Wake by Amanda Hocking – A Bookworms Review

Posted 22 September, 2012 by Danny in Blog, Danny, Danny's Book Review, Featured, Giveaways, Heather, Heather Book Review, Pushy, Pushy Book Review / 55 Comments

Wake

Book 1- Watersong series
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Expected publication: August 7th 2012 by St. Martin’s Press
Copy from publisher, BEA
Get your own: amazon | BookDepository | audible
Rating:

Wake by Amanda Hockings  on goodreads: 

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.

 

Highly anticipated, Wake was a book all of us wanted to read! Heather is a long time fan of Amanda Hockings, so all us were super excited to get a copy at BEA. To make it more fun, we decided to do our review again a little different…

 

What drew you in when you first heard about this series?

Danny: Seriously? The cover is super gorgeous! I know, I’m lame – but I love the cover! But, I also just love a paranormal story with a mysterious secret!

Heather: I’ve been a fan of Amanda Hocking’s since her Indie days, so I knew that I wanted to check out her first book as a traditionally published author.

Pushy: Heather, you loved Amanda’s Trylle series so much, and I’ve been wanting to read a mermaid story (there are some really good ones out there now) that when the chance came up I snapped it up!

As the book is told from both Harper’s and Gemma’s POV, how do you feel about the dual narration?

Danny: Actually, I was a little confused in the beginning having no idea who is the main character,  Harper or Gemma. It also took away a little the attention from one girl as the narration was nearly equally split. Jumping to the ending, I think it now makes sense to have both POV for the future books. But in WAKE it left me a little confused…

Heather: Having the POVs split between the two girls didn’t bother me in the slightest. You got to see so much more of the story and a much broader idea of the town than I think you would have seen if the POV was limited to Gemma.

Pushy: Listening to it, I found the transition totally fine.  I liked Harper’s view point, even if she was somewhat overbearing at times.  But, and this is totally about the audio version over the book, I didn’t agree with the tone the narrator used all the time for Harper.  She made her comments come out kind of whiny whereas I imagined them more hard-assed, motherly.  But as the drama progressed, it was fascinating to see Gemma through Harper’s eyes.

Although sisters, they are both very different from each other. How did you like the girls?

Danny: Oh yes, they are both super different! I loved Gemma! She was young, carefree and sweet. Her voice was always the one I loved reading/listening to most. She truly drove the story. I loved her bravery. Harper being the older sister was used to play Gemma’s “mother.” I guess this is also my major concern with Harper. She sounded too old for her 18 years and even though I understand why she had to grow up so fast, it always irked me not seeing her more careless.

Heather: While this was very true, Danny, the sisters were more alike than they’d care to admit. Both were very driven. Gemma was very single minded with her swimming, and Harper was fanatical with her studying to earn scholarships for college–almost maniacal with her no distractions or boys before college policy.

Pushy: Harper really was such a over-protective, mommy-figure wasn’t she?!  But I loved that about her.  I have a MUCH younger sister and while we didn’t have this sort of relationship, primarily because we had a mother around to play that role, I could totally see how in the absence of a mother their relationship would progress.  And you could totally tell it was all out of love.  They may not see eye to eye on everything, but Gemma and Harper do love one another, that’s clear!

Soo, let’s talk boys!!

Danny: YES, let’s talk swoon worthy boys! We have two boys here, one for each sister. Alex is the geeky boy who falls for Gemma and Daniel is the somewhat badboy for Harper. So, Team Alex or Daniel girls?

Heather: Team Daniel all the way. Tattooed,hot,  lives on a boat, mysterious, but sweet and generous as can be–definitely my kind of guy. You just have to overlook the slacker and no real job thing…

Pushy: How is this even a question?  Don’t tell me you’re not swooning over Daniel!  He’s SO FLIPPING HOT and so the yin to Harper’s yang.  I’m DEFINITELY looking forward to more sweet, sweet, Daniel action!!!  *fans self*

Danny: Totally Team Daniel! He’s exactly this kind of boy I love in YA! A little badass, some tattoos and he’s always there when Harper needs him! He is the perfect counterpart for the too serious-Harper. Daniel brings in the spark! Alex is cute, but nothing outstanding. But also here, Amanda created the perfect counterpart for Gemma!

Although the paranormal aspect is hinted, it was still mysterious… Did you like how the Siren Lore is played out?

Danny: Oh I actually loved the lore Amanda Hocking’s created! I loved finding out more and with each revealed secret I became more fascinated. Especially the ending left me with a lot of excitement as I didn’t expect the cruelty and turn of events!

Heather: The ancient lore that was woven into this story was obviously researched, and it wasn’t over the top, which made it more enjoyable to read. I really liked that these Sirens aren’t sweet and nice, and they’re certainly playing dirty. And that made this book that much more enjoyable for me. I’m looking forward to seeing how things shake out in the next book.

Pushy: You guys hit this one on the head!  I loved what we learned (and am I the only on who flashed back to The Lost Boys when Gemma was in the cave with the sirens, drinking from the flask?) and I can’t wait to find out more.  Penn’s clearly not giving Gemma all the facts, even at the end, so again, bring on book 2!!!

Bewitched Rating

 

Get your own audiobook at Audible: Wake by Amanda Hocking (unabridged, 7hrs 49min)

The audiobook version of this was fantastic.  While, as I mentioned above, I thought the narrator made Harper a bit whinier than I would have read her in my head, she did a superb job with all the other characters, particularly the sirens (LOVED her Lexi!!!!) and Daniel *swoon*
If you’re a fan of audiobooks, this should go on your to download list!

Bottom Line

Myth and mystery combine to make this first in the Watersong series an awesome read!

 

   

Additional Info

And we have an amazing and outstanding Giveaway for you!!! Heather went to a signing and she got an ARC signed and  a Hardcover signed! She’s amazing huh? And the people from St. Martins/Macmillan Audio are offering an audiobook Giveaway!
So, we have 3 copies for you to win! 
Just enter the Rafflecopter below! US/Can only!
Much Love,

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Obsessive Reader by Night - Scientist at Day! You can also find me on goodreads. I'd love to get to know you so, don't be shy and say Hello!

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55 Responses to “Wake by Amanda Hocking – A Bookworms Review”

  1. Grace Lo

    I loved the review! I don’t think I’ve read a review quite like this before, really. And I absolutely love Amanda Hocking’s Trylle trilogy. Coincidentally, I recently borrowed a copy of Wake from the library very recently and am dying to read it!
    Grace Lo recently posted..On My Mind (1)My Profile

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  3. Lindy Gomez

    Bookworms, I loved your three way review, it was neat to get your different perspectives on the same book. This book sounds really good and I love stories with mythical folklore. I am the oldest sister, so I can relate to the oldest always looking out for her younger sister. Thanks for the giveaway! Also, I wanted to know who designed your website, because I love it!

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  5. Becky @ Stories & Sweeties

    Fantastic review, ladies!! I love when you do reviews like this , with all of you giving your input! I keep seeing this one in stores and wanting to pick it up because of the pretty shiny cover. LOL Now that I know it’s a great story, too, I may actually buy it soon!

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  14. Candy

    Very creavtive and hilarious review! Thanks for sharing ^.^ I have heard so much about this book and cannot wait to read it. Didn’t realize that Amanda Hocking had other books (assumed this was a debut 0.0) so i’m gonna go look up her other works. Thanks for the headsup and offering this giveaway!
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  18. Christine

    I haven’t read this yet, but after the Under the Sea Giveaway Hop, I heard more and more about it and got really intrigued! Love the review format for this, really different and fun, and after reading it I think I have to give this book a try 🙂

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  19. Reese's

    I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to read Wake, until I read your extremely original review. Your review was original and written in a way where there was more than one insight on the review. I can’t wait to read about the characters on my own now, especially the hottie guys. Thank you so much for hosting such an amazing giveaway, and writing such a fun review. 8)
    Reese’s recently posted..Feature & Follow #3My Profile

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  23. Addie R.

    Yaay I love these types of reviews! x]
    Wake ended up just being okay for me. I really liked Gemma & the siren mythology, but sometimes it was really bland and nothing really special to me. But I am glad the 3 of you enjoyed it!
    Great review! 🙂

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  27. Ellouise Liston

    every time i go to the shops with no money, this book is there, but when i have money and go there to buy it, they r all gone. all i wanna do is read this book! 🙁

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  32. Jolene A

    I have yet to read anything by Amanda Hocking but I’ve heard amazing things and would so love to win this book. It sounds like such a great read!!!

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  37. Samnatha D

    Love Amanda Hockings work! Ive read all of Tyrelle series except for the last. I LOVED Hallowedland! I def need to get Wake! Im allergic to skittles & bunnies 🙁 My favorite animal is a bat! Creepy and cute at the same time XD

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  39. Gaby

    I haven’t read any of Amanda’s books, but I’ve been curious about picking one up since it seems like everyone I know has now read a book from her. Since I’ve been seeing Wake everywhere recently~ I thought it might be the one I tried out but after reading your review I think I’ll try one of her other novels. Any suggestions?

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  42. Donna

    That cover is absolutely stunning. Wonderful review. I can’t wait to read this. I actually enjoy multiple POVs. I mean, Game of Thrones is one of my favorite series and it’s told from like 30 POVs and I’m 5 books in and still no clue about who the main character is!
    I’ve heard so many good things about this author. I’d love to win any of these formats although I am partial to audio books.
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  45. Marla W.

    I can’t wait to read Wake and would love a signed copy!

    I’m also very excited about finding your blog – going to start following today – looks great and I’m looking forward to reading through some of your reviews/posts!!

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  51. Kiki

    I’ve been dying to get my hands on Wake! I loved Amanda Hocking’s other series…they were so original and I just loved the fantasy in it…your review has officially made me even more excited to get a copy!

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  52. Kar A.

    I loved your review! I have read a lot of them on GR, and they always make me want to read it right away. I’m dying to get a copy of Wake. Besides this is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen 🙂

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