Atlantis Rising by T.A. Barron - ADVISABLE

Barron, T.A. Atlantis Rising, 365 pages. Philomel. $18

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

Promi, a pie thief and all around vagabond, is caught stealing the Divine Monk’s pie. He is put in prison where he meets a mysterious woman, Jalady, who gives him the old magic of the Listeners as she is dying. With her dying breath, she also bestows upon him Kermi, a magical creature and a frustrating companion and allows them to escape the prison. After days of feeling it is just a dream, he meets Atlanta, who prompts Promi into giving her a pie, but as he does they are captured, leaving him no choice but to attempt to use his magic. After running into the forest and escaping. Promi is told of his part in fulfilling the prophecy and restoring the magical starstone to its ancient resting place in the forest. Little does he know that his plight is more dangerous than he could have imagined.

I loved this book. It’s full of twists and turns that hook the reader on every line. T.A. Barron has written a story for the ages that is right up there with Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Though it never gets gory or descriptive, people die and there are references to torture and blood. His book opened a world of fantasy and imagination few books can inspire. This book deserves five stars

EL(3-6), MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer:JRD, 7th Grade