ARC Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

I will say it now, I loved this book!

Title: Of Poseidon (Of Poseidon #1) by Anna Banks
Pages: 324
Release Date: June 1st 2012
Published by: Hardie Grant Egmont
Source: Publisher (thanks, Jen!)
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository

Summary:

Galen is strong, protective and gorgeous, with striking violet eyes and a body to make you shiver - and that's just when he's in human form. He's from the House of Triton, god of the sea, and he's searching for a girl with the gift of Poseidon to save his brother from marrying a fraud. Emma is a human. Or so she thinks. When Emma meets Galen on the beach, they both sense a sizzling chemistry. But can Galen convince her that she holds the key to his kingdom - without letting on that he's falling for her?

Five pages in and I am already laughing my head off. Anna Banks has this easy, conversational tone of writing that it's easy to get immersed into the story. Galen, a Prince from the House of Triton, is in search for a girl, a descendant of Poseidon, the only one who can mate with his brother as dictated by their laws. And then he meets Emma, and she was just what he's looking for. The only problem is, Galen wants Emma for himself. Emma couldn't resist the devilishly handsome Syrena, and as she discovers her gift, both are in search for the answers about Emma's true heritage and the secrets surrounding those Of Poseidon.

Yet again, I meet another fierce girl in Emma. Snarky, clumsy Emma who loved the water, the very same water who took her best friend away from her. The tragic loss of Chloe left her world changed. Though her personality can be a bit contradictory at times, Emma is a likable character. There were moments where I felt she was too stubborn for her own good, too enclosed and then the next she was like a war goddess throwing people on glass walls. It takes a while to get used to the personality shifts, but that wouldn't prevent readers from liking her. Emma's musings are enough to illicit big laughs from readers, I tell you!

Galen, on the other hand, is a different story. His was the strongest personality out of all the characters. Readers will find him irresistible. He was this larger than life Prince, who always have the best interests of his people in his mind, and then he's faced with a dilemma of falling for a girl who can never be his. That said, Galen is source of most of the intense emotions you will feel while reading this book. He has such a magnetic personality and a gorgeous face to boot. I liked him for his endless patience for Emma and, for once, being a good boy. Selfless. Galen was ready to sacrifice his feelings if needed, but that doesn't mean he didn't struggle with it. How Anna Banks can craft a character with such a magnetic personality is beyond me. It's impossible not to swoon over him, even just for a little bit.

The emotions between Galen and Emma were palpable, I had to fan myself a couple of times. Anna Banks easily switches from cute bantering between the two of them to an electrically charged atmosphere. Like a tap setting switch from Hot to Cold, and I loved every minute of it! Sizzling is the right word to describe the spark between Emma and Galen. Hot. Smouldering. The emotions running between them can get intense and I revel in every minute of it! Some might find it cheesy at times, and might not even like it, but the obvious, and not to mention powerful attraction between characters can, most of the time, make the story a bit more enjoyable. The romance between Emma and Galen will left the readers wanting for more, that I'm sure of!

The twist in the story was expected, but I loved how Anna Banks was able to handle the story well up to the end. Predictable, but definitely entertaining, mostly because every single character in this book have personalities that are instantly likable. There's a good mish-mash of personalities, from Galen's highly irritating sister, Rayna, to the laidback King, Grom, provided great support to the story and made it all the more an enticing read. Rayna and Toraf's story can be a great distraction for readers as well. Maybe we're getting a spin-off, or even a novella soon? Who knows?

Instead of opting for bloody, fight scenes, Anna Banks decided to focus more on the consequences of the actions Galen and the rest of the Syrena in both houses can cause. There was no obvious 'fighting' but the complications that hinges on the behavior, the decisions and the secrets surrounding the Syrena was a good cause of conflict and problems. Incorporating a good portion of Mythology into the story to lend it quite a solid foundation, there is much left to be explored in the world of the Syrena. Anna Banks cleverly drew out the questions surrounding Emma and the Syrena and kept the answers at bay. It's a bit frustrating, but it's what will make the readers anticipate the sequel so much! There's a certain fascinating quality in how Anna Banks writes that will catch the readers' attention instantly. Of Poseidon has a great combination of romance, intrigue and humor that will hook the readers right at the start. Trust me, this is a good read!

Content (plot, story flow, character):
I would have given it a 5 if not for the predictable bit of the story.

.5

Shining: Worthy of a Goddess' Love!

Book Cover:
Breathtaking!

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.