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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
[2.5] I love stories that involve any kind of legend or myth but this one fell a little short of what I feel it could have been. I liked the story enough but the poorly represented disability is a dealbreaker. The internalized ableism of the mc was really overwhelming. Reading how he had to hide his disability to appease gods isn’t a great message for young people. And (spoiler) something about him only accepting his limp as soon as he has a magic cane to fix it kinda rubs me the wrong way. Overall an engaging story, but a lot to be wanted in terms of character development and depth.
My kids really enjoyed me reading this to them! Into
book 2 in the series!
book 2 in the series!
i know this is middle grades but it reads on the young side. zane's habit of repeating back everything was irksome though probably exacerbated by the audiobook. and it definitely made the book drag for me. the story wasnt a bad one just kinda sloppy and immaturely written. but again, maybe thats for the benefit of the young audience? ill recommend it to 8-11 year olds but im not sure id go much higher. some great diversity representation, including a hispanic hero, disability, and mayan mythology. though zane's self-depricating attitude maybe isn't the ideal rep for disability.
We listened to this book together for my 11 yr olds book club. At first I was feeling like these RR Presents books all sound the same but as we got further into it I really enjoyed the story with its action and also emotion.
4.5 stars
So it took me some time to get used to this world, but that could just be me. I'm not as familiar with Mayan mythology, so I had to go more carefully and figure out who everyone was, not to mention that several of the characters appeared to be playing both sides, so it was hard to tell what was going on. Despite the slow start, I ended up really liking this story about Zane and his discovery that the Mayan Gods and Demons are real and he has an important role in the coming battles. About halfway through, it really felt like I was reading one of Rick Riordan's books, except this time it was about Mayan mythology instead of Greek (or Norwegian) mythology. I love that Zane has a physical disability (which becomes important later on) but despite being picked on by the kids at school, he has an awesome friend in his Rosie, his 3-legged dog, and that his favorite past time is to explore the ancient volcano in his own backyard (he's in New Mexico). As he is drawn into his adventure, he learns that the names and pictures in his book about Mayan mythology are not just stories (and not entirely accurate) when he meets the real things, including a shapeshifting friend who could also be a double-agent. Who knows? Either way, I loved learning about this mythology and look forward to learning more in the next books!
So it took me some time to get used to this world, but that could just be me. I'm not as familiar with Mayan mythology, so I had to go more carefully and figure out who everyone was, not to mention that several of the characters appeared to be playing both sides, so it was hard to tell what was going on. Despite the slow start, I ended up really liking this story about Zane and his discovery that the Mayan Gods and Demons are real and he has an important role in the coming battles. About halfway through, it really felt like I was reading one of Rick Riordan's books, except this time it was about Mayan mythology instead of Greek (or Norwegian) mythology. I love that Zane has a physical disability (which becomes important later on) but despite being picked on by the kids at school, he has an awesome friend in his Rosie, his 3-legged dog, and that his favorite past time is to explore the ancient volcano in his own backyard (he's in New Mexico). As he is drawn into his adventure, he learns that the names and pictures in his book about Mayan mythology are not just stories (and not entirely accurate) when he meets the real things, including a shapeshifting friend who could also be a double-agent. Who knows? Either way, I loved learning about this mythology and look forward to learning more in the next books!
A thoroughly enjoyable young adult novel! The plot is enjoyable and embraces a world of magic and myth. There are classic adventure tropes throughout which just make it a comfortable read.
4.5 stars. Enjoyable read. Loved reading about the Mayan Gods. Definitely a middle school read that I think my son would enjoy.
This was great, even though I'm "too old" for it. I enjoyed the myths brought to life, the character development and the action. Looking forward to book 2!
