fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviewschildren's fantasy book review Patrick Carman Atherton 1. The House of Power 2. Rivers of Fire 3. The Dark PlanetThe 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!

Atherton — (2007-2008) Ages 9-12. Publisher: From the creator of the Land of Elyon comes a riveting adventure set in an extraordinary satellite world — created as a refuge from a dying Earth — that begins to collapse and forever change the lives of its inhabitants. Edgar, a gifted climber, is a lonely boy scaling the perilous cliffs that separate the three realms of Atherton: a humble fig grove; a mysterious highland world of untold beauty and sinister secrets; and a vast wasteland where he must confront an unspeakable danger that could destroy the people of Atherton. When Edgar discovers a book which contains the history of Atherton’s origins and ultimate apocalypse, his world — quite literally — begins to turn inside out.

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  • Skye Walker

    SKYE WALKER, who has been on FanLit’s staff since September 2014 (after a brief time on staff as a YA reviewer in 2007-2008), is from Canada. Their HBA in Anthropology and Communications allowed them to write an Honours paper on podcasting as the modern oral tradition of storytelling: something they will talk about at any and all opportunities. Skye is a communications professional in the non-profit sector. These days their favourite authors include Ursula K Le Guin, Bo Bolander, and Chris Wooding. They can be found on social media @tskyewalker

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