Review: Atlantis Rising by T. A. Barron

Atlantis Rising by T. A. Barron. An Atlantis Trilogy Book.

Philomel Books
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780399257575

Review: Have you ever heard of the mysterious place called Atlantis? Of course you have, but do you know how it came to be? Most likely not. In Atlantis Rising written by author T. A. Barron, readers learn about Atlantis before it became Atlantis. Atlantis rising is the story of one snot-mouth, bubble-blowing blue monkey, a stubborn yet sufficient girl, and the boy that causes it all-Promi.

Left to fend for himself at five years old with nothing from his childhood besides a small snippet of a haunting song, Promi is forced to be his own family. Growing up with no food, Promi becomes City of Great Power's number one thief, but when he decides to steal the divine monk's pie, he is thrown into the worst dungeon, and his life is changed. He is told of a prophecy of a man or woman with a soaring bird birthmark that will bring the end to all magic. As you can guess, that is him. Promi is dragged into battles of other words thanks to the stubbornness of Atlanta, a girl who is trying to save the forest and who eventually brings the end to all magic, but its not the way you would think.

Atlantis Rising is intended for third grade and above. Fairytale lovers and magic seekers will enjoy this book due to its many magical adventures like traveling into the spirit realm on a giant silver winged lion or a blue bubble blowing monkey barking insults in your ear. Realistic fiction readers might also find it a little interesting because it includes realistic hardships in life that are made fanatical such as trying to protect a forest, going through a swamp where people disappear, and living alone. If you want a love story Atlantis Rising is that too. Atlanta and Promi have to go through everything together, and even in the end Promi will try to give his life up for her and the new city of Atlantis. For anyone who wants danger there is certainly that as well. The high priest has poisoned almost all the forest and now he was done the same to Atlanta as well. Anyone with a thirst for adventure will very much enjoy this book.

Review written by Emily (6th grade student).

We would like to thank T. A. Barron for providing a copy of Atlantis Rising for this review.

Have you read Atlantis Rising? How would you rate it?