Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Of Poseidon
by Anna Banks
Series: The Syrena Legacy #1
Publication date: 22 May 2012
Feiwel & Friends, Hardcover, 326 pages
Source: Library

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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.

Rating: ★★★★

No one should read this book while consuming anything whence you choke while laughing. I never thought this book would be so hilarious and fun judging from the gorgeous but dark cover. Yes, yes, I shouldn’t be judging books by their cover yet I just can’t help it. Anyway, Of Poseidon was a light and enjoyable read. It was easier to understand as compared to other paranormal novels (there wasn’t any butt-crazy theories and all that jazz) and I found the new take on the Triton & Poseidon myths very… interesting. Although I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that they aren’t mythical gods but powerful Syrena generals.

One of the first things that made me love this book was Emma & Galen’s absolutely fun conversations. Filled with humour and sarcasm though they did have their emotional moments, it’s hard not to feel envious. Emma was as much of a girl-next-door as anyone can get except that she was saved by fishes from drowning as a child. She’s completely lovable in a ‘Dayum, I could be best friends with that girl!’ sort of way.

Galen, however, is definitely not your typical sort of guy. Fine, he’s Syrena & grew up underwater so he’s bound to be different but I think it’s more than that. It’s really hard not to like him even though he’s pretty much clueless at wooing girls because in the end, he tries. However, as the story was told from both Emma & Galen’s point of view, I found that Galen’s thoughts can get a little too girly. It’s not that guys can’t feel what girls do, just that it’s weird because it makes you wonder if guys even think that way, Syrena or not.

The plot, unfortunately, was quite lacking. Nothing really happens apart from Emma finding out more about herself, Galen and her (adorable) relationship and the rising tensions between the two underwater kingdoms that are ‘of Triton’ & ‘of Poseidon’. The ending was not bad though it was a cliffhanger. It made me realise that a wowing conclusion don’t always have to be physically action-packed. I feel that the conclusion and splendid characters actually made the slightly empty plot ignorable.

I would definitely recommend Of Poseidon to anyone looking for a hilarious & light read while still needing the paranormal genre. The characters & humour alone have made the book worth reading, which I cannot emphasize enough. All in all, the cliffhanger has piqued my curiosity and I desperately need Of Triton now! 28th May seem like decades away…