The Siren by Kiera Cass

Cass, K. (2016). The Siren. New York, NY: HarperTeen.

Plot Summary:  The Ocean is alive...and hungry.  To survive, she must feed off people her Sirens drown with their hypnotic voices. Kahlen couldn't know her life was about to change forever.  It was time to feed the Ocean when she was on cruise ship with her family.  The Sirens did their duty and brought all the passengers to their watery graves.  Except for one.  Kahlen was given the chance to live.  In return, she must serve the Ocean for the next 100 years as a Siren.

Review:  After 80 years of servitude, Kahlen is tired of the killing and the loneliness.  All she has ever dreamed of is to fall in love and have a family.  But, she still has 20 years of service left when she meets the boy of her dreams, Akinli.  A boy she desperately wants to have a future with.  But, Kahlen is trapped between her duty and her heart.  She is one of the oldest of the remaining Sirens and loves the other girls like sisters. She feels it's her duty to protect them and be the example, but she can't forget Akinli.  There are serious consequences for disobeying the Ocean, and Kahlen must choose just how much, and who, she is willing to risk for a chance at love.  

3.5 out of 5 Stars - The plot is interesting; however, I did struggle a little with the beginning.  It was a little slow to get to the more intriguing parts of the story. Kahlen is a likable character and you do feel for her situation because of everything she is dealing with.   Cass also does an amazing job in bringing the Ocean to life with her own personality.  I do feel Kahlen falls in love with Akinli way too quickly; however, Cass does explain why this love would happen so fast later in the story.  Kahlen's Siren sisters are an interesting and diverse bunch of girls with their own distinct voices and likable qualities.  Overall, a good read for any Cass fan or someone who enjoys mermaid type tales.  This is a stand alone novel and not part of a series.   Considered to be Y.A., but it's a clean read and middle grade audiences will enjoy as well.  Recommended for readers in grades 6 and up.