The Siren
Author: Kiera Cass
Published: 2009 (though I read the 2016 edition)
My Rating: 
A girl, Kahlen (which is pronounced Kā-len not KAh-len, and I didn’t know this until near the end of the book), is saved by the Ocean when the ship she is on sinks into its waters and takes away her family. For decades she has served the ocean in repayment for its mercy by singing and brings boats and ships to their doom. But while staying in Miami, Florida, she goes out exploring and meets a young man, Akinli. She doesn’t mean to be, but is taken with him instantly and even though she can’t speak, he is as well. But there’s a problem. She is not allowed to love anybody, but her sisters and the Ocean. It is simply forbidden otherwise. This doesn’t stop her from contemplating her loyalties and duties to the Ocean.
After only a couple of encounters, she can’t get away from him and her heart can’t bear it. With a couple decades of repayment to go, what can she do? What will she do?
This book was so sweet and cute, which is odd for a book about a siren since their looked at as horrible creatures that yearn for nothing more than to drown men. So it was refreshing and new. I never would’ve envisioned sirens in a light where they’re actually good. That being said, I did feel like it was too much like a fairytale book. There wasn’t enough time interaction between Kahlen and Akinli. I ached for more and for deeper emotional attachment.
More so, I just couldn’t fully dive in. I just felt like there wasn’t enough to keep my attention half the time and I feel like that’s because it felt drawn out just a tad too much.
BUT!! There is a but. Because I did find this book to be lovely contrary to previous words.
The tone & style of the story was my favorite thing about this entire book. It was light and beautiful and I swear I could see it all perfectly. It made me miss the ocean and wish I could sink my toes into soft, white sands. Kiera Cass created a breathtaking tale of love spanning more than just time, but across oceans. And the bond of family that Kahlen has with her sisters is something to behold. A bond such as that is certainly unbreakable and can weather anything and Miss Cass really gave me that. That alone is magic in my eyes.
It’s a book I enjoyed reading this summer. It really opened my eyes to the idea that even deadly creatures have capability to love and the struggle with living among humanity and yearning for that life. I’d recommend this for anyone who is looking for that love at first sight kind of book that’ll make your heart float, you know, much like that one scene from Titanic when Jack sees Rose up on the deck and not even his friends can break his gaze.
Quotables:
“I smiled. For a minute, I admired myself, too. He didn’t know how deep my problems ran, but he was right all the same. It was no small think to try, to find out what you care about in life. Even this moment, with this wonderful, temporary boy beside me, was a tiny miracle. I ought to give myself some credit.” (Kahlen, p. 72)
“I couldn’t stay forever. But at least I could stay for a day.” (Kahlen, p. 161)
“There’s always room for love. Even if it’s as small as a crack in a door.” (Padma, p. 307)
More to come soon…
K.
P.S. Song today? Gemini Feed by Banks.
The Scarlet Reader 
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