Wake

June 18, 2012
The inaugural title in the four-book Watersong series by Hocking (the Trylle series) will please her fans and likely win her new ones. Sixteen-year-old Gemma Fisher is happy—she’s a star on the swim team, her family is loving and supportive, and the crush-worthy boy next door returns her interest. The only downside: three gorgeous but creepy new girls who have her in their sights. One night, Gemma is lured into joining the girls at a campfire by the water; she wakes up the next morning bruised and battered with no clear memories of what happened, but discovers she has supernatural healing abilities and is a far better swimmer than she realized. The girls tell Gemma stories of gods, goddesses, and curses that are actually blessings, but Gemma (rightly) suspects that some important information has been left out. While Hocking’s writing isn’t always polished (the foreshadowing can be painfully heavy), the well-structured story and strong characters carry readers over the rough spots. A cliffhanger ending sets up the next book, Lullaby, due six months later. Ages 12–up. Agent: Steven Axelrod, the Axelrod Agency.

November 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-Amanda Hocking sets the stage for her latest series in this chilling yet enchanting tale (St. Martin's Griffin, 2012) of 17-year-old Gemma's descent into an underwater world. Gemma has always had a love for the sea and, as a talented swimmer, dreams of Olympic medals. Her life changes course when three strange and beautiful girls take an interest in her. After spending one night with them, Gemma finds that she is faster in the water and seems to possess a new magnetism. The teenager soon learns that these changes come with a price that will affect everyone she cares about. The novel is fast paced and the characters are well developed. As the story comes to a close, Gemma's sister, Harper, takes the lead, indicating the direction of the next title. Narrator Nicola Barber delivers a strong performance, giving each character a distinct voice. Teens will become invested in these characters, the developing relationships, and the supernatural, seductive sirens. Sure to fly off the shelves.-Rebecca Flannery, Lyman Memorial High School, Lebanon, CT

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