Tricia Rayburn

I knew I wanted to read Siren almost as soon as I saw the cover. I've learned, from hard experience, that titles are deceptive so I didn't actually hold out hope that the story involved true sirens until I read the backcover copy. And then I was doubly excited. Other than Donna Jo Napoli's Sirena I haven't come across another book I enjoyed about those songstresses of seduction so much.

Parts of the book were hard for me to read without getting a pain in my chest; Vanessa and Justine's relationship (as far as Vanessa's view of it goes) felt familiar to me. I have two sisters of my own, both younger, and it can be hard when you feel as if you lack something they naturally have. Charisma, personality, charm--whatever you want to call it sometimes its just easier to be the shadow.

Though this book is about the mythical sirens, its also about how someone deals with grief and changes in their life. Vanessa has to deal with the grief of losing her sister, of her family splintering apart and her own changing feelings towards a friend she's always depended upon. All of which are hard to do normally and only becomes harder when she starts hearing Justine's voice and finding out that her sister wasn't quite the person she thought she was.

The story didn't focus too long on any one plot point; it shifted between several fluidly without losing traction in any of them. A couple character developments were given only cursory explanations (how Vanessa heard Justine for example), but overall the plot was seamless and paced well. The development of a deeper relationship between Simon and Vanessa felt natural, they both were comfortable with each other and proved their affection in small ways.

I wish we could have seen more of Justine and Caleb together. The small time we did, coupled with others remembering them, felt inadequate. And though the reason Caleb needed more money was heavily implied, I would have liked to know firsthand.

Some of the revelations are game changers. Some become obvious, others are shockers that took a little while for me to adjust to. Rayburn does a wonderful job creating suspense and a sense of foreboding mystery throughout the book. Strange weather patterns, odd townspeople like Oliver, a kind of creepy grandmother like Betty...and let's not forget Justine talking to Vanessa from beyond the grave.

The end fit Vanessa's overall character development I think. Was it the ending I was hoping for? No, but I think it was what the novel needed to feel complete. More than anything it felt as if Rayburn was trying to impress upon the reader a pragmatic viewpoint in life. Wish for the best possible outcome, but understand if you have to settle for the outcome that benefits more than just you.… (mere)