(38) Water Series: Book One Ascension by Kara Dalkey (39) Reunion

Book Type: Novel
Author: Kara Dalkey
Pages: 235

Summary of Book One:
Nia, a young mermyd of the Bluefin clan, has had one wish all her life - to be Avatar in her beloved home of Atlantis. To be one of the ten Avatars that rule the undersea city is an honour and a great responsibility. Now at 16, Nia has a chance to see her dream come true .

Summary:
This book. Wow. Where have you been all my life, Kara Dalkey?
You truly are an artist when it comes to writing! 


Atlantis In A Way You Wouldn't Imagine:
What immediately drew my attention was the setting. Although Dalkey writes that mermyds live in Atlantis, she created such a different world than what were used to when we think "Atlantis". 

Mermyds: A New Type Of Mermaid:
These mermyds live deep in the ocean, far away from greedy, barbaric humans. Nia is a character that I am still amazed with. Although she is kind of like royalty, she is still very down to earth, humble, sweet, loving, defiant and passionate about the good of her people. She is a character that mergirls to young mermaids will find intriguing, and might even relate to her. In addition to mermyds, there are also sea lion-selkie like creatures that live among Atlantis as well! Cool!

So Many Genres And Themes! :
This book also packs in so many different genres, but they all seamlessly blend together to create a perfect book. Some of the genres readers will include are dystopia-like settings, sci-fi, romance and fantasy. I think that covers everyone's interests! In addition to the many genres, this book also has common YA themes such as parent-child relationship issues, adoption, family deceit and drama, choosing family wealth and prestige or romance,  and corruption.

Conclusion:
This book was absolutely a treat to read, and I definitely recommend checking out this series. Since I do have a few more weeks left before summer vacation is over (*sigh* :( ) I will try to squeeze in the last two books before school starts. Honestly mer-readers, I couldnt put this one down, and even though it is a bit over 200 pages, you will speed through it with ease! The end of this first book was so SHOCKING that I can't wait to pick up the next book! I give this book (*****) 5 stars!
-Sirenita The Selkie





Book 2: Reunion:
Post Update: (8-24-14):
Hi Mer-Readers!
This week, I just finished reading book 2 of the water series, Reunion.
W0w... I mean just wow again!

New Characters:
The character  that we are now introduced to is Corwin. What I love about this character is that he is so different from many of the male characters that are featured in YA literature. Usually we see Mr. Heartthrob who causes teenage drama. It's so different in this book. Corwin is a 16 year old pauper who is looking for work, money and food after his guardian recently dies. He's clumsy, skinny and not the best fighter, but he is cunning, smart, extremely clever, helpful and caring, which makes him an attractive character to readers... and Nia! :)

 The New Setting:
After what happened in the last book (which I wont give away), Nia is stuck on land in a strange, foreign place that was an afterthought to the mermyd people. I love the setting of this book! It takes place in England in the year 425, at the time of a king who is more like a dictator and is extremely superstitious. The land is full of strange people and tales, and it reminds me of times of castles and knights, which I found engaging to read.

Unfortunately, I can't give much away, but let's just say this is turning out to be an awesome mermaid series! Stay tuned for the final book! :)


Book 3: Transformation:
post update (10-19-14)

Recently, I finished the final book for the Water Series. Wow. I mean just wow. 

Did you ever get that horrible feeling of a bad break up? Lots of unanswered questions that leave you confused and heartbroken?

This is exactly what will happen if you read the end to this series.

I don't understand. How could such a wonderful series leave you with such a bad feeling?

Well, I'll tell you why. 

Nothing was explained at the end!!!

I cant give much away, since I might ruin the series, but I will have to use internet memes to convey the three emotions I felt at the end:

1)  Jaw Dropping Shock

2)   What?? What? Seriously. WHAT?

3)  Anger, and Denial.

Unfortunately, because of the ending that left me, and other readers on Goodreads confused, I give this series (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Syrena Legacy Series by Anna Banks

Book Type: Novel
Author: Anna Banks
Pages:  Book 1) 324  Book 2) 246   Book 3) 330

Summary of "Of Poseidon"(first book, goodreads.com):
Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom...

Told from both Emma and Galen's points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance

My Review:

Book One:
When I had first began reading this series, I felt like the storyline was disjointed, there was a confusing plot, and too much going on. However, as the story progressed, the book began to grow on me! The storyline took a bit longer to develop then I expected, mainly because I was unaware that this is actually a series, with "Of Poseidon" being the first book. 
What I Liked:
I really think Anna Banks created an interesting culture that surrounds the Syrena's (the merfolk of the book) ways of life, especially the mating ceremonies and rituals. What I also found to be interesting was that there are little bits of science fiction and the Atlantis theory mixed in with the story. Emma and Rayna (Galen's sister) do play positive roles for teenage girls and women alike. They speak their mind, they're determined and strong, and aren't easily swayed by the men they adore. There is also a lot of romance in this book, and quite a bit of sexual tension between Galen and Emma, so readers who love romance will definitely love this first book.

Dislike! What Annoyed Me:
I found a couple of things to annoy me, such as the main character. I cant figure out her personality! She is clumsy and awkward one moment, then fiery and feisty the next. She also blushes way too much around Galen, and her phrase "ohmysweetgoodness" gets a bit old when its mentioned in the story so many times.  

I have to say, the ending of Poseidon was a great entry point into the second book! 
The first book gets (****) 4 stars.

Book Two: Of Triton
 I was very surprised when I finished the second book in the series. It was an excellent continuation of the series! 
In this book, the characters have matured so much, and this even includes Rayna. Instead of simple romantic scenes, the book has blossomed into more dramatic scenes that deal with the Syrena race and the Royals. Emma has also changed from being a clumsy "ohmysweetgoodness" teenager to a young woman, and her personality is more defined into a strong, independent girl who is no longer shy and passive around Galen. 
There was a deeper plot compared to the first book, and each chapter was left on an edge, leaving the reader wanting to continue.  
 I give this book (*****) 5 stars.



Book Three: Of Neptune
I was really dissapointed with the way this third book turned out, and frankly, I feel that it ruined the series for me. 

So This Is Love...? Not Really:
Although Emma and Galen supposedely love eachother, they still get embarrased to ask certain questions and are tentative to fully open up to one another. On one occasion, Emma wants to know if merpeople need laxatives  (why is she thinking of this?) and wants to ask Galen, but feels so embarrased that she might pass out. Love is about comfort and acceptance, and if she's embarrased about something so petty, how is this love?
Emma and Galen remind me of the fresh-out-of-high school couples that believe they are going to be together forever and think they're in love. However, there were a couple of times when Emma "tests the waters" with another man. In addition, I couldnt find any personality traits that they love about eachother. Everything is physical. Sure, I understand being enamored with someone physically when they first meet, but shouldnt the love have deepened by now?

Characters are Annoying:
Emma continued to annoy me in this third book. After Galen and Emma get into a fight, she starts to take interest in another character, named Reed. Although she turns him down when he wants to take it to the next level, she is a total lead on and flirt! That's not love! Get it together woman!
So let's talk about Reed. This kid is a half breed like Emma so naturally he has an interest in her. However, he is completely head over fins for her within a few days and even pledges life devotion to her! The relationships in this book are just shallow and unrealistic! 

Concluding Thoughts:
I would say the only thing that I liked about this book was that it reminded me of a dystopian book. Emma and Galen enter this village that is seemingly flawless on the outside, but has a lot of dark secrets and motives which readers will later discover.
I would rate this book (***) 3 stars. However, I would give this series (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Atlantis: The Legend Of A Lost City by Christina Balit

                                                                             Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Christina Balit
Pages: 24

Summary(goodreads.com):
A magnificently illustrated retelling of the story of Atlantis--one of the world's most haunting and fascinating myths. 
Floating on the emerald sea is a small rocky island belonging to the mighty sea-god Poseidon. Few visit its shores-until Poseidon marries a beautiful woman named Cleito and transforms the island into a rich and fertile paradise, where all things flourish. A magnificent city arises. Poseidon names his perfect island Atlantis. Atlantis prospers and its people live in peace, but as the years pass, Poseidon's descendants start to act less like gods and more like men. When the people incur the wrath of their god, a terrible curse is carried out and the entire island sinks forever beneath the waves. 
This retelling of the history of fabled Atlantis is based on Plato's Timaeus and Critias. It features a note by internationally known historian Geoffrey Ashe, who has written extensively in the area of mythology.

My Review:
I was surprised that this book did not come up on my library's online catalog when I searched "mermaids". I actually stumbled upon this book while in the children's section, and there it was, next to the books about merfolk! As many mer-enthusiasts know, some legends say that seafolk, or merfolk, live in the beautiful, lost city of Atlantis. I have always been fascinated with the legend, so I decided to give the book a try. I am in love with it now! The story, although intended for children, is not written in a juvenile style, so adults will also love this book and it is easy to follow along. The text is not super big, which is another element I like; I cant stand huge text in children's books! However, the most captivating element about this book was the illustrations! See for yourself! 

The style of this beautiful art is very Mediterranean. I think Poseidon is one of the most beautiful drawings in this book. I really recommend trying to find this book. It was so beautiful, I will be adding it to my mer-library. I give this book (*****) 5 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie