"Lullaby" is publishing phenomenon Amanda Hocking's second brand new novel in the Watersong series that began with "Wake." It's a fantasy about sirens, those stunningly beautiful women who can enthrall men and turn into mermaids.
In Hocking's version, they also can become strange, huge birds with large dangerous beaks. They must eat young men's hearts to survive, and it's not a pretty picture. When they force Gemma, a sixteen-year-old, to become one of their group, they fail to take into account Gemma's formidable friends and relatives: Harper, Gemma's determined sister; Gemma's boyfriend, Alex; and Harper's boyfriend, Daniel. They are determined to save Gemma.
Gemma also is determined not to succumb to the evil of the sirens, but she finds that blood lust is difficult to stop. Is it possible for her family and boyfriend to still love her after they find out what she's capable of?
The sirens tell Gemma about the alleged curse that haunts them (from the goddess Demeter). When Gemma finds out that one of their "facts" is not true, she begins to wonder if more of what they believe is not true. Is there a way to break the curse? Can Gemma become human again? Those are the questions that will be addressed in the two books to come.
Hocking is a fine storyteller. The characters are well-rounded and unique individuals, the humor runs through the stories in spite of the blood splattering, and the action is constant. It's a fun book to read -- a book not to take seriously. And it will be fun to read "Tidal," the third book in the four-book series.
Why 5 stars for a book that's not a classic, not earth-shattering? Because "Lullaby" does what it is supposed to do -- entertain. It's a light, humorous, enthralling (but not as enthralling as the sirens -- don't worry) read. Well done.
Please note: This review is based on the final hardcover book provided by the publisher, St. Martin's Griffin, for review purposes.
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