Impulse by Vanessa Garden

Impulse Submerged Sun Book Two
Written by Vanessa Garden
Check out my review of Captivate
Fantasy, Romance
Published December 1st 2014
288 Pages
Add to Goodreads
★★★☆
When Miranda Sun returns to Marin on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, this time of her own free will, she quickly learns that her worst fears have been realised. The glittering underwater city is not as she had left it, nor too is Marko, the young king who has dominated her thoughts and heart for the last twelve months since leaving Marin.

Miranda, however, has not made the journey to Marin alone, and now must contend with not only Marko’s evil brother Damir but more surprisingly her sister Lauren who has an agenda of her own. Marko’s power begins to wane and with cracks beginning to show in the domed Utopian city, and veiled danger lurking everywhere, she quickly learns that in this dazzling city full of beautiful people she can trust no one but herself.

If Miranda wants to survive, she must decide between the hardened sensibilities in her head and the hungers of her heart. Will her decision cause more heartache or can she help to save Marko’s throne?
It's been twelve months since Miranda was taken from the surface and now she's back on dry land, living a life that no longer feels her own. But as her eighteenth birthday approaches, Miranda has a decision to make, stay with her grandparents and sister Lauren, or return to Marin. But when she returns with Marko to the underwater kingdom, she wasn't prepared for the emotional distance the young King has put between them. Tension within the castle is palpable, Damir is alive if only for the sake of Sylvia, Marko's sister and the woman the raised him as her own. Guard and Marko's most trusted friend Robbie has left the castle after the showdown with Sylvia and Marko will stop at nothing to protect his sister. But Miranda knows she can't be trusted.

But Marco refuses to listen, and has a secret of his own he seems desperate to hide. Loyalties will be tested the King tries to hold onto his reign. It's more than Miranda's life now at stake as the battle to lead Marin into a new future emerges.

My Thoughts

Impulse begins almost twelve months after Miranda has returned to the surface, and her thoughts soon return to her promise to Marko, to return to Marin on her eighteenth birthday. Torn between not wanting to leave her grandparents, now the only parents she knows and living with Marko, calling the underwater kingdom home. But with sister Lauren ensuring their safety, it's time for Miranda to take a chance on the king that was once her reluctant captor. In Marin, the women are unable to conceive, and the hope of the citizens rest upon Miranda and the King to carry Marin into the next generation.

Twin siblings Sylvia and Damir cannot be trusted, and Miranda knows all too well. But loyalty to Sylvia continues to cloud Marko's judgement and refuses to listen to Miranda's pleas, but allows her concerns to drive a wedge between them. Where I warmed to Marko in Captivate, in Impulse he was downright cold and unforgiving. Miranda has given up her life, her family and seeing the sun for a life underwater and it seems she isn't wanted. Rumours of other women entertaining Marko in Miranda's absence are rife throughout the palace, but Miranda's biggest issue is now Lauren, demanding to live within Marin as well. Lauren's character set me on edge. Her endless flirting with any male that moved, she demands to be the center of attention even though it's finally Miranda's time to shine. 

Without a doubt my favourite character from both captivate and Impulse is Robbie. The former guard and most trusted friend of the King. He's incredibly lovely and a pleasure to read. The romance, or lack thereof was actually more engaging and realistic, no instant and awkward declarations of love but rather frustrating, slow burning and delicious. As indecisive as I find myself about Miranda, I admire her fire and ability to uphold morals, even at the sake of her own happiness. She's adamant that Sylvia is working against Marko and is willing to risk her tentative relationship to ensure Marko's safety. 

I absolutely adore the world Vanessa Garden has created, a complex underwater world that breathes life into the characters. Not as strong as Captivate, but Impulse is a worthy sequel that focuses on character development, surprising revelations and the politics of a brewing revolution. Looking forward to the series finale and seeing what becomes of Marin and the two young lovers.

12 comments

  1. Is it just me or does romances between a mer creature and human usually starts with the other being a captive? Hmmm...

    xo

    P.S.

    If I don't speak to you before Christmas, I hope you'll have a wonderful time! :)

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    1. Now that you mention it. Or being tricked into returning to their underwater lair. Is that because if a hot guy strolled up to you and said 'Hey there baby, how about coming back to my underwater palace'... That we wouldn't believe it?

      If young adult had taught me anything, it's that people live under the sea. I can foresee a sexy Spongebob adventure in the near future.

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  2. Thanks for sharing! I haven't read this series- but that's good you're enjoying them.

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    1. It's actually pretty well written Lauren, by an Aussie author too. I think this one succumbed to that dreaded middle book syndrome, but that ending is implying we've got quite the epic finale to come. I'm excited!

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  3. My thoughts were very similar to yours. Great review.

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    1. Thanks Nicole. I'm really looking forward to the finale now. And more Robbie.

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  4. I quite enjoyed Captive so I'm excited to see what Impulse brings! The character development is something I'm really looking forward to. Thank you for sharing Kelly!

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    1. It's not as strong as Captive, but still a pretty good follow up. Lauren was so unlikable in this though, I was hoping someone would have taken her out. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it Laura.

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  5. I really liked the first book when I read the arc last year,but didn't request this one since I kinda forgot the story,and didn't have the time to reread Captivate.But I'd like to read this book nevertheless,because I remember how much I liked the creation of the underwater world,Miranda's gradual character growth and both Marko and Robbie's characters.

    Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales

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    1. That's one great aspect about Impulse, it recaps most of the forgotten details of Captive, so you really won't need to reread as it prompts you of the storyline as you go along. Miranda was surprisingly strong in this one, her character refused to back down which made me like her even more so.

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  6. This sounds like an underwater world that does it properly without being focused on the romance, and I'm glad it is a slowburn. Lovely review Kelly!

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    1. Thanks Jeann. Have you read book one yet? It's pretty good. A sinister take on a version of Atlantis.

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