Siren Review

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.
Taken from GoodReads.

First of all, for those who don't know: I'm forgoing my normal Tuesday Teaser/Teaser Tuesday , as well as my Waiting on Wednesday because I owe about 20394809238409823409892 reviews. So, needless to say, you'll simply have to (please!) bear with me while I spill my heart out about the books I've read. Enough of that.

Siren is the story about a teenage girl, Vanessa Sands, living life in the wake of losing her sister to a tragic and untimely death. Justine was always the bright, vivacious, and fearless sister. Vanessa (Ness) was cautious, curious, and above all, she was smart! (It's so rare to see a smart teen female protagonist, eh?!) Along with Simon, the protective, geeky, and saccharin-sweet love interest, Ness uncovers Winter Harbor's deadly secrets and seeks to discover what really happened to Justine.

Siren by Tricia Rayburn is such a refreshing spin on supernatural mystery and romance. In a mess of novels where the MC is a wishy-washy teen moaning about their unusual life, Siren gives us Vanessa, who draws strength from her adventures while seeking the truth. Despite her fears and reservations, Vanessa uses her intelligence to draw conclusions and figure out what's happening to the people in Winter Harbor, Maine.

I wasn't sure I would like this book because I didn't know if it would be possible for Tricia Rayburn to spin a whole tale on the mythical Siren...but she did! Siren was intriguing, romantic, and even a bit chilling at times. Despite the slow start (and I mean it...it's slllooooowwwww), Siren redeems itself with an original story and cast of characters.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 because I like it when books get right down to business. Too much back story gives me a headache and pulls me out of that reading mode. I'd recommend this for mature teens, as there are issues that might not be for the younger lot. All in all, it's quite a good read!