Review: Wake by Amanda Hocking

Wake (Watersong #1)
by Amanda Hocking
Source: ARC from publisher
Release Date: August 7th 2012
Summary: 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

Review: From self published writer to bestselling author with publishing deals, I have to say I admire Amanda Hocking. I have yet to read her Trylle series but when I got my hands on Wake I had high hopes. I couldn't wait to see what everyone was talking about with Amanda Hocking's books. Now I know, her writing is emotional and descriptive. I got sucked in from the very beginning. 

While the writing was a high point of the novel, I did have a few issues with it. There wasn't much character building. I just didn't get attached to the characters. Maybe it's because the point of view switched from Gemma and Harper, so the reader is able to see what they are both up too. I don't feel like that was necessary. The two points were so different that it felt like I was reading two different novels. A main novel about Gemma and her story with the mysterious girls. Then the other felt like a prequel. They just didn't mesh and took away from the experience. 

As a whole I didn't like Gemma and Harper's relationship. I have a younger sister so I could easily relate to the bickering and worrying for each other. It was easy to picture the situations and I was able to laugh at them a few times. I really enjoyed the relationship between the two sisters. 

Wake was different. The plot wasn't the same as every other book and set's itself up for a great sequel. Amanda Hocking's writing draws you in and while it was slow, I will be back to read the sequel. I will also be checking out the rest of the authors novels sometime soon.