Review: Escape from Atlantis

by Kate O'Hearn

Two cousins are shipwrecked and they can’t find their parents. Things could not get worse. Until they realize that they landed on Atlantis. Yes, that Atlantis. And while they are amazed by the fantastical place and creatures of legend, they realize the true danger has only begun as they slowly begin to uncover the secrets of the island. Will they be able to find a way off the island and back to the rest of their families? Let’s find out!

Read if you like: fantasy, general mythology, hidden lands, mystery and secret plots, found family, family who learns to love each other.

Riley did not want to spend her spring break on a boat with her marine biologist father. Her mom and brother got to stay home, lucky them. To make things worse, her dad and Aunt Mary thought it would be a good idea for her horrible cousin Alfie could come along. Worst spring break ever. Riley is wishing for home until she sees something in the water that looks suspiciously like a mermaid. But before she can convince anyone of what she saw a huge storm overtakes their boat and she finds herself and her cousin washed up on the beach of a seemingly deserted island.

As Riley and Alfie begin to search for help, they meet some very strange individuals. Some are nice to a fault. And some are downright beastly. There are a lot of rules and boundaries on the island. The worst part is no one will give them a straight answer as to why the rules are so important. And where are their parents? How did two kids get to safety and not them? With too many questions and not nearly enough information the duo begins to search for clues and what they find leaves them even more desperate to find their family and get back home.

Escape from Atlantis was a really fun book. The storyline and pacing were great. My big kid and I were in and ready to go from the beginning with no lulls despite there being a lot of “what is happening” and “now what are we going to do” type of situations. While we get some insights to what is happening on Atlantis there is still plenty to unpack and we will be anxiously awaiting the next book.

The characters were well written and believable for tweens. Riley is a little older and wiser and just wants to be heard. Alfie is a little spoiled and bratty and dealing with family changes. On the island, they befriend a boy and his dog, as well as a few other Atlantean residents, and together they learn to work together. With Riley at the lead, they uncover part of the truth about why the many residents of Atlantis are so strictly structured. But there are still so many secrets and places left unexplored. Hopefully, we’ll get more answers in book 2, Return to Atlantis.