Of Poseidon by Anna Banks: Book Review

Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (May 22, 2012)
Language: English
Buy the Book: Amazon

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.

At a Glance:

Although awkward at times, Of Poseidon was full of intrigue, mystery, romance and humor.  If you're a fan of mermaids and snark, you'll probably enjoy this one!

The Funny:

I'm going to start out with Emma, because she was, by far, my favorite thing about this book.  She seriously cracked me up!  She said every last thing that was on her mind, and she was just funny.  There were a few times when the snark was a little much, and she would get mad at some of the most bizarre things, but overall, I really enjoyed her character and her voice.

Galen:

Galen was a little awkward, being that he wasn't a human, and not entirely accustomed to our way of talking and behaving.  Some of the things he said rivaled Emma in the comedy department, but more in a roll your eyes kind of way.  I just picture Emma rolling her eyes at some of his comments.  Especially when he tried to call her "Boo."  I may have cringed a little on that one.  But he was mostly really sweet, after he learned that Emma wasn't going to take his commanding, and watching him learn the ways of humanness, with a strong female was entertaining.

Tension Galore:

There's definitely lots of tension and frustration in the romance department.  Even though Galen and Emma have an immediate attraction, they fight it constantly, for ever changing reasons.  Whether it's because it's against the law, or because they aren't sure how the other feels, they just can't seem to get the timing right.  This, of course, makes it all the more fantastic when they finally do....kind of.  :D  I'm definitely a fan of the tension.

But there's mermaids:

I enjoyed this story, and the characters, but I just have a hang-up when it comes to mermaids.  Oh, I know they don't want to be called that, they're Syrena, but still.....they're mermaids, or even worse, mermen.  UGH!  I don't know why I have such an issue.  I mean, I've loved vampire books, and werewolf books, and even dragon books, but there's something about a guy turning into a fish that just brings out the EEW!  Does he smell like fish?  Does Emma taste fish on him when she kisses him?

And then there's the mating:

This was something else I just cringed at every time it came up......which was every other page.  It was constant with the mating.  He's my mate.  You're my mate.  They're going to mate.  I want to mate with him.  They have to find an island to mate.  YUCK!!  That word!!  It just conjures up all sorts of nasty!  I had a really hard time getting past this.

Oh, and that dreaded CLIFFHANGER!

I'm not sure I've been involved in a cliffhanger as bad as this one.  It literally felt like the story just stopped right in the middle.  I need some closure!  OK, I don't need it, I just really, really appreciate it.  I do understand the desire to make us want for the next book, but it makes me....completely....INSANE!

All in all:

I did enjoy this book, even with the mermen and the mating :P  It was sweet and funny and romantic, and I think, worth the read.  I especially enjoyed reading it during the summer while sitting by the pool.  It helped me to embrace my inner mermaid ;D

Content:

• Sexual Content:  Moderate (mostly dialog)
• Profanity:  Mild
• Violence:  Mild
• Other Notables:  None

For more details, check out Of Poseidon on Parentalbookreviews.com

GIVEAWAY

  a Rafflecopter giveaway