Reading Rain-bow: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

You all know I'm a big fan of the Percy Jackson series, yes? (If not, go here for the rec!) I finished the last book while en route to Africa, and it was a perfect ending to the series - loved it. I also watched the movie ("The Lightning Thief") on the plane - and loved that too!

Okay, moving on to today's topic... Since I enjoyed the Percy Jackson series so much, I thought I'd give Rick Riordan's new book The Red Pyramid a try.




Synopsis from Goodreads:

Since their mother’s death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them--Set--has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe--a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family, and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs

Just like with the Percy Jackson series, The Red Pyramid (or the Kane Series) is rooted in mythology. But, this time it's Egyptian mythology - which was great fun for me, as I'm kind of clueless when it comes to that. (I should mention that I've read a goodreads review that goes OFF on Riordan's lack of knowledge on Egyptian Mythology, so perhaps don't take the book too seriously.)

I loved the characters in this book. Sadie and Carter, who alternately tell the story, are siblings who don't know each other all that well. In fact, they don't even look like siblings. One of my favorite things about this book is that the main characters are from a mixed-race background. Their mom was white, their dad black. Carter looks like his dad, and Sadie her mom. (And here is where I get a little self-indulgent...) Having kids who look nothing like me (and I often get questioned whether I'm their 'real' mom), I loved reading about a family facing the same kinds of issues. I think Riordan did an excellent job. Also, YAY! for a minority main character in a YA book! Leigh and I often discuss that there are not many, and why... oh, but that's a whole other post.

Okay, back to why I love the characters. Sadie is a total smart-ass and she made me giggle throughout. Her brother is much more serious and reserved, but he begins to loosen up as the book progresses. I like how this book is just as much about their relationship as it is about the action. Seeing the two of them learn from each other, and about one another was a high point for me.

And, the action. Riordan knows how to write action scenes. I love LOVE the crazy creatures, the new and amazing abilities Carter and Sadie have, the scary villains, and the drama. Just like the Percy Jackson series, this book was FUN. I laughed, even cried a little. It's a great summer book! Have you read it yet? Are you planning on it? Let me know what you think!

P.S. I also want to give a shout-out to our friends over at Mystical Lit Lounge! I won one of their fun contests recently and they sent me a big old box of great stuff - including an Eclipse poster. I'm already thinking of creative ways to use it for the Eclipse DVD Release Party. Pin-the-Wig-on-the-Bella perhaps? Thanks ladies!!