The Neptune Project Series by Polly Holyoke

Book Type: Novel
Author: Polly Holyoke
Pages: 340


Summary(goodreads.com):
With her weak eyes and useless lungs that often leave her gasping for air, Nere feels more at home swimming with the dolphins her mother studies than she does hanging out with her classmates. Nere has never understood why she is so much more comfortable and confident in the water than on land until the day she learns the shocking truth—she is one of a group of kids who have been genetically altered to survive in the ocean. These products of the "Neptune Project" are supposed to build a better future under the waves, safe from the terrible famines and wars and that rock the surface world.

But there are some big challenges ahead of her: no one ever asked Nere if she wanted to be part of a science experiment; the other Neptune kids aren't exactly the friendliest bunch, and in order to reach the safe haven of the new Neptune colony, Nere and her fellow mutates must swim across hundreds of miles of dangerous ocean, relying on their wits, their loyal dolphins and one another to evade terrifying undersea creatures and a government that will stop at nothing to capture the Neptune kids ... dead or alive.

Fierce battle and daring escapes abound as Nere and her friend race to safety in this action-packed marine adventure. 


My Review:

What will the future be like? Are genetically engineered humans a real possibility? Polly Holyoke explores all possibilities for the future of mankind in her latest novel. I cant express how much I loved this book!!! Although this book technically doesn't have mermaids, I really believe mer-readers will love The Neptune Project just like other mermaid books. 

The Neptune Project immediately dives into action when Nere has to help her friend and some smugglers escape some government officials. And you know what the coolest part about Nere is? 

SHE CAN TELEPATHICALLY COMMUNICATE WITH DOLPHINS! So cool!!!

As the book progressed under the waves and away from society, I fell in love with Holyoke's rich descriptive words. I felt like I was underwater, exploring parts of the ocean I never thought possible. I also loved that although the ocean is portrayed as beautiful, the reader also sees how dangerous it is. Nere has to battle sharks, giant squid, and the Marine Guard, a sector of the government that patrols the water. 

Like all teenagers, Nere is also dealing with love. Dai is a bad boy that all girls will fall for. Although he hides a lot about himself from people, the way he flirts with Nere is so cute. 

The ending had such an amazing mystery twist that I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series. I give this first book (*****) 5 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie

Above World Series by Jenn Reese

Book Type: Novel
Author: Jenn Reese
Pages: Book 1 (365) Book 2 (368) Book 3 (400)

Summary(first book, goodreads.com):Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides. But after centuries spent hidden from the Above World, her colony’s survival is in doubt. The Kampii’s breathing necklaces are failing, but the elders are unwilling to venture above water to seek answers. Only headstrong Aluna and her friend Hoku are stubborn and bold enough to face the terrors of land to search for way to save their people. 
But can Aluna’s warrior spirit and Hoku’s tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt—growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains—here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true



My Review:

Introduction:
At first glance, dystopian/futuristic society books will either intrigue people, or turn people away because of the harsh reality of the way things are now in the world, especially when it comes to the booming human population. 

Will we run out of space? Food? Air? 

This is what Jenn Reese explores in Above World, but she makes it amazingly awesome! Humans have run out of living options. Some humans fled to space, while others genetically altered themselves to adapt to different environments. Mermaids, Winged Women, Snake and Horse people; there are so many possibilities! 

Such Cool Concepts! What I Loved: 
What I loved most about this book was the originality of the concept. Reese has fused science fiction with classic mythology to give us... A Mermaid Dystopian series! :) From the start, I was immediately sucked into Aluna and Hoku's adventure and it was really hard to put down. In addition, the book is really emotional! The reader will hate and feel disgusted by some characters, but feel love and compassion for others. 

I also love how descriptive this series is. Every time I was reading, I felt as if I was right there with Hoku, Aluna, Dash and Calli.  Aluna is my favorite character in this series and she is such a positive role model for girls! She's strong, defiant and a total bad ass!



So Many Questions! What I Didn't Like: 
I have to admit, as much as I loved this series, this last book didnt impress me as much as the other first two books. It was much slower than the first two, and I was craving more action for about three quarters of the book. 
I wont spoil the ending, but all I'm going to say is that it annoyed me. There was a very anticlimactic battle that made me say, THAT'S IT? 

Also, there was a lot of unanswered questions at the end. 
I was really dissapointed with this last book in the series.

However, the first two books were really good, and it was very interesting! I couldnt put any of these books down as soon as I began to read them. I give this series (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie