YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

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

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Natalie and I are starting on Saturday. Feel free to join us.

63% (view spoiler)[I'm actually liking how long it took to get going. I'm really sick of books that just rush head on into stuff without character interaction or anything. I don't know if I'm supposed to or not, but I actually feel sorry for the sirens. I think Daniel is immune to the Siren Song because of his boating accident. (hide spoiler)]

Finished! It was really good! It's probably one of the best mermaid books I've read. It had a unique storyline too! (view spoiler)[I didn't expect it to have Greek ties. (hide spoiler)]

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Date Changed. Restarting October 18th 2014. Happy Reading ☺

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Date Changed. Restarting April 11th 2016. Happy Reading ☺

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Starting this a day early, I hope that is ok

I'm probably gonna be slow reading this one, since I'm reading Winter as well..

@Sanne: That's ok, read at your own pace. I hope you enjoy Winter :)

Up to chapter 7: (view spoiler)[ So far I am enjoying this book.I really liked the prologue as it grabbed my attention right from the start. I like the main character as she seems realistic although I am not keen on her relationship with Alex. It seemed to happen very suddenly and it seemed really awkward. I really like the sister relationship between Gemma and Harper it seems like a realistic sister relationship which I like seeing. I think this is going to be quite a quick read. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 12: (view spoiler)[ So I guess Gemma is turning into a siren/mermaid. I have no idea what Penn and the others did to her but it's very strange. Also, the weird make out session with Alex was really odd and uncomfortable. I'm guessing her singing lured him over but it was just a little bit strange considering they've only just started dating. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I really like Daniel and Harper together I hope we get to see more of them in the next book. Poor Bernie, he seemed like such a nice man. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ I liked this book but there was something lacking in it. I can't place my finger on what it was but there was something missing which meant I could only give it 3 stars. I thought the story was quite predictable as it was clear from the start that Gemma was going to become a mermaid/siren. The ending is left very open for the next book and I am interested to see where the story will go. (hide spoiler)]

Can I get this reset for July 10th? Please and thanks!

I think I might join this one, Andrea!

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Reading from the 10th of July 2016

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Are you still planning on reading this?

I am! I may be a couple days late because I'm finishing up a class, but I will be here! :)

That's fine. I just wanted to make sure we were still reading this.

Yep! And no problem! I may start tomorrow and read slowly for a couple days, I haven't decided lol.

I am! I'm gonna start reading this later after I've finish reading Sketch. :D

Prologue (view spoiler)[ I know this wasn't long, but boy was it creepy! So I'm pretty sure they just killed someone and now they're going to go recruit someone to become a siren/mermaid? I wonder why Thea is so disgusted with herself hmmm... (hide spoiler)]

Finished Chapter 1. Looks like there's a combo of Gemma and Alex's perspective in it. So far I'm okay with it, but I usually prefer it to be one character's view point per section.

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ What was up with that fight? It was annoying and pointless. Plus it made Harper sound jealous. I like that she works at the library though. (hide spoiler)]

p. 36 (view spoiler)[ I don't really like Harper, and is she even going to be involved with the sea creatures? The back summary doesn't mention her at all. She really needs to get over her age hang-up. First Alex/Gemma, now Daniel. Please just stop. Also her views on romance are plain weird. (hide spoiler)]

p. 41 (view spoiler)[ Why does the missing fourth girl keep coming up & where is she? (hide spoiler)]

p. 60 (view spoiler)[ That kiss could've been written so much better. It was so awkward. Her dad's reaction was hilarious and such a dad move. (hide spoiler)]

p.80 (view spoiler)[ Oh she won't tell you anything? Maybe because you're always YELLING AT HER! Seriously, what was up with her yelling at Daniel like that. She could be nicer. I definitely like Gemma better. (hide spoiler)]

p.91 (view spoiler)[ Marcy is weird and kind of like this rebel adult. Not sure if I like her. I like Gemma and Daniel. Alex is just kind of boring, he doesn't really seem to be developed much. I don't like Harper. (hide spoiler)]

I'm up to Chapter 6.


(view spoiler)[I can tell right now that those girls are up to no good. However, we know Gemma will end up with them at some point. Harper is very protective of her sister. Perhaps a little too much. (hide spoiler)]

Finished Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[ So that stuff they made her drink is probably going to make her start turning into the siren/mermaid thing. The giant bruise she had I think was actually a scale. Harper's mood swings are weird and I don't really like them. (hide spoiler)]

Page 25. I just started reading this last night. Hmmn, as always, Amanda's writing really makes me engaged on reading her books. Just hoping this would be a good one. :)

Chapter 15 (view spoiler)[ The greek mythology tie in was really interesting. I'm wondering if Thea resents being a siren. Out of all of them she seems to enjoy it the least. I wonder what Gemma will do and whether Alex loves her for who she is. I also think Gemma is definitely right about there being something off about the curse, probably has to do with why the fourth one left. (hide spoiler)]

I'm up to Chapter 17.


(view spoiler)[If I was Gemma I would be upset too. They made her a siren without asking her. I'm glad that Harper is finally giving Daniel a chance. Maybe now she will lay off Gemma. Although she is right not to trust those girls. (hide spoiler)]

Hannah wrote: "I'm up to Chapter 17.


[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I agree, but I wish there was a little more to the romance between Harper & Daniel. There are some great set-ups for a sweep you off your feet type of romance, but I haven't been satisfied with the scenes. Maybe it's because Harper is an awkward person oh well :P (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter 18 (view spoiler)[ FINALLY a development in the Harper & Daniel relationship. I've been waiting for that for so long!! Daniel is honestly my favorite character at this point and Gemma is a close second. I don't know but something about Alex seems so flat. He needs some more spunk or something. The last chapter between Alex & Gema was super cute though :) (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Well that bird form is scary as all hell! Her mom is strange, why would she trust her judgement over Harper or someone else? I feel like Daniel knows something about the sirens and that's why he's not affected by them. There's got to be a reason. Overall, not a bad read. (hide spoiler)]

I'm finished.


(view spoiler)[I will admit at times this book was a little weird. The siren's were just flat out nuts. I'm glad that Harper has Daniel because she is definitely going to need him. Considering Alex is the main character's love interest we really didn't get to know him. He never really did a whole lot throughout the book. Hopefully in the other books he will be a bigger part. (hide spoiler)]

Hannah wrote: "I'm finished.


[spoilers removed]"

I agree!

Page 40 I'm having a reading slump for this book. :(

It's okay. It happens.

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Date Changed. Restarting August 23rd 2017. Happy Reading ☺

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I'm joining this one :)