ALA Booklist (Thu May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2008)

Following the convulsive landscape shifts of The House of Power (2007), which newcomers to the Atherton series should read first, inquisitive Edgar and his community face further dangers from their unstable, manmade planet. Here, Carman's ambitious themes further coalesce as the characters seek understanding from Atherton's mad-scientist creator, whose parallels to God are suggested by references to Paradise Lost. Few middle-graders will catch the allusions, but that won't matter, because there's plenty of surface excitement in the book's giant, electric eels; carniverous centipedes; and biblically rising floodwaters. Occasional lab-notebook sketches again add texture to this seemingly conclusive sequel.

Kirkus Reviews

Carman continues the story he began in Atherton: The House of Power (2007), depicting a world created scientifically as an alternative to its ecologically failing parent planet. The sequel completes the violent metamorphosis that provided a dramatic climax for the first book. A verbal sketch of the world and a list of characters precedes the narrative, bringing series readers up to speed and allowing new readers to dive directly into the story. The fast-paced and suspenseful plot takes place on the planetoid's surface as well as in its bowels. In alternating narratives, readers follow the adventures of both the population above ground (who wrestle with massive environmental disaster) and the small group of key characters, which includes Samuel and Isobel, two of the three child heroes, who struggle to escape before the world's environmental transition traps them below. There's a lot to like in this science-fiction adventure—danger abounds, science seems to have run amok and a neat (but not too neat) ending ties up most of the loose ends. (Science fiction. 9-12)

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9 In this sequel to The House of Power (Little, Brown, 2007), manmade planet Atherton continues its calamitous changes. With Vincent and Dr. Kincaid, good-hearted Edgar, 11, warns Tabletop of the approaching hungry Cleaners. The villagers and Highland refugees must unite to survive grotesque creatures and unstable terrain. Samuel and Isabel travel beneath the sinking Highlands searching for Atherton's secret water source. Interesting new locales inside Atherton and the altering lands above present fresh and familiar dangers and (somewhat predictable) discoveries. Answered are the mysteries of Edgar's unconventional roots and the fates of Sir William (Samuel's father) and Dr. Harding (Atherton's creator). With third-person omniscient narration, Rivers of Fire has thought-provoking commentary on social hierarchy and environmental concerns. The action, looming peril, and unique concept make this book. Characterization shifts like the planet. Bookish, curious Samuel continues to test his mettle and daring Isabel shows vulnerability. Orphan Edgar takes on the role of Atherton's caretaker, and evil Lord Phineus becomes a self-sacrificing parent. Readers will root for the perceptive, capable children and sympathize with their frustrations as they face well-meaning and sinister adults alike. The pencil illustrations, opening introduction, and character descriptions refresh and enhance the story. It's important to have read the first book to appreciate and understand this one. Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Voice of Youth Advocates

Atherton is a land in flux after flurry of seismic activity figuratively and literally leveled its three-tiered society in House of Power (Little, Brown, 2007/VOYA April 2007). The elite, learned individuals of the Highlands; the laborers of Tabletop; and the fanged, serpentine Cleaners of the Flatlands now share one domain. Even more worrisome, the Highlands, the source of Atherton's water supply, had slowly begun sinking into the Flatlands. As the planet's resources dwindle and the gnashing of the Cleaners' jaws grows louder, everyone's fate hangs in the balance. In a race against time, Edgar and his friends Isabel and Samuel, along with some unexpected allies, desperately strive to unravel the mysteries of their home as they battle fearsome beasts both large and small. Although not exactly well-written, the first book kept the reader entertained through a clever combination of brief chapters with cliffhanger endings and a fast-paced, engaging story with an ecological and social justice message. This sequel retains the same themes, yet it lacks the punch of its predecessor. Devoid of the elements that made the first book addicting and fun, Carman's clunky and frequently annoying prose glares through. The narrative offers too much explanation to the point of near-condescension to the reader's intelligence. Nothing, from character's facial expressions to their internal dialogue, is spared comment from the third-person narrator. The most egregious faux pas comes from a minor character who has the misfortune to deliver a sappy, hackneyed message before dying a hero. Still readers who loved the first novel may forgive this one's trespasses and keep it circulating.-Angelica Delgado.