The Intra-Earth Chronicles; Book II: The Aswan Device

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.