Atherton was once a magnificent three-tiered world, but few inhabitants know the truth of its dark origin: it is a giant man-made satellite, created as a refuge from a dying Earth. Now this strange place is torn apart—its three lands, formerly separated by treacherous cliffs, have collapsed and collided. But a gifted climber and adventurous orphan boy, Edgar, is determined to discover the secret of Atherton's survival, and embarks on a life-or-death quest to find its mad maker.
In bestselling author Patrick Carman's rich and riveting follow-up to The House of Power, an extraordinary world meets its destiny in an epic and unforgettable rebirth.
Atherton was once a magnificent three-tiered world, but few inhabitants know the truth of its dark origin: it is a giant man-made satellite, created as a refuge from a dying Earth. Now this strange place is torn apart--its three lands, formerly separated by treacherous cliffs, have collapsed and collided. But a gifted climber and adventurous orphan boy, Edgar, is determined to discover the secret of Atherton's survival, and embarks on a life-or-death quest to find its mad maker.
In bestselling author Patrick Carman's rich and riveting follow-up to The House of Power, an extraordinary world meets its destiny in an epic and unforgettable rebirth.
Patrick Carman's previous books in the Land of Elyon series (The Dark Hills Divide, Beyond the Valley of Thorns, and The Tenth City) have all been New York Times bestsellers. He is also the Creative Director of pcstudio, a packager and pioneer of the multimedia "vBook" (video+book), a format launched in 2009 with Skeleton Creek. He recently authored the fifth title in Rick Riordan's 39 Clues series, The Black Circle.
Description:
Atherton was once a magnificent three-tiered world, but few inhabitants know the truth of its dark origin: it is a giant man-made satellite, created as a refuge from a dying Earth. Now this strange place is torn apart—its three lands, formerly separated by treacherous cliffs, have collapsed and collided. But a gifted climber and adventurous orphan boy, Edgar, is determined to discover the secret of Atherton's survival, and embarks on a life-or-death quest to find its mad maker.
In bestselling author Patrick Carman's rich and riveting follow-up to The House of Power, an extraordinary world meets its destiny in an epic and unforgettable rebirth.
Atherton was once a magnificent three-tiered world, but few inhabitants know the truth of its dark origin: it is a giant man-made satellite, created as a refuge from a dying Earth. Now this strange place is torn apart--its three lands, formerly separated by treacherous cliffs, have collapsed and collided. But a gifted climber and adventurous orphan boy, Edgar, is determined to discover the secret of Atherton's survival, and embarks on a life-or-death quest to find its mad maker.
In bestselling author Patrick Carman's rich and riveting follow-up to The House of Power, an extraordinary world meets its destiny in an epic and unforgettable rebirth.
**
From School Library Journal
Grade 6–9—In this sequel to The House of Power (Little, Brown, 2007), manmade planet Atherton continues its calamitous changes. With Vincent and Dr. Kincaid, good-hearted Edgar, 11, warns Tabletop of the approaching hungry Cleaners. The villagers and Highland refugees must unite to survive grotesque creatures and unstable terrain. Samuel and Isabel travel beneath the sinking Highlands searching for Atherton's secret water source. Interesting new locales inside Atherton and the altering lands above present fresh and familiar dangers and (somewhat predictable) discoveries. Answered are the mysteries of Edgar's unconventional roots and the fates of Sir William (Samuel's father) and Dr. Harding (Atherton's creator). With third-person omniscient narration, Rivers of Fire has thought-provoking commentary on social hierarchy and environmental concerns. The action, looming peril, and unique concept make this book. Characterization shifts like the planet. Bookish, curious Samuel continues to test his mettle and daring Isabel shows vulnerability. Orphan Edgar takes on the role of Atherton's caretaker, and evil Lord Phineus becomes a self-sacrificing parent. Readers will root for the perceptive, capable children and sympathize with their frustrations as they face well-meaning and sinister adults alike. The pencil illustrations, opening introduction, and character descriptions refresh and enhance the story. It's important to have read the first book to appreciate and understand this one.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ
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About the Author
Patrick Carman's previous books in the Land of Elyon series (The Dark Hills Divide, Beyond the Valley of Thorns, and The Tenth City) have all been New York Times bestsellers. He is also the Creative Director of pcstudio, a packager and pioneer of the multimedia "vBook" (video+book), a format launched in 2009 with Skeleton Creek. He recently authored the fifth title in Rick Riordan's 39 Clues series, The Black Circle.