THE STAFF OF SERAPIS by Rick Riordan

Annabeth Chase (Percy Jackson series) fights a two-headed monster on the subway and meets Sadie Kane (Kane Chronicles series). The two girls have to join forces - Greek demigod and Egyptian magician together - against Serapis, the god of Alexandria, Egypt in order to save the world.

This was excellent - laugh-out-loud funny at times! Right now you can only read this story in the back of the paperback edition of The Mark of Athena but an ebook version (pictured above) will be available later this month (with a preview of The Blood of Olympus). Riordan did this last year, putting a short story at the back of the paperback edition of the Serpent's Shadow. In "The Son of Sobek," Percy Jackson and Carter Kane meet up and deal with a monster together, too. "The Staff of Serapis" seems to be setting up some future adventure with these same characters working together. I don't know if that would be a full novel or just more short stories, but either way, I am on board for whatever comes of these combinations. The characters are even better together than they are in their own stories - and I love them in their own stories!

4 out of 5 stars

FRIDAY: The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

Summary: Carter and Sadie and their trainees are gearing up to face Apophis, the great snake of Chaos. They have a crazy plan that just might work - they just have to trust a lying, murderous ghost, avoid elite magicians trying to kill them, and get the testy Egyptian gods to rally and fight with them. What could possibly go wrong?

Review:  I thought this was a very satisfying ending to the Kane's journey - at least so far. Even though the main story line is wrapped up nicely, there are threads left open in case Riordan wants to revisit these characters/this story in the future. Lots of story, energy and adventure packed into the pages. Nice development of the characters of Zia and Walt. There were pieces of this story that really stuck with me; my son and I are listening to the audio book of The Throne of Fire, and I keep thinking about what is to come, and looking forward to hearing the end of the trilogy again.

AR level: 4.8
4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for: Fans of the series, kids 10 and up who are looking for books full of action

Cautions: Story line is based on Egyptian mythology. Some readers may not care for a story with Egyptian gods and demons.

TUESDAY: Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

Summary

Second chapter of the Kane Chronicles series. Carter and Sadie are back, along with some new magicians, to continue their quest to wake Ra, the sun god in order to battle Apophis. Carter and Sadie must travel around the world to find the three pieces of the Book of Ra to complete the spell - and they have to find Ra, too! They only have a few short days to pull everything together while avoiding those who would rather see the Kanes dead than see them succeed.

Review

Great story. Plenty of action which keeps the reader turning pages. Lots of interesting characters. A new god, Bes, was a key factor in the scene that left me laughing out loud in a quiet, but public setting. I just couldn't help myself! I love the fact that Carter and Sadie take turns telling the story. It gives the reader a chance to know the two characters and see how their relationship is developing (Carter and Sadie are brother and sister, but they weren't raised together) and more insights into each one's experiences. It also allows the characters to have separate adventures. [Personally, I have enjoyed the Percy Jackson/Lost Hero series more than I have this one, but this one is also enjoyable.]

4 out of 5 stars

AR level of 4.8

Recommended for: tween readers, fans of Riordan's other books, teachers looking for an example of voice (since there are two narrators).

Cautions: The magic and spell-casting components might be a caution for some readers/families who are avoiding books like Harry Potter for those reasons. 

Waiting on WEDNESDAY: May New Releases (part 2)

 New offerings for younger readers (and the grown ups who love them) due this month. These two are highly anticipated at our house. I know my nieces would also enjoy Ella Bella Ballerina and Swan lake. (the picture link for that just wouldn't work for me!)