Wake (Watersong #1) by Amanda Hocking

Goodreads Summary:
Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.


Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

My Review:
Wake was definitely not the mermaid book I thought it was. It was actually a little darker. The book goes back and forth between sisters, Gemma and Harper. I liked how we got to see both sides of the story from the sisters. Their lives aren't perfect but, they get by. Gemma is on the high school swim team. She loves the water and swimming. Every night she goes on a night swim at the Bay. She starts to develop feelings for her sisters friend Alex. They start dating and things seem to be great. Until one night when her swim doesn't go the normal way. She ends up hanging out with the three girls in town Thea, Penn, and Lexi. Gemma ends up waking up in the ocean with Harper and Alex shaking her. After that things will never be the same for Gemma. Gemma is changing. She is more beautiful, she starts to feel funny in water, and her swim times are getting better too. However, when secrets are revealed these gifts seem much more like a curse. This leaves Gemma with a big decision to make. If she chooses love and family then she dies. If she goes with the girls she will be forced to do terrible things. What will she choose?

Harper is Gemma's older sister. Ever since their mom had an accident and was left with a traumatic brain injury she has been in a facility equipped to take care of her. Harper has kind of taken on the Mom role. I felt like she was more of a mom then a sister. She would do anything to protect her sister. Which is sometimes a hard task with a 16 year old. When Gemma starts acting weird and after finding Gemma in the water after being out all night. Harper can't get her to talk to her and Alex (Gemma's boyfriend) has no answers either. When the bodies of missing boys turn up Harper is more worried about her sister then ever. Will Harper be able to protect her sister?

Daniel is a hot guy that lives on a boat on the dock. Harper has run into him a few times but, they didn't end well. Over time Harper starts to open up to Daniel and he is there for her during some very hard times. By the end of the book I knew they were going to need each other in the future. Like a lot. Alex is Gemma's boyfriend. He is a great guy. Even though he is older, his heart is in the right place. If anyone can help Gemma break the curse it will be him. 

I am going to start reading the next book right away because the ending of Wake was insane! I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. There was mythology in this story which I did not expect! I love mythology! Needless to say this was the surprising book that I enjoyed. If you like mythology and mermaids then this ones for you!