Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman

Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman 

Add it: Goodreads

Source: Won

Publisher: Flux

Release Date: June 8, 2011

Format: Paperback, 280 pages

Bickering frenemies Meg and Shar are doing some serious damage at a midnight sample sale when the fashionistas find themselves arguing over a pair of shoes-with fatal consequences. One innocent bystander later, the girls are suddenly at the mercy of Hades, Lord of the Underworld himself. To make them atone for what they've done, Hades forces the teens to become special-assignment Sirens, luring to the Underworld an individual whose unholy contract is up.  

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...

There are two main things that Sirenz made me feel. First of all, regret that I don't read more books like it. Secondly, complete and utter HAPPINESS. Charlotte and Natalie have created such a fun, eventful story. It's wonderfully playful with likeable characters and hilarious dialogue. Where's Book 2?

Meg and Shar could not be more different. While Meg likes to spice up her wardrobe with pink and sparkly items, Shar would much rather stick to her consistent black colour scheme. Their personalities match the way they dress to a certain extent but these aren't two-dimensional characters. Seeing Meg and Shar become friends (actual friends!) is authentic and really put a smile on my face. Then again, what about this book didn't make me smile?

The mythology aspect of this novel is very well-done. It's modern and up-to-date, with things like apps on an iPhone to ground it to reality. Poor Meg and Shar have their work cut out for them as they try to complete their tasks. I mean, it's a hard enough job without multiple Greek Gods and Goddesses deciding to get involved.

Sirenz isn't a particularly lengthy book but it's also not one that bored me at all. With all of the complications that Shar and Meg run into, plus the banter that's exchanged between the two, there wasn't a dull moment.

Recommended to those looking for a quick, fun read!

Cover Comments: Cute and relevant to the story! I'm 99.9% sure that it was actually one of the authors that designed the cover (I remember reading it in a Twitter chat) but I can't remember which one now! The book also came with a bunch of fun swag and it's all adorable! When I first saw the black feathers, it was a bit of a, "whaaaat?" moment but now... *snicker*

4 stars