The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publication date: May 2012
Length: 11 hrs 23 min
Source: Audiobook from library
For: Fun
Series: Kane Chronicles, Book 3
*Spoilers for the first two books are very likely*
Apophis, the Lord of Chaos, just can't seem to be defeated and Carter and Sadie Kane must go to extreme measures to ensure the survival of the world. But it seems like they may have to do it alone, what with so many other battles going on among the magicians and gods. Can they find a way to defeat Apophis before it's too late?
Things I Liked:
I just love Rick Riordan's smart, twisty, and funny stories and especially the witty dialog. I always find myself entertained from the first to the last when I read (or in this case, listen to) his stories. I love the interaction between the two siblings in this series, since it feels very much like a regular sibling relationship, just with some added godly drama going on. I can't say enough good about the narrators, Katherine Kellgren and Kevin R. Free - their interactions are pitch perfect. I'm super glad I listened to this series, since I think it lends itself very well to the format. A fantastic and entertaining finale to the Kane Chronicles.
Things I Didn't Like:
I think a few times I recall wondering just how perilous things could get. It does stretch the plausibility (not that the premise is intended to be truly plausible), but near the end I began to really raise my eyebrows at some of the stuff that happens. Still, I really was just entertained by this book and series. Highly recommended!
Read-alikes:
Start with The Red Pyramid and The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
Pretty much reads like any other Riordan series
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
some, but not overwhelming
Overall rating: ****
Are you a fan of Riordan's books?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publication date: May 2011
Pages: 464
Source: Audiobook from Library
For: Fun!
Series: Kane Chronicles, Book 2
*Spoilers for The Red Pyramid are inevitable*
Carter and Sadie Kane may have temporarily defeated Apophis, but he's bound to return if they don't find the legendary Book of Ra and use it to help defeat him. With the help of some old friends and new ones as well, the Kanes are determined to keep chaos at bay until Apophis can be contained completely.
Things I Liked:
I always love Riordan's series. He combines perfectly smart stories, real kid characters, and a level of humor that can entertain kids and adults alike. I love how easily he's taken history and mythology and made it fun, interesting, and readable. The books are so clever too - phrasing and humor and everything done so well. Sadie and Carter are so real, particularly the way their narrations seem almost like a sibling fight. Reminds me of myself and my older brother sometimes. I've really been enjoying the audio versions, because the two narrators are so good - they sound just right for the ages and they make great sarcastic inflections too. And Bes! Oh, how I loved Bes. There are many wonderful things that make these series a blast to read or listen to.
Things I Didn't Like:
I always think the stories last just a little too long. I think if they were a bit shorter and maybe cut out one or two side stories/adventures, they would be better. I also thought it was a bit odd that during the exciting ending Carter seemed to do practically nothing and Sadie did everything important. Just some little qualms, though, because they really are so fun - kids will devour them!
Read-alikes:
Read The Red Pyramid first
It's like the Percy Jackson series, of course
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->->
some action, not descriptive or graphic
Overall rating: ****
What do you think of the surge in mythological-based books?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publication date: May 2010
ISBN: 9781423113386
Source: Library
Carter Kane does not lead a normal life by any standard. Traveling with his archeologist father around the world, living from a suitcase, he hasn't stayed in one place long enough to call home since his mother died. His sister Sadie, however, lives with their grandparents in England, leading as normal a life as he could imagine. But, when their father manages to release a deadly enemy and become captured in the process, Sadie and Carter must work together to prevent the enemy from destroying them...and the world.
Things I Liked:
I think this will be a new hit series for tweens and younger teens. The alternating narrations of both Carter and Sadie provide perspective that should appeal to both boys and girls. It has a good combination of humor, action, adventure, and information. The story will keep you on your toes, reading to the end to know what happens, while you unintentionally learn about ancient Egyptian gods and customs. It's something to give your Percy Jackson fans while they wait for The Lost Hero. I personally enjoyed the hilarious chapter headings, in particular this one: "Men Ask for Directions (and Other Signs of the Apocalypse)." Other good parts:
"Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same," Dad said. "Fairness means everyone gets what they need." p67
Papyrus. I remember Dad explaining how the Egyptians made it from a river plant because they never invented paper. The stuff was so thick and rough, it made me wonder if the poor Egyptians had had to use toilet papyrus. If so, no wonder they walked sideways. p 91
Things I Didn't Like:
Some of the plot seemed a little flimsy or maybe just confusing. I wasn't entirely sure what the villain was attempting, nor what they did to stop him. I don't think it was quite as clear as it could have been. It probably won't be as popular as Percy Jackson, maybe because people are generally more familiar with Greek gods than with Egyptian. And this is entirely personal, but I got so tired of Sadie saying "oh my G-d" or just "G-d" over and over and over. I know it's quite a common phrase, but it just kept bugging me how often she would say it.
Read-alikes:
Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
one or two (and the above-mentioned religious exclamations)
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
there is some fighting and some attempts to kill
Overall rating: ****
What do you think of the modernizing of ancient mythology?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
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