Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna BanksPublication Date: May 22nd, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Page Count: 336 pages
Source: Library
Synopsis From Goodreads:
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.
I had been eagerly anticipating reading Of Poseidon for months. The premise is very unique and interesting. Sadly, it was less than I expected and I was terribly disappointed. I usually enjoy stories that are told from both the female and male POVs, but this time it just didn't work for me. The change in POVs was very noticeable and distracted me while reading. It also made the writing feel a bit clunky at times. But there was quite a bit of humor and snark that I did enjoy, so that was good.
I really liked the mermaid aspects of this book, and learning more about the underwater world (which there was not enough of) and Syrena mythology (which there may have been too much of). I had a hard time keeping some of the facts straight about Poseidon and Triton because I am not familiar with them.
I had a problem connecting with or relating to any of the characters. That just made it harder to find something - anything really - to enjoy about this book. I liked Emma well enough - she is strong willed and stubborn. Galen didn't do anything for me. I guess he was supposed to be strong and manly and good looking like a God or something. But that is not enough to make a great character, and when he opened his mouth I found him less attractive. His overbearing attitude bothered the crap out of me, so I don't think I have anything nice to say about him.
I did not care about any of the relationships in Of Poseidon. You would think with so many characters, and the mating and what not, brotherly love, friendships and so on, there would be a relationship to grab on to and enjoy. There wasn't. I was extremely bothered by the overall theme throughout the book that women had no say in their own lives. That they are objects and the men decide everything for them. Oh hell no, not in MY world!
Overall, this was a very disappointing read for me. I'm not sure if this is a series that I will continue reading. I know not everyone will have issues with it like I did. This book is sure to appeal to some, so read it and form your own opinion.
And if I never read "Ohmysweetgoodness" again it will be too soon.
My Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
I can see what you mean, I read Of Poseidon too and I got a story completely different from what I was expecting. I think it's the cover- it makes the story seem dark and edgy but it's really very light and fluffy. Galen was kind of weird at times, but I kind of justified in my head as him being another species. Not sure if that's a fair assumption though since there weren't too many Syrena males.
ReplyDeleteOverall, great review, I appreciate the honest.