Reviewed by LaLeesha Haynes for TeensReadToo.com

RIVERS OF FIRE is the sequel to the first book in the ATHERTON series, THE HOUSE OF POWER, by Patrick Carman. The book contains a great synopsis of the first book and a list of main characters that allows a person who has not read the first title to enjoy this second book. Although, I would still suggest reading the first book, because without it, character-driven activities and background can still be confusing at the beginning of the story.

During this book, we see Isabel and Samuel work together to seek out the truth to the collapse of Atherton and face the dangers of the world that they are realizing they barely understood. There is also Edgar, who embarks on a journey of his own to find Dr. Harding, the only man believed to understand the devastation and how to recapture peace in Atherton.

As these young people meet their destinies, there is a great deal of danger, action, and mystery to keep the reader interested in their plight. They begin to realize how fragile their planet truly is, and the repercussions of changing things in their eco-system; which provokes thoughts and concerns about the struggles of our time and creating a sustainable Earth.

Carman creates a world in Atherton that allows the reader to tackle some major modern concerns while following the well-developed characters of Edgar, Samuel, and Isabel through their own coming-of-age journeys.

RIVERS OF FIRE keeps the reader interested and is a great fantasy book for young adults and reluctant readers. There are even simple illustrations that add to the overall ease of imagination and story development. ( )

Book two, which keeps the story going only moments after the end of book one, follows the same fast-paced and intense format as the first book. Carman always surprises me with his world-building, and I wonder if he'd ever consider writing an adult fantasy novel...

On occasion, I felt that the book was writing down to children (slightly juvenile sentence structure, a bit too much telling & not enough showing), but it didn't distract too much from the overall story. There were a few surprisingly violent episodes, but I suppose I shouldn't be all that shocked, considering that 9-12s tend to eat this kind of thing up. Plus, it kept the story realistic... it wouldn't have worked, otherwise.

I don't want to say much about the plot - especially if you haven't read book one - but the ending of book one will make you want to run out and grab this one. I look forward to book 3, but not with the urgency I felt for this book. Not entirely certain where he'll go with the next installment, but... I have no doubt it'll be entertaining anyway. ( )

Reason for Reading: With the release of the last book in the trilogy this year, I decided to read the series. This is the second book.

Comments: This book picks up right where book one left off and continues the story. I cannot tell you anything about the plot without spoiling details that happen in the first book and I like to keep my reviews spoiler free. So instead I'll focus on the characters. Edgar and Isabel are split up into different groups this time as they continue on important quests. They both join characters from book one whom we've only briefly met before; this time giving us greater insight into those characters. Doctor Kincaid, an aging scientist and Victor his attendant; Samuel, a boy from the upper class Highlands and Horace, the lead guard. We also become better acquainted with the villagers including Isabel's father and the owners of an Inn in The Village of Rabbits.

The story of is full of adventure, plot twists, mad villains and believable heroes who risk and sometimes give their lives for the greater good. Many of the mainstream reviews call this book, and the series, a fantasy (and the publishers add to the confusion with the fantasy covers) but while the plot does follow your basic fantasy quest premise it is not fantasy at all but science fiction. Everything that happens, is used, or met along the way has a scientific foundation and reason to be, there are no magical or fantastical elements.

I read this book through only stopping when life demanded I must. A real page-turner. I really love the world that Carman has created. It is very unique to say the least. This book ends with a finite ending, all threads are finished off and there is even a "One Year Later" epilogue. So the two book set does end very nicely here. There is a third book however, which goes in a completely different direction and I can't wait to read it; review to come soon. This is a great series, highly recommended for ages 9 and up!

no stars

Sequel to Atherton, continues the story of a rapidly metomorphosizing planet and it's inhabitnats. I enjoyed this series and hope there is more to come. ( )