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vasiliki_21's review against another edition
5.0
Is such a great book. It done one of my favorite books. And I realized how much stupid was Artsi.
abreithart's review
3.0
Great book aside from the predictability. I knew from basically the get-go that Archie couldn’t be trusted. Once the spurs were introduced I was certain Archie was one for Njord. had a feeling Aaron didn’t ACTUALLY take the bet and that he didn’t get the chance to tell Emily the whole story.
But I loved the story and the Narwhal was awesome. Great writing and characters.
But I loved the story and the Narwhal was awesome. Great writing and characters.
permanentlei's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Like with most middle I'm finding myself reading now I have to suspend my disbelief more than a bit. I find the drama and the plot moving points a bit simple but I have to take a moment to remind myself these kids are like 10-12 years old. Me at that age was a dummy and I think that helps me understand the drama a little bit.
Still I feel like the plot moves forward because the plot moves forward and not because of the actions of the characters themselves. The writing can also be a bit simple at times.
Still I always end up wanting to see where Emily's story goes. This time to a twin of Neptune and multiple betrayals. I wonder where the next book will go.
Still I feel like the plot moves forward because the plot moves forward and not because of the actions of the characters themselves. The writing can also be a bit simple at times.
Still I always end up wanting to see where Emily's story goes. This time to a twin of Neptune and multiple betrayals. I wonder where the next book will go.
UPDATE THREAD (spoilers) BELOW:
February 11, 2021
Started Reading
February 11, 2021 – page 22
Typical bf causes bff drama...but these kids are 12. Getting slammed into a situation out of nowhere. The usual.
February 11, 2021 – page 36
Oh my, why are 12 years olds driven by excitement, danger and adventure??? Why can't they ever be driven by something else?
February 14, 2021 – page 115
I think part of my problem with middle grade is that I find the drama so simple, kinda blown out of proportion, but I have to stop myself and realize these is kids. I was dumb at 12.
February 18, 2021 – page 141
Sometimes I felt the plot of these middle grades are driven more by plot changes than character actions.
February 22, 2021 – page 156
And why was Aaron taken out of commission?
February 23, 2021 – page 165
Does Neptune really have a brother? Who is Njord?
February 23, 2021 – page 223
No surprise there that Archie isn't evil at all.
February 23, 2021 – page 232
Why does Mr. Narwhal have to die. This ain't making no sense. He held Neptune's own memories since time immemorial.
February 23, 2021 – page 251
Wow, they actually made Archie evil, lmaoooo. Shaken
February 23, 2021
Finished Reading
an_adult_ish_bookworm's review
5.0
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I love the 4.5 streak that this series has going on! I honestly think only one book has gotten 4 stars so far?
I really liked the character development that we saw in this book! It was nice seeing Neptune act like a normal person for once, and also seeing Beeston act like a decent one for once in his life! I definitely like these two more and more with each book. Archie confused me so much in this book, and I have to say that he was the one thing that I didn't actually know what was going to happen by the end.
I also loved the fact that this book addressed some of the realistic points of a relationship. It addressed the fact that middle schoolers are very young to be in love. It also showed what happens when people aren't honest with each other and how they can work through it. I especially appreciated the fact that Emily didn't forgive Aaron right away after their argument and took the time to think over what had happened and whether forgiving him was the right thing to do. I personally forgive very easily and sometimes it's not the best thing, so I think it's a good thing that Emily didn't do that in this book. It also made for some really good character development, I think, which is always great!
Even though these books are always super predictable, they're still really entertaining and they also have some good lessons for middle schoolers perfectly thrown in there. I'm really enjoying this series so far!
I love the 4.5 streak that this series has going on! I honestly think only one book has gotten 4 stars so far?
I really liked the character development that we saw in this book! It was nice seeing Neptune act like a normal person for once, and also seeing Beeston act like a decent one for once in his life! I definitely like these two more and more with each book. Archie confused me so much in this book, and I have to say that he was the one thing that I didn't actually know what was going to happen by the end.
I also loved the fact that this book addressed some of the realistic points of a relationship. It addressed the fact that middle schoolers are very young to be in love. It also showed what happens when people aren't honest with each other and how they can work through it. I especially appreciated the fact that Emily didn't forgive Aaron right away after their argument and took the time to think over what had happened and whether forgiving him was the right thing to do. I personally forgive very easily and sometimes it's not the best thing, so I think it's a good thing that Emily didn't do that in this book. It also made for some really good character development, I think, which is always great!
Even though these books are always super predictable, they're still really entertaining and they also have some good lessons for middle schoolers perfectly thrown in there. I'm really enjoying this series so far!
bethkemp's review against another edition
4.0
Adventure, friendship and romance for the 9-12s
Emily Windsnap is a half-mermaid, so she appears human on land and her tail appears in water. This is her fifth adventure (although the first I've read), so you may find spoilers in this review for earlier titles.
One of the best things about this book is Emily's character. In so many ways, she's like a typical tween/early teen, so she's very easy to relate to and I'm sure there are hoards of readers who will love these books. At the same time, the mermaid angle, which in this book leads her on a top-secret mission for King Neptune himself, adds all sort of excitement. Emily narrates her own story, so her feelings are easily accessible and we have no difficulties sympathising with her point of view.
The plot is twisty enough to keep us turning the pages without being over-complicated, and the cast of secondary characters offers such gems as the grumpy Neptune. Relationships are very important in this book (as they are for tween-into-teen readers) with tensions between a budding romance and a bff, as well as eternal issues like mother-daughter relationships.
All in all, this is a delightful read which offers gentle reassurance on various perennial concerns for the middle grade readership, packaged into an exciting quest narrative.
Emily Windsnap is a half-mermaid, so she appears human on land and her tail appears in water. This is her fifth adventure (although the first I've read), so you may find spoilers in this review for earlier titles.
One of the best things about this book is Emily's character. In so many ways, she's like a typical tween/early teen, so she's very easy to relate to and I'm sure there are hoards of readers who will love these books. At the same time, the mermaid angle, which in this book leads her on a top-secret mission for King Neptune himself, adds all sort of excitement. Emily narrates her own story, so her feelings are easily accessible and we have no difficulties sympathising with her point of view.
The plot is twisty enough to keep us turning the pages without being over-complicated, and the cast of secondary characters offers such gems as the grumpy Neptune. Relationships are very important in this book (as they are for tween-into-teen readers) with tensions between a budding romance and a bff, as well as eternal issues like mother-daughter relationships.
All in all, this is a delightful read which offers gentle reassurance on various perennial concerns for the middle grade readership, packaged into an exciting quest narrative.
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