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Siren

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Nothing in life is ever monochrome.
I discovered that a long time ago,
And with all such lessons,
I learned it the hard way.

Dark cannot exist without light.
Night can’t occur without day.
Despair can’t flourish without hope.
I couldn’t live without her,
She can’t survive without me.

She was meant to be my protector.
It was us against the world.
Allies. Partners.
Instead, she became my worst fear.

I allowed that despair to grow and fester.
I let it mar me, then, almost destroy me.
I realized something had to give.

This time, there is no turning back.
When the siren calls to you,
You unwillingly answer.

Question is… Would I survive the fall?

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2017

21 people are currently reading
312 people want to read

About the author

Jo-Anne Joseph

33 books755 followers
Jo-Anne Joseph is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and psychological fiction. Along with a passion for writing, she is an avid reader, wine lover and foodie. Her lifelong love affair with words started at a young age. She’s a business professional, and lives in Johannesburg, South Africa with her husband, their son and fur babies.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews729 followers
Read
November 8, 2017


***BETA reading***

My FULL review will be posted nearing the release date!

Jo-Anne Joseph shows a true talent in her writing, this is a second book I have read of hers, and the first one I get to BETA read and give my insights into the story, which was such a thrilling process on its own.

My first impressions were that this is one step forward towards the captivating and gripping feeling of being pulled in, tossed and swept away from the edges of sanity in this interesting, fast paced psychological thriller.

*two thumbs up*
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,557 reviews326 followers
January 29, 2018
This was a pretty good dark read that was a total mindF*ck. Siren and Sage are sisters Sage is an orphan, whose sister, Siren is really a big mean bully or so Sage thinks she is. Fast forward many years and the girls live together in Cape Town, South Africa. Siren is more outgoing and possessive of her sister. When things begin to happen Sage wants to leave her sister but she can't. This book was really thrilling and suspenseful and it had a lot of twist and turn in it and you never knew what was coming. Some of the scenes in this book had me putting down my ereader. This was my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,944 reviews393 followers
December 2, 2017
This was definitely a rollercoaster of a ride. Once I thought I figured out Sage and Siren’s story... I was given more info and realized I didn’t know anything. There is some romance in this book, but I consider it romance lite, and suspenseful thriller heavy. I don’t feel I can say much else, because any more could be a spoiler.

If you’re looking for twisty, turny, with potential triggers, and thrilling suspense. Then, Siren is definitely the read for you. I will tell you that you will be guessing until the very end.


*ARC copy from IndiesInk*
Profile Image for Auden Dar.
Author 8 books1,177 followers
November 23, 2017
I can’t remember the last time I read a book and felt like I was on a rollercoaster- emotionally and physically.

SIREN is simply the most intense book I have ever read this year. To describe it as romantic suspense would be incorrect. It is definitely more of a psychological thriller mixed with some romance. Just know SIREN is not for the faint of heart- it’s actually a bit of a mindf*ck.

There were scenes in the book that made me cringe- made me want to understand the surprising actions of these characters. Some were downright abhorrent. As a reader, you’ve become Freud −questioning every motive, every word spoken by the characters, and wonder about the mindset of the author when she wrote this incredible book. And when you think you know what the story is about−you’re hit with another surprise. There were so many twist and turns that I’m surprised I didn’t have whiplash. At times, this story read like a Guillermo del Toro film. Yes, it was that haunting. It was that memorable. And even though it triggered several touchy subjects- it was still beautiful.

In addition to the original storyline, the prose itself is stunning. For those who appreciate wordsmiths- this one is for you.

My mind is still reeling from having read this unforgettable book several hours ago.

Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,138 reviews192 followers
February 4, 2021
This book was so twisted and mind shattering that I could not put it down!
Sage is a young woman who is bullied, beaten, and broken daily by her sister Siren. At times it was heart wrenching to bear witness to what Sage endures, and at other times I was angry and screaming for Sage to stand up for herself.
The plot had so many twists and turns that I couldn't believe were happening and just when I thought I had it figured out, BAM, Jo-Anne Joseph threw another curveball into the story and I was spiraling again.
5 deviant, bizarre, and spectacular stars 🌟
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,538 reviews179 followers
December 10, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Jo-Anne and will not be the last. I really don't know where to start with this review because I don't want to give to much away so I am going to be very brief which is quite a thing for me because you all know I love to review and give away a little so the reader will want to go out and read the book. So here goes my non spoiler review......

Siren and Sage are sisters. Siren is the stronger of the two both mentally and physically. Siren controls Sage and Sage wants to get away from her sister but she can't. Then things start to happen and Sage really wants to leave but she knows she will never get away from her sister.

This book is dark and does have some small triggers but most of all what I loved about it was that there is so much suspense. You don't know what is going to happen next and you are sitting on the edge of your seat reading like crazy to see what is going to happen next. This book was a complete mind f@#$ it will have you guessing till the end.
Profile Image for Caitlin Audet.
485 reviews62 followers
December 14, 2018
Siren by Jo-Anne Joseph is one of those stories that not only keeps you guessing what will happen next but also has you scratching your head well after the final words. This was definitely a psychological puzzle and so well twisted I couldn't even begin to go about what was going on, making this such a fun read. Jo-Anne Joseph has spun such a marvelous web of mystery, lies, and deceit with two polar opposite characters and the one guy who made it his mission to seek out the truth no matter the cost.

Sage and Siren have always stuck together even after the two grown farther apart the older they got. Where Sage was quiet and timid, Siren was confident and bossy, and years of bullying turned these two sisters into basically a dom/sub pair. When Jake Cole starts taking notice of Sage and spending more time her, she finally starts realizing how far she's fallen and begins taking control of her life, threatening Siren's control. Not wanting to let go that easily, Siren becomes more aggressive to make sure that Sage sees that there will never be room for anyone else, just the two together forever.

So many revelations come to light throughout the storyline but even after knowing one major event the story never broke pace, on the contrary it got more thrilling the more details came out. I really like how strong Sage started becoming, knowing she couldn't keep being around Siren and her abuse. Jake was such a great guy who never once lost faith and for that I truly admired him. Overall Siren was a great read, very suspenseful and crazy and further cementing this author as one to look out for.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 32 books122 followers
March 10, 2022
First of all thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me an ARC for my honest review. I do enjoy reading psychological thrillers and this didn't disappoint. I really felt like I was in the midst of each situation that was happening in the book, even when at times it seemed a bit far fetched. I think that is the reason why I didn't give this title a five stars. The back and forth between Siren and Sage, almost blurred into one, which I'm sure is what the author intended, but at times I got a bit lost. I would recommend this book to others though! It was an overall good ride and read, which left you wondering what the heck you just read at the end (I love rollercoaster books like this)!
Profile Image for Leigh Lennon.
Author 65 books1,832 followers
February 19, 2018
Siren by Jo-Anne Joseph
I am not sure how to even begin this review because quite honestly, it is an experience that the reader has to go on by themselves to truly enjoy this book. If I give too much away, it will be like giving the reader the ending one of their most anticipated movie they’d been waiting to watch.
So, the question is, how to begin this review in a way that does this book justice. First, I am going to say, just buy the book! Don’t worry, I will give you more than just that little tid-bit of information.
Okay, so here goes! Sage is an orphan, whose sister, Siren is really a big mean bully or so Sage thinks she is. Fast forward many years and the girls live together in Cape Town, South Africa. Siren is the out going one but also very poccessive of her sister. Many incidents occur and Sage tries to break away from her sister, but she just can’t until Sage is given a reason to leave. This specific reason comes in the tall and handsome package of Jake. From there, Siren goes mad. This is where I will stop because too much more, I will give away the book.
As I said earlier, every once in a while you are given a gem of a book that really is more than just a good read. This is a good read but more, this book is an experience that has to be enjoyed as you will find yourself fully emerged in the book
Things I liked:
Sage is such a gentle soul, the polar opposite of her sister Siren. However, more so than the characters, the depth to which they are portrayed on the pages, it is as if they could seriously jump off the page and immerse themselves into your lives.
Again, like the previous book of Ms. Joseph’s, she adds a large part of literary fiction to give this book complexity as the reader is left with questions. (Don’t worry, you get your answers.)
Of course this is a love story too, so it would be pointless to forget to showcase the love that Jake has for Sage, one that leads him to think things in a way he never has.
I am sorry to leave you with with such a vague review but as you begin to read it (and I am telling you this is a book of true wisdom) you will thank me that I insisted you read it and that I let you experience this book without going in too much detail.
Five Plus stars for Ms. Joseph!
Profile Image for Sian Claven.
Author 41 books320 followers
April 30, 2019
Looking back  at the cover now that I have read the book, I wouldn't have expected this cover for this book. It's dark. It's Mysterious. Wait! It fits perfectly! I wanted to pick on of Jo-Anne Josephs books to read because I see her around so much on Facebook and events and I'm so glad I picked this one. It really drew me in.

Sage and Siren are twin sisters and Siren is an absolute... well let's just say that abuse doesn't always come in the form of spousal shall we? I've never met a character I have hated quite like her. Sage on the other hand, the loveable one, also irritated me but mostly because I just wanted her to sock her sister once in the face. That being said, you can see Joseph is an excellent writer because of the reactions I had. Of course I fell in love with all the characters as I read but initially I was just flabbergasted that someone so cool would take so much abuse. 

All in the all the story was absolutely amazing and I finished it in just over a day. I would have done it sooner but you know - I have a day job. As her first dark psychological romance I can see a lot of potential from Joseph and have already purchased another book from her! Go get it.
Profile Image for Jo-Anne Joseph.
Author 33 books755 followers
Want to read
June 13, 2019
Siren is a dark psychological romantic suspense.
Buy Link: mybook.to/sirenjjoseph
Blurb:
Nothing in life is monochrome. I learned that hard way. Dark cannot exist without light. Despair only flourishes with the loss of hope. Likewise, we couldn’t survive without each other. She was meant to be my protector. It was us against the world. But instead, she became my worst fear. That fear grew and festered. It marred me, then, almost destroyed me. I realized something had to give. This time, there was no turning back. Because when the siren calls, you unwillingly answer.
I'm giving away five ebooks.
To enter all you have to do is like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/joannejoseph...
Profile Image for Ahima Booklover.
955 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2017
4 light and dark, twisted and broken, insanely beautiful stars

This story is intense... and shocking... gripping... good.
I just dived in without any knowledge about that book and was thrown into a world of loss, grief, fear but also love, hope and emotions.
Meet Sage and Siren, two beautiful young woman so similar outside but so different inside. Where Sage is full of empathy, love and good behavior but weak in her ability to fight for her wants and needs, Siren is strong and straight forward but unable to feel empathy for other's feelings or decisions. What happens, when courses change, when life gets in the way.
Meet Jake, new employee, intrigued by Sage's shy beauty and her mostly quite but sometimes bubbling behavior. What will happen when he meets Siren? What will it do to their relationship?
I couldn't stop reading. The story stirred something inside me and Sage melted me from the start. Siren made me feel all kinds of emotions, soooo angry and miserable and sad but sorrow and sympathy too. I wish there were some more about Jake that would let me connect with him better.
It's a great story with a very sensitive topic, that took me by surprise and on an emotional ride.
Profile Image for Nicole Brown.
169 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2017
Siren was a suspense filled emotional rollercoaster of a book. I loved the characters when I wasn't supposed to. Unique HEA not your typical dark read but dark none the less. Jo-Anne is a new author and so far everything that she has put out has been the best. If Jo-Anne continues to write like this I have no doubt she will be a best seller before long. I cant wait to read more. This book was so good. It keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next and surprisingly at the end I was still trying to turn the page for more. Cant wait to see where Jo-Anne's journey will lead us.
1,825 reviews38 followers
December 5, 2017
This was my first read of a book by this author. All I have to say is, Wow! This book is unreal. It kept me guessing and on edge the entire time. The story of Sage and Siren blew my mind. This story kept me enthralled and I didn't want it to end. The way this author writes makes you feel as if you are part of the story. This book is definitely dark and parts made my heart stop, but I loved every minute of it. I don't want to spoil anything so please read this book. You will not be disappointed.
749 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2018
This was well written, had a great different storyline. I started reading and it pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. The characters were so interesting. I recommend it to all. I received it as an arc and voluntarily reviewed it.
43 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I like when you don’t really know what’s going on until almost the end. Lots of twist and turns. Sage and Siren will keep you guessing.
Profile Image for Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader.
2,143 reviews55 followers
September 25, 2024
Sage is a 32 year old female who has lived in fear literally every single day of her life. Why? Because she has an evil, sadistic I’m a psychotic sister named Siren who mentally and physically controls, abuses and manipulates her.

“She was meant to be my protector. It was us against the world. Allies. Partners. Instead, she became my worst fear. I allowed that despair to grow and fester. I let it mar me, then, almost destroy me. I realized something had to give. This time, there is no turning back. When the siren calls to you, you unwillingly answer. Question is… Would I survive the fall?”

The story of Siren and Sage is one of the least predictable, most exciting stories I’ve ever read (and I read about 300 books every year)! If you like psychological thrillers that leave you on the edge of your seat, this is a must read!!!

The only negative thing about this book was that there are some minor yet obvious editing issues. There are numerous sentences such as, “She was tall, about 5 feet to my 6” that didn’t quite make sense and some typos such as referring to a character as the, “escape goat” instead of, “scapegoat.” I usually won’t give a book 5 stars if there are significant editing/proofreading issues, but this book was so unbelievably good that I was somehow able to overlook the typos! I am thrilled to have discovered Ms. Joseph and can’t wait to read more of her books!!!
Profile Image for Tiara Giles.
Author 4 books52 followers
January 11, 2018
Finally! I have finished reading this book! This book was great. I think it's a great second book by Jo-Anne Joseph! I felt so many emotions while reading and I even felt like I could relate to the characters some moments. I liked how she handled the characters and the plot. It gave me a similar feeling to how I felt when I read Tedd Dekker's Three. However, this was romance based and I loved Jake a lot. I look forward to more of her work!

This is an ARC review.
Profile Image for Meghana Sarathy.
Author 11 books215 followers
March 9, 2018
This book is a very good attempt at a true psychological thriller ( with a romantic touch to it ) and the author has my respects for taking a shot at such an unusual storyline. I liked the suspense part of it and the story overall is pretty good but having read a quite a few psychological thrillers, it didn't quite reach my expectations but it wasn't bad either. Again, it's hard to pinpoint any thing without giving way to spoilers but I will try my best to highlight what I liked and how it could have been better.
This is essentially a strong of Sage and Siren with Jake taking the role of Sage's love interest. He doesn't have much of a role until the very end and reading from his POV, gave the readers a third eye on the happenings - more like the reality since Sage is an unreliable narrator. In that sense his character served a purpose but I don't see the point of his backstory. It wasn't completely flourished and didn't find much of a place in the story of two sisters. I felt that it was uncessary and didn't add much.
Coming to how the story progressed and pacing. It was never borinf or by any means predictable ( I figured out what was happening in the 30% thanks to all the subtle clues and what they hinted at ) but it wasn't very 'clean and polished'. It was kind of messy and all over the place. the suspense factor was well kept with few surprises thrown even at the end ( which works in the storie's favor ) but the transitions between the scenes was poor and often left me confused. And there were too many time jumps thrown at random times and it became a little hard for me to connect with the present and differeniate it from the events of the past.
Coming to the love story part of it - I didn't buy it completely. It wasn't that compelling and seemed more like it was pushed was the convenience of the plot. Jake was an interesting character and I did like him but not sure what about Sage made him love her so much that he could go to any extent for her.
Siren was more an interesting character and I liked her smartness. She brought the suspense factor and the 'violent' touch to this story.
The overall story like I stated earlier is interesting but it could have been executed better with a clearer understanding of 'how' it was happening rather than just focusing on 'why' it was happening. There were quite a few loopholes and logical inconsistencies thaf weren't explained. The ending also wasn't very satisfactory and felt too rushed. I wanted something more realistic. Again, I don't want to sound too harsh or critical, hut this book is more like a romantic suspense, these points stand out and one can't help but notice them. But then again, it was written well and each character was unique with their own story to tell.
It was an entertaining read and once again, I accolade the author for such an honest and sincere attempt at something out of the box.
Profile Image for Jessie Seymour.
307 reviews25 followers
April 1, 2018
I received a copy for an honest review

I gave this book 4 stars. I’m not sure if that is the best rating for this book. I will probably change it later as I’ve only just finished the book and do feel a little too close to it at the moment.

However, this book was amazing. It was a bit slow in the beginning as we were getting to know the characters, but as we got deeper into the plot of the story it was something I could just not put down. I know because I did try to put it down so I could process and I could not.

The best way I could explain this book to you without actually spoiling anything is by comparing it to Fight Club. I won’t tell you how they are similar, just that there is one huge aspect that is very similar. I wish I saw it more in fiction as it’s really interesting.

This novel follows our protagonist Sage and her being at odds with her twin sister, Siren, and her falling in love with a man named Jake. The story is told from three points of view, Sage, Jake, and Siren. Nothing about this book is what you expect.

There were definitely parts of this book I found a bit hard to get through, but in the end, it was a bit mind-blowing. I would highly suggest giving this book a read.
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,426 reviews63 followers
January 1, 2018
Truly remarkable storytelling. As I finished the story I knew that my life will not be the same again. I have fallen for this author's writing and cannot wait to devour the next book. The characters were truly inspirational and the storyline was compelling.

It is amazingly intense and the author prepares you for the journey for you to take alongside the characters really well. The characters and story development were perfectly done. This book was extremely well written and has fast become one of my favourites of all time. This book was full of many twists and turns that will keep you guessing what is going to happen until the very end. I devoured it in one sitting. Incredible work!! I absolutely adored reading this book and will be one clicking the rest of this authors work.

The way the author makes you feel everything that the character is experiencing is unlike any other.

I will definitely be recommending this author to everyone I know. Definitely one awesome book to pick up and I can see this author going from strength to strength.
Profile Image for Katharen Martin.
Author 1 book6 followers
April 9, 2018

3.5 A Catchy Read for A Dark or Rainy Day



As strange as it may be to say, the quotes in between certain chapters of this book was my favorite part about this read. For me it was an added bump that made me want to continue to turn the pages and was styled very appealingly. Unfortunately, I had the considerable twist well figured out when I hit just over a quarter of the way through the book, which was no surprise as I am well known as the spoiler of well-wrapped gifts in my family. I was compelled, however, to continue to read on to see how it would end and am happy to say that I was not disappointed.



Though there was one place where I had to go and read back a bit to make sure I was understanding something correctly for a scene/memory jump, it was easy to follow along with the flow of the story as the struggle of the characters unfolded.



Because of this book, I will be looking into other books by this author and very much look forward to seeing how she continues to grow in the future with her writing!


Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
December 13, 2018
This was my first foray into the world of Jo-Anne Joseph, and she took me on quite the ride with Siren. So much so, that I just don't want to give any sort of description about the book as a whole, because I think that everyone is better served by going in blind. Instead, I'll just make this short & sweet by describing my extreme emotions while reading. First of all, there are some dark undertones that may trigger some, so this is another warning in case you didn't notice it anywhere else. Now, Siren took me on a crazy ride filled with all kinds of twists & turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Those twists came from every direction, so I found myself dropping f-bombs, and other colorful metaphors like nobody's business as each new one revealed itself, leading up to the mother of all finale. This super talented author penned an intense suspense filled experience that is still front & center in my head. So yeah, I'm very excited to read more by her, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Kathy L..
811 reviews16 followers
July 5, 2018
I did not know what to expect with this book but it was surprisingly good and interesting. Definitely a dark story and not suitable for all but the intensity of this book was really good. I connected the dots to the story way before half way point but the curveballs that were thrown in later were definitely surprising. At first it was very confusing and I did not really understand what was going on and then it made sense again but would get confusing again. Once you connect the dots it makes so much more sense. It was very interesting to read and I was so captivated by it that I would lose track of time and not realize I had been reading for hours nonstop. This book should be given a chance because it really is good. Just caution to those that are not into dark situations, this book has many triggers and situations that are very intense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leigh Roos.
4 reviews
December 8, 2017
Siren delves into the depth of darkness of Sage’s reality and her longing for normality and love.

The book, which is not my ‘usual read’, was mind blowing! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I could not put it down!

Once again, the author described the characters and events in such exact detail I had a clear picture in my head of all of them. This dark psychological romance is gripping and will have you waiting for the next event to unfold, hoping for the good but expecting the worse. The story will make you angry, scare the hell out of you, make you smile and make you cry. What could make one person’s life so emotionally tormented? You will have to read to find out.

Amazing writing Jo-Anne Joseph! Like I said earlier, this is not my usual read but you have introduced me to a whole new world which I think I like.
Profile Image for Everything Bookish  Blog.
793 reviews33 followers
December 10, 2018
Sage and Siren are twins that have lived through tragedy. Siren is cursed with a mean streak and wants Sage alone and easily manipulated to bend to her will. When she's not obeyed she strikes with vengeance. As long as she can remember she's been under Siren's thumb. At thirty-two she is finally getting a taste for freedom, and wants more from life than to be her sisters shadow. Can they both survive this twist of fate when one pulls and the other doesn't bend.

The twins are amazing characters and I truly felt connected to them. The story takes you on a suspenseful adventure that you never want to stop. Gripping and disturbing you can't help but crave more. Sage finding her voice and exploring things she had only dreamed of was brilliantly done. A quick read you'll want to revisit over and over.

*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,131 reviews9 followers
December 2, 2017
What a rollercoaster of emotions I endured in reading this very interesting story about Sage and Siren. I can not give much away in this review as you need to read the book to fully understand the story and message the authors is giving us. As you read you feel like you know where it’s going to go and then bam yours thoughts are a spin that will have your mind questioning everything you have just read. Gripping, suspenseful, psychological thriller, drama-packed book with family secrets and history that will affect the characters down to their very core. I received an ARC copy of this great book and this is my honest and voluntary review of what I read.
Full review at www.reaingfortheloveofbooks.com
Profile Image for Brian Joseph.
3 reviews
January 17, 2018
Siren is an awesome suspense that will keep your mind on it's toes and wanting to know more. The story is about two sisters, identical twins, who have totally different characters and ways of dealing with their tragic past. One dominates the other and the other blames herself and quietly accepts her lot in life, both doing so for their own survival. It is a story of hope, of rising above one's challenges... but things are not as they seem. It was hard to put this book down, and by the end you will realise it speaks to your humanity and pulls at your heart strings. Captivating..., I would recommend this book to all Suspense lovers, it has a gentle romantic twist where you learn that only love can heal the soul.
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