Parents' Guide to The Lost Code: The Atlanteans, Book 1

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Common Sense Media Review

Michael Berry By Michael Berry , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Post-apocalyptic adventure takes a while to hit stride.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

THE LOST CODE: THE ATLANTEANS, BOOK 1 begins with main character Owen Parker nearly drowning in the lake at Camp Eden, the artifical habitat that protects the camp's inhabitants from the ecological disasters that rage outside. Rescued by counselor-in-training Lilly Ishani, Owen soon discovers that he's undergoing a physical metamorphosis that will put him in touch with a legacy from thousands of years ago.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

The Lost Code starts with a gripping moment of jeopardy, but the plot then stalls for nearly half the book, spending too much time with summer camp shenanigans. Eventually the narrative hits its stride, but even then, some readers will feel they're a step or two ahead of the characters.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how global climate change might affect future living conditions in the United States. How does the media typically depict stories involving climate change?

  • How do people react when they discover that those in authority aren't telling them the truth?

  • Why do you think concepts like the lost land of Atlantis and a "Golden Age" remain so popular across centuries of literature?

Book Details

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