Throne of Fire is the second book in the Kane Chronicles series by Rick Riordan. Riordan picks up Egyptian mythology this time and incorporating it with humor, adventure, family, and a dash of romance for good measure. I really enjoyed learning about the Egyptian gods and goddesses, something that I knew very little about before picking up this series. Although I didn't enjoy this series as much as his Percy Jackson series or Heroes of Olympus, which focus more on Greek and Roman mythologies that I'm well versed in, I really did like it.
Description: The gods of Ancient Egyptian are unleashed in our world. Each desiring to have ultimate power and control. Caught in the middle are Carter and Sadie Kane who share a strange connection to the gods. While they may temporarily have saved the world last time, the sakes are even higher now as they must outsmart the House of Life and the gods of chaos in order to complete their worldwide search for an ancient Egyptian book.Who can they trust for help? Who is an ally? Who is a foe?
Review: As you may recall from the first book, The Red Pyramid, the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in our world. Our main characters, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have recently discovered each other and their connection to the gods. The Kane siblings are descendants of the House of Life and have unusual powers, destinies. Like the first book, Sadie and Carter narrate their new adventure with much urgency, warning us that the world is going to end and they need our help.
Throne of Fire starts with a bang with a fire and a theft in the museum. Carter and Sadie, with the help of their trainees adn friends, try to get an ancient artifact from the museum that will help restore order in the world where the god of Chaos is quickly rising to power. If you are new to this series, I would highly suggest that you read The Red Pyramid first. Although Riordian provides a glossary of the Ancient Egyptian deities and a brief recap sprinkled throughout the story, a lot of the character and world is established in the first book. You can read my review of The Red Pyramid here.
Throne of Fire was a quick read for me due to Riordan's excellent pacing. There are plenty of action packed moments in the book along with great character introspection as Carter and Sadie reveal their insecurities and worries to the reader. Though Egyptian mythology is not as familiar as Greek or Roman mythology, I never felt Riordan dumbed things down for me nor were they over my head. I learned as Carter and Sadie learned along the way. Seeing how duplicitous the gods are in the book was also a delight.
I think Riordan connects to a wide range of audience because of his fantastic characters. Carter and Sadie are much more flushed out in Throne of Fire. Their bonds to one another is strengthened. Though they might disagree with each others plan, they are always on the same side. Carter, who seemed to be more serious and kind of bland, opens up more and his complexity begins to show as he reveals his fear of failing the people that he loves. Sadie,who constantly cracks me up with her one liners, is a feisty, smart, and snarky heroine. She can stand on her own two feet and take care of herself yet she too at times is doubtful of her abilities. We are also introduced to two new secondary and important characters, Walt and Jaz, who are important to Carter and Sadie and help move the story along. Throne of Fire, though a bit darker than the first book, is an adventurous roller coaster ride that fans of this series will no doubt love. I look forward to seeing how this exciting series comes to an end with the third and final book.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies, English
Words of Caution: There are some scary, fantasy violence that would be rated PG in the book. Recommended for Grades 4 and up, especially those who are interested in mythology and ancient worlds.
If you like this book try: The Ank of Isis by Christine Norris, Children of the Lamp series by Philip Kerr or The Secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott
Review: As you may recall from the first book, The Red Pyramid, the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in our world. Our main characters, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have recently discovered each other and their connection to the gods. The Kane siblings are descendants of the House of Life and have unusual powers, destinies. Like the first book, Sadie and Carter narrate their new adventure with much urgency, warning us that the world is going to end and they need our help.
Throne of Fire starts with a bang with a fire and a theft in the museum. Carter and Sadie, with the help of their trainees adn friends, try to get an ancient artifact from the museum that will help restore order in the world where the god of Chaos is quickly rising to power. If you are new to this series, I would highly suggest that you read The Red Pyramid first. Although Riordian provides a glossary of the Ancient Egyptian deities and a brief recap sprinkled throughout the story, a lot of the character and world is established in the first book. You can read my review of The Red Pyramid here.
Throne of Fire was a quick read for me due to Riordan's excellent pacing. There are plenty of action packed moments in the book along with great character introspection as Carter and Sadie reveal their insecurities and worries to the reader. Though Egyptian mythology is not as familiar as Greek or Roman mythology, I never felt Riordan dumbed things down for me nor were they over my head. I learned as Carter and Sadie learned along the way. Seeing how duplicitous the gods are in the book was also a delight.
I think Riordan connects to a wide range of audience because of his fantastic characters. Carter and Sadie are much more flushed out in Throne of Fire. Their bonds to one another is strengthened. Though they might disagree with each others plan, they are always on the same side. Carter, who seemed to be more serious and kind of bland, opens up more and his complexity begins to show as he reveals his fear of failing the people that he loves. Sadie,who constantly cracks me up with her one liners, is a feisty, smart, and snarky heroine. She can stand on her own two feet and take care of herself yet she too at times is doubtful of her abilities. We are also introduced to two new secondary and important characters, Walt and Jaz, who are important to Carter and Sadie and help move the story along. Throne of Fire, though a bit darker than the first book, is an adventurous roller coaster ride that fans of this series will no doubt love. I look forward to seeing how this exciting series comes to an end with the third and final book.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies, English
Words of Caution: There are some scary, fantasy violence that would be rated PG in the book. Recommended for Grades 4 and up, especially those who are interested in mythology and ancient worlds.
If you like this book try: The Ank of Isis by Christine Norris, Children of the Lamp series by Philip Kerr or The Secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott
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Which Riordan series would you recommend someone new to Riordan should start with? Percy Jackson or this?
Alison, it really depends on which mythology you like more. Personally, I would start with the Percy Jackson series. They are all available. The Heroes of Olympus is a spin off series.
Oh a 4.5, that means a must read! I haven't read anything by Rick Riordan which is clearly a mistake of epic proportions:) I love that he didn't dumb down a more unfamiliar mythology, there's nothing I hate more than that. I need to start these books sometime soon, lovely review Rummanah!
Rick Riordan is an awesome children writer. I say children because I have never read his grown up book...I am so behind in his books though :-(