me realize I'm not the only one going through terrible things at home and that I must fight on, because if I don't, it can get much worse.
I am starting MY SISTERS IN DEATH tonight. I am very interested to see what is going to happen between Hunter and Ailen.
I am starting MY SISTERS IN DEATH tonight. I am very interested to see what is going to happen between Hunter and Ailen.
September 16, 2013
Tormented protagonist seeks her own death and is assisted by otherworldly sirens. She finds she is still tormented by personal demons after her death, and is hunted by her father and her lover all over Seattle and Puget Sound. Read from a copy sent to me by the author (who is delightful on Twitter).
January 30, 2017
Beautiful writing
Really gorgeously written. Ksenia particularly excels at inner monologues and description. The ending felt quite rushed, but other than that I very much enjoyed this book.
Really gorgeously written. Ksenia particularly excels at inner monologues and description. The ending felt quite rushed, but other than that I very much enjoyed this book.
September 13, 2013
I read this in less than half a day and I'd been waiting for months. Definitely worth the wait.
Want to read
April 11, 2014Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2014/04/...
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2014/04/...
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