I suppose since it’s against aliens it doesn’t count, huh? There’s also the attempt at the united world government at the end. And what’s really ironic is that this attempt at preaching world peace is going on as the humans of this novel are about to go to war. The one thing that I really didn’t like about this book is Christopher’s pretentious introduction, as well as all the “is the world worth saving if humans are just going to kill each other again?” talk. In fact, compared to those three, sometimes Will is a bit exasperating. In many ways, it is the other characters who shine more so than Will: Beanpole, with his work in bringing back ancient knowledge (like electricity and hot air balloons!), Henry, with a moment in the book that I still clearly remembered even though it’s been years since I last read this book, and one other, who I won’t say because it is a spoiler. I also really enjoy Will as the not-always-capable, brash, not-particularly-heroic hero. I actually enjoy it a lot, though I find it needlessly complicated at times, but it’s a nice breath of fresh air from all the present tense, flowery and trying to be poetic writing out there. I realized while reading The Pool of Fire that Christopher’s writing style is probably not for everyone.

The entirety of this book details the fight against the Masters (not the Tripods, as the back cover leads you to believe-they only show up once or twice) and what the humans must do before they can infiltrate the cities to destroy them. Rating: 3/5 The Pool of Fire takes place almost right where The City of Gold and Lead left off, after Will comes back from the aforementioned city with the knowledge he gleaned about the Masters. And with the Masters’ plan to destroy Earth completely, Will may have just started the war that will end it all.

Will enters the battle with confidence, but it might not be enough to fight against the Tripods. Although Will and his friends have planned everything down to the minute, the Masters still have surprises in store. He has discovered the source of their power, and with this new knowledge, Will and his friends plan to return to the City of Gold and Lead to take down the Masters once and for all. After being held captive in the city of Gold and Lead-the capital, where the creatures that control the mechanical, monstrous Tripods live-Will believes that he’s learned everything he needs to know to story them. It is the sequel to The City of Gold and Lead. The Pool of Fire, by John Christopher, was published in 1968 by Aladdin.

The Pool of Fire by John Christopher