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The Kane Chronicles: The Survival Guide
Date: Friday, January 1, 2016
Time: 10:31 PM
Authors: Rick Riordan/ Mary-Jane Knight
Ratings: 4.5/5
Synopsis: Fans of The Kane Chronicles series will adore this gorgeous primer on the people, places, gods and creatures found in Rick Riordan's #1 New York Times Best Selling Series. Boasting lenticulars, an easy-to-assemble trading card pyramid, and full-color diagrams, and maps, this deluxe, lavishly illustrated guide teaches readers how to compile secret messages, read hieroglyphics, and recite ancient magic spells. Featuring enough information and extras to satisfy avid follower and budding Egyptologists alike, this guide will cast a spell on readers of all ages.
Review: The Survival Guide targets only the younger readers. If you're under the impression that this book includes series associated short stories or anything necessary to the regular book series I think you'll find yourself very disappointed. Whilst the interviews with Sadie and Carter are adorable and being able to read about Egyptian gods and some of their myths as well as the country's history is interesting, the book isn't really necessary or beneficial to the series. What series information is inc look included in this novel is mostly already revealed in the actual novels and in some places it actually contradicts that main series books. For example, in this book Bes is the God of Children whilst in the main series books he's the God of Gnomes. The book relates information offered in The Survival Guide only offers information that's been provided already in the first two books of the series, it does not include anything revealed in The Serpent's Shadow with the exception from Chapter 13.
Since the most offered character wise is character profiles I can't really talk about characterisation though I will note that most character profiles include on touch animated illustrations are actually a bit of surprise, for example Anubis look very little like I pictured him in my head when I was reading the series novels, in this book he looks almost oriental in nationality and he doesn't much resemble the bad boy Sadie always describes. The benefits of this book are not so much in the enhancement of the series because honestly I don't see how it does do that but in the educational value for children who are fans of the series. Parents can use their children's Kane Chronicles related topics. The book includes illustrations, photographs, maps to make the learning experience enjoyable to children.
Overall I'd recommend this book to parents who have children that are fans of The Kane Chronicles series because the way the book makes learning fun is always a benefit to parents seeking to better educate their children.Labels: Book Companion, Egyptian Mythology, Mary-Jane Knight, Rick Riordan, The Kane Chronicles, The Kane Chronicles: The Survival Guide
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The Kane Chronicles: The Serpent's Shadow
Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Time: 10:35 PM
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 4.5/5
Synopsis: When young magicians Carter and Sadie Kane learned how to follow the path of the ancient Egyptian gods, they knew they would have to play an important role in restoring Ma'at - order - to the world. What they didn't know is how chaotic the world would become. The Chaos snake Apophis is loose and threatening to destroy the earth in three days' time. The magicians are divided. The gods are disappearing, and those that remain are weak. One of Carter and Sadie's most gifted initiates, is doomed and can already feel his life force ebbing. Zia is too busy babysitting the senile sun god, Ra, to be of much help. What are a couple of teenagers and a handful of young trainees to do?
There is, possibly, one way to stop Apophis, but it is so difficult that it might cost Carter and Sadie their lives, if it even works at all. It involves trusting the ghost of a psychotic magician not to betray them, or worse, kill them, They'd have to be crazy to try. Well, call them, crazy.
Review: Because I didn't enjoy the first two books (The Red Pyramid and The Throne of Fire), I tried to put off reading the third and final book in the series. Until curiosity won me over and I picked up the book... and didn't put it down until I was halfway through the book and I can barely keep my eyes open.
Oh my. It is too good. I wanted to bring the book everywhere with me just so I can continue reading. The only downside to my reading The Serpent's Shadow too late was that I already forgot alot of what occurred in the first two books.
The Serpent's Shadow had alot of witty banter that made me chortle. I really appreciated the infusion of humour, which made the story engaging and easy to read. Looking back, the two previous books were also laden with humour, but this is the first time I really enjoyed a book in the Kane Chronicles.
The book was chock-filled with the fun adventures (fun for us readers but maybe not so much for them?) and really interesting battles. Carter and Sadie each had their own equal time in the spotlight and chance at romance, which slightly baffled me. Aren't they just fourteen and fifteen, and yet they're already kissing and having boyfriends? Or maybe that's how teens are nowadays.
It's not because I am more partial to female heroes, but I liked Sadie more than I did Carter. Sadie seemed so capable, strong and braver. She wasn't the type to quake in her boots when faced with something truly horrendous. Furthermore, she wasn't so easily tempted and swayed by Isis and Setne. And she's younger than Carter, to boot. Carter just seemed like a wimp and quite a bit of scaredy-cat, if not for Horus' help. I can't help but compare him to other teen heroes at his age (Hello, Harry Potter?) but maybe they're supposed to be anti-hero kind of hero.
You've got your familiar motley of characters that helped bring life to The Serpent's Shadow, such as the adorable Speedo-wearing Bes and the hot kitty momma Bast. The House of Brooklyn's anklebiters were a cute addition and added to the awww factor of the story. Of course, Walt and Anubis were also there and their feelings for Sadie was just really adorable. Although the resolution to Walt's dilemma and Anubis' love (?) for Sadie did not sit well with me, perhaps because I can't see it happening in real life, no matter how awesome it would be to have a guy as hot as that love you.
Zia, of course was also there. Her role in the story finally came to light, and her entombment was explained, satisfactorily. How old is she? I thought she was older than Carter, and I was actually surprised she liked Carter, too. There was no hint that she also had feelings for Carter, only her shabti did.
Apophis was a proper right bad-ass villain. He was a destroyer of everything, a divider of allies, poisoner of thoughts, and had enough charm (or magic) to sway you to sympathize for him if you weren't on your guard. Although he wasn't as crazy as evil as the other villains in literature, he was still impressive and very hateable - and the evil degree was just right for a YA book. Good job, Rick!
I am actually a bit sad that The Serpent's Shadow is the last book in the Kane Chronicles, and too bad I liked the series at the end only. Reading about the Egyptian gods and goddesses was refreshing since there is quite a proliferation of fiction about Greek gods and goddesses.Labels: Egyptian Mythology, Rick Riordan, The Kane Chronicles, The Serpent's Shadow, Young Adult
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The Kane Chronicles: The Throne of Fire
Date:
Time: 8:05 PM
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis: Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House which has become a training ground for young magicians.
And now their most threatening enemy - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.
To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.
First they have to search for the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did it mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?
Review: Well... as I previously mentioned in my review of the first book, The Red Pyramid, I just wasn't a fan of the manner of story-telling in the book. For those who haven't taken a peek at the Kane Chronicles yet, the story is basically told by the two siblings, Sadie and Carter Kane, in which the book is the transcription of their recorded version of events. This manner is carried on until the second book. However, I realised it's not just the manner of story-telling that fails to arouse my interest. The plot is fine, the story-telling can grow on you, so what's missing?
I would suppose it's the story itself as the book just lacks that "chemistry" that could make it into a spectacular best-seller. I must admit, I had high hopes for this book. I thought that like the Percy Jackson series, the book would actually improve. But for me, it didn't. I just felt like the story was taking forever, especially the part about Zia. If Rick Riordan finally revealed in Book 2 what Zia's real purpose was, I think I'd be more excited about Book 3. A teaser would be nice, yes? But there's no teaser, no hint of what's to come.
But yes, I actually finished the book because I thought Zia's purpose in the story would finally be revealed. I ended the book feeling frustrated and a little guilty that my boyfriend spent money for this book.
If you didn't enjoy the first book, then I suggest you do NOT get this second book or purchse it second-hand or borrow a copy from a friend before deciding to get a copy of your own. If however, you did enjoy the first book, then go ahead and give it a go.Labels: Egyptian Mythology, Rick Riordan, The Kane Chronicles, The Throne Of Fire, Young Adult
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The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid
Date:
Time: 7:24 PM
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis: Since their mother's death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. Whilst 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.
Review: As you can see, I only gave it a four because I did not enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed The Percy Jackson series and The Heroes of Olympus series. But still, the plot was good, interesting, and it actually started a desire in me to start reading up on Egypt mythology. Although the term "mythology" seems to be a misnomer because the book presented the Egyptian gods and goddesses to be very believable. The story revolves around the Kane Siblings, Carter and Sadie, who apparently are descendants of two families of pharaohs in ancient Egypt. They are the first to be born with two pharaoh bloodlines and it makes them very powerful and highly capable of hosting Egyptian gods or goddesses.
However, they remain unaware of this until they see their father make a spell that turns bad, this making the Rosetta Stone explode (yes, the one with hieroglyphics) and the siblings are suddenly whirled into a new world of chaos. Apparently, at the same time that the Rosetta Stone cracked, their father mistakenly released all the five children of Nut (the goddess of the sky in Egypt lore). Set, a very powerful and power-hungry child, started building a "red pyramid" to gain tremendous power and wipe out the earth, The two children set out to destroy Set and when the time for his destruction arrives, Sadie realises that he is not their enemy.
So who is?
Well go buy or borrow a book because I won't tell you.
Sounds all very exciting right? Actually, the plot is okay and intriguing. I like the fact that it's about Egyptian gods this time and frankly, I haven't read much about them so I am now very intrigued. That's one of the things I love about reading good books - they open your eyes to new ideas, they get you intrigued with new books, and they add to your knowledge bank. Whilst the Red Pyramid was quite instructive about the gods and goddesses, I found myself not accepting them as true and felt the desire to know the truth build up inside me. It's not that I don't trust Riordan's knowledge or research, it's more about the fact that the book is fiction.
I only gave four for this book because of the way the book was written. It was written through two viewpoints: Carter and Sadie's. I am not a huge fan of reading chapter titles, I just go straight to reading the story so there were alot of times when I'd suddenly get confused as to who's telling the story.
Furthermore, there were alot of inserts/comments by the other character that I felt was unnecessary and distracted me from the main story. For example, if Carter was narrating the story, there would be comments by Sadie inserted in the story line which annoyed me after some time. I mean, I just wanted to know what's going to happen next! But the inserts, they keep getting in the way.
However, I suppose that is Riordan's style of reinstating his slightly humorous approach to story-telling. Telling a story about ward and slightly-heavy story drama do need to be light, especially for young readers. He just remained true to his style but this reader just did not find the format to her taste. Others may have enjoyed it but I did not.
Another thing I didn't like about the book was because I found myself a little bored, almost to the point of just giving up on the book right from the start. However, I persisted and found that after a couple of chapters, the story becomes more interesting. I can't say that I was hooked but I did finish the book was too long and the story was getting kind of lagging but in the end, the story turned out to be quite satisfying.
Do I recommend this? I am on the brink of saying no but at the same time, the story might be completely captivating for others. Furthermore, the ancient Egyptian gods suddenly started to become more interesting for me and I like that the book was written well enough to inspire that. I suggest you borrow the book instead or read up on more reviews before you make up your mind.Labels: Egyptian Mythology, Rick Riordan, The Kane Chronicles, The Red Pyramid, Young Adult
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The Kane Chronicles: The Survival Guide
Authors: Rick Riordan/ Mary-Jane Knight
Ratings: 4.5/5
Synopsis: Fans of The Kane Chronicles series will adore this gorgeous primer on the people, places, gods and creatures found in Rick Riordan's #1 New York Times Best Selling Series. Boasting lenticulars, an easy-to-assemble trading card pyramid, and full-color diagrams, and maps, this deluxe, lavishly illustrated guide teaches readers how to compile secret messages, read hieroglyphics, and recite ancient magic spells. Featuring enough information and extras to satisfy avid follower and budding Egyptologists alike, this guide will cast a spell on readers of all ages.
Review: The Survival Guide targets only the younger readers. If you're under the impression that this book includes series associated short stories or anything necessary to the regular book series I think you'll find yourself very disappointed. Whilst the interviews with Sadie and Carter are adorable and being able to read about Egyptian gods and some of their myths as well as the country's history is interesting, the book isn't really necessary or beneficial to the series. What series information is inc look included in this novel is mostly already revealed in the actual novels and in some places it actually contradicts that main series books. For example, in this book Bes is the God of Children whilst in the main series books he's the God of Gnomes. The book relates information offered in The Survival Guide only offers information that's been provided already in the first two books of the series, it does not include anything revealed in The Serpent's Shadow with the exception from Chapter 13.
Since the most offered character wise is character profiles I can't really talk about characterisation though I will note that most character profiles include on touch animated illustrations are actually a bit of surprise, for example Anubis look very little like I pictured him in my head when I was reading the series novels, in this book he looks almost oriental in nationality and he doesn't much resemble the bad boy Sadie always describes. The benefits of this book are not so much in the enhancement of the series because honestly I don't see how it does do that but in the educational value for children who are fans of the series. Parents can use their children's Kane Chronicles related topics. The book includes illustrations, photographs, maps to make the learning experience enjoyable to children.
Overall I'd recommend this book to parents who have children that are fans of The Kane Chronicles series because the way the book makes learning fun is always a benefit to parents seeking to better educate their children.Labels: Book Companion, Egyptian Mythology, Mary-Jane Knight, Rick Riordan, The Kane Chronicles, The Kane Chronicles: The Survival Guide
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The Kane Chronicles: The Serpent's Shadow
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 4.5/5
Synopsis: When young magicians Carter and Sadie Kane learned how to follow the path of the ancient Egyptian gods, they knew they would have to play an important role in restoring Ma'at - order - to the world. What they didn't know is how chaotic the world would become. The Chaos snake Apophis is loose and threatening to destroy the earth in three days' time. The magicians are divided. The gods are disappearing, and those that remain are weak. One of Carter and Sadie's most gifted initiates, is doomed and can already feel his life force ebbing. Zia is too busy babysitting the senile sun god, Ra, to be of much help. What are a couple of teenagers and a handful of young trainees to do?
There is, possibly, one way to stop Apophis, but it is so difficult that it might cost Carter and Sadie their lives, if it even works at all. It involves trusting the ghost of a psychotic magician not to betray them, or worse, kill them, They'd have to be crazy to try. Well, call them, crazy.
Review: Because I didn't enjoy the first two books (The Red Pyramid and The Throne of Fire), I tried to put off reading the third and final book in the series. Until curiosity won me over and I picked up the book... and didn't put it down until I was halfway through the book and I can barely keep my eyes open.
Oh my. It is too good. I wanted to bring the book everywhere with me just so I can continue reading. The only downside to my reading The Serpent's Shadow too late was that I already forgot alot of what occurred in the first two books.
The Serpent's Shadow had alot of witty banter that made me chortle. I really appreciated the infusion of humour, which made the story engaging and easy to read. Looking back, the two previous books were also laden with humour, but this is the first time I really enjoyed a book in the Kane Chronicles.
The book was chock-filled with the fun adventures (fun for us readers but maybe not so much for them?) and really interesting battles. Carter and Sadie each had their own equal time in the spotlight and chance at romance, which slightly baffled me. Aren't they just fourteen and fifteen, and yet they're already kissing and having boyfriends? Or maybe that's how teens are nowadays.
It's not because I am more partial to female heroes, but I liked Sadie more than I did Carter. Sadie seemed so capable, strong and braver. She wasn't the type to quake in her boots when faced with something truly horrendous. Furthermore, she wasn't so easily tempted and swayed by Isis and Setne. And she's younger than Carter, to boot. Carter just seemed like a wimp and quite a bit of scaredy-cat, if not for Horus' help. I can't help but compare him to other teen heroes at his age (Hello, Harry Potter?) but maybe they're supposed to be anti-hero kind of hero.
You've got your familiar motley of characters that helped bring life to The Serpent's Shadow, such as the adorable Speedo-wearing Bes and the hot kitty momma Bast. The House of Brooklyn's anklebiters were a cute addition and added to the awww factor of the story. Of course, Walt and Anubis were also there and their feelings for Sadie was just really adorable. Although the resolution to Walt's dilemma and Anubis' love (?) for Sadie did not sit well with me, perhaps because I can't see it happening in real life, no matter how awesome it would be to have a guy as hot as that love you.
Zia, of course was also there. Her role in the story finally came to light, and her entombment was explained, satisfactorily. How old is she? I thought she was older than Carter, and I was actually surprised she liked Carter, too. There was no hint that she also had feelings for Carter, only her shabti did.
Apophis was a proper right bad-ass villain. He was a destroyer of everything, a divider of allies, poisoner of thoughts, and had enough charm (or magic) to sway you to sympathize for him if you weren't on your guard. Although he wasn't as crazy as evil as the other villains in literature, he was still impressive and very hateable - and the evil degree was just right for a YA book. Good job, Rick!
I am actually a bit sad that The Serpent's Shadow is the last book in the Kane Chronicles, and too bad I liked the series at the end only. Reading about the Egyptian gods and goddesses was refreshing since there is quite a proliferation of fiction about Greek gods and goddesses.Labels: Egyptian Mythology, Rick Riordan, The Kane Chronicles, The Serpent's Shadow, Young Adult
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The Kane Chronicles: The Throne of Fire
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis: Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House which has become a training ground for young magicians.
And now their most threatening enemy - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.
To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.
First they have to search for the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did it mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?
Review: Well... as I previously mentioned in my review of the first book, The Red Pyramid, I just wasn't a fan of the manner of story-telling in the book. For those who haven't taken a peek at the Kane Chronicles yet, the story is basically told by the two siblings, Sadie and Carter Kane, in which the book is the transcription of their recorded version of events. This manner is carried on until the second book. However, I realised it's not just the manner of story-telling that fails to arouse my interest. The plot is fine, the story-telling can grow on you, so what's missing?
I would suppose it's the story itself as the book just lacks that "chemistry" that could make it into a spectacular best-seller. I must admit, I had high hopes for this book. I thought that like the Percy Jackson series, the book would actually improve. But for me, it didn't. I just felt like the story was taking forever, especially the part about Zia. If Rick Riordan finally revealed in Book 2 what Zia's real purpose was, I think I'd be more excited about Book 3. A teaser would be nice, yes? But there's no teaser, no hint of what's to come.
But yes, I actually finished the book because I thought Zia's purpose in the story would finally be revealed. I ended the book feeling frustrated and a little guilty that my boyfriend spent money for this book.
If you didn't enjoy the first book, then I suggest you do NOT get this second book or purchse it second-hand or borrow a copy from a friend before deciding to get a copy of your own. If however, you did enjoy the first book, then go ahead and give it a go.Labels: Egyptian Mythology, Rick Riordan, The Kane Chronicles, The Throne Of Fire, Young Adult
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The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis: Since their mother's death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. Whilst 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.
Review: As you can see, I only gave it a four because I did not enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed The Percy Jackson series and The Heroes of Olympus series. But still, the plot was good, interesting, and it actually started a desire in me to start reading up on Egypt mythology. Although the term "mythology" seems to be a misnomer because the book presented the Egyptian gods and goddesses to be very believable. The story revolves around the Kane Siblings, Carter and Sadie, who apparently are descendants of two families of pharaohs in ancient Egypt. They are the first to be born with two pharaoh bloodlines and it makes them very powerful and highly capable of hosting Egyptian gods or goddesses.
However, they remain unaware of this until they see their father make a spell that turns bad, this making the Rosetta Stone explode (yes, the one with hieroglyphics) and the siblings are suddenly whirled into a new world of chaos. Apparently, at the same time that the Rosetta Stone cracked, their father mistakenly released all the five children of Nut (the goddess of the sky in Egypt lore). Set, a very powerful and power-hungry child, started building a "red pyramid" to gain tremendous power and wipe out the earth, The two children set out to destroy Set and when the time for his destruction arrives, Sadie realises that he is not their enemy.
So who is?
Well go buy or borrow a book because I won't tell you.
Sounds all very exciting right? Actually, the plot is okay and intriguing. I like the fact that it's about Egyptian gods this time and frankly, I haven't read much about them so I am now very intrigued. That's one of the things I love about reading good books - they open your eyes to new ideas, they get you intrigued with new books, and they add to your knowledge bank. Whilst the Red Pyramid was quite instructive about the gods and goddesses, I found myself not accepting them as true and felt the desire to know the truth build up inside me. It's not that I don't trust Riordan's knowledge or research, it's more about the fact that the book is fiction.
I only gave four for this book because of the way the book was written. It was written through two viewpoints: Carter and Sadie's. I am not a huge fan of reading chapter titles, I just go straight to reading the story so there were alot of times when I'd suddenly get confused as to who's telling the story.
Furthermore, there were alot of inserts/comments by the other character that I felt was unnecessary and distracted me from the main story. For example, if Carter was narrating the story, there would be comments by Sadie inserted in the story line which annoyed me after some time. I mean, I just wanted to know what's going to happen next! But the inserts, they keep getting in the way.
However, I suppose that is Riordan's style of reinstating his slightly humorous approach to story-telling. Telling a story about ward and slightly-heavy story drama do need to be light, especially for young readers. He just remained true to his style but this reader just did not find the format to her taste. Others may have enjoyed it but I did not.
Another thing I didn't like about the book was because I found myself a little bored, almost to the point of just giving up on the book right from the start. However, I persisted and found that after a couple of chapters, the story becomes more interesting. I can't say that I was hooked but I did finish the book was too long and the story was getting kind of lagging but in the end, the story turned out to be quite satisfying.
Do I recommend this? I am on the brink of saying no but at the same time, the story might be completely captivating for others. Furthermore, the ancient Egyptian gods suddenly started to become more interesting for me and I like that the book was written well enough to inspire that. I suggest you borrow the book instead or read up on more reviews before you make up your mind.Labels: Egyptian Mythology, Rick Riordan, The Kane Chronicles, The Red Pyramid, Young Adult
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