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| Cover art by Christian Fuenfhausen and Shane Rebenscheid |
With the second book in the Neptune trilogy, The Neptune Challenge, Polly Holyoke has written a good versus evil novel that is a perfect read for hot summer days as most of the story takes place in cool ocean waters. The story begins a week after The Neptune Promise ends and is an engaging underwater adventure. This upper middle grade novel features genetically altered children and teens who must rescue their abducted friends from an evil scientist and find important data which will help the oceans. They are accompanied by a delightful pod of dolphins and face danger from humans, sharks and other genetically altered beings. This page turning book was first published by Disney ● Hyperion an imprint of Disney Book Group in 2015 and then in paperback by Little Brown and Company, an imprint of Hachette Book Group in 2016. The cover was illustrated by Christian Fuenfhausen and Shane Rebenscheid. Themes of caring, leadership, group responsibility and problem solving echo throughout the story along with an environmental concern. Ms. Holyoke’s detailed descriptions of the sea creatures on the ocean floor and lining the canyons describe a beautiful, fascinating world. The ending is most satisfying.
The Neptune Challenge was short-listed for the Green Earth Book Awards, 2016.
This year’s 12 year olds would have been two years old in 2015 and this compelling adventure will be brand new to them. The paperback version is 340 pages long .There are some deaths in the novel.
Previous posts featuring books by Polly Holyoke:
Interview with Polly Holyoke: The Neptune Project
Visit author: Polly Holyoke
Visit Greg Pattridge host of: Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Learn more about: Channel Islands National Park, California
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Habitats, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Underwater Sound, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Visit your local book store: Off the Beaten Path
I hadn't heard of this story, but it sounds like a great underwater adventure. The environmental issues make it sound even more interesting. Happy MMGM!
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM! Natalie, THE NEPTUNE CHALLENGE, is a great read on hot summer days. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
DeleteI read and enjoyed Skyriders, so I'm excited to see that the author has some new books out since then. Thanks for sharing your review. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM Kasey. THE NEPTUNE CHALLENGE is an underwater, page turner that predates SKYRIDERS. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteSounds like loads of fun and informative. Happy MMGM
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM Brenda. Thanks for commenting. I enjoy P. Hollyoke's books.
DeleteThis sounds like a good read, and who couldn't love a story with a pod of dolphins? Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM Valinora. Yes, you are correct, dolphins are enticing. Thanks for visitng.
DeleteAlways good to hear about older books, I missed.
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM Sue. Thanks so much for visiting. It is a thrilling underwater story.
DeleteThe cool ocean does sound like a great setting for a summer read. I'm not much of a fantasy reader, but this sounds like it will find a ready audience with the middle-grade set. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM Rosi. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed this one. From your review- it sounds like a series I will enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM DMS. Thanks for visiting. It is an engaging read with detailed descriptions of ocean topography and creatures.
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