Book Type: Novel Author: Polly Holyoke Pages: 340 Summary(goodreads.com): With her weak eyes and useless lungs that often leave her gasping for air, Nere feels more at home swimming with the dolphins her mother studies than she does hanging out with her classmates. Nere has never understood why she is so much more comfortable and confident in the water than on land until the day she learns the shocking truth—she is one of a group of kids who have been genetically altered to survive in the ocean. These products of the "Neptune Project" are supposed to build a better future under the waves, safe from the terrible famines and wars and that rock the surface world. But there are some big challenges ahead of her: no one ever asked Nere if she wanted to be part of a science experiment; the other Neptune kids aren't exactly the friendliest bunch, and in order to reach the safe haven of the new Neptune colony, Nere and her fellow mutates must swim across hundreds of miles of dangerous ocean, relying on their wits, their loyal dolphins and one another to evade terrifying undersea creatures and a government that will stop at nothing to capture the Neptune kids ... dead or alive. Fierce battle and daring escapes abound as Nere and her friend race to safety in this action-packed marine adventure. My Review
Book 1:
What will the future be like?
Are genetically engineered humans a real possibility?
Polly Holyoke explores all possibilities for the future of mankind in her latest novel. I cant express how much I loved this book!!! Although this book technically doesn't have mermaids, I really believe mer-readers will love The Neptune Project just like other mermaid books. The Neptune Project immediately dives into action when Nere has to help her friend and some smugglers escape some government officials. And you know what the coolest part about Nere is? SHE CAN TELEPATHICALLY COMMUNICATE WITH DOLPHINS! So cool!!! As the book progressed under the waves and away from society, I fell in love with Holyoke's rich descriptive words. I felt like I was underwater, exploring parts of the ocean I never thought possible. I also loved that although the ocean is portrayed as beautiful, the reader also sees how dangerous it is. Nere has to battle sharks, giant squid, and the Marine Guard, a sector of the government that patrols the water. Like all teenagers, Nere is also dealing with love. Dai is a bad boy that all girls will fall for. Although he hides a lot about himself from people, the way he flirts with Nere is so cute. The ending had such an amazing mystery twist that I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series. I give this first book (*****) 5 stars. -Sirenita The Selkie
Book 2: The Neptune Challenge
Polly Holyoke created another fantastic underwater adventure!
Nere and her friends have arrived at the underwater safe haven. Everything seems fine, when Dr. Kuron invades with his gang of genetically-modified kids! Nere and a select chosen few must infiltrate Dr. Kuron's lab to save the ocean.
Similar to the first book, the plot is captivating, with rich imagery and fighting scenes that were descriptive. I could picture the environment and action so perfectly that I felt as if I was there.
The villians were the most engaging part of this book, and the reader faces new enemies alongside Nere.
Dr. Kuron is unpredictable, and snaps at the slightest problem. While he keeps his external surroundings organized and spotless, his mind is a warped mess! Kuron is also minimally described, leaving the reader to conjure up their own worst nightmare.
The genetically-altered new teens were also creepy, but cool.
Wasp, who was named after the deadly sea wasp, had stingers on her fingertips. Kuron also created half shark people who cannibalize their dead! Yikes!
The only issue I had was the minimal creativity in the naming of these new teens. Whitey is named after his great white DNA, Sham(Shamu) has killer whale DNA... and so forth. It was a little corny.
The Neptune Challenge was a fantastic science fiction read that encourages oceanic conservation and environmentally-conscious decisions. I give this series (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie