Review: The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke

Title: The Neptune Project

Series: The Neptune Project #1

Author: Polly Holyoke

Genre: Middle Grade, sci-fi

Publication date: May 2013

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: The publishers via Netgalley (thanks!)

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Synopsis:

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 rating: ★★★★★
The Neptune Project was just amazing! First of all, I have never read anything like it! I mean, the whole thing basically takes place in the ocean! How cool is that?

The descriptions of the sea were incredibly accurate and were crystal clear in my mind! It was so amazing, it was like I was in the sea myself! I really enjoyed exploring this magnificent underwater world.

There was a lot of action...when it wasn't the government after them, it was other natural, equally scary things.

I thought it was such a great story with the genetic experimentation, teens fighting to survive in a dystopian world, and the underwater setting...it was all just awesome! Another awesome thing: telepathic communication with the dolphins! How cool is that?

It did have some sad moments, though, and then other parts were I literally laughed out loud. But I do love a book with emotion :)

The book also had a lot of different characters. Dai was a complicated character for me...I'm still trying to decide whether I like him or not. Nere was a great character. A great leader and very level headed when it was needed. I adored Robry, he was just an adorable, likable kid! However, because there were so many characters and some of them had similar names and similar personalities, I just had a hard time keeping them all straight. Also, it was never really mentioned how old they were...I vaguely remember the number 14 being mentioned once. And since this is an MG novel that would make sense...

This book was just great! I honestly cannot wait for more! I am very excited to learn more about this project with a Roman god name (LOVE mythology, BTW) and explore more of this beautiful underwater world the author has created.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a comment! :)