The House of Power by Patrick Carman
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Oct.05, 2008, under Battle of the Books 2008-2009, Dystopia, Mystery, Sam's Reviews, Science Fiction
Who would like this book? Part science fiction (masquerading as fantasy), part mystery, with echoes of Frankenstein, this book will appeal to anyone with curiosity about the power of creating life and giving all the power to a few who live on top, literally.
Why? Atherton is a three-tiered universe: the Flatlands, Tabletop, and the Highlands are three levels separated by drastic, impassable cliffs. The people in the Highlands control the sparse supply of water and thus hold all power over the laboring, illiterate people in Tabletop. Edgar, a young boy who barely remembers his father, labors in the fig groves in Tabletop, but is driven to discover the mystery that his father left behind: a book hidden in the cliffs separating Tabletop from the Highlands. Edgar’s desire to find this book motivates him to climb, and he becomes an expert climber. This ability opens forbidden worlds to him. Be ready to lose sleep as you follow Edgar on his quest, and be ready to be frustrated by the ending. I’m ordering the sequel tomorrow!
The details: 352 p. 2007
