Dark Siren by Eden Ashley Publisher: Self-Published on July 4, 2013
Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 452
Format: eBook
Source: Blog Tour
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
To survive, their bond must be unbreakable.
When the mysterious and passionate Rhane rescues Kali from an attacker in the theater parking lot, they form an immediate, smoldering connection. But Kali doesn’t remember Rhane or anything from their past. As far as Kali knows, she’s just a seventeen-year-old kid coping with an insatiable hunger for the “spark” or energy of others, feeding on classmates to survive.
A unique artifact—one that may hold the key to returning Kali’s memories—is uncovered by the archaeology firm where she works part-time, sending Kali and Rhane on a dangerous journey that leads them to the Forbidden City, into the unforgiving Gobi, and into the ruins of Rhane’s ancient homeland. As they fight for survival, Kali begins to discover who she really is and the true power she possesses.
But Rhane still harbors a secret that could destroy Kali…unless old enemies kill her first.
At A Glance
Interesting but a little boring.
The Good
I’ve always loved the idea of sirens, and Dark Siren did a good job of bringing a version of that concept to life. But there was so much more to the story. Kali’s past was a big mystery, even to her. We get bits and pieces with each chapter, which I liked. It was a slow build and an interesting journey.
A whole bunch of crap is happening to Kali and she doesn’t understand why. All she knows is Rhane is hiding something and it might be the key to her past. But Rhane is tight lipped for God knows what reason. It was frustrating that Rhane could, at any time, explain everything to Kali and be done with it, but I guess that wouldn’t have kept the book mysterious. As you could guess, Kail and Rhane’s relationship gets complicated. Rhane makes Kali feel safe, but he wont confide in her. But you could tell Kail meant everything to Rhane, no matter how he showed it.
Kali’s crazy adventures were the best part of the book. Seriously…crazy! We are talking deadly wolves, shadow monsters, forests full of something not good, ancient ruins falling apart over Kali’s head, and the list goes on. So we do get some good action. I am interested to learn more about Kali and Rhane’s world, because it seems complicated as frick. The ending is a cliffhanger, and I will admit, it made me want to read the next book.
The Bad
I was bored for half the book. Some parts just dragged too much for me. I could easily put the book down.
Though I didn’t hate Kali and Rhane, I didn’t fall in love with them either. Rhane had too many secrets and Kali was a little too stupid for her own good.
The Snuggly
There is no sex, but we get some heavy kissing, petting, and sexual situations. Fine for a YA audience.
Final Thoughts
It’s like I enjoyed the story but I could have easily just not have read it. I was looking for something more. But I will admit, Dark Siren had something about it that kept me wanting more. Recommended.
Excerpt
She looked at him through lowered lashes, bringing her lips to his in a heated kiss. Then her mouth left his lips and trailed down to his neck. She slid his collar aside and kissed his shoulder, nibbled at it slightly. That did the trick. Trevor was suitably distracted. And Kali dared to drink deeper. As she was beginning to feel satisfied, Kali was interrupted by the high pitched screaming of Trevor’s girlfriend, Stacy.
“Trevor?! Ohmigod! Trevor!”
All it took was a second. Kali lost focus, and the flow that was being carefully drawn away, spiked. His spark dimmed alarmingly. She broke away but wasn’t fast enough. Trevor slumped over to the ground and didn’t move.
“Crapola,” Kali muttered. She threw a resentful glare at the brunette.
Stacy was screaming again. “Ohmigod, you tramp! You total slut! What did you do?”
Hurriedly, Kali bent down alongside him. He was still breathing.
“Get away!” Stacy yelled. “Get away from my boyfriend.” She rushed over and shoved Kali backward.
It was a struggle, but Kali remained calm and kept her voice level. “He’s okay. He’ll be fine. Give him a sec.”
With perfect timing, Trevor sat up, rubbing his head. His face was blank. Then it turned brilliant red as he took in the two young ladies facing off. “Hi, Stacy.”
“Hi?” the girl repeated. “Is that what you have to say to me?” Helping him up from the ground, she steadied him before shoving angrily at his chest. “Why her? Anyone but her, you pig.”
About Eden Ashley
I’m Eden Ashley and I was born and raised in a small, sunny town in South Carolina. However, it’s the thunderstorms that inspire my best ideas. There are few things I love more than curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee on a rainy day, (except maybe chocolate cake. I love cake.) often reading into the wee hours of morning when something really grabs me. I pretty much love anything with supernatural elements, so writing paranormal romance and fantasy romance seems to be a natural fit.
My first novel, Dark Siren, is best described as paranormal romance artfully wrapped within a plot chock-full of action, adventure, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, while the series has evolved to become a journey of redemption and second chances as two characters understand that sometimes committing evil is necessary to protect what is loved most. I took the siren from Greek mythology (and borrowed a little from mermaid lore), creating an entirely different creature, with its own mythology, and one that Publisher’s Weekly praised for its passion and complexity. This is not just another werewolf/shapeshifter romance or vampire romance. I think this is a story that both adults and teens can enjoy, full of characters to fall in love with!
Giveaway
This is a Tour Wide Giveaway.
Red Iza
That’s too bad because the crazy adventures looked appealing 😉 But the miscommunication problem is an issue we see so much in novels I’m afraid it now repells me !
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I really wished it was better because there were a lot of good parts.
Jaclyn Canada
There’s so many different things you can do with the siren concept since they aren’t touched on a lot. The cover is interesting and I’m loving the scales overlaid on her skin. I’m thinking the adventures and action would make this an enjoyable book. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
True, you do not see sirens a lot. I might read book 2, but not sure yet. I think you would like this one.
kindlemom1
For some reason I just don’t have very good luck with these type of reads. I am glad this wasn’t all bad but I think the fact that you were bored through some of it is enough to make me not even want to try it.
I do love the cover though! Creepy beautiful!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, it was a fifty-fifty book. I could take it or leave it.
Giselle
Thanks for hosting today, Jennifer! It sounds like a fun book with her adventures even if it feels slow at times. Great review! 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
There was a lot of action once it got going. 🙂
Eden Ashley
Hey thanks for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review, Jennifer. And thank you for being a part of this tour! I really appreciate it 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
It was a pleasure.
Braine
TSTL? Ill pass. Also I cant deal with boring
Jennifer Bielman
I know. I tend to skim bored parts. I feel like I see them more and more now-a-days.
Lekeisha
It’s been a minute since I’ve read anything siren related, I think. Sounds interesting. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
I know, it’s been forever with me.
Christy
I very rarely read siren or mermaid books, but the world in this book sounds interesting.
Jennifer Bielman
I like me a good mermaid book from time to time, but I rarely see sirens anymore.
Brandi Breathes Books
Chilling cover! Her adventures do sound pretty amusing
Jennifer Bielman
I LOVE the cover.
Lisa Richards
I’ve yet to read many siren books but this sounds interesting
Jennifer Bielman
Thanks for stopping by.
Alreem
I love the cover of this book, and the story sound interesting 🙂 lovely review
Jennifer Bielman
The cover is beautiful.
Melliane
Ah it’s difficult when you’re bored a big part of a book like that… I love the idea of books about sirens but I think it’s a complicated thing too. I don’t have a lot I can say I really really loved. Thanks for the review, I didn’t know about this one.
Jennifer Bielman
I know, because I did like some of it, but being bored sucks when reading!
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Well it looks interesting overall. I’m one of those readers though that needs to get snagged pretty close to the start or I tend to give up.
Jennifer Bielman
I don’t if it was just me but I couldn’t get 100% into the book even though it was good.
Olivia
This sounds like a unique idea! I have never read a book which included sirens before, so that would be a first for me. I also think the idea of those adventures sound fun. It’s a shame bits dragged – I really can stand slow paces in books.
Jennifer Bielman
The siren aspect fascinated me.