Heart of Atlantis (Warriors of Poseidon)

My Rating: 3 stars: Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Originally post at THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT

I have been waiting for this story since the very first Warriors of Poseidon book, Atlantis Rising. Ms. Day has been building the case for our heroes, Alaric and Quinn, from the very start. They've had a lot to overcome, including the long-held belief that the High Priest of Atlantis must remain celibate, a war between vampires and human kind, and Quinn's near-death experiences. I mention all of this to you because my expectations ran high going into this story! Not to mention, Heart of Atlantis is the final book in Ms. Day's series about the hardened warriors of Atlantis. If you are like me, you always hate to see a series you love end, but sometimes, it needs to happen.

*NOTE* This review contains spoilers from the first seven books in this series.

The book begins with a prologue that relives some of the final moments in the previous book, Vampire In Atlantis, where in the heat of battle, Quinn's most trusted advisor and closest friend, Jack (a tiger shifter), is killed. His human side was lost, but his tiger side remained. Quinn won't leave Jack's side and Alaric vowed never to leave Quinn's side.

The trio journeyed to Mt. Fuji, Japan, to a quiet, hidden retreat. There they encountered a woman who claimed to be the spirit of the portal (the portal is the "gate" the Atlanteans can call up and use to move from place to place.) Alaric renounced his duties to Atlantis and Poseidon, the sea god himself. After six weeks of "recovering," the group was attacked by flying monkey shifters. They also discovered that there was a pretender-to-the-throne, Ptolemy Reborn, who has the final jewel needed to raise Atlantis from the deep. He also appeared on national television, outing Quinn as the leader of the human resistance group, therefore putting her existing in peril. Knowing that they had to give up their seclusion, Quinn and Alaric made their way/s back into the world to protect the human race.

I hate to start my reviews on a negative note, but I feel I need to just put it out there... I was disappointed with Heart of Atlantis. The book itself is good; however, the Alaric/Quinn story line just didn't have the emotional punch I anticipated and hoped for. One of the problems I had is that this book jumps right into the middle of the pre-existing storyline, so much so, that Heart of Atlantis felt like a continuation of Vampire in Atlantis and not it's own book. There was no "set up," or "getting to know you" phase at the beginning of the book. And since it's been 1.5 years since that last story, I had forgotten much of what I read. Maybe if I'd reread Vampire in Atlantis, I'd have enjoyed this one more.

With that on the table, I will say that there were a lot of good parts in Heart of Atlantis. Alaric and Quinn do FINALLY give into their long-burning desires. Although the pair didn't have the emotional intensity of earlier books, they shared passionate kisses and tender moments. I loved the scene when Alaric tells Quinn that he is the monster she should be afraid of - his confession of his need and desire for her is intense. As the story progresses, they open to each other more and more until they can reach the point to attempt the soul-meld, which is one of my favorite scenes in the book.

However, throughout most of the story Alaric really rubbed me the wrong way. He was too harsh and completely uncaring about anything but Quinn. And even in his passion for her, he came across too angry and possessive to actually love her. It was more like an unhealthy obsession. The perfect example was when he saved Quinn and they go to an artist's loft to recover. Quinn saw hope and beauty in the artwork. Alaric wanted to blast the paintings. He couldn't even rid himself of anger, hate and warring long enough to just enjoy Quinn and that moment.

While the romance was underwhelming for much of the book, the storyline with Ptolemy Reborn and the warriors, long-time nemesis, the vampire queen Anubisa was entertaining. The mysterious Ptolemy had nefarious plans and seemed pretty unstoppable, which kept my heart racing. I enjoyed watching the plot unfold and trying to figure out what was going on. The final battle between good and evil was also well played and exciting.

There were other small things, that as a long-time reader of the series, bothered me. One involved a scene with Poseidon and Alaric where Poseidon actually explains himself to Alaric. I felt this was completely out of character for the sea god. Another was the lack of discussion about the fact that Quinn is tied to a vampire via a blood bond. This is something fairly important, and unless I missed it, it wasn't brought up at all. I went back and reread some of the second book (when this happened) to help me recall the details, but it would have been useful to have that briefly explained in this book. Also, the whole spirit of the portal storyline just didn't work for me.

What I did like, and what I felt was the most emotionally intense part of the book was the interaction and goodbye between Jack and Quinn near the conclusion of the story. It was short and painful, but in a good way.

Finally, there were some lovely reunion scenes throughout the story, and primarily at the end of the book. It was a nice was to bring closure to the series. Although some of it was a little bit hokey, it was mostly sweet and satisfying for long-time readers. I also enjoyed the way in which Ms. Day ended the book.

Overall I feel let down by Heart of Atlantis. I think because I had built it up so much in my mind, it just couldn't meet my expectations. The emotional component of what made Quinn and Alaric so explosive in the preceding books was missing in this, their story. The book began in the midst of intense actions without giving the reader any buildup. I wanted and needed more time with Quinn and Alaric when they weren't already in the midst of war and experiencing such strong emotions.

With that said, there were some positive pieces, and it was satisfying to see everyone safe and sound and together. I really enjoyed the final battle scene and a couple other pieces I'm not going to mention because of spoilers. I also enjoyed the interactions between Quinn and Poseidon. Once again, the goodbye scene with Jack was difficult and sad, as it should have been.

In the end, Heart of Atlantis is a MUST read for fans of Ms. Day's wonderful series. Hopefully you will find what you are looking for in this, the final tale from Atlantis.

Title: Heart of Atlantis*
Author: Alyssa Day
Series: Warriors of Poseidon
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Berkley
Format: E-book & Paperback
Date/Year: December 4, 2012
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to the reviewer by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Summary from the publisher:

As a war wages between the immortals of Atlantis and those of the vampire realm, a Poseidon warrior fights to save his world--and the woman he loves. And no risk is too great.

The desires of a high priest.

Alaric, Poseidon's High Priest, has made a vow to Quinn, the woman he loves and the leader of the Resistance: to save her friend Jack before his last bit of humanity has been drained. Should Alaric succeed, there's one intimate danger: he may lose Quinn to the love of the man whose life he saved. But damn Atlantis to the nine hells, he's willing to put Quinn's wishes first, regardless of the consequences.

The warning of a threat reborn.

The final jewel of Poseidon's trident has turned up in the hands of mysterious Ptolemy Reborn, who claims to be descended from Atlantean royalty. He's about to reveal to the world that Atlantis is real, positioning himself as king. But this magical terrorist is bent on chaos. The only warrior who can stop him is following his own path, driven by the even more powerful force of love. Atlantean powers over the sea could prove just as cataclysmic--for Quinn's love, Alaric might drown the entire world.

My Musings:

I have been reading the Warriors of Poseidon series since the first book, Atlantis Rising, was published in 2007. There are now eight books as well as two novellas available in anthologies. I did not know, however, that this book was the final book in the series until I was close to the end. And I am not happy about that. Each time I re-read this series, I fall in love with it again. I hate the idea that there will be no more warriors and the women who keep them in line.

Alaric is the very scary high priest of Poseidon. His responsibilities have caused him to pull away from his friends and his life is extremely strict and lonely. Did I mention that an integral part of being the high priest is a vow of celibacy . . . that has lasted for hundreds of years? When I say Alaric is lonely, I really mean lonely! Of course, that is before he meets Quinn, the human rebel leader against all the monsters that are trying to enslave humanity, who also happens to be the sister of the wife of the High Prince of Atlantis.

Confused yet?

Quinn has been fighting the monsters since she was a teenager and is certainly not interested in becoming involved with a control freak like Alaric. Fate, however, has other plans for them.

Throw in a tiger shapeshifter that refuses to shift to human, a half demon-half Atlantean usurper to the throne, and a surfer dude portal and things really get interesting.

I loved the story between Quinn and Alaric. Both of them have been emotionally damaged by the things they have had to do in their pasts and neither of them feel worthy of being loved. Watching them find their way to each other was wonderful, although I thought Quinn needed to kick Alaric's posterior a time or two . . . or three. He was so determined to stick with his role as high priest.

My only problem with the book is that I felt it tried to tie up too many plotlines at one time. There was so much going on that it was hard to keep track of who was doing what. I also thought the sex scenes were excessive. Sure, Alaric has been celibate for hundreds of years, but after a point they interfered with the story.

This is not a book that should be read as a stand alone. You really, really need to read the entire series including the novellas to appreciate everyone's story. You will not regret it. As I said, I have read the series more than once and loved it every time. I will miss the warriors, but you know, Prince Aiden will need his book one day.

Read the series. You'll understand.

Ratings:

Overall: 4 stars
Sensuality level: 3

Alaric, Poseidon's dark and seductive High Priest, has sacrificed everything to serve Poseidon and Atlantis and to ensure Atlantis rises as the prophecy has proclaimed. He knows that this is why he can never give in to the turbulent passion he feels for rebel leader, Quinn. When her best friend and second in command, Jack, is fatally wounded in battle, Alaric throws caution to the wind and makes Quinn a promise. He will see that Jack lives, no matter the cost to him or his heart.

Readers of this series have waited a LIFETIME for this final installment of Alyssa Day's seductive, action packed, thrilling Warriors of Poseidon series. Heart Of Atlantis gives us what we have all wanted since book one-Alaric and Quinn's story. Alaric and Quinn have danced upon the sharp knife edge of desire since their first meeting. Both tied by the bonds of their loyalty and duties, they know that the best thing for them both (and the world) is to deny what they want most-each other. When the Poseidon's Pride is stolen and attempts are made to use it, causing devastating natural catastrophes, Alaric and Quinn will have to once again put their chemistry on hold and save world. However, this time around, Alaric's and Quinn's passion may be the only thing that saves them all, if they are brave enough accept it.

This series is a well-plotted paranormal romance with strong storylines and dynamic, personable characters who have more than held their own throughout this exciting journey. Hearts Of Atlantis is filled with taut suspense, delicious betrayal, and dangerous antagonists. Two of the series strongest characters drive this story and we are swept away in an emotional battle for control of Atlantis and the world. Ms. Day takes the legends of Atlantis and mixes it with new lore to produce a stunning fantasy world that first starts in Atlantis Rising and continues its dark and dangerous journey to this final installment. Instead of being overburdened by overwrought interpretation and world building at the sacrifice of story, or being heavy on story but leaving the world largely undefined, Hearts Of Atlantis brings the ongoing arc to a sharp pinnacle, leaving us a wide view of the yawning chasm before pushing us in head first. It has all the right notes and carries us roaring to the very end. The world building is a perfect blend of seductive romance, nonstop action, realistic main characters, secondary characters, and intriguing betrayal. Well thought out and fast paced, it offers readers a satisfying conclusion to the arc for the main characters by resolving two very important conflicts-one that threatens the lives of Alaric and Quinn and one that threatens their hearts.

I have loved Quinn from our first meeting. Leader of the North American Rebel Alliance and Riley's and Erin's sister, she has suffered greatly through life; yet she manages to remain strong and never appears a victim. Though she only popped in and out of each installment as needed, she maintained a viable presence that remained long after her scenes were done. Her clever mind and even more clever wit kept us entertained as she and Alaric traded quips and barbs; hiding behind sarcasm as she tries to keep her feelings hidden. Her feelings for him scare her. She has lost so much in her life; she doesn't trust the good to stick around.

We witness a different side of Alaric in this story. Throughout the series, he has been steadily growing colder and harsher. Hard decisions made towards those he had come to care about, has left him empty. Here, we learn his back story and the real reasons he has denied his feelings for Quinn. We begin to see a different side to him as he and Quinn spend more time together. Playful, funny, and happy.

The chemistry between Alaric and Quinn has been apparent from the beginning; a slow burning fire that is becoming an unstoppable inferno. It is a physical entity that is felt with every word, glance, and scene we get from them. I found myself completely engrossed in their story. The sexual tension is FINALLY addressed in some wonderfully explict steamy smexy scenes that had me cheering and re reading. When Alaric lets go...Alaric let's GO! *whew*

An all star cast of characters continues to shine as each plays an important part in the story. Old and new characters blend together as they race towards final battle. Previous storylines are resolved and questions laid to rest. The portal (or glorified elevator) is back and once again provides comic relief.

All in all Hearts In Atlantis was a satisfying read in every way. An exciting ride that brings about a satisfying conclusion to a world that I did not want to end. Fortunately for us, Ms. Day is releasing a new series-The League Of The Black Swan with the first installment-The Cursed-releasing in May 2013. Two notes of contention were Jack's storyline and the ending. Jack wasn't as prevalent as I thought he would be in here. He is buried beneath the main conflict and the romantic storyline. I also felt the ending was rushed and it left me with a vague feeling that this may not be the last time we visit this world. Regardless, Day's Warriors Of Poseidon series is perfect for those lovers of PNR who enjoy strong characters, fantastic world building, and steamy romance.

I do not recommend reading the books in this series as stand alones. Even though each one has a resolvable main conflict, the arc and characters bleed over into each book and you miss much by not starting at the beginning.

Rating: B

Heart of Atlantis
Warriors of Poseidon Book Eight
By Alyssa Day

Aleric is Poseidon's High Priest and has taken a vow of celibacy and he will remain faithful to his word even if he has found his soul mate. Though he cannot be with Quinn he will be by her side and protect her for the rest of his life. Quinn is the leader of a Resistance which often puts her in the middle of one fight after another but this time the causality is too close to home, her best friend Jack is trapped in his tiger form searching for the remnants of his humanity. This is only the beginning of the story as we travel around the world and become immersed in a battle to save all of humanity.

This is an amazing book and thankfully it is a stand-alone novel or I would have been completely lost. I have actually read the first two books in this series and this one puts those to shame. From the beginning this book is filled with action and adventure, this series isn't called the "Warriors of Poseidon" for nothing. To make this book even better Allysa Day takes a story that is already absolutely captivating and adds in a fierce romance between two amazing characters. Not only did the author create amazing characters with engrossing story lines but she has also created some of the most vivid and breathtaking scenes imaginable. I love this book and I am definitely going to go back and read more of the series.
I was sent a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Heart of Atlantis is the book that all fans of Alyssa Day’s Warriors of Poseidon series have been waiting for -- the story of Alaric, high priest of Atlantis and Quinn, leader of the rebel resistance. Alaric and Quinn have had an undeniable and overpowering attraction since the beginning of the series. Quinn feels she isn’t deserving of Alaric because of the things she’s done in the name of the resistance and of pure survival. Alaric took a vow of celibacy when he became a high priest, and breaking the vow may result in him losing his magic just when the Atlanteans need him the most. There is an impostor to the throne who not only wants to take over Atlantis, but Quinn as well. Alaric will need all of his magic to keep Atlantis safe and attempt to defeat this new threat. But what of the new news that there was once a high priest who “soul melded” with his true love and it increased his powers to a magnitude not seen since? Can Alaric take the chance that turning his back on his vow would actually be the best thing for his people?

This book brought back everyone from the previous books and short stories, and was a fitting end to a great story arch. It is the last full length novel in the Warriors of Poseidon series (unless maybe we’ll get some books set in the future when young Prince Aidan is grown???), and I am sad to see it end. Ms. Day promises a short story or two to wrap up some loose ends, and a non-Atlantean character is actually getting a spin off series. I love her writing, and look forward to anything she has coming out in the future. If you like paranormal romance I highly recommend this series.

I hope this really isn't the final book ob the "Warriors of Poseidon"!!! I would love to see how the young prince grows up. I really did enjoy this book!!! It was truly worth waiting for...

my daughter and I have read the whole series of the warriors of the poseidon and loved each one. we hate to see it end. would read alyssa day's books again.

Was a wonderful read. Enjoyed thoroughly. I would recommend this book highly to anyone that has enjoyed the Atlantis books

Alaric has been in love with Quinn since the first time he healed her, but as the high priest of Poseidon he has sworn an oath of celibacy. He will lose his magic if he breaks it. Atlantis and the warriors need his magic too much to make him risk it, but he is getting to the point where he no longer cares. He loves Quinn and he wants her.
When Jack almost dies in a brutal fight with vampires and evil shape shifters, something breaks inside Quinn. Serai and Alaric manage to heal his tiger side, but are not sure his human side will ever come back to her. She doesn't care, she just wants Jack to live. To give them all some time to heal, Alaric takes them to Mount Fiji, where his old mentor has made a new living for himself, and where they will be safe. At least for a little while. They are so tired of all the fighting and the deaths.
Quinn has been just as much in love with Alaric for all this time, as he has been with her. She knows he is just not for her, he belongs to Poseidon and to Atlantis. But this stolen time away together is just what she needs to get her head back on again. She grieves for Jack, who is like the big brother she never had, and tries to make him come back to her, but the tiger doesn't shift back to the man. Still, he seems to understand everything she tells him.
When Quinn finds out what could happen to Alaric if they make love, she is horrified! They need his magic in this fight, Atlantis needs it. She cannot be so selfish as to take that risk, no matter how much she wants him.
And now there is this new threat, a stranger claiming to be the King of Atlantis, and he has stolen the most powerful jewel from Poseidon's scepter, which has only recently been found in Greece. They need it to bring Atlantis back to the surface. And he wants Quinn to come to him. Giving the world her name and her face as the leader of the rebels, and ruining her anonymity for ever. What does he want with her? Alaric is furious, and wants to destroy him for putting Quinn in danger like that. And what about his claim to be Atlantean? He is handling the jewel, something no one but Poseidon or his high priest should be able to do. Something is very wrong about his magic.

Poseidon doesn't answer their calls, the portal is acting strange and abducting people, leaving them stranded in Atlantis, what is Alaric to do? Risking the soul meld with Quinn could amp his power up 10 times, making him the most powerful high priest in history. But for that, he needs to be together with Quinn first! And he will risk everything he has spent centuries fighting for, to get to her and keep her safe. If Quinn dies, everyone on earth will die with her when his rage will make the oceans boil over!

As stated, the book was well worth the wait, and I finished it in record time. I will savour it slowly again in a few days just to make sure I did not miss a fun detail somewhere.
I loved it, finally Quinn and Alaric's book. Alaric tries to keep Quinn save, but she is not one to run from a fight, she is one to run towards one, to be in the thick of things. She has no magic to fight with, she is an empath, but she knows how to use a gun or a knife or whatever comes in handy. She will stand besides Alaric, never hide behind him.
And of course Alaric loves her for that, although it drives him crazy that she won't let him protect her. After all those centuries of serving Poseidon and Atlantis, when he never asked for or wanted the position of high priest, he wants one woman for his own, and damn the consequences.

Catching up with all the other warriors and their mates and their lives was great. At the end of the book, some important things have been accomplished, some threads tied off, but the war is not over. And I cannot but have to wait for more in the next book in the spin off series.

If you haven't yet started reading this series, but you love series about warriors, brotherhood, magic, weapons, evil, and finding love at last, you really should try this series. And now you know it has an end to it as well, so 8 books is not that much to catch up with. Go for it!

10 stars

© 2012 Reviews by Aurian

Full review on my blog, [...]

Incredible!