Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Of Poseidon
by Anna Banks
Publisher: Macmillan
Publication date: May 22, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal

Buy: Barnes and Noble/ Amazon/ Book Depository

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.(synopsis from Goodreads)

Of Poseidon is the debut novel of author Anna Banks. It is the first in a new paranormal series, filled with mythology and legends of the fall of Atlantis. Of Poseidon is beautifully written. It delivers romance, suspense and an interesting twist on merpeople. While I felt the content was more geared towards a younger YA audience, I enjoyed the tale and will read book two to see what happens.
   

The tale begins in Florida when eighteen year old Emma is on vacation with her BFF. On their way to the beach with a surfboard in tow, Emma collides with swoon worthy Galen. The contact sends a current through her and both of them sense a connection. They are both shaken by it. He is convinced she is hiding who she is and is in violation of their laws. As a prince of Syrena he may just have her arrested. Then a horrific tragedy involving Emma occurs and he is confused. He thinks she genuinely doesn’t realize that she is Syrena. He quickly makes arrangements to follow Emma back to the coastal shores of New Jersey. Together with his snarky sister and human friend they set up a home near Emma and he enrolls in her high school. An unknown Syrena is lurking in the waters off the coast and Galen fears they mean to harm Emma. The tale that unfolds delivers a suspenseful mystery, a romance and an interesting look at Syrena and their history.

I enjoyed the characters in Of Poseidon.  Emma is funny, sensitive and slightly naïve for an eighteen year old.  Galen is a prince and of course is totally swoon worthy. His interactions with Emma and others was at times a riot, since he doesn’t really understand human lingo.  His sister Rayna is a hoot and her relationship with Toraf was sweet and funny.  There are other characters that add to the tale. Overall I liked and connected with all of them, but felt their conversation and behavior read more like a middle school novel.

The world-building created by Banks really held my attention. I love Greek mythology and have always had an interest in Atlantis. The Syrena divided into two groups those who loved humans and interacted with them and those who did not. I found the information Galen uncovers about King Triton and humans fascinating. This information helped piece together the mystery that twisted throughout the plot. There are rules in place to reunite the House of Triton and the House of Poseidon. Emma may have the gift that can reunite the houses but the cost will be high.  

I recommend Of Poseidon to fans of mythology, and paranormal romance. While I didn’t flip over this novel I enjoyed aspects of it, which will have me reading book two.  I will be sure and updated you when I have news on book two. I have placed Anna Banks on my authors to watch list.

I want to thank netGalley and Macmillan for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 3.5 coffee cups out of 5.

Anna Banks

Website

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