The Neptune Challenge by Polly Holyoke
In the first book of the series, The Neptune Project, Nere learns an unsettling truth about her family. Her new-found abilities underwater, as well as some physical challenges which have been the source of some social insecurities, have been in fact, caused by her own mother. In addition to normal teen/parent friction, Nere must now come to terms with the fact that her scientist mother, Gillian, bio-genetically engineered her daughter's DNA for survival. Nere's poor eyesight, shortness of breath, ability to stay underwater for long periods of time, were all deliberate adjustments made by her parents in order to save humanity from a no longer safe existence on land. The down side: it is a life without her family...but not necessarily alone. Nere has the companionship and loyalty of a pod of dolphins she and Gillian had been training with the help of Nere's enhanced telepathic communication skills. She, and the other kids like Nere, adjust as best they can and learn to make peace with their parents' betrayal, no matter how well-intended. The sequel, The Neptune Challenge, deals with the dynamics of her new "mutate family," which brings new betrayal, true evil, and reveals loyalties she no longer thought possible.I'm always looking for a sophisticated middle school level series that I can recommend to my library customers of that age who are not yet ready for YA but bored by traditional series. Too often, juvenile fiction is in a rush to appear "cool" by introducing obvious mature subject matter or gets bogged down with complicated fantasy which can be distracting. The Neptune series does mildly disappoint by following the typical "teen outcast finds her unique skill which ultimately makes her popular" theme which I normally find unoriginal but the storyline is so exciting and clever, I often forgot it was juvenile fiction. There is also a hint of teen romance but not so much it renders the protagonist catatonic, an insulting and all too common theme in many popular series.
I found the plot even and edgy, without being contrived. Ms Holyoke is not afraid to cross the line in juvenile fiction that some parents draw regarding reality and violence. There is brutality, torture, death and savagery in these novels, but the author tempers it with sacrifice, commitment and forgiveness without being sappy. I think kids nowadays not only can handle it, but they expect it. There is also the subtle message of preserving and protecting our planet from the dangers of climate change and overzealous harvesting of our seas. Readers who understand the symbiosis of marine and land life will find this series a reminder of how humankind's survival depends on learning to share our planet with all her other occupants.
For more information on these books visit here.
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble ~~ Amazon ~~ indiebound
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