The Lost City of Atlantis

Traveling Trunk Adventures #2

by Benjamin Flinders, Nicolaus Serr (Illustrator)

When brothers Ethan and Dallin are transported back to the ancient city of Atlantis, they find that Poseidon’s wrath has been kindled?something of his has been stolen and he will destroy the entire city to get it back. Together the boys seek to unravel the mystery, all while escaping from a three-headed dog and his master, outwitting a corrupt magistrate, and battling a slithering thief from the Underworld. Along the way to discovering what Poseidon seeks?as well as finding a way back home?they also make new friends and work to reunite an enslaved girl with her father. The Traveling Trunk Adventure series follows two brothers who find themselves scattered across history, from the New World to the Great Wall of China. Each chapter book includes an educational component and a daring mix of comedy, peril, and timeless values.

132 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sean Harding]

Written in an engaging story, this second adventure in the series was more disappointing in that it went into the realms of mythology rather than history. There are su many actual historical places they could visit and have their adventures in, and yet here we are in a land of myths. OK but I think this was a costly decision for the series long term.

[Ashley]

Originally reviewed on my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing.

Pirate Treasure and The Lost City of Atlantis are the first two books in the middle grade adventure series, The Traveling Trunk Adventures written by Benjamin Flinders.

In the first book, Pirate Treasure, Ethan and Dallin's father brings them a gift; an old looking chest, said to have previously been owned by pirates. Although confused at first (because pirate chests don't really fit in with their awesome jungle themed bedroom, complete with vines) they open the chest and start to play around a little. When they jump in the chest and close the lid to hide from their little sister, they are amazed, and more than a little scared to open the lid and realize they are no longer in their bedroom, but in what looks like the cabin of a ship.

After their adventures in the first book aboard a real life 18th century pirate ship, the boys manage to unlock the mysteries of the chest and return home. A short time later, they return to the chest and find themselves in the City of Atlantis, listening to men preach in the streets that the city is doomed and will fall any day unless drastic changes are made.

While reading these two books, there were a few moments when I just had to roll my eyes at the unlikeliness of their situations. I found that the adults in these stories were just a little too dumb to be believable and people in both books were a little too willing to help these brothers out. They patiently explained unfamiliar words and phrases, and accepted whatever the boys told them as explanation.

However, these books are designed to be read and enjoyed by young middle grade readers, and I think they were written perfectly for that age group. They are quick reads with eye catching illustrations, and the language is on level with what kids that age would understand and enjoy.

I wasn't exactly sure how I felt about these books immediately after finishing, until I thought about how much I would have loved these books as a kid. I was fascinated by history, and loved the idea of kids being able to go back in time to live through, and maybe alter, history. In 5th grade, when I just knew I was going to be a writer someday, I wrote a little mini-series of (awful) time travel stories and this brought all those memories back.

I would definitely recommend this series to younger kids, whether they are interested in history, like the idea of traveling through time, or just like the idea of an adventure. They might not switch between adults and children as smoothly as other MG books I've come across, but they are perfect for children and would easily be enjoyed by many MG readers, boys and girls alike.

Each book also contains a little bit of historical fact at the end of the chapter. Pirate Treasure includes a pirate glossary. How cool is that?! With this book, on International Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sept. 19) you can totally sound legit!!

[Shawn Remfrey]

Ethan and Dallin once again enter the magical travel trunk, this time finding themselves in ancient Atlantis. I found this book as captivating as the first, Pirate Treasure. The boys are quick thinkers, which is probably the only thing that saves their lives in this book. In comparison with the first book, this one has more adventure and fewer laughs. The humor in this book tends to stretch a bit farther. Instead of just one-liners, we have humorous situations so the laughter lasts a bit longer. The adventure in this book was a little fast-paced even for me! I found myself wondering how they were going to get out of some sticky situations, my heart pounding right along with the boys. This book is a bit more on the disgusting side. There are a few situations where I found myself 'EEEEEEWWWWWWWW'ing out loud. It's right up the alley of a child though and I'm sure they'll love the disgusting snail spewing.

Intended for children ages 8-11, this second book in the Traveling Trunk Adventure series is a definite hit. I look forward to the third book, Excalibur, which is due out in December, hopefully in time for Christmas shopping! For more information on the Traveling Trunk Adventure series, visit Flinders Press.

[Kathy]

The Lost City of Atlantis is book two in the Traveling Trunk Adventure series by Benjamin Flinders. Last month I reviewed book one in the series, Pirate Treasure and finally took the time to sit down and read book two.
See my full review:
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....

[Alenna]

Pretty disappointing after the first book (in my opinion). This one was just a little too weird (with mythical beasts and characters that talked like surfers, etc.), but the kids still kinda liked it.