Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy, 2)

I took time to read Of Poseidon again right before reading Of Triton. I read them both in a week. What has struck me the most from reading them back to back is the way the author was able to hook the readers with character and and a lighter tone in book one and take us with her into a bit of a darker, more serious story in book two. The progression feels natural and seamless from a more fun, romantic, adventure-filled to story to one with deep themes, a strong and intriguing mythology, and more profound and moving events and consequences. Don't get me wrong, Of Triton is fun! And funny! It's Anna Banks, after all. There's romance and adventure and plot twists and turns that keep you flipping pages. But there's also a maturity to the story and characters that allows them and us to grow. I can't wait to see where we'll go in Of Neptune, book three in the series. I'll be waiting, treading water until then.

[...]Nothing screams summer like the ocean...or mermaids. With the sun shining bright and the sky blazing blue, I can't help but feel a little lighter on my sandaled feet! I read Anna Banks's "Of Poseidon" a couple of months ago, and thoroughly enjoyed myself as I dove into the world of the Syrena. Luckily for me, its sequel, "Of Triton", was released just last week, which of course meant I had to get my grubby hands on a copy. And trust me, there's nothing like a good YA book along with a nice, refreshing smoothie to have in your hands as you kick back and enjoy the summer!Emma has just been kidnapped by her own mother. Who also happens to be the long-lost Poseidon princess, which means that Emma struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she's a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below the surface, one that deserves death. As if that's not bad enough, her mother's reappearance among the Syrena heightens tensions between the two kingdoms--Poseidon and Triton--which could jeopardize the happiness of her family, not to mention her relationship with Galen. Emma is now tasked with a difficult decision: Should she comply with Galen's request to stay away from the water to keep herself safe? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself--and her Gift--to save a people she's never known?"Of Triton" is one of those incredibly enjoyable, easy reads that you whip through in about a day, and that's especially helped by the fact that it has such a smooth storyline that remains compelling until the very last page. There's a lot that happens in this sequel, with tensions that start off high from the onset--I mean, kidnapped by your own mom? Who also turns out to be some rebellious mermaid princess? Talk about en media res. Emma and Galen make a lot of discoveries as the novel progresses, ones that have the potential to shift the balance of things in the Syrena realm, as well as the survival of their own relationship. There really never is a dull moment in "Of Triton", though I do have to admit that there were times when I had to flip back a few pages because I missed out on something important. Perhaps the storyline was a little too smooth--Ms. Banks could've punctuated the climax a little more strongly to make things even more exciting.Just like in "Of Poseidon", the chapters of "Of Triton" alternate between the perspectives of Emma and Galen. I remember writing in my review of the first book that I was a little iffy with Galen's chapters, since they were told from a third-person point of view and in the present tense, which sometimes felt a little awkward. The same can be said about Galen's perspective in "Of Triton"--I still think past tense or a first-person point of view could've worked better for him--but I've grown used to it by this point, so it's not too bad. Otherwise, I enjoyed following both Emma and Galen throughout the book. They're likable characters who are both determined, compassionate and thoughtful, plus it's super cute to see the way they interact with each other from both perspectives!The other characters in "Of Triton" were just as likable and interesting to read about. I especially like Toraf and Rayna--they have such a dynamic relationship that's not generic at all and remains volatile and passionate throughout; a little like yin-and-yang. Rachel, the high-heel struttin', ex-Mafia who helps Galen with human intel, is, as always, a brilliant and fun character, though I still can't believe what happened to her in the book! (See? No spoilers!) As for Nalia, aka Emma's mom and long-lost Syrena princess, I was still a little skeptical about her character. I mean, now that she's revealed to be a mermaid who has a lifespan of 300 years, it just makes her even more unbelievably immature. Sure, she's stubborn like Emma, but sometimes I felt like it was a little weird to have her mom as a pretty irresponsible and childish character. Eh. My opinion of her, however, is a little tempered by her interaction with Grom, whom she was meant to be mated with before her disappearance. Still, though, I wouldn't want a mom like her.All in all, "Of Triton" is a thoroughly enjoyable, fun read that's perfect for those lazy summer days, with a dynamic cast of characters and a seamless storyline that keeps you interested throughout. I'm really looking forward to the final book in the "Of Poseidon" series, "Of Neptune", and can't express just how refreshed and...summery (!) I feel now!Rating: 4/5

Omg, I devoured Of Triton. I read it in less then one day. Again we get alternating POV between Emma and Galen. It was so well written that at each change I was like "What is going to happen!!" I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Of course after Nalia has a lot of explaining to do. Which is hard then anticipated. She is scared for her and her daughter. When the groups finally end up together there is a lot of discussion to be had. The secrets need to be revealed for all to understand what is going on. Emma finds out the truth about her parents and about Grom. All of this is hard for her and seeing her mom and Grom together makes her a bit upset. So Grom and his crew head back to announce the return of Princess Nalia but, unfortunately things do not go as planned. There is a bit of an uproar in their society and the Royals and "the stranger" are detained. Emma is left on shore with Rayna as her body guard. Will Emma ever see her loved ones again? Is she willing to risk her life to save them?I continued to love the characters in Of Triton. Rayna is awesome and a pain in the butt all at the same time. Toraf is the ever loving mate of Rayna who would risk everything to keep her safe. Nalia finally gets her head on straight and I grew to like her even more. Rachel is the kind hearted ex-mobster haha. Throughout all this they remain a family, for the most part. They are willing to do what is necessary to protect everyone. Unfortunately, politics is dangerous and not everyone will survive this battle.Galen and Emma are still love sick. In a super cute way of course. They are both worried about what will happen with their future especially after the insane tribunal. They are worried that their time will be limited because of the Syrena laws and the fact that Emma is a half-breed does not help. Galen tries very hard to keep Emma out of the Tribunal but, she can only wait so long! She makes her own decisions too. What seems the best for her in light of everything. Things get pretty intense for a while. Their love remains strong and they help each other get through the hard times. They have some pretty steamy make out sessions too. Will they get their happily ever after?I am seriously in love with this series. I love mermaids and this version is awesome! I highly recommend it! Now I have to wait until May of 2014 for the conclusion! I am so not patient haha. I need it now!

That's how long it took me to read this amazing book. The moment it was on sale I had it and read it in one night. Call me crazy, obsessed, I don't care. I loved this book and was giggling and screaming and over reacting all night. If you don't read this book after you read Of Poseidon, then you are on my equivalent to dirt list. You must me out of your mind not to fall in love with this inspiring, creative, and surprisingly twistful book full of love romance and sadly lose. Now I leave it up to you to read this captivating book. Trust me it will be worth your time! I mean come on, you have an entire summer ahead of you, right?

Interressting book, shipping fast

Pra quem tem um inglês bem mediano, amei o livro, imagina lendo em uma língua que domino!!!! Será maravilhoso, não vejo a hora!!!!

It continues the previous book. The story is nice and well written. I've read the saga 3 times since I bought it. Love it.

Dans ce deuxième volet, on en apprend beaucoup plus sur l'univers du royaume de Triton. Lire un roman qui se passe majoritairement sous l'eau... c'est tout une expérience. Si vous n'avez pas encore commencé cette série : n'hésitez pas à l’acquérir! On apprend en même qu’Emma a devenir une sirène et à découvrir un monde insoupçonné et menacé.

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. <3It was everything I hoped it would be. The romance is just STUNNING and it is a beautiful mythical story that will make youu swoon!