Not the Planet, The Sea King

Of Neptune
By Anna Banks

Not going into a synopsis, I don't want to spoil anything from the first or second books.


Anna Banks has this INCREDIBLE ability to write addicting stories. They are woven complexly, come together satisfyingly, and just when you think there's a lag in action, get ready for some action.

Her characters are funny, sweet, frustrating at times, and all the while so charming that you really wished that an underwater kingdom full of Syrena (mermaids/men) really existed.


Of the three, my favourite is still book two, 'Of Triton'. Not knocking 'Of Neptune' though.

Too often in Young Adult trilogies, book one feels like an obvious set up, book two gets draggy because the author is saving the best stuff for the third book, and then the third book things come together after a meandering mess of reveals. Let me be clear: Anna Banks gives each book weight, worth, their own story arc, all the while balancing a full trilogy arc. She beautifully crafted this trilogy.

In regards to her choice in point-of-view style switching, I've thought about why she might do so. For Emma (our protagonist), we read in first person. In alternating chapters we get Galen (love interest - that's not a spoiler, come on), but instead of first person we are in third. After careful thought, I realized it never phased me when reading. Banks smoothly transitioned each change.

The other reason might be that sometimes with two first persons, if it's not completely clear the reader could begin reading the chapter as the other person. I have read a book, with two first person narrators, where I mixed up them up, frustratingly, every switch - both characters were too similar (that's a whole other issue). I commend Banks's choice to do this. It was easy to read, to understand, and to switch.

I did have a few issues with some things (trying to be vague) feeling a tiny cliche. Hence why I overall didn't like the third as much as the second. It is a VERY strong finish.

Overall, I recommend this trilogy over many others.

4.5/5 STAR-fish

Of Poseidon (I) - Review here
Of Triton (II) - Review here

Turbulant Vacation

172 Hours on the Moon
By Johan Harstad

A contest from NASA surprises the world: 3 lucky teenagers will accompany astronauts to the moon.
The Winners: Mia from Norway, in a punk band, wants to be musician-famous; Midori from Japan, wants to get away like her big sister and the moon is just the start; and Antoine from France, who wants to put the heartache of a breakup behind him.
Things go wrong.

 *shudders*

Finished this in a day for the Cramathon. I am pleased I chose to read this, it zipped by once their rocket left Earth. A little more than the first third of the book is setting up the actual 'going into space'. I might have wished to go sooner, but I get it: there's three main characters, scattered with a few more other points-of-view, to set up beforehand.

All chugs along as normal. All teenagers are unsatisfied with their current lives. Their chance to go to the moon is the perfect way to change that. While their characters are being set up, there are scenes with Heads of NASA and an old man who remembers more than he thinks. Under all of this, waves of tension crash and unnerving alarm bells ring.

Cleverly built, when things start to go wrong the reader is forced to experience these very odd, creepy scenes. Not ever are we really given a full explanation. AND THAT WORKS!

The last 40 pages or so, hold onto your chairs, there's going to be turbulence.

The ending scenes are incredibly vivid and I keep replaying them over and over in my head.

*shudders*

A cool use of the WOW! Signal.

Highly recommend.

4.5/5 STARS

Cramathon 2015 ~ Wrap Up

Hi Book-Sniffers and Librocubicularists,

What an awesome short-term read-a-thon. I was busier than planned, but I still fit in time for reading. Here are my results:

1. A children's book ~ Check!
2. A hardback ~ Check!
3. 2 books in 24-hours ~ Check!
4. A graphic novel ~ Check!
5. A book in verse ~ Nope
6. A novella ~ Nope
7. 5 books total ~ Nope

The Castle of Llyr
By Lloyd Alexander
Pages: 170
Challenge: 1, 2, 3

This is the third book in the Prydain Chronicles which I started last year by reading "The Black Cauldron" (second book of five total). Alexander has this old world, poetic style writing that's engaging and forces you to read slowly even though the action is fast paced. He wants you to drink in the descriptions. 

"For each of us comes a time when we must be more than what we are." ~ p. 4 (1999 Henry Holt and Co.)

"A warrior's life is one of hardship... and it takes a stout heart to follow it." ~ 94
(1999 Henry Holt and Co.)

4/5 STARS

172 Hours on the Moon
By Johan Harstad
Pages: 351
Challenge: 2, 3 

On a whim, I decided to start this over "Of Neptune". In the mood for some sci-fi. Gosh, this is creepy. You're reading along and it seems normal with an underlying unnerving sense you can't quite put your finger on until it slowly unravels. *shudders* I flew through this on Sunday.  Gripping.

Full review here. 

4/5 STARS


Fables, vol 7: Arabian Nights (and Days)
&
Y the Last Man, vol 8: Kimono Dragons
Challenge: 4

I read both of these Saturday night. Both series are engaging and these are great editions. Now to put the next volumes on hold. 

 

Of Neptune
By Anna Banks
Pages: 1-58 of 327

I began this one last night, however, only slightly got into it. This could've been my fifth book read, but as I said, busier than expected. Can't help life sometimes! I'm sure the review for this one will be coming very soon.

Cramathon 2015

Hi Book-Sniffers and Librocubicularists,

Cramathon is a reading weekend hosted by the lovely Whitney over at WhittyNovels. 

It runs from July 10-12, midnight start, midnight end. Over the weekend readers are challenged to read:

1. A children's book
2. A hardback
3. 2 books in 24-hours
4. A graphic novel
5. A book in verse
6. A novella
7. 5 books total

I've included a real picture (gasp) of the books in my line of sight for the weekend. Now, obviously, I will not read all of these. However, three are back ups juuuust in case. All book-sniffers must know to be prepared.

1. The Castle of Llyr (Lloyd Alexander) will fulfill the children's book challenge. It is on my TBR.

2. Of Neptune (Anna Banks) will fulfill a hardback challenge and thus completing the TBR trilogy.

4. Fables: Arabian Nights or Y the Last Man: Kimono Dragons will fulfill the graphic novel challenge.

I'm not personally planning on reading the book in verse or the novella.

Extra options: Bitterblue (Kristin Cashore) on my TBR, The False Prince (Jennifer A Nielsen) on my TBR, and Knight Errant (R. Garcia Y Robertson) on my TBR and currently reading.

Good luck to all those participating!!!

Lush Prince of Palmares Tres

The Summer Prince
By Alaya Dawn Johnston

Probably the best dystopian, future-society book you'll read in today's YA.

Set in a fictional city named Palmares Tres, Brazil, June wants to make art and be the best artist in the city. Political intrigue and high tech surround the world she lives in. Then she meets Enki, the charismatic and lush Summer King. He explodes with life itself and reinvigorates the city with raw passion. At the end of his short reign, he will die. Which makes their team up to make an artistic statement to the citizens all the more poignant.

While reading, listen to some Brazilian music to get you in the mood. Bossa Nova perhaps?

I finished this a few days ago. I needed time to gather my thoughts and steady my emotions. There is no doubt this will be on my Top 5 for 2015.

The thing I liked the most about the characterization was that you could never quite figure out the characters. They were so multi-dimensional. No one seemed cardboard. Not even Bebel (June's rival at school) who at first was cardboard became more complex as the story went on.

One downside, this world took a while to get into. Like any sci-fi or fantasy, there's always a hiccough stage where the author is trying to reveal slowly the completely new world and in a way that's not overwhelming. Once I got about 70ish pages in, the story began to flow.

I realized its wonder and devoured it slowly. Sipping each description, breathing it it.

June's relationship with the Summer King, Enki, is something more than romance. Romance seems like a juvenile word to describe what their connection is. In a sense, this book is full of romance, but it's not your typical heart-pounding, swooning kind.

LUSH. That's a good word to use to describe the story, characters, and world. It had me wanting to find out more. Johnson does this wonderful hinting at other places in the world, but never gives you enough to sink your teeth into. It's great! Some people might find this annoying - those people don't understand that sometimes the mystery is greater than being told outright. Unknown might seem like the author was lazy and didn't want to tell us more, but we have to be intelligent readers. We can't be handed things on a silver platter a la Divergent explain-ese. Trust your imagination.

I wept. No shame. The last 30 pages promptly took my heart out and put it back in. I couldn't breathe. For a story to do that is a great undertaking. It spoke to me on a human level. Isn't that what books are meant do. 

5 STARS

When you finish the book, listen to the song that Bebel sings at the end. It adds another dimension to the story. If you need some reference.Translated to English.

Classroom: Please note, sexuality is discussed in an open manner. Recommended for 16+.