| Title | : | Sirenz (Sirenz, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0738723193 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780738723198 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 280 |
| Publication | : | First published June 8, 2011 |
Finding that delicate balance between their fashion addiction and their new part-time job in the eternal hellfire biz turns out to be harder than Meg and Shar expected, especially when an entire pantheon of Greek deities decides to get involved. Then there's the matter of the fine print in their own contracts...
Sirenz (Sirenz, #1) Reviews
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I legitimately loved this book. I had no idea it would be so funny or cute. It's a perfect mixture of chicklit and fantasy, with lots of sarcasm and naughty deities thrown in for good measure - The Devil Wears Prada meets Homer.
Shar and Meg are frenemies of the best kind - the kind that actually like each other underneath all the irritation. Their interraction had to be my favorite part of the book. I loved watching them snap at each other and eventually support one another as they go through the crazy experience of trying to avoid becoming sirens. The friendship they form can be related to by a lot of women, I think. They fight over shoes, boys, and beliefs, but when they are faced with the fate of becoming Hades' pooper scoopers for Cerberus, they have each other's backs.
Oh, Hades. He was hysterical. So many YA books romanticize the gods and make them brooding immortals with lots of angst. But Bennardo and Zaman created petty deities that are more interested in their own affairs than helping mortals. Hades is, quite possibly, the most seductive and creepiest god of them all, constantly trying to force himself on fashion-obsessed Shar. His means of seduction were hilarious - he literally tries to get into her pants by offering her designer shoes from Milan. I'm pretty sure I snorted when I read this:
[Shar] "I was hiding in the supply closet. It was only supposed to be for a minute. [...] But then Hades found me and took me to Ferragamo's. Tried to buy my body with shoes."
But Meg was probably the funniest character. Her bleak sarcasm was great and kept the story in perspective. My favorite line of hers came when she was looking at the iPhone Hades gave them for emergencies and information about the gods:
"Well, I found an app for the portals..." Her fingers skimmed over the iPhone. "And a bunch of other stuff too. Listen to this: Abacus. Sundial. Don't be a Creten" - she peered over the iPhone at me - "for those who want to know about godly etiquette. But wait, there's more: Lost? Try the Go Homer GPS." She paused, and curled her lip into a disgusted sneer. "Feeling Illiad? At least he has Pandora."
Lines like these, along with the fact that Shar is allergic to the feathers that sprout on Meg's body whenever Meg uses her siren powers and is always popping Claritin, and the curvy girl gets the guy really solidified my love for this book. It was such a welcome relief from all the serious paranormals and dystopians out there. Shar reminded me a lot of Rebecca Bloomwood from Sophie Kinsella's Confessions of A Shopaholic, and Meg was a great anti-fashion balance.
I also loved that a number of the gods appeared in the story, not just Hades. There's also Demeter, who doesn't want the girls to fulfill their contract with her hated son-in-law Hades, as well as Persephone, wife to the God of the Underworld himself. Hera even makes an appearance. And all of their personifications reminded me a lot of the way Rick Riordan does it in Percy Jackson: modernized with a lot of mocking humor. But really, Hades took the cake. His outfits of tight pants, designer shoes, and shirts unbuttoned to reveal his chiseled chest were all hysterical. And Persephone's leather-fetish was equally amusing.
If you're looking for a relief from heavy books, this is a great read! It's fun, frothy, and adorable. I would recommend this especially for girls who enjoyed the Percy Jackson series and would like to read something similar from a female point of view. I'm really hoping this is the first in a series! -
Original review posted at
Amaterasu Reads
Meg and Shar are frenemies. The bickering, I'm prettier than you type. Why not when they're like the opposite ends of the teenage spectrum? Shar is the perky, cheerleader looking type, blonde and likes all the sparkly things in the world, while Meg likes everything black, a style that clashes with Shar. When Shar asked Meg to go shopping, they thought everything will be okay, until they found a guy who they both like, and a pair of shoes they'd kill for. Literally. So when "Sweet Jeans" a.k.a. the guy they both liked ended up dead in the subway tracks, the Lord of the Underworld comes swooping in, cutting them a deal. Bring him a soul whose contract is up and he'll make sure they don't go to jail. So they became Sirens, armed with loaded credit cards, a luxurious apartment and powers. But it turns out that Sweet Jeans was the assistant of the man they should usher to the next life, and Hades wasn't exactly telling them everything about their deal...
I haven't laughed as much as I did until I've read this book. It's not that the plot doesn't make sense, it's just that every single character in this book tickled my funny bone, may they be saying sarcastic things or just being unintentionally funny like Meg and Shar. They thought they had it cut out. How difficult can it be? Luring a fashion tycoon to a portal to Tartarus using gifts like enticing men by simply speaking or by looking at them. They had the proper tools. But Meg and Shar didn't know how to use their powers properly, and they didn't know that every time they use it, they turn into Sirenz, with wings and beaks.
The portrayal of Gods and Goddesses couldn't be more up to date than it is here. They are even using modern technology! An iPhone loaded with apps on how to be a Siren? Hades and Persephone on speed dial? The authors attempt to put a modern spin into Greek mythology worked very well in this book. The Gods are their usual playful self, just being a God, trying to take control of what they think is theirs, belittling humans. I think it's more truthful, the way they behaved here, selfish, controlling and being all high and mighty. Those were the qualities of Gods that I'm familiar with and it's nice to read of them again.
Considering how they are frenemies, Shar became an understanding friend to Meg. I loved how they transformed from being a problem child to the best of friends. I'm all for friendship and no matter how hilarious their experience were, Shar and Meg were no fools. Granted, the Gods made them pawns in another game, they were trying to take charge of their own lives, which is difficult to do.
Sirenz is a lighthearted tale of friendship formed between two unlikely teenagers brought together through the selfish, shallow whims of divine beings. If you like reading about Gods being God-like, selfish, regal, beautiful and all powerful, this is the book for you. Add a dash of fashion, a drop of quirky side characters and a funny storyline, Sirenz is a read you shouldn't miss! -
4,5/5
Sirenz was such a fun book! One you could easily read in one sitting and enjoy the hell out of.
After a deal with a very attractive Hades, Meg and Shar gain the abilities of the Sirens, greek mythological creatures who are said to lure sailors with their enchanting music to shipwreck. Meg has the ability to enchant someone with her voice and make them do anything she pleases and Shar with her stare. They have to use these powers to enchant an eccentric fashion mogul and lead him to a portal straight to Hades because apparently his contract with him is long overdue. The more they use their powers however, the more they turn into the actual Sirens, huge bird-like creatures:not pretty at all! So they have to do their job before the time runs out and they completely transform into Sirens.
I liked both Shar and Meg. They are completely different people, Shar being the outspoken flirty type and Meg being introverted and shy, but they both put aside their differences and willingly join their forces in order to solve the problem ahead. I liked the fact that they did it all by themselves with no strong, unbearably hot men to help them and save the day. No, this was girl power through and through and I loved it!
Not that there wasn't some flirting and romance going on because there was. But it didn't interfere with the story at all or complicated it in any unnecessary way.
Hades is exactly as I would picture him: dangerously delicious, smug, arrogant SOB.
Persephone also made an appearance along with her mother Demeter and the queen of the Gods, Hera.I was intrigued by Minthe's story and her connection with Persephone. You think because I'm greek I know all about greek mythology right? Wrong! I wish I did but honestly, it's so vast and chaotic, you can't possibly know all of it. There are always stories to learn that you haven't heard of.
So Minthe was seduced by Hades which Persephone of course didn't like and she turned her into mint. Yes, the actual mint. Mint was later used in funeral rites in ancient Greece.
See? Sirenz was both educational and super fun!
Sirenz will lure you in from the very first page. If you're into greek mythology and fashion, you should definitely pick this one up!
Perfect for beach reading. -
Well after almost six months of sitting on my shelf, I finally got around to reading this novel. It wasn't one I couldn't put down, not a thriller where I had to find out what happened, but it was entertaining. I love pretty much anything that has to do with Greek mythology, funny, realistic, tragic or farce. I'm up for it! So you give me two shopping girls and Hades and I'm really going to want to read it!
First, the characters. Shar is the pink loving, fashionista who all the boys look at and who is used to all the attention. She doesn't share it easily. Then there is Meg, all black wearing, vegan, music loving, could care less about makeup, fashion or her appearance. She's not used to attention. They're roommates and not a good match. Then there's Sweet Jeans! He actually has a name - Jeremy. And he's gorgeous, kind, helpful and interested in one of the girls.
Then we have the Gods and Goddesses. There's Hades, looking oh so hot and fine and offering deals that seemingly can't be refused. He really is a sneaky devil. Then there's Demeter messing things up for Shar and Meg trying to thwart their plans. She's nasty and constantly a pain in their necks. And even Persephone makes an appearance though briefly.
Though the Gods and Goddesses don't make any kind of changes in their characters, Shar and Meg grow greatly through the course of the book. It's a lot of fun reading about what happens to them as they try to complete their task. They have each other's backs and work together as a team to stay one step ahead of the God's.
The story. It was a good story. Funny plot and some great surprises I never expected. I think some of them could have been funnier if they carried it a little further. But the twists and turns and roadblocks that the girls came up against were funny and the side effects of their "gifts" were interesting.
I'm pretty sure there is a follow up book. The ending definitely closes everything up, but it also leaves things questionable enough to leave room for a sequel.
Favorite line in the book: "He was so anal he probably squeaked when he ran." (p. 148)
I would recommend this book to lovers of Greek mythology, though it only loosely follows the story of Persephone and Hades, that's not what the story is about, as the title tells you.
Anyone that loves YA paranormal with a touch of humor, will enjoy this one. It is a light, enjoyable read and I'll definitely pick up the next one when it come out. -
Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman, Best friends in real life got together and wrote a hilarious story about two roommates that couldn't be more different than cats and dogs---and they fight just like them, too! There are few books I've read that have had me laughing out loud like Sirenz did but in turn, the story has a dark side that kept me turning pages to see just what would happen to this unlikely pair next!
While Meg and Shar are fighting over a pair of Red Shoes, the unthinkable happens but luckily, Hades-the Lord of the Underworld steps in with an offer that they really can’t refuse. When Meg and Shar are caught up in a deal with Hades himself, they don't anticipate the obstacles that will get in the way of their 'deal'. They have until the end of winter vacation to bring in a famous yet reclusive designer who Hades says is eluding him and only the two girls, with the power of Sirens that he has bestowed upon them, can bring him in. Easier said than done! Being a Siren is fantastic-at first-but it has unlikely consequences that Hades just happened to leave out. While Meg can entice men with her voice and Shar with her eyes, it is the intent behind their use. Each time they use their Siren powers, they start to look gain more of the traditional Siren appearance. The real Sirens, birds, complete with feathers, beaks and talons. Yeah, not a pretty sight!
Sirenz reminded me of a Shakespearean fiasco! Hilarious at times, especially when the unexpected happens, say for instance feathers sprouting in odd places in the traditional mythological siren way to well known goddesses popping up with less than honorable intent. There is so much more to this book but to tell anymore would ruin it for the reader! The FAERY SAYS: READ THIS BOOK!
Sirenz is a treasure! A fun read that is so very entertaining, mythological fun and romance and let us not forget the lessons learned by all involved! I had a great time reading Sirenz and cannot wait for the sequel to come out! I know the Gods and Goddesses aren’t quite through with our girls just yet but that’s okay! I already miss Meg and Shar! -
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
This story about two private high school roommates, who are not really friends or enemies, Meg and Shar and is loosely based on the Greek mythology of Hades. When the girls do get together at a shoe sale, the worst happens when they fight over a pair of shoes and somehow shove a guy onto the subway tracks. As the Lord of the Underworld, Hades forces the girls into service as Sirens to bring a soul whose time is up to answer for their misdeed. The girls are given powers to help them with their quest. Now these girls must now work together AND for a man they begin to loathe just sets up a wonderful tale. Oh, and shoes, did I mention shoes?
Since the guy they are set up to bring back to the Underworld is deaf and blind, Meg's beautiful voice is wasted while Shar's enchantments are totally worthless. The gift of transformation into birds (yes, and you though sirens were just mermaids!), is worth the price of the book alone. Meg is the smart one on the surface but don't think Shar is just a pretty package. Meg's love of vintage captured my heart. Shar is all about name brands (lots are dropped) and she also has brains but her overt love of fashion seems to outweigh them sometimes. Oh, how i loved these characters and the humor that is bestowed upon them. Of course things really spark when all of the gods get involved with their efforts.
The plot speeds along and is pretty clean which is a good start for even the youngest teens to enjoy. There may be some worry over a few of Hades tricks but if they have survived Twilight, it will be a non issue. The element of the girls working together even though they don't want to is a nice twist and the fact that by working together is that it increases their ability to succeed. I have read a few books about Sirens recently (Of Poseidon by Anna Banks and Wake by Amanda Hocking) and this one really hits the mark. I now have another series to recommend to reluctant readers along with Marlene Perez (Dead is), Kelly McClymer (Salem) and Alyson Noel (Riley Bloom). -
Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman stars Meg and Shar, roommates who couldn't be anymore different. The two put up with each other but are not friends. They meet up over Christmas vacation to go shopping and have a horrible fight over a pair of shoes that ends up with one of them accidentally pushing a boy in front of a subway. A man then shows up and claims to be Hades. He offers the two a chance to get out of trouble if they will work for him as sirens and lure a man to the underworld. The girls are each given a power to help them do their job but when they use the power they transform into bird like sirens. The girls encounter many adventures and obstacles along the way and learn to appropriate each others differences and become friends.
Sirenz is a fun paranormal comedy. The idea of the girls working for Hades as sirens is different and I appreciated that the girls worked together to solve their problem showing their strength and without needing a man to come to the rescue. While there is a love interest and each girl works through romantic situations this is a story of girl power (with a little fashion on the side). Shaz and Meg both grow as characters throughout the story and have a lot of fun. I really liked that this book's premise and plot was so original and that it didn't follow any of the formulas that are so popular in the paranormal genre lately. Hades was a great seedy villain along with Persephone and Demeter.
Appropriateness: This book doesn't have any adult content, the girls are too busy to go to parties or hook up with guys. The girls are seniors in high school and they get a job working as interns for a designer and live in an apartment by themselves. I would recommend this book to teens 12+ and feel that the older end of the YA audience would enjoy this as well as the younger. It read more like a Family Channel TV movie rather than one on the Disney Channel.
http://booksyourkidswilllove.blogspot... -
“Be careful of your wishes and who you tell”, this quotation would be the main idea of the story of Sirenz.
Frenemies Meg and Shar are fighting over a pair of shoes when they find it in a midnight sample sale. But what they don’t expect is to get in a serious, dangerous consequence with an innocent bystander. After a second they were on the hands of Hades-the God of the underworld. To make them atone from what they done, Hades gave them a new part-time job on becoming a Sirens, luring to the Underworld an individual whose contract is up.
At first, I was not that eager to read it, and because I’m not an aficionado of fashion but when I catch sight of the name of Hades I begun to wonder what it would be if a strong, vicious god of the Underworld become a fashionista--and given the fact that I really adore Hades of all the Gods and Goddesses in the Greek Mythology.
The book was made in just 275 pages but the story is packed of details, it ends in a good way, it does not need a sequel--but if ever they would do I’m glad--and definitely a clear-cut, trouble-free to read. Meg and Shar have a different personality, Meg was the silver-tongued one, and she could get a person to get along with her. While Shar was the total fashionista, she has those beautiful features that could totally bring somebody’s attention. There friendship was not in the affable way, but as they come to their task together, they get to realized that they really deserved each other as friend and that they have similarities too. It was fun to read their journey on becoming Hades Sirens temporarily--if they’ll pull their assignment. Especially if involves a penalty whenever they break the rules.
I learned a lot from this story. How a person should control oneself from behaving towards another person. How a person should take the consequences out of his/her actions and to correct what he/she have done. These are the few things that I learned from Sirenz.
3 words: BUY.READ.AMAZED -
Char and Meg are roommates, and have been since the fall. Now it’s winter break and Char wants to go to a sale, so she drags Meg along. Char a fashion and pink obsessed girl. Meg is Goth. They end up fighting over a pair of red shoes at a subway station, accidentally pushing a guy into front of the train, and killing him. Hades appears and makes a deal with them. He will fix this if they become his new Sirens. He convinces them, but they really should have read the fine print. Now they have to lure some fashion designer guy to the Underworld because his contract is up. They have a time limit and Hades forgot to tell them that using their powers has repercussions. Hades suggests they become interns for the designers, but getting close to him won’t be easy.
Not the best beginning because I was confused what was going on. It really picked up around page 50. I love the concept of transformation, and I thought it was funny that Char and Meg started taking on bird features when the were accidentally over using their enthralling power. I laughed at all the chicken or bird jokes. This book was like Percy Jackson series meets Reverse-Maximum Ride with Devil Wear Prada thrown in. Really, it was awesome to see how the heroines dealt with the impossible situations that the Gods threw at them.
I highly recommend it if you love mythology or fashion. Or funny stories.
Art Review:
The cover definitely fits the book. The script that says “Sirenz.” The red shoe (with a tag saying “Your Immortal $oul”) that Shar and Meg fight over. The feathers, the Greek column thing the shoe is on. It’s simple, and the red really pops against the turquoise. On the back it says “Fashion Hell” like a tag for a brand.
~Haley G
http://breathlessbookreviews.blogspot... -
It’s all about the shoes. Or at least that is what Shar and Meg thought when they were fighting over a pair of red stilettos. Their fight leads to a terrible accident and a guy who claims to be Hades makes them a deal. They must act as sirens to lure a man to the underworld in less than two weeks. If they fail, the girls will serve Hades in the underworld for all of eternity. I burst out laughing when I read what their underworld job would be. I’m smiling just thinking about it now.
I love these girls and their split-personality relationship. They will bicker endlessly about all sorts of little things, but they come through for each other when it counts. Shar is fashion-obsessed and spoiled rotten. When she uses her siren power, she gets a beak, talons, and unclipable nails. Then there’s Meg. She dresses sort of goth, but she’s quirky and believes in good luck charms too. Meg sprouts black feathers when she uses her power. You know, the kind of feathers that Shar is allergic to.
Oh my gosh Hades! This guy is a big sleezy flirt who wears tight pants and unbuttoned shirts with his designer shoes. The bookmark that came with Sirenz says “Hades is Haute!” and I think it fits perfectly. Never before I have seen Hades portrayed in such a funny way and I think I like it.
Let Hades and Sirenz take you on a flirty and fun escape from the ordinary. This book is so cute!
RATING
5 Loved
COVER COMMENTS
It’s the red stiletto! I like the Greek column and there are Meg’s black feathers. Cute cover for a cute book. -
When I first started Sirenz, it seemed like it would be an air-headed fluff novel all about shopping and clothes and the typical 'I hate my roommate!" plot line. I wasn't very into it, which disappointed me because I had read some really great things about Sirenz.
All that changed when a hot guy got sliced clean in half by the subway.
Yep.
Now you're probably thinking--what the heck? Let me explain. This was the point in the novel when the big bad and totally sexy Hades, god of the Underworld, shows up in all his tight-butt glory and gives the girls an offer they can't refuse. (Um, why would anyone want to refuse?) From there on the story got really interesting and laugh out loud funny at times. Meg and Shar had one of those relationships where they were constantly throwing around jokes about the other, but you know that they cared about each other and were becoming really great friends.
Plot-wise, I was really surprised just how complex it was! It draws on the Greek myths of not only Hades and Demeter, two very powerful Greek gods, but also, as the title suggest, the sirens. In the old lore, sirens were women that were (contrary to what people think) half-woman and half-bird, and they would sit on rocks and lure sailors to their deaths with their singing. The Zaman and Bennardo duo skillfully weaved these myths together with modern day and created something really entertaining. Definitely loved it!
If you're looking for something light hearted yet well written, I definitely recommend Sirenz. Greek mythology fans, read it! I give it 4 out of 5 stars. -
Sirenz is a light story about two roommates with two different personalities. While they are shopping Meg and Shar end up facing a serious problem, and that is when they meet Hades, god of the Underworld.
Even when they thought their task would be easy to accomplish, while the story unfolds they realize there are going to be lot of obstacles and complications.
I had a little trouble getting into it at first, with the point of view changing every chapter from Meg to Shar and told from the first person point of view, I found it a little confusing for the reader to figure out who was the person who was narrating, I kept returning pages to understand if it was Meg or Shar.
I really enjoy the second half of the book, I was laughing at lot of the comments and thoughts of both characters -especially Shar- and finish it in a couple of hours. Another thing I really liked is that I always pick a team when there are two main characters, but in this case I love them both! Meg and Shar grow on me with every chapter.
Of course there is romance; Jeremy is a super cute guy. You need to read the book to figure out how everything works out.
And last but not least: Hades, I loved him! Tempting and sexy. I think this is a suitable book for teens but with a naughty factor, it was a pleasant surprise. As my bookmark says: “Hades is Haute”. -
Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman
What can say except Oh my Gods! Sexy crazy Gods and Goddess and two high school girls caught up in their games. I loved this book.
Meg and Shar are room mates at an advanced high school and they are total opposites. On Christmas break they decide to go shopping and try to find common ground to build a friendship on. While shopping they end up getting into a fight over some red high heels and killing a guy. In comes Hades to fix this like it never happened by making them Sirens. They have to get somebody down to the underworld but with the Gods and Goddess nothing is ever that easy.
I enjoyed this book so much. Even though Shar is self centered and I couldn’t really relate to her at first but as she and Meg try to get their contract fulfilled she started to become somebody I could see as my friend. I really enjoyed seeing how their friendship grew and went from being enemies to best friends.
If you want a book filled with out of control Gods and Goddess who will do anything to get what they want and have you laughing out loud then this is the book for you. I can’t wait to read the next book and see what Meg, Shar, Hades, and the rest of Olympus and the mortal world will be doing. 5/5 bats
~Sabrina -
What can say except Oh my Gods! Sexy crazy Gods and Goddess and two high school girls caught up in their games. I loved this book.
Meg and Shar are room mates at an advanced high school and they are total opposites. On Christmas break they deicide to go shopping and try to find common ground to build a friendship on. While shopping they end up getting into a fight over some red high heels and killing a guy. In comes Hades to fix this like it never happened by making them Sirens. They have to get somebody down to the underworld but with the Gods and Goddess nothing is ever that easy.
I enjoyed this book so much. Even though Shar is self centered and I couldn’t really relate to her at first but as she and Meg try to get their contract fulfilled she started to become somebody I could see as my friend. I really enjoyed seeing how their friendship grew and went from being enemies to best friends.
If you want a book filled with out of control Gods and Goddess who will do anything to get what they want and have you laughing out loud then this is the book for you. I can’t wait to read the next book and see what Meg, Shar, Hades, and the rest of Olympus and the mortal world will be doing. 5/5 bats -
Authors: Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman
Narrated: by Amanda C. Miller
Length: 5hrs and 31 mins
Published: 2011
I received this book from Audible via Audiobook Jukebox.
Sirenz is a cute tale of two girls that started of as frenemies and over time they become true friends. Meg and Shar are completely opposite. Meg is a Goth girl and Shar is a queen of fashion. The two are dorm mates and because of some crazy circumstances the two enter into an employment contract with the lord of the underworld Hades.
This story was really funny. I enjoyed the book from the start to the end; it was a real lighthearted tale of friendship. Both Meg and Shar started off with preconceived views of each other, but they grew and learned to understand what it means to be friends.
The book has Greek mythological characters besides Hades, but these characters do not out shadow Meg and Shar. Sirenz goes beyond just another YA paranormal story. This book added something special to already crowded universe. Also like that fact the story kept a good pace and was not to long. Moreover, the authors did a great job with building and explaining the Greek myths. Lastly, the narrator did a great job with the many different characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book. -
this was a really fun ride of a book...I actually was surprised I liked it as well as I did! it is a teen book...about two 17 year olds...no sex but plenty of steamy scenes to keep you interested...very unique storyline and it was written by two people together which I think is really cool. if you like supernatural stuffs you will most likely enjoy this book. its a friendship book not a romance novel. I read it in three days. highly recommend! my ONLY complaint is that the end came suddenly and I did feel like certain relationships needed flushed out instead of just a passover phrase to wrap it up. Other than that though, loved it.
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great romp from Gucci to Tartarus and all kinds of places in between. Authors Bennardo and Zaman have had a rolicking good time and so will you as Meg and Shar, roommates at an exclusive school in NYC share an adventure that includes Hera, Demeter, Persephone, and Hades. Should appeal to readers who have moved on from the Clique series but who may or may not have read Percy Jackson. This is a good bridge book.
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Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman was a funny and light-hearted take on a couple different Greek myths.I enjoyed the back and forth banter between Meg and Shar as well as all of the mishaps and obstacles that were thrown their way.For anyone who is a fan of Greek mythology and Young Adult novels Sirenz is a must read.
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Sort of a cross between the Devil Wears Prada and Percy Jackson. Fashionistas combined with Greek mythology. It's a ton of fun - love the smart-@ss humor! My book is filled with Post-it arrows pointing to my favorite quotes.
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SO CUTE. I'm struggling. 4.5, I believe, but possibly a 5.0. I'm unsure. This book was wonderful, though. Great characters, amusing situations, fashion, and the Greek gods getting all flustered and batshit crazy. Definitely a book to pick up if you want something light and different.
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cute. im excited for the next one
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This book was simply fantastic from start to finish! Funny, witty and well told! Diving right in to book 2! Full review to follow!
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This is a book i really liked. It was easy to read and something I had no problem reading about. It is a funny read. I could see myself continuing this series in the future.
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Why did I like this when I was younger? How did I sit through this and read this? Probably because I could never really decide if the writing was amusing and that was enough for me to keep reading to find out if it was actually amusing. The main characters were not entirely inane BUT the writing and portrayal or them WERE INANE. That's the whole issue. I've finally figured it out lmao.
Also, back when I read this years ago, how did I think it was okay for a seventeen-year-old to be pursued by someone who is portrayed to be very much an adult. VERY much. It was gross and disgusting to read. Maybe I thought it was hot when I was younger? The other love interest's age and interest in the other main character is also a bit weird (but it was never explicitly stated how old said love interest is so I can't really decide and they still portrayed the love interest to be a young person).
The plot was definitely not the thing that kept me going, neither were the love interests or whatever. The only thing that kept me going (I rushed through this book OR maybe I didn't since there wasn't anything of substance in this) was the vaguely entertaining conflict between the two main characters and the fact that they weren't your stereotypical dumbass girls even though the writing was of that type.
Conclusion: why did I like this years ago (I'm 20 now) and there were several inappropriate things in this book + it was a bit weird for not entirely-inane characters to be written in an inane way since it's usually the opposite. -
Bennardo, C., & Zaman, N. (2011). Sirenz. Woodbury, MN: Flux.
275 pages.
Appetizer: Seventeen-year-old roommates Shar and Meg do not get along. It's just not working out. One night, after a failed attempt to try to develop a friendship, a fight over a beautiful pair of red high heels and a very attractive boy results in the guy dying in a subway accident. To make matters worse, the nearby witnesses think Char and Meg pushed him.
In steps the god of the Underworld, Hades. He makes Char and Meg an offer they can't refuse (at least, not without suffering through a long prison sentence). The two girls are tasked to become sirens, like the monsters from Greek mythology. They have a short period of time to lure a person who has made a deal with Hades to one of several underworld portals throughout New York City.
While the task seems simple enough, they realize too late that the more they use their new bewitching powers, the more bird-like their appearances become. And if they fail, Shar and Meg will become Hades's dog walkers...for all of eternity.
The story alternates between Shar and Meg's perspectives. At first I was amused by their differing characterizations. But, as I kept reading, it seemed that any differences between the two were only at the surface level, and I couldn't really distinguish between their voices except for the fact that one was more fond of the color pink than the other.
I also initially liked the way aspects of mythology were alluded to early on in the text (a hot guy was referred to as a god, etc.) and the way Persephone was portrayed.
But the more I read, the more aspects of the story began to engage me less and less and leeeeeeesssssssssss. At times, the way action was described in the story was a little too brief for my taste. Stuff would happen, and I would be like, wait, what? The way gender and feminine beauty are treated are also just begging to be analyzed. (But in terms of Sirenz being a bubble gum, light, New York City is the center of the universe, fashionista, chick lit, it's nothing out of the ordinary.) The focus on superficiality did start to grate on me as I kept reading. It's statements like, "War it would be. And may the better-looking, better-dressed, nicer girl--namely, me--win" (p. 65) that make me right "ugh" in the book's margins. And what about the smarter girl? I'm personally all for the smarter girl winning. (Although, at no point in the story did Meg or Shar strike me as being particularly smart. Call me a workaholic, but after making a deal with the god Hades that could cost my soul, I'd spend my next morning trying to plan how to complete my half of the bargain instead of going shopping. But that's just me....)
Also, despite the fact that Meg and Shar are seniors in high school, they may as well be twenty-somethings. In fact, I wish they would have been...because then I probably wouldn't have bothered to read it.
Overall, I liked the premise of this story. But the characterizations and lack of intelligence in the plot and protagonists left me wishing the book was 100 pages shorter.
Dinner Conversation:
"God, you're wearing those clunky things again? How stupid, wearing five-inch wedge heels on cracked and frozen New York City sidewalks. What if you break an ankle?
"Great shoes," I said, faking a beauty queen smile at Meg" (p. 1).
"It was an accident!" whispered Shar.
"My dear Sharisse and Margaret, this poor soul is dead. You both had a hand in killing him. Do you think that will matter to his family and friends? To the courts?"
"How do you know our names?" My voice, steady until now, trembled slightly. I glanced over at Shar, who stared back, looking as pale as I felt.
"What should we do?" she whimpered." (p. 20).
"But let's get back on topic. You killed an innocent man." He grinned sardonically. "And if I heard you correctly, you both said that you would do anything to make this situation go away. I'm here to oblige you. I've never seen such natural talent!"
"Talent for what?" I asked.
"Think about what happened. You met that young man tonight, and you made quite an impression. He was going to take both of you to a music venue, yes? You saw what you wanted and wasted no time in engaging him. And then Sharisse"--he turned a lascivious grin on Shar--"not to be outdone, moved in, and all she had to do was smile. How could he stay away from either of you? He was completely enchanted. You lured him to his doom, and he happily followed!" (pp. 23-24).
"Our agreement requires you tow to lure Mr. Romanov to one of the many portals to my realm. To help you achieve this task, your natural talents will be enhanced." He looked from me to Meg and back again before continuing.
"As Margaret has so accurately described, the Sirens called to the sailors, who couldn't resist them. A word or a look drew their victims to them." He licked his full lips and gazed at me. "One look from you, Sharisse, is already captivating. From this moment forward, no mortal will be able to look away when you engage him. And you," he continued, turning to Meg, "so glib, Margaret. They'll hear you, and they'll obey."
"That's it?" I asked.
"I doubt it," Meg replied. (pp. 30-31).
Tasty Rating: !! -
My Initial Reaction...
I had a lot of fun with Sirenz. It was the best kind of ridiculous - where Greek Gods and Goddesses meet teenage problems, love, and fashion obsession.
The Narration...
When Amanda Miller first started talking I cringed a little. I had listened to the sample before requesting Sirenz for review and I didn't remember her sounding so high pitched. Turns out, that's just when she's playing a ditzy teenag drama queen who is ridiculously excited. And when you get that context, it REALLY worked. Her voice was varied well enough between the different characters that I could always tell who was talking. As usual for a female narrator, the male voices were only ok. I think Amanda was particularly well suited to Sirenz and I would be hesitant to listen to her narrate anything more adult or serious. Of course, maybe she was just SERIOUSLY in character.
The Characters...
Sirenz is told from the view point of Shar and Meg - each taking an alternate chapter. These girls seriously grew on me - they were funny and a bit ditzy and a lot of fun to cheer on. But they were definitely surface level characters, there wasn't anything particularly deep about either of them. That was fine for me, because that's exactly what I signed up for with Sirenz.
Shar is your stereotypical fashion obsessed, self-involved beauty queen. She's gorgeous and has had a comfortable existence. Now she's stuck with Meg - your stereotypical shy, alternative/rock music loving, black wearing nerd - as her roommate. Two two opposites haven't gotten off to the greatest start when Shar convinces Meg to go to a special sale with her. She's hoping to make peace and make her roommate look a little bit more presentable. But disaster strikes and the get stuck together in a way that neither one saw coming. It forces each of them to grow a bit personally - Shar to learn to depend on more than her looks and Meg to have a little more confidence - and to care for each other. It's the fairly obvious story line where being forced together and to understand the other breeds friendship.
The Story...
So Sirenz is fairly obvious in terms of story and plot. You've got two teens who aren't getting along who get thrown together because of a disaster - in this case they cause a mutual crush to die and their only way to fix things is to make a deal with Hades. Well as we all know - deals with Hades are never as good as they appear. In Shar and Meg's case, they become Sirenz for their winter break with the duty of bringing in one of Hades contracts. He gives them special abilities, which turn out to be more of a hindrance than an advantage.
I had a blast watching Shar and Meg try to scheme their way to fulfilling their mission. They get into all kinds of trouble, do all kinds of stupid things, and made me laugh my butt off in the process. Some elements were eye-roll worthy --> as in, no way I'm believing that anyone went for that excuse. But, what they hey, it was good fun. And the mixing of the Greek Gods (we only saw Hades, Persephone and Demeter) and the siren abilities gave it that supernatural flare that I love so much.
Concluding Sentiments...
I had a great time with Sirenz and was very happy when the conclusion made it obvious there would be more in this series. I look forward to more fun with Shar and Meg. A great fun read!
**I received this book for free from Audiobook Jukebox in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
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My Thoughts:
I was asked by one of the Authors Charlotte Bennardo if I would read and review their new book Sirenz, I was so thrilled as I had been wanting to read this for some time now. When my package arrived I was only expecting the book, I received so much more. Inside my package I received a beautiful blue bag with more than the book, it had black feathers like on the cover and 2 chocolates made in the shape of the red shoe on the cover of the book as well as the book. It was the nicest package I had received so far, thank you to both Charlotte and Natalie for sending me such a lovely gift.
From the cover of the book and the blurb on the back I wasn't sure what to expect, but as I started reading I was impressed right away. It started off full of action right from the very first two chapters and reeled me in and didn't let go until I was finished. Meg and Shar are roommates and total opposites, who would have thought the two of them would be good roommates, Meg, black hair, black clothes, old clothes not to mention voodoo, hoodoo, or whatever she was into, (pg 2), and Shar, who is all about shopping, beauty, looking good and has the best of everything girlie.
As a way of trying to get to know or bond if you will, with Meg, Shar invites her out for a girl day of shopping, only for what is supposed to be just a run of the mill kinda day, turns out to be something neither one of them could have EVER imagined would happen to them, all while fighting over a pair of red shoes, and who do you suppose comes to their rescue....... Hades-the Lord of the Underworld, and offers them a deal they really cannot refuse if they want to get out of this very huge mess they have gotten themselves into. Now part of the deal is if they don't get their task complete by the date Hades has given them, they will become his Sirenz and live with him in the Underworld forever. He has given the girls both powers that they can use to help them in their task, but, with each time they use their powers they will start to grow certain extra items.....feathers, talons, beaks and even will start to sound like birds, I know right birds lol.
I have to tell you this is such a great book, it takes you on a roller coaster ride right along with the girls as they try so hard to get their task finished and get ride of Hades as fast as they can, but I'll tell you those poor girls run into obstacle after obstacle, and with each obstacle they run into a new item grows on them, this book is so funny I was laughing out loud throughout it, lots of mythological characters pop up from time to time which I really liked as I am very into Greek mythology oh and did I mention Hades is a hottie, yup he is *sizzle*, there is another hottie in this book too, but I'll let you find that surprise.
You really have to get a copy of this book, I really can't get into much more detail or I'll ruin it, it's such a fun, easy read, lots of twists and surprises as the book goes on that you will not expect at all. I was so happy to have had the chance to read and review this book and I really hope I will get to for the second in the series, the girls have captivated me and I cannot wait to read more of their adventures together. If you want an incredible read with a fantastic story that will keep you turning the pages, then this is your next book you need to pick up, you won't be sorry, I promise!!! Enjoy!!!!! -
Originally posted at
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Meg and Shar are seniors in high school, rooming together in the on-campus housing although they share a mutual dislike for each other. Like many teenagers, the two are fashion obsessed. While Shar is a confident and flirty fashionista who loves all things pink, Meg loves all things bands, cool and indie. On a sale-filled shopping trip, things go wrong unexpectedly and their lives take a turn for the strange and impossible…all because of a pair of heels? An accident leads the girls to make a deal with Hades, putting their lives in his control. After getting loaded with limitless funds and an impressive apartment, they're forced to use their newfound powers of beauty to collect a man's soul, otherwise they'll be sent to hell to be best friends with the hellhounds. It's unfortunate that Hades and some other Gods are determined to make them fail…
The main thing I have to say about this book is that it is hilarious. There is an abaundance of laugh out loud moments, making it a very enjoyable read. Even when the girls are miserable in their new job, one of them will do something absolutely comical to lessen the tension. The shockingly crazy things that happen to them are almost unbelievable, but the two authors are able to make us suspend our disbelief and enjoy the ride.
What's with the title, you say? Sirens in Greek mythology are seductive bird-women who lure sailors onto dangerous rocks with their voices. The girls are blessed with this curse, and their seemingly simple job is made much harder when they begin turning into birds every time they use their voices or looks around men…I'm talking feathers and beaks, people.
The main characters are polar opposites and their contrasting personalities create a wonderful, dynamic atmosphere. They, as well as the two male love interests, form a great cast who take the novel onto different levels. Many times, the girls are attracted to the same man, and as a reader it's difficult to decide who you want to come out on top. It's then clear by mid-novel and I'm really looking forward to exploring these relationships further in the sequel!
Hades is a sexy trickster. He enjoys playing games and keeps everyone on their toes because of his unpredictability. If you're wondering, his lovely wife Persephone is present and she doesn't take a liking to the girls at all. Shar and Meg eventually join forces, using their combined skills and intelligence to escape sticky situations. Love it!
Sirenz isn't a novel to miss. It's a light read that will appeal to all of your emotions and will surely bring a smile to your face. Through Hades' sexy persuasion, the girls' fun adventures and races against time, there's never a dull moment. It was great to see the friendship between the girls form and become something wonderful. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for them! If you'd like, take the authors' suggestion and picture the gorgeous Ian Somerhalder as Hades. Nice visual, right? Fun, sarcastic, frustratingly awesome - that's Sirenz.
