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Atlantis Saga #1
Atlantis Rising
In a magical land called Ellegandia, a young boy named Promi scrapes by, stealing pies, cakes and sweets to survive. But little does he know that his country is a pawn in an ages-old war between good and evil, battled both in the spirit realm and in the human world. Harboring secrets of his own, Promi teams up with a courageous girl named Atlanta and the two vow to save their land—and each other—no matter the cost. But their vow has greater repercussions than they ever could imagine—in fact, it may just bring about the creation of Atlantis, an island cut off from the rest of the world, where magic reigns supreme.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published September 26, 2013
109 people are currently reading
2436 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Barron
72 books1,311 followersT.A. Barron grew up in Colorado ranch country and traveled widely as a Rhodes Scholar. He is the winner of the de Grummond Medallion for “lifetime contribution to the field of children’s and young adult literature” and many other awards. T. A. Barron is the author of more than 30 highly acclaimed books, many of which are international bestsellers. They include The Lost Years of Merlin (now being developed into a feature film), The Great Tree of Avalon (a New York Times bestselling series), The Ancient One (the tale of a brave girl and a magical tree), and The Hero’s Trail (nonfiction stories of courageous kids).
Though he’d dreamed as a young man of becoming a writer, he couldn’t find anyone to publish his first novel. He joined a successful business, eventually became president, then decided to try again. So in 1990, he surprised his business partners by moving back to Colorado to become a writer and conservationist.
In 2000, he founded a national award to honor outstanding young people who help their communities or the environment: the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, which honors 25 highly diverse, public-spirited kids each year. He recently produced a documentary film, Dream Big, profiling seven winners of the Barron Prize. When not writing or speaking, T. A. Barron serves on many boards including Princeton University, where he helped to create the Princeton Environmental Institute, and The Wilderness Society, which recently honored him with its highest award for conservation work. His favorite pastime is hiking, camping, or skiing in Colorado with his family.
Though he’d dreamed as a young man of becoming a writer, he couldn’t find anyone to publish his first novel. He joined a successful business, eventually became president, then decided to try again. So in 1990, he surprised his business partners by moving back to Colorado to become a writer and conservationist.
In 2000, he founded a national award to honor outstanding young people who help their communities or the environment: the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, which honors 25 highly diverse, public-spirited kids each year. He recently produced a documentary film, Dream Big, profiling seven winners of the Barron Prize. When not writing or speaking, T. A. Barron serves on many boards including Princeton University, where he helped to create the Princeton Environmental Institute, and The Wilderness Society, which recently honored him with its highest award for conservation work. His favorite pastime is hiking, camping, or skiing in Colorado with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
December 29, 2014
I gave Atlantis Rising by T.A. Barron a pretty fair shot I’d say—200 of its 370 pages, but eventually I just had to give it up. And I wasn’t alone in that, as my wife and 13-yr-old son gave up far, far quicker. As usual with books I didn’t care for, and especially for books I didn’t finish (a rarity for me), this will be a relatively short review, as I don’t like to belabor the point.
The problems began immediately, with the introduction of the main character (Promi), a sassy and spunky orphan street thief with a heart of gold who is good with a knife (though not good enough to avoid trouble with a corrupt and brutal priest), that ends up in a chase scene where Promi gets to toss off barbs at the chasing guards while performing acrobatic feats of derring do. Now, I’ve always been one to let... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The problems began immediately, with the introduction of the main character (Promi), a sassy and spunky orphan street thief with a heart of gold who is good with a knife (though not good enough to avoid trouble with a corrupt and brutal priest), that ends up in a chase scene where Promi gets to toss off barbs at the chasing guards while performing acrobatic feats of derring do. Now, I’ve always been one to let... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
July 30, 2015
The main character, Promi, is memorable and is exactly the sort of person you can’t help but to cheer for. He finds himself wrapped up the web of an ominous prophecy that predicts the end of all magic which, in Atlantis, would mean a drastic change for everyone there. Why? Because magic is tailored in to many aspects of Ellegandia, including the boots that Promi wears (they magically adjust to the size of his feet). I love the imagined setting of Ellegandia – the diverse people and creatures that live in or around Ellegandia and the elements of magic woven into it. The Listener magic is an interesting system that is central to the events of the story and it creates some intriguing sacrifices and situations for Promi. The supporting cast of characters is wonderful and the nature surrounding Ellegandia, home of fascinating magical creatures and Promi’s friend, Atlanta, captures the imagination.
I can’t say enough good things without spoiling the essence of the book. It is written for Middle-Grade/Young Adult readers which makes this a fast-paced page-turner of a book. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys magic, fairies, tales of prophecy, moments of daring and swashbuckling adventure, sweet food and journal entries, the Atlantis mystery/mythology, or nature. This was a great read and I can enthusiastically recommend this one to just about everyone that I know and will do so in the future.
Final Verdict: You should read this book! You won’t regret it.
A free copy of this book was provided by Goodman Media International, Inc. in exchange for an honest review of the book. The opinons stated above are my own and were not in any way influenced by any outside parties.
I can’t say enough good things without spoiling the essence of the book. It is written for Middle-Grade/Young Adult readers which makes this a fast-paced page-turner of a book. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys magic, fairies, tales of prophecy, moments of daring and swashbuckling adventure, sweet food and journal entries, the Atlantis mystery/mythology, or nature. This was a great read and I can enthusiastically recommend this one to just about everyone that I know and will do so in the future.
Final Verdict: You should read this book! You won’t regret it.
A free copy of this book was provided by Goodman Media International, Inc. in exchange for an honest review of the book. The opinons stated above are my own and were not in any way influenced by any outside parties.
dnf
September 23, 2013Pages Read: 16, two chapters
Too childish, basically. Also, those two chapters were Aladdin, only with a younger MC and a pantsing.
Already seen the movie and just not really all that interested. Given the depth of my pile and the fact that this is unsolicited, I'm not bovvered.
Too childish, basically. Also, those two chapters were Aladdin, only with a younger MC and a pantsing.
Already seen the movie and just not really all that interested. Given the depth of my pile and the fact that this is unsolicited, I'm not bovvered.
May 29, 2023
slow beginning, but overall it was good
September 29, 2022
3,5 stars
June 4, 2019
Promi has always lived as a thief, using his quick wits and sharp aim to steal and humiliate those in the higher class - until he gets caught, has ancient magic suddenly flowing through his veins, and joins a young girl from the magical forest on a quest to protect the entire kingdom! Barron begins a cheesy adventure full of entertaining cliches sure to please young readers. With the spirit realm also on the line, can Promi master his newfound magic quick enough to save everyone?
February 15, 2015
Originally posted on my blog,
ReadLove
.
It would be an understatement to say that the opening two chapter’s of T. A. Barron’s Atlantis Rising captured my attention. Less than two pages into the first chapter, the narrative hook grabbed hold, as the protagonist, throwing-knife in hand, eyes set on his target, takes aim. The scene built into an action sequence from which it was impossible to look away.
Atlantis Rising begins a saga, a three part trilogy, that will recount the secret origins of the legendary island of Atlantis. It’s the story of a journey undertaken by young Promi. Promi is a thief, and fittingly so, for he quickly stole my heart. He’s a likeable urchin, almost Dickensian in nature — a loner whose only familial tie is the scrap of a melody from a song sung to him by the ghost of a memory. Though it appears he’s an honorable thief with his own moral code (Promi steals sweets and baked goods to fill his hungry belly, and he won’t steal from kids, the elderly, or mothers with small children.), Promi would be the first to tell you that he’s “definitely not virtuous.” When the seemingly uncatchable boy thief is seized by the authorities and locked away in a dungeon, he meets some mysterious people who open his eyes and start him on a new path.
Ellegandia, Promi’s home, is a special place whose name means “a land set apart”. To give you a taste of the history and mythos of this enchanted territory: A golden flower, eternally in bloom, graces Ellegandia’s flag. In the Great Forest reside beauty and power, in the form of natural magic. There, animals and humans live in harmony. While in the city, those in power — the High Priestess Araggna, her Deputy High Priest Grukarr, and the Divine Monk — far from pure of heart, have taken the land in their greedy grasp, and like a ripe citrus fruit, aim to squeeze from it all they can.
In the Great Forest, we stumble across a forest girl named Atlanta as she sings of magic and mystery. Though young, Atlanta is a spiritual leader among her people. In contrast to the authority figures who value nature for what they can take from it, Atlanta looks upon the forest, and every creature and plant living there, as precious blessings to be not only respected but cherished and protected. Indeed, the trees and animals are part of her extended family. But just as the idyllic setting begins to whisper its story, the peace of the forest is upset.
Soon enough, our two young heroes cross paths and a new friendship is born. Together, Promi and Atlanta find themselves in the midst of a struggle that places them squarely into a riddled prophecy which hints that this battle between good and evil could be the end of all magic! The stakes are high, and the reader’s interest remains equally elevated. It’s a joy to follow the adventures of this unlikely pair as they learn more about one another and themselves. Atlanta serves as a beautiful foil to Promi, and teaches him a great deal. Over the course of the novel, Promi learns about sacrifice, family, home, and love. He finds, to his infinite surprise, that within him — indeed in each of us — rest the seeds of a hero.
Several times I lost myself in Barron’s Ellegandian world, occasionally pausing to reread sections with childlike enthusiasm and wonder. The dungeon scenes are remarkably vibrant, with gruesome bits you’ll not want to watch, but from which you can’t avert your eyes! The beauty of the natural landscape charms and entices with each leaf, mountain, and stream. And though I can’t say much more without venturing into spoilers, there are vivid descriptive passages in this novel that will transport you to another world, maybe even to another realm of existence.
Verdict: 4.5 of 5 Hearts. A Captivating, Inspiring, and Magical Fantasy. Atlantis Rising is a rewarding tale of two endearing young heroes who provide hope and love to one another as they strive to protect their land and all its wonders. Readers of the paperback version will be happy to find that the prequel to Atlantis Rising, Never Again: The Origin of Grukarr, has been included in the back. (Check my post about the prequel here , and be sure to read the Q & A I did with T. A. Barron here .)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I would like to thank Goodman Media International, Inc., and Puffin Books for providing me a copy of this title. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
It would be an understatement to say that the opening two chapter’s of T. A. Barron’s Atlantis Rising captured my attention. Less than two pages into the first chapter, the narrative hook grabbed hold, as the protagonist, throwing-knife in hand, eyes set on his target, takes aim. The scene built into an action sequence from which it was impossible to look away.
Atlantis Rising begins a saga, a three part trilogy, that will recount the secret origins of the legendary island of Atlantis. It’s the story of a journey undertaken by young Promi. Promi is a thief, and fittingly so, for he quickly stole my heart. He’s a likeable urchin, almost Dickensian in nature — a loner whose only familial tie is the scrap of a melody from a song sung to him by the ghost of a memory. Though it appears he’s an honorable thief with his own moral code (Promi steals sweets and baked goods to fill his hungry belly, and he won’t steal from kids, the elderly, or mothers with small children.), Promi would be the first to tell you that he’s “definitely not virtuous.” When the seemingly uncatchable boy thief is seized by the authorities and locked away in a dungeon, he meets some mysterious people who open his eyes and start him on a new path.
Ellegandia, Promi’s home, is a special place whose name means “a land set apart”. To give you a taste of the history and mythos of this enchanted territory: A golden flower, eternally in bloom, graces Ellegandia’s flag. In the Great Forest reside beauty and power, in the form of natural magic. There, animals and humans live in harmony. While in the city, those in power — the High Priestess Araggna, her Deputy High Priest Grukarr, and the Divine Monk — far from pure of heart, have taken the land in their greedy grasp, and like a ripe citrus fruit, aim to squeeze from it all they can.
In the Great Forest, we stumble across a forest girl named Atlanta as she sings of magic and mystery. Though young, Atlanta is a spiritual leader among her people. In contrast to the authority figures who value nature for what they can take from it, Atlanta looks upon the forest, and every creature and plant living there, as precious blessings to be not only respected but cherished and protected. Indeed, the trees and animals are part of her extended family. But just as the idyllic setting begins to whisper its story, the peace of the forest is upset.
Soon enough, our two young heroes cross paths and a new friendship is born. Together, Promi and Atlanta find themselves in the midst of a struggle that places them squarely into a riddled prophecy which hints that this battle between good and evil could be the end of all magic! The stakes are high, and the reader’s interest remains equally elevated. It’s a joy to follow the adventures of this unlikely pair as they learn more about one another and themselves. Atlanta serves as a beautiful foil to Promi, and teaches him a great deal. Over the course of the novel, Promi learns about sacrifice, family, home, and love. He finds, to his infinite surprise, that within him — indeed in each of us — rest the seeds of a hero.
Several times I lost myself in Barron’s Ellegandian world, occasionally pausing to reread sections with childlike enthusiasm and wonder. The dungeon scenes are remarkably vibrant, with gruesome bits you’ll not want to watch, but from which you can’t avert your eyes! The beauty of the natural landscape charms and entices with each leaf, mountain, and stream. And though I can’t say much more without venturing into spoilers, there are vivid descriptive passages in this novel that will transport you to another world, maybe even to another realm of existence.
Verdict: 4.5 of 5 Hearts. A Captivating, Inspiring, and Magical Fantasy. Atlantis Rising is a rewarding tale of two endearing young heroes who provide hope and love to one another as they strive to protect their land and all its wonders. Readers of the paperback version will be happy to find that the prequel to Atlantis Rising, Never Again: The Origin of Grukarr, has been included in the back. (Check my post about the prequel here , and be sure to read the Q & A I did with T. A. Barron here .)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I would like to thank Goodman Media International, Inc., and Puffin Books for providing me a copy of this title. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 10, 2023
I didn’t love this. It takes too long to get to the main plot of the book, and it’s also really long for being a middle grade book. There was a lot of description which dragged it out. I would recommend to fans of magic, nature, and insult-humor, which for some reason people seem to associate with middle-grade audiences??
I did like the budding friendship between Atlanta and Promi, and the elder characters Promi meets in the beginning of the book.
I did like the budding friendship between Atlanta and Promi, and the elder characters Promi meets in the beginning of the book.
February 10, 2017
One of the things I like about Barron's young adult books is his new, imaginative way of exploring some incredibly prevalent (and sometimes over-worked) myths. Just like his Merlin saga explores Merlin as a child before the original myth really starts, this books explores not how Atlantis was but how Atlantis came to be. I appreciated the thoughtfulness of keeping parts of the original mythos alive but adding different elements to make it a new story. The characters are nicely written and grow through the book.
I will admit the pace to be slow going at points. I am not sure if it was the descriptions that were tedious or that is just the writing style. The omnipresent writing style was confusing at some points - the book is mostly told from Promi's point of view but every now and again the viewpoint will shift and it sometimes caught me by surprise and I had to think about who's mind I was in. This book is definitely written for a younger audience, middle grade to pre teen.
I won't say it was the best written book I have read, but definite points for imagination, heart, and the appeal for younger audiences to learn some of the myths surrounding Atlantis.
I will admit the pace to be slow going at points. I am not sure if it was the descriptions that were tedious or that is just the writing style. The omnipresent writing style was confusing at some points - the book is mostly told from Promi's point of view but every now and again the viewpoint will shift and it sometimes caught me by surprise and I had to think about who's mind I was in. This book is definitely written for a younger audience, middle grade to pre teen.
I won't say it was the best written book I have read, but definite points for imagination, heart, and the appeal for younger audiences to learn some of the myths surrounding Atlantis.
February 26, 2024
2.5 Stars. Not a book I would’ve read normally, but it came recommended by a friend so I had to give it a shot.
For being a middle grade book, the magic system was fairly interesting - unfortunately, the rest of the book left a lot to be desired and I still can’t get over the fact that this story is canonically set in the real world
For being a middle grade book, the magic system was fairly interesting - unfortunately, the rest of the book left a lot to be desired and I still can’t get over the fact that this story is canonically set in the real world
September 13, 2017
Disappointing. I stopped at page 283 out of 350.
The plot was slow, plodding and predictable.
The reader was told through bland dialogue background information instead of shown or revealed through the story. And the point of view kept bouncing back and forth between the two main characters. It felt very clumsy. I tried to find redeeming qualities, but concluded it was not worth finishing.
Not recommended.
The plot was slow, plodding and predictable.
The reader was told through bland dialogue background information instead of shown or revealed through the story. And the point of view kept bouncing back and forth between the two main characters. It felt very clumsy. I tried to find redeeming qualities, but concluded it was not worth finishing.
Not recommended.
September 3, 2021
My name is Promi, and all I used to worry about was trying to find my next meal. I guess it was a bad idea to embarrass Deputy High Priest Grukarr in public, but I thought he needed to experience a little fear in his life. I should have foreseen that he'd take it personally, as he now has the Royal Guard hunting me down. This makes it more dangerous to steal from the bakeries, but hey, I love sweets! I'm fine living on the streets by myself, and I don't worry about anyone else. I can't explain why I saved the little girl from being run over or why I gave the old lady my lemon pie. However, helping other people has only complicated my life, and I don't like it. After being thrown in prison, a dying woman made me a Listener, and now I'm supposed to save the Great Forest. I'm no hero. I just want to escape this dungeon and get back on the streets.
Promi's character is the highlight of the whole story. He says he doesn't care about others, but his actions differ from his words. There's clearly more to his character than being a kid on the streets. He has a bird-shaped mark over his heart, he wears magic shoes, and his only memories of childhood come from a song that evokes peaceful feelings. His identity is predictable if you think about the clues. The conflict of the plot centers on saving the Great Forest, the heart of natural magic in Ellegandia, and it involves a war being waged between immortals. Using Promi's newly-acquired Listener magic comes with a catch; it requires him to make sacrifices. The greater the magic, the greater the sacrifice. This twist makes spell-casting very interesting. A furry, blue creature named Kermi has sworn to stay with Promi, and he contributes humor to the plot. He's constantly making fun of Promi, calling him names and questioning his intelligence. The friendly banter creates a bond between the two characters. Overall, I enjoyed reading about Promi's transformation from a street thief living alone into a brave, likeable hero, and I recommend you give it a shot. A couple of significant changes arose at the end, so I'm anxious to read the sequel, Atlantis In Peril.
Promi's character is the highlight of the whole story. He says he doesn't care about others, but his actions differ from his words. There's clearly more to his character than being a kid on the streets. He has a bird-shaped mark over his heart, he wears magic shoes, and his only memories of childhood come from a song that evokes peaceful feelings. His identity is predictable if you think about the clues. The conflict of the plot centers on saving the Great Forest, the heart of natural magic in Ellegandia, and it involves a war being waged between immortals. Using Promi's newly-acquired Listener magic comes with a catch; it requires him to make sacrifices. The greater the magic, the greater the sacrifice. This twist makes spell-casting very interesting. A furry, blue creature named Kermi has sworn to stay with Promi, and he contributes humor to the plot. He's constantly making fun of Promi, calling him names and questioning his intelligence. The friendly banter creates a bond between the two characters. Overall, I enjoyed reading about Promi's transformation from a street thief living alone into a brave, likeable hero, and I recommend you give it a shot. A couple of significant changes arose at the end, so I'm anxious to read the sequel, Atlantis In Peril.
June 15, 2017
Barron, T.A. Atlantis Rising, 365 pages. Philomel. $18.00, Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG
Promi, a pie thief and all around vagabond, is caught stealing the Divine Monk’s pie. He is put in prison where he meets a mysterious woman, Jalady, who gives him the old magic of the Listeners as she is dying. With her dying breath, she also bestows upon him Kermi, a magical creature and a frustrating companion and allows them to escape the prison. After days of feeling it is just a dream, he meets Atlanta, who prompts Promi into giving her a pie, but as he does they are captured, leaving him no choice but to attempt to use his magic. After running into the forest and escaping. Promi is told of his part in fulfilling the prophecy and restoring the magical starstone to its ancient resting place in the forest. Little does he know that his plight is more dangerous than he could have imagined.
I loved this book. It’s full of twists and turns that hook the reader on every line. T.A. Barron has written a story for the ages that is right up there with Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Though it never gets gory or descriptive, people die and there are references to torture and blood. His book opened a world of fantasy and imagination few books can inspire. This book deserves five stars
EL(3-6), MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer:JRD, 7th Grade
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Promi, a pie thief and all around vagabond, is caught stealing the Divine Monk’s pie. He is put in prison where he meets a mysterious woman, Jalady, who gives him the old magic of the Listeners as she is dying. With her dying breath, she also bestows upon him Kermi, a magical creature and a frustrating companion and allows them to escape the prison. After days of feeling it is just a dream, he meets Atlanta, who prompts Promi into giving her a pie, but as he does they are captured, leaving him no choice but to attempt to use his magic. After running into the forest and escaping. Promi is told of his part in fulfilling the prophecy and restoring the magical starstone to its ancient resting place in the forest. Little does he know that his plight is more dangerous than he could have imagined.
I loved this book. It’s full of twists and turns that hook the reader on every line. T.A. Barron has written a story for the ages that is right up there with Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Though it never gets gory or descriptive, people die and there are references to torture and blood. His book opened a world of fantasy and imagination few books can inspire. This book deserves five stars
EL(3-6), MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer:JRD, 7th Grade
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
December 14, 2017
This is the first in a series about Atlantis and how it might have come about. I started this book after attending a book signing by T.A. Barron and was quite intrigued by the concept. I immediately was captivated by the characters, how they interact with each other and what makes them feed off of each other. The main character, Promi is like what I imagine Ali Baba or Aladdin to be like before all the adventures they were known for. Promi is a very good theif but what he stills most are hot pastries to feed his sweet tooth. As you travel with him around the city trying to stay out of the reach of Grukarr you find Promi has stolen some very precious items from the temple. Once he meets Atlanta in the forest areas along with Kermi his life takes on a completely different light. He soon finds that there are more important things for him to do rather steal pies to feed his hunger. He is thrown in prison, meets a rather interesting holy man who share things with him that changes his outlook and gives him a new purpose; he sets out to help save the special forest and brings aid to Atlanta. This is a wonderful premise for how the island/world of Atlantis began. So the adventure begins, come follow along and see what happens to this mysterious local.
October 24, 2024
I haven’t read this book in quite a while to be honest, but what I know is that I LOVED it, me and my sisters both. I have a letter to the author in my elementary school diary. I used to daydream about a movie adaptation and how I would write the script. I started drawing a graphic novel of the entire book. My sister literally sewed little dolls of the characters. Can you tell we’re obsessed? I have no idea why this isn’t more popular. The food descriptions are EVERYTHING, and I love the key parts they play in the book. Probably for a preteen audience, but young teens can enjoy it too. It has a great plot, and so do the other two in the trilogy (though this one is my favorite, the other ones are tragic iykyk). Even at a young age, this book invoked so many deep emotions—especially when we thought Promi had died (I audibly gasped). The plot twists are pure gold, and the characters are well written. It follows the legend of Atlantis (pretty crazy how everything falls into place at the end—but i won’t spoil too much). I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who likes Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or fantasy/medieval in general.
March 22, 2021
Like a lemon chiffon cake
These were short little chapters, which I appreciated. Sometimes it is good to have long chapters. Other times, short ones are the way to go.
I also appreciated the light, flexible world building. This was a sweet story and it have world building only when the world building was absolutely necessary, although the conversation in the dungeon made me snicker a little from the exposition dump.
Solid story, quick read. I would have liked to sit in moments a little more but I genuinely appreciated a character who was kind of a selfish but these and stubbornly refusing The Hero's Call, especially for as long as he did. The swamp section was a bit of a slog and there was almost a little bit of teleportation going on, or maybe I just wasn't keeping track of the geography. The weird obsession with sweet made me laugh a little. Not sure if I missed on any foreshadowing with it or if it was just to impress upon the reader how much he likes sweet things.
But other than that, this was a good story and it was light and fun. Good stuff.
These were short little chapters, which I appreciated. Sometimes it is good to have long chapters. Other times, short ones are the way to go.
I also appreciated the light, flexible world building. This was a sweet story and it have world building only when the world building was absolutely necessary, although the conversation in the dungeon made me snicker a little from the exposition dump.
Solid story, quick read. I would have liked to sit in moments a little more but I genuinely appreciated a character who was kind of a selfish but these and stubbornly refusing The Hero's Call, especially for as long as he did. The swamp section was a bit of a slog and there was almost a little bit of teleportation going on, or maybe I just wasn't keeping track of the geography. The weird obsession with sweet made me laugh a little. Not sure if I missed on any foreshadowing with it or if it was just to impress upon the reader how much he likes sweet things.
But other than that, this was a good story and it was light and fun. Good stuff.
September 25, 2018
How to start a review about a book you loved? By just simply saying I LOVE IT! If you're a fantasy and magic lover you'll definitely love this book, and truly fall for it's magic. All the characters are loveable, and for me especially the main character Promi, no matter how dumb he can be (which is ironically mentioned several times throughout the book). As I read the book I never wanted to put it down. There was always something happening from beginning to end, and it always kept me on the edge of my seat. I literally had to tell myself, you can't read this tonight you have to sleep, despite that I still ended up reading more. The writer described the world and the things in it so perfectly that I could easily picture it in my minds eye. The only thing I really had a problem with was imagining the characters. All considered though, it was a great book!
July 18, 2022
I'm not sure people look for this in a book, especially older readers, but my god, this book moves quickly (in the best way possible). There is immediate action, food is described frequently and well, and you never have to think too hard about anything that's going on. If you go into this book with the right mindset -- "I want to be entertained" -- this has a solid chance of making a top-ten list. I wouldn't make this comparison often, but reading this book almost feels like watching a movie. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, the characters are likable (if not super realistic), and the arc is well-constructed. Not a literary masterpiece or a deep meditation on anything, but a fabulous story. Just know what you're in for before you start reading, or you might be disappointed.
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September 28, 2017In a magical land called Ellegandia, a young boy named Promi scrapes by, stealing pies, cakes and sweets to survive. However, little does he know that his country is a pawn in an ages-old war between good and evil, battled both in the spirit realm and in the human world? Harboring secrets of his own, Promi teams up with a courageous girl named Atlanta and the two vow to save their
Land, and each other, no matter the cost. Their vow has greater repercussions than they ever could imagine. In fact, it may just bring about the creation of Atlantis, an island cut off from the rest of the world, where magic reigns supreme.
Land, and each other, no matter the cost. Their vow has greater repercussions than they ever could imagine. In fact, it may just bring about the creation of Atlantis, an island cut off from the rest of the world, where magic reigns supreme.
November 6, 2017
While I enjoyed elements of Barron's worldbuilding and think he has a knack for the kind of descriptions that create vivid mental images, I found this book to be lackluster, mostly because the characters came across as flat.
I also found the prose to be overly simple to the point of repetition. A character's stomach might grumble, for instance, and then the character might state that he is hungry. I assume this was intentionally done to make things clear for a young audience, but as an adult, I found myself wondering if this writing style doesn't give child readers enough credit for developing their own inferences.
I also found the prose to be overly simple to the point of repetition. A character's stomach might grumble, for instance, and then the character might state that he is hungry. I assume this was intentionally done to make things clear for a young audience, but as an adult, I found myself wondering if this writing style doesn't give child readers enough credit for developing their own inferences.
May 12, 2017
I thought this book was pretty good. It gave us a background story on an old fairy tale, the story of Atlantis. But before it came to be known as Atlantis, it was once a country called Ellegandia. It was located in Southwest Africa, before an earthquake caused it to become an island. It was caused by Promi, who we meet at the beginning of the book. He is often a trouble maker and steals things from others to survive. But when he finally gets caught, he hears of a great battle between Earth and the sprit world. Watch as both his personality and morals change when you read this book.
March 25, 2023
I was not a fan of this one, which was a big disappointment since I love the Merlin series by this author. There was entirely too much description and not enough characterization. The characterization that was there, especially for Promi, I found to be really annoying. I did enjoy Atlanta, but not enough to make the overall book any better.
Especially for a middle grade book, this one was just way too slow. As much as I wanted to love this one, I can’t recommend it at all. And I won’t be reading the others in this trilogy, either.
Especially for a middle grade book, this one was just way too slow. As much as I wanted to love this one, I can’t recommend it at all. And I won’t be reading the others in this trilogy, either.
August 4, 2023
Some of the detail work in this story was very beautiful to imagine. That Being said...
Atlantis Rising is supposed to be the story of how the lost city of Atlantis was created. The first two thirds of the book are all about a thief with a serious sweet-tooth. It isn't until about the last third that it picks up and begins the actual creation myth. From there it whizzes through a ton of fine details that will be totally missed if it is not read slowly enough.
All in all, not my thing. it might be yours, though.
Atlantis Rising is supposed to be the story of how the lost city of Atlantis was created. The first two thirds of the book are all about a thief with a serious sweet-tooth. It isn't until about the last third that it picks up and begins the actual creation myth. From there it whizzes through a ton of fine details that will be totally missed if it is not read slowly enough.
All in all, not my thing. it might be yours, though.
August 22, 2025
An exciting adventure about the creation of Atlantis. Upper MG, I would say, bc the bad guy did some quite gruesome things, at least for MG, and for me. Book 1 of a trilogy but satisfying ending on its own. It had so many connections to today's political climate, and the insatiable desire for wealth and power, that it was little hard for me to read. "Alas, virtue alone cannot win a war. Our greatest strength is why we are fighting. Not just for power, as he is. No, we are fighting for something much more precious: freedom." P 275
September 3, 2024
This book decently surprised me. I picked it up from goodwill thinking it would probably be not very good but it had some parts that really spoke to me and related to me despite the fantasy fairy tale theme with a hint of romance at the end and a surprising character death. The beginning was a very abvious copy cat to alladin beginning with him being chased through streets but goes into avatar movie feeling in a spiritual forest on a spirit realm but surprisingly it was an alright book
March 26, 2025
There was so much potential, but it didn't rise to fulfill it. The world was beautiful and magical, but just wasn't done well enough for me to envision and come to care for. Promi wasn't someone I really found myself cheering for and caring about. Kermi never grew on me like I think he was supposed to. The writing fell flat as the stakes were pushed higher. It kind of felt like a TTRPG with a new GM who railroads the happenings. Maybe it would be better for a younger reader?
September 17, 2020
Amazing book for new readers. Tells an interesting and fun story, but if you read into the book (which more experienced readers do) you'll find inconsistencies. If you want to get your kid into reading fantasy, I think this is a great start! However, there is a fair amount of violence, so something to keep in mind.
October 21, 2020
I hate to criticize people's work and art, but the only reason I kept reading this book was because I thought at some point it had to get better. It never did. It honestly was poorly written. I didn't care about the characters. I would love to see the author do a re-haul of the book. The story could really be interesting with more thought.
June 26, 2023
Gave me Keeper of the Lost Cities vibes—mystical kingdom connected to a magical spiritual realm, threatened by an evil plot, which must be stopped by a pair of friends, each of them touching magic in their own way and finding out what—and who—they care about along the way. Click below for full review!
https://thatladywhoreadsalot.wordpres...
https://thatladywhoreadsalot.wordpres...
July 31, 2017
The writing style was more like a middle grade novel and less like a YA novel. The plot wasn't that interesting nor unique, and also the first two chapters were like that one scene frim "Aladdin". 2.9/5 stars
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