Kara Jacobson's The
Aswan Device, the second entry in the Intra-Earth Chronicles, captivates
readers with its rich mythology, engaging adventure narrative, and profound
explorations of familial bonds. Set against the backdrop of a technologically
complex and enchanted underground world, the story follows two royal sisters,
Adrianne and Sasha, whose journey is laden with conflict, both internal and
external. Sisters Sasha and Adrianne, with their loyal companions—a satellite
and a tiger—have triumphed over the tyrant Tartarus, liberating the underground
city of Mu, which rewards them with a potent nuclear machine meant to revive
civilization on the surface. However, as Tartarus cunningly seizes the machine
and escapes, his sabotage of Mu’s magnetic energy triggers explosive chaos,
ripping open a portal to a parallel reality where he assumes the role of
Earth's savior, leaving the sisters desperate to thwart his ominous plans.
The plot unfolds as the sisters navigate their tumultuous
world, dealing with their father's tyrannical legacy and the crumbling state of
societies above and below the earth's surface. After a catastrophic fallout,
the bond between Adrianne and Sasha—which fluctuates between deep affection and
painful rivalry—plays a pivotal role in their quest to recover the proverbial
nuclear machine, a symbol of hope for their beleaguered people. Their
adventures take them through lush jungles and dangerous cliffs, where they
confront various foes and their insecurities. Adrianne, the fiery
eleven-year-old, channels her defiance into a desire to prove herself worthy of
her heritage. Her fierce nature often drives the sisters into danger,
particularly as they confront their father, Tartarus, whose sinister ambitions
threaten not just their lives but the fate of their world. On the other hand,
Sasha possesses wisdom and empathy, balancing her sister’s impulsive
behavior with calculated thoughtfulness. Kara Jacobson's characters are richly
developed, embodying distinct traits that contribute to the overarching
narrative. Secondary characters, such as the satellite Orbie, provide the humor
that balances the numerous moments of tension, while the young cadets from
Aswan introduce elements of camaraderie to the narrative. The Aswan Device packs much to
entertain readers — atmospheric writing, dazzling dialogues, and rock-solid
characters. This author crafts a tale full of emotions and creates characters
that feel like familiar companions. Fans of Rick Riordan will find delight in
reading this book, and I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.
 Mommys_Boy_6x9.jpg)
.jpg)
 (3).jpg)
.jpg)
