Krista Reviews: Atlantis in Peril by T.A. Barron
In Atlantis Rising, Promi and Atlanta saved their homeland by transforming it into the magical island of Atlantis. They had hoped that would keep it out of the clutches of the evil spirit warlord Narkazan. But Narkazan has returned, more determined than ever to conquer the spirit realm and Atlantis as well. Will the destiny of the mystical isle lie in the boat of Greek sailors who wash up on shore? The powers of the ethereal oceanglass? Or will the growing bond between Promi and Atlanta cause the strongest magic?
With his trademark action, adventure and suspense, master of fantasy T.A. Barron explores the magical world of Atlantis and how its inhabitants’ actions sow the seeds of its destruction.
I had such a fun time reading this story, it took me right back to my early childhood. It was full of excitement, magic, creatures of all kinds and was hugely entertaining. I have to admit that I haven’t read the first book yet, but it turned out to be completely unnecessary. The reader is filled in with all the information we need to enjoy this book on its own. Although the ending does leave you a bit stranded, I promise you will want to carry on with the series!
Promi has been travelling to Atlantis by crossing the veil, but his actions have carelessly left holes making it vulnerable to attack, not only from the spirit realm, but also the human realm on the other side. Promi is stubborn regarding his visits to Atlantis because that is where Atlantia is. His parents caution him that the worn veil can be a great danger to everybody, but he does not want to believe them. His love for Atlantia is stronger than his faith in his parents (for reasons given in the story). When Promi’s sister is kidnapped and the news of Narkazan has returned, he is pulled in several directions and must save his sister.
The writing in this story is purely magical. The visuals that it offered really opened up my imagination to an exciting new world of ideas. As I was reading this story, inspiration took me over; the style was perfect and the descriptions even better. We get to follow the stories of different characters as the narrative takes us from the spirit realm to what is happening on Atlantis. Even though Promi is going through a bit of a stubborn period, the other characters are all very strong, mostly female and very good role models.
There are magical elements to the story, especially when we follow Atlantia who resides in the forest that protects her. She lives in an over-protecting acorn shell and the faeries help keep guard. When she needs help, she can always call upon the trees and animals to help protect her. There was very little about this story that I didn’t like and I highly recommend it to readers of all ages.
