The Siren discussion

Okay, I actually loved this book but found Nora's seduction of Michael truly disturbing. It changed my view of Nora. She went from bad ass herione to sexual predator. She molested a child. I can't pretty it up. What do you guys think about this scene?

Hm...it's a difficult question... The boy was so desprete...he tough thah he was the only one who was seeking for that kind of sex...he was extremly suicidal ... Maby she could only let him watch for the begining? It was the same thing with Christian in FSOG...He was also 15... But he said he needed it at that time...
Maybe an ordinary girl Michaels age couldn't save him or couldn't give him what he needed at that time?? He needed to know that He belongs somewhere and that he isn't alone with his desires.

Nora was not aware of Michael's age when she took his virginity. It wasn't until Søren was dropping off Nora & Zack that Søren told Nora that "Michael was born 15 years ago".

Whoaaaaaaaaa....
If I had thought in any way that Nora was a predator of children, I WOULD NOT BE READING THIS SERIES!!!!!

I don't think it was prettied up.

She didn't seek him out.
He was there, waiting for her.

Michael tried to kill himself...
he's old enough to understand that consequence.
Father Soren offered him a bargain...
Sex (at the end of one year) if he didn't try to kill himself again (and with someone who would understand what he needed).

And Michael knew he was a masochistic submissive....

Come on. its not like a pedophile went after an innocent, naive child.

Besides you are reading a series about a VERY Sadistic Priest lol you have got to have some idea of what you got in to... and tolerance for taboo subjects!!!

Kimberley wrote: "Whoaaaaaaaaa....
If I had thought in any way that Nora was a predator of children, I WOULD NOT BE READING THIS SERIES!!!!!

I don't think it was prettied up.

She didn't seek him out.
He was the..."


Kimberly , I won't go into too much detail, but this triggered me. The priest thing was shocking but not illegal. This didn't stop me from loving the book, but it gave me pause with Nora as a character. Especially since she continues with the relationship in the next book. Statutory laws exist for a reason, doesn't matter if "consent" is given. Plus I think women in general get way with this often and get more of a pass. If this book was presented with the gender roles reversed... I think Soren and Nora would not be as acceptable to us if he started sleeping with her so young.

Paganalexandria **wicked juices bubbling over** wrote: "Kimberley wrote: "Whoaaaaaaaaa....
If I had thought in any way that Nora was a predator of children, I WOULD NOT BE READING THIS SERIES!!!!!

I don't think it was prettied up.

She didn't seek hi..."


yea, it is a touchy subject...

Yes it is a touchy subject, although I think this whole series is a touchy subject :) I thought the Michael scene was beautifully done, and yes he is 15 but he needed to feel like he belonged, that he is normal, and what he is seeking is acceptable. I think with Nora, he was able to be himself without judgement, and it give him hope for the future, to give him a future to look forward to.

I have to say Michael is one of my favorite characters of this series.

I think this highlights what makes this series my favorite so far (by far). It makes you think and re-evaluate your boundaries and ideals about right and wrong. Yes, lots of things in this series (I am currently reading The Prince) have made me feel 'uncomfortable' or have pushed me outside of my comfort zone and I love Ms. Reisz for it! I was initially shocked by the idea that Michael was so young, but you really do have to factor in all the outside circumstances.

Our society has put very black and white restrictions on what dictates right and wrong when it comes to sex and sexuality, however this entire series is centered about the idea that maybe that isn't true for everyone. Michael goes on to become a fantastic character.