Review: Captivate by Vanessa Garden

Captivate

(Submerged Sun # 1)

By: Vanessa Garden

Pub. Date: January 1, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 304

Source: Netgalley

In a glittering underwater world, nothing is as it seems...

For the past twelve months since her parents’ death, seventeen-year-old Miranda Sun has harbored a dark secret — a secret that has strained the close relationship she once shared with her older sister, Lauren. In an effort to repair this broken bond, Miranda’s grandparents whisk the siblings away on a secluded beach holiday. Except before Miranda gets a chance to confess her life-changing secret, she’s dragged underwater by a mysterious stranger while taking a midnight swim.

Awakening days later, Miranda discovers that she’s being held captive in a glittering underwater city by an arrogant young man named Marko...the King of this underwater civilization.

Nineteen-year-old Marko intends to marry Miranda in order to keep his crown from falling into the sinister clutches of his half-brother, Damir. There’s only one problem. Miranda is desperate to return home to right things with her sister and she wants nothing to do with Marko. Trying to secure her freedom, Miranda quickly forms an alliance with Robbie — Marko’s personal guard. However, she soon discovers that even underwater, people are hiding dangerous secrets.

 I received this galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Teen Australia.

Miranda is almost 17 years old and holding in a secret from her sister about the night their parents died. If that wasn't enough to deal with, she is also living with the guilt about the night her best friend died. While swimming in the ocean at night with her sister, she gets kidnapped and is brought to an underwater city. The city has its own laws and government and is completely inhabited by humans. I thought this was so interesting. I loved learning about the city and finding out its history. It was described beautifully. I felt like I was actually experiencing it right along with Miranda.

Miranda had very complex relationships with her captors. Robbie, the man who actually kidnapped her was very interesting. He didn't feel right about what he was doing it, but at the same time he felt he had no choice doing what he was doing. Marko, the King and the man that ordered Miranda kidnapping is actually one of the good guys! I loved Miranda and Robbie together. They were so sweet together and both had similar back stories. I couldn't stand Miranda and Marko together. Their relationship felt forced and way to quick, especially with everything that was going on. 

I thought the ending was very rushed and also kind of stupid, but maybe I missed something. The last line completely confused me. I'm not sure if this is a series I am going to want to continue with. But on that note, if the cover is as gorgeous at the cover for Captivate, I am going to have to read it, because I totally read books based on what their covers look like!