Wake - Book Review

Wake (Watersong #1)
by Amanda Hocking

What is it about:
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.

What did I think of it:
I will confess I thought this would be a nice read.

I read another book by Hocking which was nice, so I expected about the same from Wake.

Luckily I was proven wrong in my assumptions: Wake is a really great book.

The story is as much about Gemma's older sister Harper as it is about Gemma. The way both girls deal with the blows life has dealt them is a large part of the story and I found it very intriguing to see how both handle their problems in different ways.

I must say my concern switched back and forth between Gemma and Harper. One moment I was cheering on Gemma, the next I could understand Harper so much better. The dynamics between the two sisters is very well written.

Otherwise the story is very cool and even creepy at times. Even though I could pretty much guess what the deal was with Penn, Lexi and Thea, Hocking managed to put enough suspense and creepiness into the story I was hooked from start to finish. Overall the story was solid and engaging.

The ending surprised me and left me yearning to read more, so you can bet I will get my trotters on the next book in this series soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool and suspenseful Paranormal YA read.

Switched - Book Review

Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1)
by Amanda Hocking

What is it about:
When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.

What did I think of it:
This is a nice enough read, but it had some things that annoyed me.

First there's the fact that a boy turns up in Wendy's life and starts telling her she's actually a Trylle and that she should leave her family to come with him to the world of the Trylles. At first Wendy declares him crazy and doesn't want him near her. A logical reaction in my opinion and I hoped there would be a believable story arc in which Finn manages to convince Wendy...

Alas: Like a Deus Ex Machina bad guys turn up to go after Wendy, forcing her to take Finn's wild tale for Gospel Truth and follow him.

Then there's Wendy herself. That little bit of spine she had before the bad guys turn up, quickly disappears and for most part of the book she turns into a doormat who lets people jostle her around. I couldn't help wanting to kick her and tell her to grow back her spine and to demand some answers from people instead of just going along with everything. When she finally does speak up against something she acts like a whiny brat though, not earning her any sympathy from me.

So while I thought the overall story was nice and the world building was interesting, I had a hard time liking and understanding Wendy. I might give book two a chance though, if only to see if Wendy manages to grow back her spine permanently.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice YA paranormal read with interesting world building