The Neptune Project captures the visceral thrill of breathing underwater and communicating through sonar. Nere's journey involves high stakes survival against predators and a telepathic bond with dolphin companions. Books in this family share themes of genetic experimentation, superhuman abilities, and children navigating dangerous wilderness to uncover their hidden identities.
Reach for this book when your middle schooler feels like they do not fit into their current environment or is struggling to find a peer group where they truly belong. It is a powerful metaphor for the awkwardness of puberty and the search for identity, framed as a high-stakes science fiction adventure. Nere, a girl who has always felt out of place on land, discovers she has been genetically altered to live underwater, forcing her to flee a dystopian government and survive the open ocean with a group of other 'mutates.' The story explores deep themes of self-confidence, teamwork, and the ethics of scientific experimentation. While the action is fast-paced, the emotional core focuses on Nere's growth from a hesitant outsider to a capable leader. Parents should note there are moments of peril, animal attacks, and some character loss, making it best suited for readers aged 10 to 14 who enjoy immersive world-building and stories about finding one's inner strength.
