The House of Power: A set up novel

The House of Power by Patrick Carman

The House of Power is the first installment in Patrick Carman’s ATHERTON trilogy. As such, it is expected that there be some ‘setting up’ for the next book. These expectations are surpassed, as there is little else but setting up for most of this book.

Halfway through The House of Power all that was still happening was the suggestion of more problems, and it seemed that I would have to read the rest of the trilogy to get any answers at all. The House of Power seemed to be purely background knowledge with holes in it. There are some exciting plot developments at the end, but those are left as a cliffhanger.

Even so, it was a pretty good set up and, once the plot finally started to move, the writing was crisp and well done. The characters began to show their true colors, and startling developments were plentiful. Exciting scenes of danger and madness took hold and the story became quite riveting.

I think this is strictly a YA series for a YA audience (a group to which I belong). I doubt that Atherton can be read and enjoyed by all ages. I’m sure many in the target age group will love the story of Edgar, Isabel, and Samuel’s  adventure to find out more about their changing world.

The House of Power is a pleasant story even though it ends with a cliffhanger. I recommend reading it with the sequel, Rivers of Fire, on hand because that book is a much stronger installment than The House of Power.  If you were disappointed with the exciting look of The House of Power, you will be immensely gratified by Rivers of Fire. So read on!