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Monday 11 June 2012

Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Author: Anna Banks
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Page Count:  357 pages, Hardcover
Date Published: May 22nd 2012


Goodreads Blurb:

 Galen, a Syrena prince, searches land for a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. It’s while Emma is on vacation at the beach that she meets Galen. Although their connection is immediate and powerful, Galen's not fully convinced that Emma's the one he's been looking for. That is, until a deadly encounter with a shark proves  that Emma and her Gift may be the only thing that can save his kingdom. He needs her help--no matter what the risk.




 My Thoughts:  Of Poseidon was an incredible book with so many great, great qualities. LOVED IT.

Let me tell you this in advance: I, am a fish out of water. It's just what everyone says. I love the water. When I was younger, all I wanted to do was swim. I don't like to swim competitively or anything like that, but just enjoy the soothing water and picture myself as a fish. That imaginary fish-self was able to talk to other fish. SO. When I found out about this book, I knew I had to read it. I'm so glad I did, because it was great. I was so jealous of all the Syrena characters with their fish qualities.
The POV alternated each chapter between Emma's first-person and Galen's third-person. I liked how the author did this, because it wasn't confusing at all. The writing was smooth and easy to read. I got lost in the story, not the words. I really loved Galen's point of view, as well as Emma's. They were both loveable characters with their own quirks and problems. I really liked Emma. She was a strong, independant character and yet she went totally mushy around Galen. But when he tried to tell her what to do, she was a bit... Headstrong, so to speak. I liked Galen a lot as well, except he seemed to fit in with the humans a bit too well. I wish we could have seen more of his transition from being Syrena to fitting into Emma's world, because what we did see was delightful. The way he spoke so formally and blunt in the beginning was really cute, but then once he became more 'accustomed' he was a little annoying. I did like the other characters as well, although I felt like it took a long time for us to learn all of their back stories.

The story was really interesting as well. I loved the Syrena folklore; It was super interesting and fascinating. All the history of the royals and Triton and Poseidon seemed so real, as if it all really happened. The author did an incredible job of making it all seem believable and real. At least, to me. I would believe anything to do with mermaids or, sorry, Syrena, because of how much I want to.. umm... be a mermaid. *blushes* Goodness me I feel like a little kid saying they want to be a princess. BUT I AM NOT ASHAMED! If I could be any element I would be water, so.. I guess that explains it. Anyways, I'm getting off track. The romance between Galen and Emma was really sweet and swoony. Kind of irresistable. Plus, there's an air of mystery that's subtle enough to start forgetting about it until BOOM! The author hits you with a tidal wave (haha, pun intended) of it and you're reminded that this isn't just a story of sweet romance and fish who can talk. There's a war between the two kingdoms under the surface and Emma and Galen are at the centre of it.

 If you're into magic and mermaid-esque stories, Of Poseidon would be a great book for you to read. Then ending was both a surprise and predictable, but enjoyable none the less. If you've never read a mermaid story, I think this book would be a great one to start out with. It's human enough to not be overwhelming, unlike some stories that are completely under water. The beginning sucks you in with a tragic attack and the rest keeps you hooked on this excellent debut.

Happy reading!
-Kristy

2 comments:

  1. If you're reading this and thinking that I must have hated this book, I really didn't. I don't think there's anything absolutely spectacular about it, but there were certain aspects that I did enjoy. OF POSEIDON has an interesting plot, and I am curious about what comes next, and what the big reveal at the end will mean for the Syrena, and Galen and Emma specifically. I'll just make sure I go into it with more tempered expectations.

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