nerfherder86's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great trilogy about a strange world called Atherton, that turns out to be a place where people from the "Dark Planet" (future earth) went to escape horrible pollution. The creatures and characteristics of Atherton are very unique, and I enjoyed seeing how Edgar and his friends Samuel and Isabel continued to deal with the drastic changes on their world.
eahaynes's review against another edition
3.0
Not a bad follow up sequel, and good for upper elementary aged kids and up, and a fairly compelling story; but somehow wish this great idea of a story could have been done better.
hope_hasarrived's review against another edition
4.0
As the second book of the trilogy, I thought this story had a distinctly different feel than the previous one. While [b:The House of Power|459901|The House of Power|Patrick Carman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359309586l/459901._SX50_.jpg|2158029] is more about developing the setting, Rivers of Fire takes off straight into the plot, really developing the characters along the way. The themes of the beauty of creation and the power of working together are also much more prominent in this story. I like this series very much and am loving the characters more and more with each book. A creative, fun, and perilous journey for middle school and up!
micaela_ru's review
3.0
A bit of a slow start, and jumping around from so many characters could be a bit disorienting sometimes, but overall a solid effort. Imaginative, fascinating, fast-paced...can't wait to see how the series ends.
purplespecslms's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic! It's better than the first in the series. It kept me on the edge of my seat!
tashrow's review
3.0
I was lucky enough to review the first book in this series for School Library Journal. I loved it.
And while I really liked this second book about Atherton, it didn't quite capture me the way that the first book did. We return to the world of Atherton which is in the process of changing. The Highlands are falling and the Flatlands are rising. Horrible creatures called Cleaners are suddenly able to reach the human towns, and our hero and his friends find themselves right in the thick of danger as they venture deeper into the Highlands to discover the secrets of Atherton and its creator.
Readers really have to have read the first book to understand what is happening here. The book has a breakneck speed throughout as the main characters rush from one disaster to the next, barely staying ahead of the cataclysmic changes. I missed the introspective nature of the first book that made it rather gem-like and special. Those same themes are present in this novel, but are secondary to the adventure and action.
Fans of the first novel will consider this a must-read and any library with the first book must have the second. Recommended for readers of the first book.
And while I really liked this second book about Atherton, it didn't quite capture me the way that the first book did. We return to the world of Atherton which is in the process of changing. The Highlands are falling and the Flatlands are rising. Horrible creatures called Cleaners are suddenly able to reach the human towns, and our hero and his friends find themselves right in the thick of danger as they venture deeper into the Highlands to discover the secrets of Atherton and its creator.
Readers really have to have read the first book to understand what is happening here. The book has a breakneck speed throughout as the main characters rush from one disaster to the next, barely staying ahead of the cataclysmic changes. I missed the introspective nature of the first book that made it rather gem-like and special. Those same themes are present in this novel, but are secondary to the adventure and action.
Fans of the first novel will consider this a must-read and any library with the first book must have the second. Recommended for readers of the first book.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
3.0
Rivers of Fire continues and concludes the Atherton series. Atherton is in crisis. There are dangers in the air and on the land and in the water. Edgar has the guidance of one of Atherton’s creators and, with his help, Edgar meets up with the genius mind that began Atherton. This volume carries Edgar and his friends deep inside Atherton to face floods, more monsters, and rivers of fire.
eahaynes's review
3.0
Not a bad follow up sequel, and good for upper elementary aged kids and up, and a fairly compelling story; but somehow wish this great idea of a story could have been done better.
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