Atherton: The House of Power
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founder | Patrick Carman |
| Products | Dystopian novel |
Atherton: The House of Power is a dystopian novel authored by Patrick Carman, set on Atherton—an artificial planet engineered by the gifted child scientist Dr. Harding to serve as a sanctuary from Earth's critical pollution and overpopulation issues. Individuals relocated to Atherton have their memories of Earth completely erased. Drawing inspiration from classics such as Frankenstein and The Turn of the Screw, this book initiates a trilogy.
Atherton geography and society
The structure of Atherton's community is deeply influenced by its distinctive physical layout. Unlike conventional planets, Atherton is shaped like a multi-layered elongated cake consisting of three distinct strata: the Flatlands, Tabletop, and the Highlands.
At the base lies the Flatlands, a desolate zone functioning as the planet’s waste management area. This layer’s refuse is broken down by Cleaners—large centipede-like creatures—and its mass is responsible for generating Atherton’s gravity and maintaining its orbit.
Above the Flatlands is Tabletop, the most densely inhabited middle tier, where common folk reside across three villages: Sheep, Rabbits, and the Grove (Edgar’s home). Inhabitants here pay taxes to the Highlands in the form of figs, sheep, and rabbits, which are transported using pulley buckets. In return, Lord Phineus ensures that Tabletop receives a steady water supply.
The uppermost level, known as the Highlands, represents Atherton’s elite class and centers around the House of Power—a fortress surrounded by verdant courtyards. The planet’s governance operates as a monarchy led by a Lord, supported by Knights who oversee an elite military force that maintains authority over Tabletop. The Lord controls three waterfalls providing water to Tabletop; withholding this essential resource serves as a means to quell rebellion, effectively rendering Atherton a dictatorship.
Characters
- Edgar – an orphan living on Tabletop who works within the Grove. He enjoys scaling the cliffs of the Highlands, where he uncovers a book that propels him into an adventure revealing Atherton’s hidden truths and an imminent threat.
- Samuel – a resident of the Highlands who becomes Edgar’s ally. His father was a Knight in the House of Power who allegedly fell from a cliff; however, clues imply foul play.
- Isabel – Edgar's companion and influential leader in the Grove who spearheads resistance efforts against Highland rule.
- Mr. Ratikan – proprietor of the Grove responsible for managing fig harvesting to meet Highlands’ tax demands. He is strict with laborers and secretly collaborates with Lord Phineas on a perilous scheme.
- Lord Phineas – despotic ruler of Atherton who enforces his policies through his council members Sir Emerick and Sir Philip. He conspires with Mr. Ratikan to consolidate his authority.
- Dr. Kincaid – living covertly in the Flatlands to observe events on Atherton. A former associate of Dr. Harding, he now opposes Harding’s increasingly unstable scientific ambitions.
- Dr. Harding – creator of Atherton; once a prodigious child genius who descended into madness during his experiments, potentially developing delusions of grandeur.
- Sir Emerik – personal guard to Lord Phineas with aspirations toward kingship.
- Vincent – dwells in the Flatlands alongside Dr. Kincaid; acts as protector and eliminates Cleaners.
- Maude – spouse of Briney.
- Briney – runs an inn located in the village of Rabbits.
- Sir Phillip – guard serving under Lord Phineas.
- Charles – father of Isabel.
- Wallace – farmer in Sheep village.
- Horace – guard stationed at The House of Power.
Sequels
The story continues with two additional installments: Atherton: Rivers of Fire and Atherton: The Dark Planet.
Reception
The book’s pacing received commendation from the School Library Journal, while Publishers Weekly described it as "a smooth and engaging blend of fantasy and mystery."