Atherton #1: The House of Power Book Review

Author: Patrick Carman

Edgar is an orphan who works for the heartless Mr. Ratikan, minding the grove of Tabletop. He spends his days dreaming about what lies on the top of the cliff in a place known as the Highlands. One day his curiosity gets the better of him; with his strong arms and nimble frame, he scales the cliff—an act that is strictly forbidden.

A Message to Edgar

Along the way he discovers something lodged in the side of the cliff face: a diary with a message for Edgar. There’s only one problem…Edgar can’t read. In the Highlands, Edgar finds a boy his age who agrees to read the diary aloud to him. Inside the message lays the secret to Edgar’s own existence and the history of the entire world of Atherton.

A Manmade Planet

Atherton was an experiment—a manmade planet created 32 years ago by a genius named Dr. Harding. Earth was transforming into The Dark Planet, a place where pollution and technology were making sustainable life impossible. Creating a new planet was the only way to preserve the human race.

The World of Atherton

Atherton is divided into three tiers—the Highlands, Tabletop and the Flatlands. The Highlands holds the House of Power and those who rule over the small world; Tabletop is home to the poor, who work day and night to survive; and the Flatlands is a vile place where hungry monsters crowd the edge of the cliff, hoping to catch the scraps dropped down from Tabletop.

An Experiment Gone Wrong

But things are changing. Dr. Harding’s creation is quickly unraveling. The Highlands are sinking into Tabletop, and Tabletop into the Flatlands. Once the tiers meet, the fowl monsters will destroy humankind.

The Bottom Line

The first book in the Atherton series is a gripping tale of creation and devastation. In the face life-threatening danger, enemies must join forces to protect the human race. If you’re into science fiction and fantasy, then you’ll love the Atherton series.

The House of Power Rating:

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