Ember Weathers is a bookstore owner on the island of Devil’s Island, Maine. She dreams of adventure and escape from her small town. Nothing ever interesting happens to her. That is, except she has an invisible dragon that only she can see. At the start of the novel, a mysterious stranger appears one cold winter night and informs Ember of her legacy. She is destined to help the invisible city of Atlantis return to Earth.
Amy Cip’s Atlantis Rising may be read as a standalone or as the first in a series. The novel is equal parts adventure, fantasy, and coming-of-age story. Ember is a woman who, instead of balking at what she could become, embraces it. She meets the mysterious Shep, the dashing Hawk, and the spunky Paine as she learns more and more about the people of Atlantis and their history. She wrestles a bit with Chosen One syndrome, but in an affirming, “I’ve got this” sort of way. Ember just may be the one to break the spell that keeps Atlantis from view of the rest of the world. Or is there another person who is of equal importance?
This book is filled with a rag-tag list of archetypes: the man of mystery, the rescuer, the sleeping “princess.” This is a compliment because as the reader comes to know each one, the story grows more interesting. As each character takes the stage, usually unexpectedly, they bring a breath of fresh air to the narrative. Once readers think they have a handle on the plot of Atlantis Rising, the story twists into something different.
The novel’s pacing is just right and engages the reader along. The writing is descriptive and humorous when the narrative calls for it. Yes, the ending could’ve benefited from a POV switch to read the comeuppance of a character or two. The novel’s lighthearted journey ends too quickly—that’s praise not a criticism. The finale has spectacular imagery and fulfills the promise of the narrative.Atlantis Rising is an thrilling, entertaining ride of a novel with sympathetic characters and unexpected twists.