Atlantis Rising

June 3, 2013
From its improbable opening chase scene to its sneering, two-dimensional villains (both elements reminiscent of Disney’s Aladdin), this tale from the bestselling author of the Merlin Saga is a lightweight though occasionally gruesome romp. Set in the land of Ellegandia, which is connected to but isolated from North Africa, the story concerns Promi, a teenage thief of dubious ancestry with a near-obsession for pastry. As Barron reveals the origins of the isle of Atlantis, Promi reluctantly accepts that he is the Prophesized one, destined to save his magical land from a priesthood gone rotten and the depredations of an evil god. To do this, he teams up with Atlanta, a beautiful denizen of the Great Forest, “the very heart of Ellegandia’s natural magic”; Kermi, a sentient, blue monkeylike creature with a nasty mouth and hidden powers; and an eclectic mix of other magical beings. Barron’s fast-paced and often funny novel doesn’t offer much moral complexity, and the geography of his world feels somewhat haphazard, but it remains an inventive and entertaining story. Ages 10–up. Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House.

August 15, 2013
A stand-alone fantasy from best-seller T.A. Barron. Knife-throwing, sweets-loving Promi is a city-dwelling thief in the isolated, magical land of Ellegandia. When he decides to both humiliate and steal from the greedy, cruel and disappointingly one-dimensional villain Grukarr, Promi's actions lead to eventual capture. Imprisoned, Promi meets a woman who bestows upon him special magic that comes with a price. A narrative shift introduces Atlanta, who discovers Grukarr is causing her beloved forest, the center of all magic in Ellegandia, to sicken. When Promi and Atlanta meet, they team up to evade Grukarr and unravel his plans, entangling themselves in an ages-old battle. Though their journey chronicles their growing bond, their adventures often feel drawn out and are further burdened with clunky dialogue, though the honest, happy ending helps to compensate. In a story set in a land inhabited by people whose "skin color ranged from deepest black to palest white and all the shades in between," it's a real shame that neither protagonist is explicitly described as nonwhite, particularly given the dearth of diversity in the genre. Despite the novel's flaws, Barron fans, as well as urban- and high-fantasy readers, may enjoy this original take on the Atlantis myth. (author's note, map) (Fantasy. 10 & up)

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October 1, 2013

Gr 5-10-Barron leaves Arthurian legend behind to explore the legend of Atlantis, beginning with Promi, a young thief with a strong sweet tooth, who angers his city's leaders by stealing a jeweled belt buckle from the evil Deputy High Priest Grukarr. Promi soon learns that he has become part of an ongoing conflict between good and evil. The forces of evil are led by Grukarr, while the forces of good are embodied in Atlanta, a girl with magical powers and a love of nature. While Promi and Atlanta have different views on things like the importance of eating sweets, they soon develop a friendship and work together to defeat Grukarr's plans to destroy Atlanta's beloved forest home. A mysterious prophecy, magical creatures, and visits to the spirit realm add complexity to the ongoing action as Promi faces a variety of dangers and learns how to use his own magical abilities. Atlanta and Promi's relationship grows realistically as they work together, and Promi learns about sacrificing his own pleasure for what really matters. The conclusion is bittersweet and explains the creation of Atlantis, leaving room for sequels. While there's more action than character development, fans of Barron's many books about Merlin will find much to enjoy here, as will those who loved of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" books (Hyperion).-Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2013
Grades 4-8 Promi lives by his wits as a knife-wielding thief in the City of Great Powers, caring only about himself. A chance involvement with a young girl named Atlanta involves him in the conflict between grasping evil priest Grukarr and the young girl, who is defending the last natural magic in the land of Ellegandia. Can Promi care enough about something other than himself to fulfill his destiny? An author's foreword indicates that this is Barron's vision of the birth of Atlantis, but the bulk of the book is about Promi and his journey, with only a few pages at the end indicating the island's creation as a consequence of Promi's actions. This ably developed fantasy fits comfortably within the young-person-discovering-his-magical-talents category, although those who liked, for example, the Septimus Heap series may find this a bit slowgoing. Each chapter begins with journal quotes from Promi and an unnamed source (it isn't clear if it is Atlanta or someone else), and maps bracket the story, showing Ellegandia and Atlantis. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: With the Merlin Saga and the Heartlight Saga, Barron established himself as one of the go-to guys for middle-grade fantasy. Comic-Con promotions will only increase demand.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)