nut free nerd

WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!!

If you’d like to read my review of the first book in this trilogy, Of Poseidon, click here. If you’d like to read my review of the second book in this trilogy, Of Triton, click here.

Author: Anna Banks

Number of Pages: 336

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Release Date: May 1, 2014

“Emma and Galen’s kingdom and their love is threatened by long-lost Syrena in the brilliant conclusion to Anna Banks bestselling trilogy.

Emma, half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma’s grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.

Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn’t sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean and the land-dwelling, freshwater Syrena. They didn’t bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn’t expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love but their ocean kingdoms.”

– Goodreads.com

Immediately after I finished this book I had so many mixed thoughts about it that I felt as though I would hardly be able to write a coherent review. But I’ve given myself some time to organize my opinions and I think I’m finally ready. Let do this!

I’ll start with the positive aspects of this novel, particularly with the fact that for the most part it was very enjoyable to read. Galen is still an amazing guy, one that is extremely easy to shower with adoration in your mind as you read. I mean, who doesn’t love a kind, loyal, intelligent, attractive merman? I also liked how the action never seemed to stop and the plot kept up a steady pace. There was not the usual lag in the middle, and it kept my interest the entire way through.

There were some problems with this novel, however. The issue of the alternating chapters of first and third person still remains, but I won’t go into more detail about that- I’ve already complained enough about it in my reviews of Of Poseidon and Of Triton. The main problem I have with this book is that it seems so out of place when put into context with the previous two books in this trilogy. The first two books deal with a common dilemma in the plot, feature much of the same cast of characters, and continue directly from one to the other. It almost seems as though it could have been a duology if there had been a more complete and satisfying resolution at the end of Of Triton. Of Neptune did not have the same feeling of continuity- rather, it created a whole new set of problems and included new characters for the great majority of the story. Did I enjoy reading about the Half-Blood town of Neptune and the love triangle with Emma, Galen, and Reed? Yes. But at the same time, it felt strange and a bit unnecessary.

Overall, Of Neptune is my least favorite installment in the Syrena Legacy trilogy. Nevertheless, I believe that its strengths outweigh its weaknesses and that it is still worth reading.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) 4 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Yes, I would recommend this book as well as the series as a whole to anyone who is a fan of YA contemporary fiction, fantasy, or romance. It may not be flawless, but it’s definitely an enjoyable read!

Have you ever read any books from this trilogy? What did you think of them? Are there any other mermaid books that you would recommend? Let me know in the comments section below!

Yours,

HOLLY