3.5 stars Chihiro (15 or 16) has been trained by her famous samurai father and it's all she wants to do/be. She does also spend a lot of time on her ph3.5 stars Chihiro (15 or 16) has been trained by her famous samurai father and it's all she wants to do/be. She does also spend a lot of time on her phone watching vids of her fave samurai hero Tatsuo Nakano, the first woman to ever be accepted and trained at an elite samurai academy. When a village is threatened, the leaders want Chihiro's father to go take care of the matter. However, Chihiro begs to go in his place and her parents reluctantly agree IF she can get someone more experienced to go with her. When Tatsuo Nakano finds out that it is her village that is under attack, she decides to accompany Chihiro. They are a very odd pair. Chihiro is very excitable and loves to watch vids on her phone. Tatsuo is very cynical and often drunk even at the young age of 19.
This was interesting because the setting seems like feudal Japan and yet it has modern day elements like cell phones and internet videos. Somehow the concept work, though. The color palette is well thought out to correspond to the moods and the actions/plot points of the book. CW: violence, grief/loss, drinking, swearing Professionally reviewed for ages 12-18...more
Book 2 in series I hadn't read the first book in the series but that did not lessen my enjoyment of this book at all. Ash has been chosen to be the "ShBook 2 in series I hadn't read the first book in the series but that did not lessen my enjoyment of this book at all. Ash has been chosen to be the "Shadow" to Prince Khufu of Egypt. It is his job to shadow the prince and protect him and ostensibly to help him make smart/responsible choices. Easier said than done. Meanwhile Set, the god of Chaos has teamed up with Apep, a god eating snake to get rid of Ra, the sun god. It is up to Ash, Khufu, and their group of friends to set things right or their will be interminable night and hordes of demons wreaking destruction everywhere!
Give this to your fans of Rick Riordan. Great worldbuilding and characters. CW" violence...more
Rounded up from 3.5 stars. I loved Aru Shah so was very excited to see that Chokshi had written another offering for the Riordan Presents collection, Rounded up from 3.5 stars. I loved Aru Shah so was very excited to see that Chokshi had written another offering for the Riordan Presents collection, this time based on Filipino mythology. For me, this one was not quite as good - but maybe because my expectations were so high. It still has lots to offer and will definitely recommend.
Coarazon can't wait to turn 12 so she can unlock her magic and train to be a babaylan (like a shaman) like her mom and her aunt. An unfortunate accident has taken her parents away but she thinks that with her magic and a special key, she will be able to bring them back. Things go terribly wrong and Corazon needs to set off on a quest with her anito/companion (who provides lots of humor in some of the heavier moments) to try to complete this task. Fast paced, great world-building. Characters felt a bit flat and predictable. Loved the Filipino mythology. The grief and loss were palpable. CW: grief/loss/death of parents...more
Nizhoni is in 7th grade and has started seeing monsters. Unfortunately one of them is her dad's new boss. Things get worse, though, and Nizhoni, her bNizhoni is in 7th grade and has started seeing monsters. Unfortunately one of them is her dad's new boss. Things get worse, though, and Nizhoni, her best friend, and her brother are going to need to figure out a way to travel to the sun, pass a bunch of trials, and get weapons in order to fight ancient monsters that have been set free. This is a great look at Indigenous mythologies that do not get heard often enough. I also love the way that the family members take care of each other espite their differences....more
This Lipan Apache story cleverly combines two different story-lines: Nina and her family are very concerned about her grandma whose health has not beeThis Lipan Apache story cleverly combines two different story-lines: Nina and her family are very concerned about her grandma whose health has not been the best and lives alone on her large property that is about to be hit by a hurricane. Oli is a snake person, a cottonmouth. When his mom kicked him and his siblings out, Oli got lost. After that things continue to go wrong for him as he tries to make a new life. I love the way these two stories eventually come together, the compassionate care/respect for family, and hearing a mythology that I had not heard before. With that said, not all readers are going to be the right fit for this with the blend of magical realism, mythology, and the vacillating points of view....more
Riley is Korean-American and has been adopted into a magically gifted Korean-American family. She has a sister named Hattie who is almost the same ageRiley is Korean-American and has been adopted into a magically gifted Korean-American family. She has a sister named Hattie who is almost the same age and the two get along really well together. Riley wishes she had the healing magic that Hattie has and when they discover a spell that will let Hattie share her gift after her initiation ceremony, they will do whatever it takes. Things go terribly wrong in dramatic fashion. Hattie's life is now being held by an immortal unless Riley can find the last fallen star. I've read enough of the Rick Riordan and RR Presents books now that the plot line is quite predictable - BUT the characters are engaging, the character growth is well suited to the story. I like how the sisters actually care for each other, how the different groups come together and how they overcome obstacles. Recommend...more
This was more like 3.5 stars for me although there were many things to like about it - but not the cliff hanger ending... Zack is a video game playing This was more like 3.5 stars for me although there were many things to like about it - but not the cliff hanger ending... Zack is a video game playing Muslim Chinese-American kid who is very self-conscious about many things. One day a tyrant from Chinese history tries to take over Zack's body but bonds with his gaming headset instead. Demons have taken Zack's mom's body. Now the two of them (and a few others) have ten days to get an ancient artifact from the dragon king, block a demon portal, and save his mom. Much action, adventure, and a little Chinese history ensue. Give to your Percy Jackson and Aru Shah fans.
Things of note: violence/fighting but never gory, Zack admits that he doesn't like girls; he likes boys but there is never any romance, strongest language is the word "pissed"...more
3.5 stars For fans of the Rick Riordan presents series, this one is set in the Dominican Republic and incorporates Spanish language and DR mythology an3.5 stars For fans of the Rick Riordan presents series, this one is set in the Dominican Republic and incorporates Spanish language and DR mythology and history. Pilar is a 12-year-old who lives in Chicago. Her neighborhood is changing a lot due to gentrification. Her family life is also changing now that her older sister is studying at college. One factor that remains unchanged is the family secret: cousin Natasha who vanished 50 years ago in the DR under dictator Trujillo's regime. Pilar finds out that there is someone who may have some info about the disappearance and it whisks her off to the land of Zafa, where her cousin is a prisoner in a magical prison. CW for war crimes, genocide, and violence I appreciated the intertwining of Spanish language into the story but thought there was too much use of "pero" and "pues" in places that didn't make sense - but I say that as a non-fluent and non-native speaker, only someone who has studied it for 3 years....more
A webtoon turned graphic novel. HIghly appealing for those who like the Greek mythology. There is a lot of on=page everything, however, so definitely A webtoon turned graphic novel. HIghly appealing for those who like the Greek mythology. There is a lot of on=page everything, however, so definitely high school (and maybe not even that?) There is drinking, date rape, other sexual situations and references. And yet, it really brings the personalities of the Greek gods and goddesses to life in a modern setting....more
Angrboda is a witch burned by the God Odin. Fleeing to the to a far away forest, she is found by a man, who reveals himself to be Loki. They fall in lAngrboda is a witch burned by the God Odin. Fleeing to the to a far away forest, she is found by a man, who reveals himself to be Loki. They fall in love and have a family together - but unfortunately, Loki is rather fickle... This was a fascinating read based on Norse mythology and delved so much more deeply into Angrboda's story than anything I've ever read/heard before. Very compelling and a great read for those looking for a more challenging book beyond the Percy Jackson series....more
Book 12 This is the final graphic novel in the series about the Greek gods, featuring Dionysos the god of wine and madness. Dionysos is known as the neBook 12 This is the final graphic novel in the series about the Greek gods, featuring Dionysos the god of wine and madness. Dionysos is known as the new god because his origin story is different from all of the other gods. He is also the final god of the twelve Olympians. Includes an Olympians family tree, an author's note, a brief synopsis about Dionysos including symbols, sacred animals, plants, etc., a brief summary about Hestia, a section entitled G(r)eek Notes, discussion questions, a bibliography, and several suggestions for further reading for both younger and older audiences.
My middle school students really enjoy this series....more
Book 2 in series Paola is struggling after coming back from confronting La Llorona. She has fallen out with both of her best friends, her mom has a newBook 2 in series Paola is struggling after coming back from confronting La Llorona. She has fallen out with both of her best friends, her mom has a new (annoying) boyfriend, and she's having nightmares again. When her best friend's abuela gets sick with something the doctors can't cure and her long absent father is calling to her through the nightmares, she sets off to set things right in the ghost world. An epic adventure tied into the mythology of La Llorona and other Mexican-American folklore plus modern day problems that middle grade students will easily be able to relate to and understand....more
Book 5 and conclusion to series Aru, her pandava sisters, Rudy, and Aiden have just 10 days to stop the Sleeper once and for all from getting and usingBook 5 and conclusion to series Aru, her pandava sisters, Rudy, and Aiden have just 10 days to stop the Sleeper once and for all from getting and using the Nectar of Immortality. But Aru, Brynne, and Mini have lost their celestial weapons, Boo is a baby firebird who sleeps most of the time, Aiden is barely talking to Aru, and their sister Kara has betrayed them and is helping the Sleeper. Things seem pretty bleak. Lots of action, adventure, and humor bring this series to a very satisfying conclusion. I particularly liked the dedication where Chokshi wishes that this book makes the reader feel seen, loved and powerful - but barring that that the book makes an excellent spider squisher! This is just an example of the type of humor used throughout the book. I also liked how characters' doubts throughout the series are so authentic. Loved learning more about the early Hindu lore....more
Lore is the last of the Perseus family. Even though it is centuries after the heyday of the Greek gods, they still exist. Every 7 years they fight in Lore is the last of the Perseus family. Even though it is centuries after the heyday of the Greek gods, they still exist. Every 7 years they fight in the "Agon" to gain glory and if someone kills a god, they become that god. Lore has studiously avoided everything to do with these events since her family was murdered when she was little, leaving her an orphan - until she finds Athena bleeding out on her doorstep at the beginning of a new Agon cycle. For Percy Jackson fans at a higher reading level. Interesting characters and world building. Lots of action, adventure, and intrigue. Plus violence. Lots of it. Plus blood. Lots of it. Audiobook was well-done....more
Thoroughly enjoyed this audio about a girl named Aru who lights a mysterious lamp to try to impress 3 kids from school. Bad decision!! It unleashes ThThoroughly enjoyed this audio about a girl named Aru who lights a mysterious lamp to try to impress 3 kids from school. Bad decision!! It unleashes The Sleeper who starts freezing people, including Aru's mom (and the 3 kids from school). However, Aru discovers that she is one of the Pandava sisters, along with Mini - but they only have nine days to find three keys, find magical weapons and stop The Sleeper. Thank goodness they have the help of Bu... a pigeon! Also, Aru spends the entire book in Spiderman (TM) pajamas! Tons of action, adventure, and humor. A fantastic middle grade read. A little violence but not gory, nothing else of concern, LOTS of positive. Highly recommend. Two more books in series....more
It was a little disturbing to read this book about a plague during a world-wide pandemic but Rick Riordan and the author both address that in the foreIt was a little disturbing to read this book about a plague during a world-wide pandemic but Rick Riordan and the author both address that in the foreword and the author's note as this book was written before Covid-19 struck; it just hadn't been published yet. This book speaks to how mythology can be relevant in modern times. It can help one think about being brave or strong when facing danger even if you are scared; there's also a lot about the importance of family and community in a time of crisis. So, despite the difficulty of reading something that hits really close to home, join, Sik and Belet as they fight demons from Mesopotamia to eradicate plague from New York City.
Another highlight of this book is that it features a Muslim protagonist!There is a glossary of Arabic terms in the back matter. Lots of action and adventure and many references throughout the book to the story of Gilgamesh which may cause readers to do additional research in this area....more
Third and final book in the Storm Runner trilogy *I have not read the first two books in the series. My rating might have been higher if I had...
Zane iThird and final book in the Storm Runner trilogy *I have not read the first two books in the series. My rating might have been higher if I had...
Zane is looking forward to being reunited with best friend Brooks and going to Shaman training camp. However the timeline gets pushed up to immediately as there is a crisis: the Mayan gods are missing. It is up to the godborns to find them!
I love that the Mayan gods get press in this series. Zane shows good character development but I would have liked to see more of Brooks. There were a few plot things that confused me but that was probably since I hadn't read the first 2 books. Excellent read for fans of Percy Jackson....more
For those looking for higher level reading material beyond the Percy Jackson series.
Circe is the neglected, overlooked daughter of Helios and Perses. For those looking for higher level reading material beyond the Percy Jackson series.
Circe is the neglected, overlooked daughter of Helios and Perses. She teaches herself the power of witchcraft, which ultimately gets her exiled to the island of Aiaia. It is here where she ultimately meets Odysseus but maybe more importantly where she learns more about her craft, herself, and what love and family truly means to her.
Trigger warning for rape CW: Sex (but not graphic), violence, drinking...more
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