Wake- Amanda Hocking

Title: Wake
Author: Amanda Hocking
Source: Gifted
Series: Yes
Rating: 4/5














Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

 
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.        

I was gifted this book from Avery at Avery's Book Nook http://www.averysbooknook.com/. This was my first Amanda Hocking book so I did not know what to think. I managed to read it in its entirety at work.    

Gemma has always loved water, she goes out for late night swims as much as possible. This summer she also falls in love with the boy next door Alex. Her sister, Harper is a little protective but she is manageable. Everything seems to be going good until Gemma meets Penn, Lexi and Thea who invite her to a party on the cove. When Gemma wakes up the next day she feels sick and knows that something has changed forever.    

This book threw me off. I guessed wrong about which creatures the girls were that Gemma meets. I knew there was something different with them but until I was stated I could not figure it out. Harper was a little neurotic and she got on my nerves sometimes but I know she loves her sister and is trying to do what is best for her. Gemma was a little absent minded and she could also be quite a frustrating character. There were times when I thought she was a little selfish but she did her best to make up for it. Alex was a good love interest but I was a little weirded out that he discovered how pretty Gamma came when he was best friends with Harper. I don't know what I was but it took me awhile to warm up to him as a love interest for Gemma.      

This book is pretty dark, do not let the pretty cover fool you. There is some pretty crazy, gross things hidden within the pages. I liked Penn, Lexi and Thea. I thought they fit into the story perfectly, they did come off as a little standoffish at times but it was understandable why they acted like that.    

The setting was gorgeous. I could smell the water and feel the sand between my toes as I read this book. I felt like I was standing next to Gemma as she tries to understand what is going on.    

I am looking forward to the next books in the series, the ending had a bit of a cliffhanger but it suited the story. I feel if it was wrapped up in one book it would have taken away from the story. A lot of ground work was laid and I hope the next book will be just as good as this one was.