Review by Alex- The Siren

The Siren by Kiera Cass
"You must never do anything that might expose our secret. This means that, in general, you cannot form close bonds with humans. You can speak to us, and you can always commune with the Ocean, but you are deadly to humans. You are, essentially, a weapon. A very beautiful weapon. I won't lie to you, it can be a lonely existence, but once you are done, you get to live. All you have to give, for now, is obedience and time. . ."

The same speech has been given hundreds of times to hundreds of beautiful girls who enter the sisterhood of sirens. Kahlen has lived by these rules for years now, patiently waiting for the life she can call her own. But when Akinli, a human, enters her world, she can't bring herself to live by the rules anymore. Suddenly the life she's been waiting for doesn't seem nearly as important as the one she's living now.

First Impressions: Sirens are creatures not often explored in YA novels, which is odd considering paranormalcy is in abundance. I was definitely intrigued by the synopsis.

The Siren is a beautiful tale of living to life's fullest. Kahlen is a siren; she's given another chance at life- but for a price. For 100 years, she must perform for the Ocean and lull humans to their deaths. In return, for those 100 years, she's got an indestructable body with no need to eat or sleep. After those years, she's able to gain her life where it left off.

I love the personification of the Ocean. She can be calm and motherly, old and wise as time. I think this is the first time I've read of an ocean with feelings and thoughts, so The Siren definitely gets points for uniqueness.

Kahlen goes through many different emotions towards the Ocean for a while. Sadness, hate, but finally, love and friendship. Kahlen's a special girl, always full of emotions. She's passionate and strong, and while naive, she makes for a wonderful character. The other sirens we get to know are all interesting, though not as fully formed as Kahlen. Aisling in particular is an enigma- the mysteriously cold siren who keeps to herself and guards a huge secret.

The Siren actually starts off in the 1920s, and goes all the way up to the 21st century. Some decades are skimmed over, mostly the 30s and 40s, but I loved seeing the differences as time went by. The sirens, while not able to speak (as then humans would be lured to water to die), could watch and analyze humans. Elizabeth, a siren who joins the group in the latter half of the twentieth centuries, represents the newer and bolder version of a girl. Fashion changes, settings change, but the emotions and the overall loveliness stays throughout the novel.

Of course, this is a love story. Akinli's an interesting boy- filled with a past and sadness. In the week he and Kahlen are together (I know, it seems fast. But it actually works in The Siren) they fall in love. But of course, a siren who can't talk and a fisherman who dropped out of school, together? Not possible, right?

The writing's all nice and smooth. Elegant. It's simple, but that's what makes it lovely. While at some parts the reading goes a little slow, The Siren mostly makes you want to keep reading. Being an e-book, I was always dying to read The Siren while at school!

Final Impressions: While a tad predictable in plot, The Siren is a beautiful and inspiring novel about friendship, love, and living in a world full of possibilities (but of course with limitations). The Siren is sure to leave you all warm and fuzzy inside!

Add to Shelf: Yes! It may be a little difficult to find, but if you can somehow get your hands on a copy, I urge you to do so.

Note This! As sirens can't speak, Kahlen learns how to use sign language. That's how she communicates with humans, besides her body language that is. Kahlen, full of warmth and love, actually teaches at human schools for a bit with deaf children. Love! :D

Disclaimer: Received an e-book from the author. Is this how I do it?