It was a pleasant winter afternoon in Republic City. Katara, her 'cousin' Nita, and her older brother Sokka's girlfriend, Yue, were seated at one of the best tables in the Jasmine Dragon. They're still on holiday from the school for another week due to the winter holidays. That suited them all just fine. Everyone requires a short break from either work or school. As the girls slowly sipped their snow rose tea, they glanced at the novel they'd chosen to read over their holiday.
"Daughter of the Deep" by Rick Riordan. Unlike his other novels based around various mythologies, this was an unofficial sequel to Julius Vern's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." However, it was still based on the legend of the main character, Captain Nemo. While not a myth, legends were pretty damn close. Either way, Riordan hadn't failed to impress with this novel of the deep sea.
The girls warmly smiled at each other as they enjoyed some cupcakes before diving into the book. "Okay, I'll go first," Katara declared as she pulled her lengthy braid out of her face.
"Okay, go ahead, Katara. Tell us your initial thoughts on the book?" her cousin Nita asked. Nita was the daughter of Bato, Katara's father's best friend. Since they saw each other as brothers, their kids were unofficial cousins in the family's eyes.
"Well, honestly, I've only heard of the first book, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." So I never realized there was a follow-up describing what occurred to Captain Nemo or his true name after the first book's events."
"I would put that down to the first being more well-known then Verne's sequel, "The Mysterious Island," Yue pointed out. This was correct since it shocked their entire Lit class to know another book existed.
"Excellent point, Yue. Still, at least the forewarning information gives more of a backstory to understand the novel, like learning that Captain Nemo was really Prince Dakkar. He has a tragic motive for desiring to hurt people, yet one that is genuinely relatable for anyone involved in war and who has lost their home or family. Seeing how he constructed his submarine to escape land and get revenge on the British colonialist who obliterated his home," Katara flipped to the forewarning pages of the book.
"I still consider it bizarre with the four different houses. Dolphin, Shark, Orca, and Cephalopod. I mean, it's just peculiar to have four houses or dorms, in my opinion," Nita said, pointing out a huge plot point.
"Yes, since each mascot represents what specialty each house is about. Still, it's a bit odd to me as well. I still have no idea what a prefect is, either. And they have one for each of those houses too." Yue pointed out.
"Let's ignore the school and their cold war with their rival for a minute, shall we? Let's chat about Ana Dakkar instead since she's the main character and a descendant of Captain Nemo," Katara suggested.
"Like every other book this guy has written, the main character always has some significant parent/ancestor to set the story in motion. Again, this is slightly different than his famous Percy Jackson. But again, like we've already agreed upon. You could argue within the story universe that it's based on the legend of Captain Nemo, not a myth. Still, the whole concept of steampunk plus futuristic tech all on one sub is crazy in my books!" Nita couldn't help but laugh happily at that.
"I found the relationship between Ana and her dolphin companion Socrates quite adorable. However, as none of us pay attention to superhero movies, it was strange when they introduced the character Gemini Twain. None of us saw "Into the Spider-verse," so I, for one, am not sure if it's true when they compare his looks to the new Spider-Man," Yue calmly spoke. Katara gave her an odd look.
"We know the boys love those types of movies. I'm pleased my brother didn't force you to watch it. Yet, I find it alarming they're talking about serious weapons when it comes to that character," Katara said, shuttered, thinking of all the firearms the boy had in the book.
"Well, like so many other stories, we subconsciously guess who assisted their rival school, Land Institute. But the way the Hardening-Pencroft first-year class took on and defeated Land's senior class was that impressive!" Nita added her thoughts.
"I deem the most remarkable thing is the Nautilus herself. Again, it incorporates steampunk and AI. I'm elated they see that the ship has a soul and must be treated with respect," Yue replied as she poured everyone fresh tea.
"I think Romeo the Octopus and that peculiar Keytar were the coolest. I also adore the concept there are two sides to every story. Even with the same person. That people are complex. And while most don't change, others do. You have a man who was both an outlaw and a broken man who just wanted it to end. So yes, it's intriguing to see both sides when it comes to Ana's ancestor, Nemo," Nita giggled at the thought of the octopus—but also looked sad when she thought about the character Nemo.
"I'm, for one, glad her parents got their final wishes fulfilled after perishing in an accident. I also love how Ana attempts to forgive her older brother for his transgressions. We know she hasn't entirely by the end of the novel.
Yet, she shows she is willing to try and rebuild their relationship. I mean, she kept him on the sub he was obsessed with. Then she took him to where their parents' ashes had been spread. You still have to regain someone's trust as well as their forgiveness. But I'm feeling hopeful for everyone involved." Katara's expressed in a melancholy tone.
She struggled with trust and forgiveness herself. So she hoped if this novel was any indication, you could mend broken bonds. And get over your anger as well. All in all, the three Water Tribe girls agreed it was a fantastic book.