Of Poseidon: Book Review

Novel: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks | Goodreads

Release Date: May 22nd, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Format: ARC

Source: ALA Midwinter

Challenge: None

Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange – is it attraction? – and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of – a human who can communicate with fish.

What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either – and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings.

 

(Synopsis and Image from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:
When I got Of Poseidon I was immediately entranced by the cover and the synopsis. From first glance, I was curious about the powers of the Syrena, Galen and Emma's relationship, and the issues that will face them.

I loved how Anna Banks combined Greek Mythology about Poseidon with her imagination and crafted a world that was beautiful and enthralling. I wanted to be Syrena! The entire reason that Emma is so important is quite complicated, and as Galen and Emma try to figure out exactly what she is, I was equally as in suspense. Often times in novels the author makes the characters know less than you, or more than really makes sense for them know, and Anna Banks did neither of these. 

Anna wasn't immediately likeable, but as the novel went on, slowly I began to like her. Her temper began to make sense, and the way she reacted to Galen became understandable. As we as readers learn more about how being Syrena affected her, many of her unlikeable qualities become likeable. By the end, I was cheering for Emma and Galen, and crossing my fingers that they would end up together.  

I feel in love with Galen from day one. He was so likeable, and I felt so sorry for all those human girls - sorry girls, you can't have him! The way he cared for Emma was not only as a duty, but also through a caring loving relationship. He respected her opinion, and he put her feelings before his - most of the time. 

Of Poseidon is fantastic! Anna Banks has crafted a story of imagination, real life and myth into an amazing tale of finding yourself and falling in love. 

 

Switched: Book Review

Novel: Switched by Amanda Hocking
Release Date: January 3rd, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Format: Paperback

Source: Publisher

Challenge: None

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.  

Shout out to St. Martin's Griffin for sending me my first novel from a publisher! I'm a very happy book blogger.

Willa's Rambles:
   Usually, I'm not really a fantasy person. Trolls, fairies, and fantasy creatures usually aren't my thing - I like paranormal instead. But I accepted the request because my friend Jess of Remarkable Reads loved it and I was taken by the cover, so I thought I would give it a try.
   I read Switched in four/five hours. Wendy's story had me begging for more, and flipping pages until I couldn't keep my eyes open. The world of Wendy Everly is one that is new, original and unforgettable. It might be my favorite fantasy of all-time.
   Wendy can't seem to fit in, she has no friends, and she's constantly causing trouble without meaning to. Sure, she uses her power to her advantage, but wouldn't anyone in her situation? So when Finn Holmes comes along and tells her she is a troll, and then describes characteristics Wendy can't help but recognize, she has to face the truth. She's Trylle. Her new life is overwhelming, and she is continually surprised and frightened by the things she sees. Can she get over her fear and live up to her destiny? Or will she fall back to what she knows and for the boy she can't help but love?
   The relationships Wendy has are complicated, and she is introduced to a society she both loves and hates - she can't stand their system of rank, but she loves their world and the beauty that comes with it. But it's a life she doesn't know - or understand, and as readers, we uncover the secrets with Wendy and watch her make decisions and face her future.
   I loved Switched for it's beautiful plot, fantastic characters, and incredible story. I fell in love with Wendy's story, and and the people around her. Switched might be one of my favorites of the year.