Atlantis Lost

September 15, 2016
The conclusion to the Atlantis trilogy.Opening with an accident that completes the destruction of the veil that separates the spirit and mortal worlds, one-dimensional villain Narkazan gnashes his tusks and prepares to launch his attack against rival spirit forces that include immortal Promi and his family. Elsewhere, Promi frets: he still hasn't declared his love to Atlanta. When news of Narkazan's gathering forces reaches Promi and his family, he decides to travel to Atlantis to save the powerful, magical Starstone from Narkazan's henchmen--and to confess his feelings to Atlanta--rather than stay and fight Narkazan in the spirit realm. Meanwhile on Atlantis, Narkazan unleashes a giant toadlike creature that will eventually consume all creatures on Earth. Expository dialogue refreshes readers' memories of the events that lead up to this final chapter, and overwrought, cliche-ridden prose carries it along. Since Atlantis' eventual outcome is foregone, the suspense lies not so much in the battle between good and evil but rather in how immortal Promi will resolve his love for the mortal Atlanta. Human characters are largely described by hair and eye color, leaving readers to infer that they are white. While Barron makes that final choice a hard one, the problems seen in the previous installments also haunt this final volume, making it one for committed fans only. (Fantasy. 10-14)

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September 1, 2016
Grades 4-7 In Barron's follow-up to Atlantis in Peril (2015), Prometheus (Promi) and his mortal love Atlanta, from two different worlds, are brought together again as they face the ultimate challenge from evil warrior Narkazan, who is intent on subjugating the spiritual and mortal realms. But more than this, he wants Promi, his family, and his allies dead. Old friends come forward to help battle the wicked warrior, but lives are lost and stories ended. This conclusion to the Atlantis trilogy is an uneven mix of delicately beautiful imagery, a few grisly moments, and plodding prose. Despite weaknesses, the story arc is solid, and familiar characters return. Barron uses his story to explain that protecting those you love sometimes comes with hard choices and sacrifice, but cushions these truths with courage and hope for the future. Though young readers may not catch it, there's also a clever side plot, nicely connected to our world, that gives a nod to Plato, the first to write of the myth of Atlantis. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Best-seller Barron is going on tour for this trilogy ender, and his many fans will be lining up to get a copy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)