The Siren

** spoiler alert **

I just...oh, boy.

Okay, I felt like this could have been a total knockout. First of all, the concept and plot are cool as hell: a book about sirens serving the Ocean but one of them meets a mortal and wants to go rogue? Yes.

I'm a fairytale lover. Retellings, originals, you name it, I'm all over it. I walked into a bookstore, saw this GORGEOUS cover (seriously one of the best I've seen- it's stunning) and after some quick research on Amazon's reviews, picked it up.

I'll say right off the bat I think Kiera Cass is a fine writer. This is my first book I've read by her and I've heard The Selection series is great. I'm interested in that- I'll be reading it later.

However. This book is scattered. It'll jump from one major problem in the novel to another quite abruptly and for this reader, it was unsettling. You'll have a couple of scenes with the love interest- who you meet for five seconds and are expected to believe it's the greatest love ever- and then it jumps to how she's depressed and how her "sisters" will take care of her. Sisters who, by the way, we do not see the bond until the middle and end of the novel. I'm disappointed in that, because that would've been a cool story arc if it was handled correctly.

My biggest complaint is the relationship between Kahlen and Akinli- these two uniquely named (for no reason) characters have a total of less than three days together. Even The Little Mermaid had more time than that, and she was under a strict contract. Kahlen spends A. Date. with Akinli and develops major depressive episodes when she's not near him.

But guess what! Technically, she CAN visit him as long as she's away from water! Although in Kiera Cass's world, you have to SEVERELY suspend your disbelief about the water thing. Kahlen goes to great lengths to steal snowboots (drying on a porch in winter, which made no sense but that's the least of this book's problems) to keep her from having a connection to the Ocean, but there was mention of showers and baking. You're going to need to wash those mixing bowls, Kahlen. I found myself wondering if tap water was filtered enough so that the all powerful Ocean couldn't reach her if she was drinking tap water and baking, but I threw that out the window along with my time.

There were some really good points which made me keep reading. I loved the Padma story angle. LOVED it. And Aisling, who was the most interesting character in the book. But since we see her 7% of the time, it's a total let down. The book should've been about her, because her story is fantastic. I loved the character of the Ocean too, but about 2/3 of the way in, the traits shifted. Since it's the Ocean and therefore inconsistent, I'll allow it, but I don't think it was intentional. I think the writer was just doing it to fit her plot.

I felt like the end of the book should have been in the middle for the story's sake. Kahlen being ill? That was waaaayyyyy at the end and felt completely rushed. That concept of being two joined souls is fascinating and should've been elaborated on. I felt like a lot of the book had great pieces but were in the wrong place. That's something an editor should've helped correct.

I'm glad her very first book got a chance to be printed and revamped. I am. I think it's awesome she gives major props to her fans for getting this made.

But since it was revamped and redone, I just think someone would've told her how implausible most of this book was. It could have been terrific and I'm mourning what could've been.

Ms. Cass and her readers, please, please don't take this the wrong way. This wasn't for me, but I really think it could've been and that's why I'm disappointed.

This book has so much heart. It’s bittersweet in the most beautiful way with an absolutely darling romance

Good book. It was an easy read that kept me guessing. It was hard to out down! I know it is intended for younger readers but I enjoyed it...and I'm 40.

I absolutely loved the first chapter but was then surprised when it took a modern twist. I wasn’t expecting that approach which left me slightly disappointed. After a few chapters, I almost stopped reading it, thinking it wasn’t going to be for me. The only thing that kept me reading is that a friend had highly recommended it as one of her favorite stories. I am so glad that I kept reading because once I got over the initial shock and disappointment of its direction, I found myself loving it and devouring it. The romance was absolutely adorable and it felt so real. It reminded me of dating my husband; the awkwardness, the constant thoughts about him, the random text messages that leave a goofy smile on your face that you can’t seem to get rid of. It was all so endearing and I absolutely loved it! I would think the story would go one way, and then it completely surprised me. It was just an absolutely beautiful story that leaves you with a warm feeling, a happy sigh, and a smile that makes you want to give the book a big hug and snuggle up to it when it’s all said and done.

The basic story line is super good but I feel a really huge plot hole is why The Ocean needed to drown people? Cass never explained why She needed to “feed” on humans and that bothered me. Which that plot hole leads to an even bigger question...WHAT IS THE POINT THEN OF A SIREN’S EXISTENCE? Other plot holes like “Why would the main character love the Ocean like a mother if She was making her do such an evil act that she dearly didn’t want to do?” As other reviewers said: Stockholm Syndrome! The Ocean should be an evil step mother not a nurturing but secretly Dexter of a psychopath with justifications of lost souls for unexplained reasons. And the ending? The reason behind Kahlen’s sickness peeved me off. The story line could have been better explained but then again she did leave it on a note where she could write a second book. If she wrote a continuation I would definitely give it a shot to redeem itself. If she leaves it by itself to stand on its own it’s not worth the read. It at least stands a chance with a continuation book.

This was hard for me to give a 4 star because I love Keira Cass as an author. I love Keira Cass's Selection Series. LOVE. I was so excited for something new from her, but I really didn't love this book. I did LIKE this book a lot, but it just didn't hold my interest the same and make me feel like I couldn't put it down like the Selection Series did. I do really appreciate the uniqueness of this story. A young Siren who cannot talk and lives among humans? Oooh! Cool! And there is a really nice romance in the story. I think my main issue is with the character of the Ocean. For a 'godlike' character, the Ocean just struck me as kind of wishy-washy, not to mention that her being so kind to the girls and then punishing them seemed inconsistent. So now, don't discount this story. Just because there was something I personally didn't love about it doesn't mean it isn't worth a read - hence the 4 stars. I think Keira Cass is a fantastic writer and storyteller, and this story is definitely unique in a sea full of vampire novels that are availalbe right now. (I like a good vampire story, too, but - oversturated much?) Anyway, I still recommend giving this book a shot.

This book was just so boring. I really did try, only because I liked The Selection. But my god I had to force myself to read. Luckily it's a small book. I think I started really losing interest with the dresses that magically appeared in the water or whatever. It was a combination of the story itself and the way it was written.

This book had me on an emotional roller coaster! It was so good, yet so sad simultaneously?

The story is so creative and like nothing I’ve ever read before. Kiera Cass is an excellent writer and the characters are wonderful. My only complaint is how crazy some of the names were. Like I just finished the audiobook and I can honestly say I can’t remember the love interest’s name. It starts with an A.

While it’s a good book, prepare for sad parts! Kahlen goes through some rough patches in her life and I am a deep feeler, so I was sad for her a lot.

All in all, an excellent read!

Terrible story, first off sirens can’t get hurt or sick which the book says. By the end she’s dying of heart ache.... stupid. The first release of the siren was great, this book is a completely different story all together. 2 thumbs down!👎🏻 👎🏻

the cover looks just like the image, the book far exceeded my expectations. this book was very descriptive of complex emotions, Kahlen feels so much love and hatred for the world in all intermingles. it’s hard to summarize the book because of all the characters and emotions it shifts through, while displaying Kahlen’s selflessness it also shows her deep rooted pain. it explains the amazing greek myth of Sirens with great depth, even giving The Ocean a sense of humanness and power that almost makes Her feel god-like. The Ocean gains and loses many things with Kahlen as a siren, they both teach each other a great life lesson. This book teaches that moments are fleeting and to appreciate them no matter what, i recommend this to anyone who enjoys greek mythology, romance, five feet apart, the fault in our stars, or fantasy.