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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
It was strange timing to read this during a pandemic but I definitely enjoyed it and I had just read the Epic of Gilgamesh so it was cool to know some of that. It makes me feel sophisticated to already know things.
Mir hat die Geschichte sehr gefallen. Ich liebe Götter Geschichten, jede Kultur ist da sehr vielfältig und das gefällt mir.
Spannend und mit einer guten Prise Humor, liest sich das Buch sehr gut. Aber man nimmt auch sehr viel mit. Wie sich Menschen verhalten, was ihnen wichtig ist oder wofür sie kämpfen. es gab sehr viele Herzensmoment, Momente die einen berühren, da sie was trauriges an sich haben.
Ich bin schon auf den nächsten Band gespannt und freue mich drauf diesen zu lesen.
Spannend und mit einer guten Prise Humor, liest sich das Buch sehr gut. Aber man nimmt auch sehr viel mit. Wie sich Menschen verhalten, was ihnen wichtig ist oder wofür sie kämpfen. es gab sehr viele Herzensmoment, Momente die einen berühren, da sie was trauriges an sich haben.
Ich bin schon auf den nächsten Band gespannt und freue mich drauf diesen zu lesen.
My enjoyment of this book is definitely a case of "it's me, not you". Yet again I was enticed by a really cool synopsis, even though I know that the Chosen One trope frequently leaves me more exasperated than entertained. So shame on me. But regardless of my weird tastes, this book really delivers!
The good news is that the actual intended audience for this read will love it! Middle Grade readers will enjoy the snappy dialogue, Sik's witty remarks, and all of the nonstop action. All the things that didn't land with me as a boring adult reader will absolutely hit the mark with all the young readers Chadda aims to educate and entertain.
There are so many things Chadda does really well in this book. The mythology is really cool and he does a great job introducing characters that will be new for most readers in a very approachable way. Even though we don't get to know them as well as we could throughout an entire series, Chadda makes sure that readers take away the specific defining features for each character. AND he accomplishes all of this without being preachy or making it feel forced - introductions are woven into the action sequences in a seamless way that made the story move along really quickly. Fun note: kids will especially love the PG body horror some of these descriptions include! Personally, I enjoyed the cats (you'll see!)
Much like he weaves the myths into his tales, he also incorporates a lot of real world issues just as casually. Characters encounter racism and religious persecution, harmful stereotypes and some of the darker sides of the immigrant experience. These instances are stark and they stand out in Chadda's work, while being written so smoothly. Just like the myths, Chadda makes sure his readers are experiencing and learning as they go along. Nothing feels forced or unrealistic. It never feels like Chadda was writing off of a checklist of hot button issues. He just makes it work and it's really beautifully done.
Same skill level applies to how Chadda writes grief. It's very raw and confusing and can sometimes be combined with other conflicting emotions. I respect the heck out of the fact that he decided to bare all of those truths on the page. It's an unfortunate reality that many kids will relate to that journey, but it's just as important for those who can't to see it played out on the page, too. Added bonus points for not sugar coating anything for child audiences. Elements of Sik's story represent life for so many and I appreciate Chadda not being afraid to serve it up as it is just because his work is for younger audiences.
Aside from the many things that the author does really well, I also just enjoyed the fantastic Muslim and Iranian rep. There is even a bit of queer rep, although very subtle. Chadda crafts some great characters in these pages and I love thinking about how youngsters who don't often get to see themselves positively represented in media will have this epic hero tale to find themselves immersed in.
All in all, definitely a cool mythological adventure exploring relatively uncharted territory. Sassy characters, fast-paced action, and a ton of heart make this a really well-rounded standalone that any young reader would enjoy.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Rick Riordan Presents for a review copy.
The good news is that the actual intended audience for this read will love it! Middle Grade readers will enjoy the snappy dialogue, Sik's witty remarks, and all of the nonstop action. All the things that didn't land with me as a boring adult reader will absolutely hit the mark with all the young readers Chadda aims to educate and entertain.
There are so many things Chadda does really well in this book. The mythology is really cool and he does a great job introducing characters that will be new for most readers in a very approachable way. Even though we don't get to know them as well as we could throughout an entire series, Chadda makes sure that readers take away the specific defining features for each character. AND he accomplishes all of this without being preachy or making it feel forced - introductions are woven into the action sequences in a seamless way that made the story move along really quickly. Fun note: kids will especially love the PG body horror some of these descriptions include! Personally, I enjoyed the cats (you'll see!)
Much like he weaves the myths into his tales, he also incorporates a lot of real world issues just as casually. Characters encounter racism and religious persecution, harmful stereotypes and some of the darker sides of the immigrant experience. These instances are stark and they stand out in Chadda's work, while being written so smoothly. Just like the myths, Chadda makes sure his readers are experiencing and learning as they go along. Nothing feels forced or unrealistic. It never feels like Chadda was writing off of a checklist of hot button issues. He just makes it work and it's really beautifully done.
Same skill level applies to how Chadda writes grief. It's very raw and confusing and can sometimes be combined with other conflicting emotions. I respect the heck out of the fact that he decided to bare all of those truths on the page. It's an unfortunate reality that many kids will relate to that journey, but it's just as important for those who can't to see it played out on the page, too. Added bonus points for not sugar coating anything for child audiences. Elements of Sik's story represent life for so many and I appreciate Chadda not being afraid to serve it up as it is just because his work is for younger audiences.
Aside from the many things that the author does really well, I also just enjoyed the fantastic Muslim and Iranian rep. There is even a bit of queer rep, although very subtle. Chadda crafts some great characters in these pages and I love thinking about how youngsters who don't often get to see themselves positively represented in media will have this epic hero tale to find themselves immersed in.
All in all, definitely a cool mythological adventure exploring relatively uncharted territory. Sassy characters, fast-paced action, and a ton of heart make this a really well-rounded standalone that any young reader would enjoy.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Rick Riordan Presents for a review copy.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars
I really wanted to love this one. It's a story featuring a Muslim boy and Mesopotamian mythology. The former usually does not receive positive media representation often and the latter not talked about often at all. So, naturally, the premise intrigued me and I requested and received this book from netgalley and was unfortunately disappointed. The plot was very tropey and I really didn't connect to the characters at all. Their relationships didn't inspire much feeling on my part and that prevented me from being fully invested. That aside, I do understand I'm not the target audience, hence the higher rating. However, it was easy to get through and could be a fun read for anyone who is interested in these topics and is of the target age range.
I really wanted to love this one. It's a story featuring a Muslim boy and Mesopotamian mythology. The former usually does not receive positive media representation often and the latter not talked about often at all. So, naturally, the premise intrigued me and I requested and received this book from netgalley and was unfortunately disappointed. The plot was very tropey and I really didn't connect to the characters at all. Their relationships didn't inspire much feeling on my part and that prevented me from being fully invested. That aside, I do understand I'm not the target audience, hence the higher rating. However, it was easy to get through and could be a fun read for anyone who is interested in these topics and is of the target age range.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This adventure story based on ancient Mesopotamian mythology takes place in New York City. Sik, a child of Iraqi immigrants, just wants to go to school and help his parents at the deli, but he is fated for a bigger adventure. Weaving in important topics such as being an immigrant in a Western society, this story is both informative and perfect for readers of all ages.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No