The Savage Blue

Gr 9 Up—In this sequel to The Vicious Deep (Sourcebooks, 2012), merman Tristan Hart continues his quest for the pieces of his grandfather's trident. As he and his friends travel from New York City to Vanishing Cove and back in search of the oracle that holds the next missing piece, they face many dangers-most of them sent by the sea witch Nieve. Her army of merrows, sharklike creatures, threatens not only Tristan and his friends, but also Tristan's beloved Coney Island and all of New York City if they are not stopped. The teen is still not sure he even wants to follow in the Sea King's footsteps, but he doesn't have much of a choice about fighting Nieve, and the trident may be the only thing that can stop her-if she doesn't get her hands on it first. This fast-paced read will appeal to Percy Jackson fans who are now older teens; there is plenty of adventure, plus a helping of relationship drama and a sprinkling of humor. While the writing can be choppy and disjointed, readers are unlikely to mind too much, as the page-turning action is sure to keep them on the edge of their seats. The cliff-hanger ending will leave them clamoring for the next installment.—Misti Tidman, Licking County Library, Newark, OH