REVIEW: Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything—the dark, heights, the ocean—but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge. That is, until Justine goes cliff-diving one night near the family’s vacation house in Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day.

Though her parents hope that they’ll be able to find closure back in Boston, Vanessa can’t help feeling that her sister’s death wasn’t an accident. After discovering that Justine was keeping a lot of secrets, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor, hoping that Justine’s boyfriend might know more. But Caleb has been missing since Justine’s death.

Soon, it’s not just Vanessa who’s afraid. All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes host to a string of fatal, water-related accidents in which all the victims are found, horrifically, grinning from ear to ear.

Vanessa turns to Caleb’s brother, Simon, for help, and begins to find herself drawn to him. As the pair try to understand the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance—and will change her life forever.

A seductive paranormal romance full of unexpected twists, Siren is certain to make a big summer splash.

Title: Siren
Author: Tricia Rayburn
Format: hardcover, 344 pages
Genre: young adult, paranormal, romance
Source: review copy
Published: July 2010 by Egmont USA
Buy the book: The Book Depository | Amazon
Find the author online: website | blog | twitter | facebook

Why I Read this Book: You know those books out there, the ones that you’ve heard about but really had no desire to read? Sure, you’ve read the blurb but it doesn’t do anything for you. Or it’s about something (perhaps a certain paranormal/methodical creature) that you just don’t read…? That’s what Siren was to me. But then it became something completely different.

When I was asked to review Siren, I wasn’t sure if I was up for it. I checked the reviews on Goodreads and the reviews were good but the reviews were also very mysterious. I had a feeling what the book would be about just by the title and that is what made me hesitant. The reviews were not clear on whether or not my assumptions were correct but every time I asked someone about the book, someone who had already read it, they said I had to read it. I listened and boy, am I glad I read this book!

What I Liked: The author takes character connection to a whole other dimension. I felt like I was there with Vanessa. This book blew me away. And finally, the geeky, nerdy guy gets the attention of the leading lady instead of the “ultimate bad boy”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my bad boys but the geeks got to get in on some of the action too. It just gives it a nice, realistic change in the world of YA.

The cover is haunting. The cold, silver eyes appear to be looking right into your soul. The tiny little air bubbles lead me to believe the girl is under water, which leaves me breathless. The back cover is not as clear to make out; my guess is that it’s sound waves, most likely under water as well. The cover definitely jumps out at you, making you want to pick it up. Like I said – haunting.

What I Didn’t Like: I was left with some unanswered questions; questions that I’m sure will be answered in the next two installments. Simon is also due for some answers and I can’t wait to see how he takes them.

Overall Impression: Siren has unique twists and a storyline that went from interesting to very interesting. I was captivated from the start and never loss interest. This is a book that you’ll want to gobble up in one sitting and it will leave you wanting seconds. Thank goodness Siren is part of a trilogy! I am not ready to let go of Vanessa, Simon or Caleb and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them. Siren was a great summer read! The sequel to Siren will be out next summer and the 3rd installment in the trilogy will be out the summer after that.

Be sure to check out my interview with Tricia Rayburn!

The Book Vixen Rating