Book Spotlight – THE NEPTUNE PROJECT by Polly Holyoke

 

 

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.

Recommended for fans of: MG or YA Dystopian/Action Adventure.

This MG dystopian is packed with action, an exciting plot, and loveable characters. I was really drawn to the MC, Nere, and her plight; finding out that she is part of a genetics experiment that created humans who could live in the ocean. Within the first few chapters, Nere’s life is changed forever and the reader empathizes with her fear and resentment. But Nere is also strong and courageous and really drives the story forward. Although this book is MG, I think a lot of older teens would like it too. Definite rec to any pre-teen/teen interested in marine biology or who is looking for a fun spin on the dystopian genre.

THE NEPTUNE PROJECT is available now!