Atherton #2: Rivers of Fire
Atherton #2: Rivers of Fireby Patrick CarmanWow. Um, wow. I have given this book a sub-title that I can't even write here lest it spoil everything for you. When I told my husband that this book had the same alternate title as a movie we saw a few years back (X-Men 3) he laughed. Of course I can't tell you that alternate title either, lest I spoil everything for you.This book is rather dark. Darker than I would have liked between the ages of 9 - 12. I can see how this would be way more of a boy's book than a girl's book. I am not in any way saying it is bad, it's just... deep and dark. And Patrick Carman is a SUPERB writer! I was constantly in awe of what I was reading, even if I was shuddering way too much for my liking.I like my books a little fluffier. ;)I was also trying to explain to my husband that for a book about kids, they aren't in it all the time. The story focuses much on the adults in Atherton as well. There are chapters where the kids aren't even around. I was impressed with the ability to keep a children's book interesting without having the kids around and still have the adults act like adults.I read this right after I finished The House of Power and finished it the same day. I couldn't quite put it down (though I did alternate between reading and internetting on Friday, much to the amusement of Shawn). Yes, the themes in this book are heavy and yes there is death (which surprised me). But this is a well-written, thought provoking story which flows seamlessly through all events.I don't always like books that make me think as they give me a headache. Heh. But once I got into this series I found that I couldn't stop thinking about it. It follows you around after you read it with a sort of "what IF this happened?" nagging feeling. And you have to go back for more.I am insanely curious as to what will happen in the third and final book, The Dark Planet (which I am about to start now!) because it would appear, by the end of this book, that everything is all wrapped up neat and tidy. But obviously not - ooo! False sense of security!! Can't wait to read the final book!Atherton trilogy