Let me start with the good. Wakes cover is absolutely gorgeous in person. I love the blues and the island in the background. It is beautiful. Now, onto whats between that cover. 
 I am very confused by Wake. On the one hand, I read this book so stinkin fast. In about 3 hours tops. Usually it takes me longer to read a 300 page book. It moves along at a super fast pace, and that kept me reading it even when I wasn't really interested in what was happening. The writing, like I said in my status update, is very simplistic and a little naive. There weren't any editing issues that I noticed, so that is one good thing. It felt more like I was reading a Middle Grade book instead of YA. There wasn't much in the way of character development or world building, and the plot, which had some serious potential, just didn't hook me. I tried really hard to get into Wake, to get involved with Gemma and what was happening with her, but I just couldn't. The only characters that seemed semi developed were Harper and Harper's budding love interest, Daniel. But only at times. There were situations in the book, like what happened to the girls mom, and the disappearing guys, that should have felt emotional. Things that normally would make me cry, or at least feel sad, but my emotions just didn't connect. As a whole, I feel like the book was to rushed and a little confused. Gah, I feel like I am doing a craptastic job of explaining this. Me and Wake, we just didn't jive. There ya go, very easy. 
 I feel a little let down with Wake. I have heard Amanda's name so many times, with so many wonderful things about her books, especially the Trylle trilogy, and I went in expecting a lot more out of this one. I hate reading a book I wasn't into by an author first, because it makes me wary about their other works. I don't know if I will come back to the world of Wake for the next book. Most likely, no. But I will definitely try the Trylle trilogy, albeit warily, because I would really love to say something nice about one of Amanda's books. Being that I wasn't able to say anything positive about Wake, I will say that the things that this author has been able to accomplish, how amazing those accomplishments have been at such a young age, is extraordinary and incredibly impressive. She pretty much blows me away! If you read this review, please know that I am sorry Wake wasn't my cup of tea, but I am going to try again with another book, and I still think you are amazing either way!