Rivers of Fire

Atherton, satellite world created as a refuge from our own polluted Earth (the Dark Planet), originally had three levels separated by steep rocky cliffs. Now, those three levels are collapsing and sinking into one another, and the people from the top two levels are about to meet up with the vicious monsters from the lowest level. The top level is sinking fastest, and is starting to flood, so Edgar, Isabel, Samuel, Dr. Kincaid and Lord Phineus are on the hunt through the interior underground caves for the creator of Atherton, brilliant scientist Dr. Maximus Harding who is rumored to be insane. While Edgar and friends search desperately for the way to save Atherton from its apparent physical self-destruction, the villagers and the people from the Highlands must unite to battle the hungry and vicious Cleaners -- giant, nasty, centipede-like monsters that are basically all razor-sharp teeth and legs. Will the humans brought to Atherton be able to survive all that its creator has placed here with them? Definitely read House of Power first if you haven't. Great sci-fi for grade 6 and up. ( )

Book Summary: This story is set on the fictional manmade planet of Antheron and is the second book in the Antheron series. The main character, Edgar, warns the citizens of the Tabletop that the horrible creatures called the cleaners are coming. Meanwhile, Edgar's friends Samuel and Isabel are searching for the hidden source of water they know that the evil Lord Phineus is hiding.

Content Summary: This book contains topics about growing up, being independent, and challenging authority. It also contains many Biblical references and similarities. Although it is set in a fantasy world, children can still gain from the life lessons it presents.

Website: www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/athertonseries/.../alpPOView.doc

This book was a little hard to understand from my point of view. ( )

Atherton is a 3-tiered world created by men as a refuge from a dying Earth. This is the follow up to "the House of Power." Intriguing world, characters and crisis situations. Edgar, a young boy - maybe 10, is the main character and leads the way to discovering the secrets of Atherton's origin and mysteries.