Condie, Ally. Atlantia. New York: Dutton, 2014. 978-0-525-42644-8. 298p. $18.99. Gr. 9+.

Twin sisters, Rio and Bay, have only ever know the Below, their city of Atlantia that was created after The Divide deep on the ocean floor.  Now, though, they have come of age to make the decision to remain together Below or separate, allowing one sister to go Above.  Rio has dreamed of the Above since she can remember, but after the death of their mother, Rio must reconsider her choice of freedom Above or remaining with her sister Below and hiding her true self.  When Bay chooses the Above, Rio is shattered.  Bay never talked about the Above, so why has she chosen to leave Rio alone Below knowing that she can never fully live below because of her true identity, a Siren.  It is up to Rio to find a way to the Above, which is strictly forbidden, to figure out why Bay left before her true identity is revealed, while also learning to trust her aunt, Maire, a siren, to train her to use her gifts as a Siren and learn about the history of Atlantia and her mother’s murder.  Condie weaves together a wonderful tale of fantasy, familial relationships, sacrifice, and understanding in Atlantia.  Although appearing as a stand-alone novel, Atlantia could easily have a sequel or be a part of a trilogy.

Fantasy    Erin Parkinson, Lincoln JSHS, Ellwood City

I was not a huge fan of the Matched trilogy, but after meeting Ally Condie at ALA this past summer and reading the first three chapters of Atlantia, I was hooked (forgive the pun) on her new novel.  Although portions of the novel were a true reach on the believability scale, Atlantia was an enjoyable novel with interesting aspects for a variety of readers.  Readers who love fantasy easily identify with the “under the sea” city and the idea of a dystopian, apocalyptic divide, while realistic fiction lovers will be drawn into the relationships between Rio and Bay, Rio and Maire, the character of Nevio, the Minister, and the relationship between Rio and True.  Mystery lovers will also enjoy Atlantia as they try to figure out the truth behind Nevio and Rio’s mother’s murder.  Overall, Atlantia is a great addition to any high school collection, and one novel that I wouldn’t mind having a sequel.