Tuesday 17 January 2012

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

10 comments:

  1. "One innocent bystander later" -- that cracked me up.

    This sounds really good! And I like that it offers a lighter take on the Greek mythology, since the more serious stuff took over for a while after Percy Jackson. Plus, Meg and Shar are wizard names.

    Awesome review!

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  2. This actually sounds like a pretty good read. Great review.

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  3. Great review! I want to read it now. Of course I love it when mythology is woven into stories.

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  4. 1. LOVE the cover.
    2. Likeable characters and hilarious dialogue? YES PLEASE!
    3. I NEED to buy this ASAP.
    4. AWESOME review, can't believe this is the first time I've come across this book!

    <3

    -adds to tbr shelf-

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  5. Sirenz Back In Fashion will be available June!(Working on final revisions now, arghhh.) Nat & I both worked on the cover- the elements that we wanted and Flux put together. Glad you enjoyed it! Come summer, we'll finish Sirenz 3... :)

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  6. Black feathers? *raises eyebrows* Been wanting to read this one for ages! It sounds fun, and it's good to hear that the mythology aspect is well done! And I love the cover too, it's so cute. Thanks for the review! :)

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  7. I love anything with greek mythology, but most of what I've read so far has a more serious vibe. Sirenz sounds like it changes things up with such a FUN, fresh take!! I've seen it around a lot and CLEARLY need to read it soon because it Sonia loves it, then the world should read it :D Awesome review!

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  8. This looks amazing! I love Greek Myth, and I really want to check this one out. Love the cover!Great review!

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  9. Ooo! Look at that cute high heels in the cover. Sounds like a very amazing one! This book is also about Greek Mythology? Wow, I'm definitely reading it!! Awesome review, Sonia! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

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  10. I hope that the book is as fun as your review!

    It looks like a great premise, and the cover is a good advertisement for having authors involved in designing book covers :)

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