I really enjoyed this one. Slightly overly dramatized narration and production (cue the violins!), but a fairly engrossing story with interesting characters set on a fascinating constructed planet. Great fiction for geology and geography nerds. Makes you think about how landscape affects social structure and how resource access and control intersects with politics. Recommended for ages 10-13.

Quick and fun read. Carman is a talented story-teller. Excited to read the next one.

I plan to finish this soon.

This was one of those stories where the backstory was much more interesting than the current story. I wanted to know more about how Atherton came to be, and less about its current state of affairs. Also, I know this isn't "wrong," but it's a pet peeve of mine when stories jump into a bunch of character's different perspectives. This book jumped between characters so much that I felt about as dizzy as Atherton's citizens, who were dealing with increasingly frequent "earthquakes." The head-hopping decreased tension because the author was always jumping to the perspective of someone who knew more, so you didn't get to discover things through the main characters' journeys. And about half the viewpoint characters were adults, which also rubs me the wrong way in a book written for kids. On the other hand, there were places where information was withheld or delayed in a way that felt totally unnatural, just for the sake of dragging out the tension.

Still, the world-building here is fascinating, and the audio version is especially well-done, with strategically placed echoes, sound effects, and music. Although I didn't love it as a book, I think it would make an awesome movie, where head-hopping wouldn't be an issue. I'll read the second book because I have it on hand, and because this one ends without much resolution. I'll just have to be prepared to get a little dizzy going in.

Upon my first reading years ago this book was captivating. The trio of protagonists are as charming as they are different from one another and the setting of Atherton takes inspiration from more classic feeling science fiction, a Maze Runner long before the Maze and far underrated.

Even among all the books I read as a youngster (a credit to my children’s librarian mother) Atherton: House of Power remains with me for sake of good pacing and memorable turning points with whip sharp realizations.

A worthy read.

Interesting look at a world divided by social castes and a commentary on our ability to destroy our planet. the story was good, the characters were interesting, but there wasn't quite enough excitement to really hold my attention. i will read the rest of the series because I am curious as to how it will all play out though.

The House of Power is the first installment of the Atherton trilogy; written and imagineered by Patrick Carman. This first installment details the many dangerous and revolutionary events on the mysterious land of Atherton. The plot itself is fairly simple and decent, being a fantasy written with an adolescent audience in mind. A likable protagonist named of Edgar is presented whose various endeavors and exploits the story revolves around.

The fabric of The House of Power is rich and textured, and coupled with a breeze-to-read writing style, it should greatly appeal to younger readers. Upon starting the first chapter, I was pleasantly enthralled by a gentle mystery. The ingenious Dr. Harding is portrayed as a mad scientist, which subsequently offered a glimpse into his experiment gone wrong—Atherton itself. Indeed, the world Carman imagined is both beautiful and tragic, a success and a disaster.

The satellite world of Atherton was constructed in the 22nd century, following the environmental collapse of Earth. Overbearing pollution and technological dominance ravaged Earth for many years, until it became known as simply The Dark Planet. The original plan of Atherton was to be a refuge from The Dark Planet, but its prime creator, Dr. Harding, held secret intentions. He held specific notions how a new utopia should be created. The Doctor even developed strict guidelines on how the biological and socio-political environments should be structured. In turn, Atherton was constructed based on a three-tier layout. The top level, called the Highlands, was the location of the only water source in Atherton, and the ruling class of citizens. Next is Tabletop, the middle tier and home of the lower class. In Tabletop, the residents farm sheep, rabbits, and a certain hybrid of figs. Most of these resources sent to the Highlands. The third and final level is called the Flatlands. This dark and barren place is filled with mystery and intrigue. No one from the top two levels has ever been to the Flatlands, and any past records are nonexistent.

As you can see, a dynamic power-play is evident between the two classes of residents on Atherton. The Highlanders control the only water source, and in turn take advantage of the power to invoke harsh demands on the lower class. Tabletop struggles to cater to their lords and must contend with living in near-poverty and intensive labor. Later in the novel, readers should recognize the stirrings of discontent and rebellion as the two classes fall closer together than anyone could imagine. The mystery of Atherton is finally revealed, and mind-blowing is truly the only way to describe the surprises sure to come.

The House of Power is a quick, entertaining read sure to win the hearts of any audience. Adolescents and tweens will especially enjoy the high level of excitement and action within its pages. I tip my hat to Patrick Carman, who is a master at building enjoyable fantasies.

Overall Grade: A-
Atherton: The House of Power is a most interesting exploration of an alternative world—and the social relationships between its inhabitants. Despite Edgar's admirability, the characters of the book were lacking on a few fronts. Fortunately, the unique environment and well-rounded plot are plenty enough satisfy most readers.