Summer Reads: Book Nine {The Serpent's Shadow}

I have loved all of Rick Riordan's books so far. Some more than others for sure, but every one is full of adventure and his amazing imagination. The Percy Jackson novels were fun, but with the Kane Chronicles he has really hit his stride. As a historian (and a self-proclaimed geek) these books are just fantastic. The Serpent's Shadow is no different.

In this third and final installment of the Kane Chronicles, Riordan closes off his tale of Sadie and Carter Kane's race and ultimate battle against Aphosis - the serpent of chaos. Aphosis is threatening to send the earth into eternal darkness and it is up to the Kanes and their host of Egyptian magicians to stop him and, hopefully, destroy him forever.

Unfortunately, the giant chaos-snake isn't all of their problems. The magicians in the House of Life are on the brink of a Civil War of their own. The Gods are divided. And the young magicians basically are standing alone against everyone and everything trying to destroy the world we know and love.

Their only hope is an ancient spell that can turn Aphosis's shadow into a weapon to be used against him. The only problem with that is it has been lost for over a thousand years. The Kanes must, then, set off on a dangerous and deadly adventure into the Duat (and beyond) to find the salvation of the world.

I adored this book. What a thrilling conclusion to an awesome series. I really appreciated how - though such a similar idea to Percy Jackson - these novels were their own independent series. Riordan's writing is easily engaging and accessible. The book is fast paced and exciting with fun dialogue. You really feel as though you're listening to a bunch of teenagers talking when reading the words on the page. I would recommend this series to anyone interested in a fun and adventurous read.

Author: Rick Riordan

Pages: 406

Date Finished: 18 August 2012

First Line: Sadie Kane here. If you're listening to this, congratulations! You survived Doomsday!

Favorite Line: Knowledge of any value can't be given. It must be sought and earned.

Recommended: Absolutely.