Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Lessons I Learnt from Rick Riordan


Last week I read the first two books of the Kane Chronicles written by Rick Riordan: The Red Pyramid and The Throne of Fire. I must admit that the books were a very racy read. I could barely put them down.

 I have read practically all the Percy Jackson books and am a huge fan. I liked the dual point of view of storytelling adopted by the author for the Kane Chronicles Series. The story is told in the form of recordings by the siblings. The brother and sister take turns to narrate the story.

Every alternate chapter is told from the point of view of either the brother Carter or the sister Sadie. To avoid confusion, beside the chapter headline is the name of whoever is telling that part of the story.

Rick has completely dispensed with not just a long winded introduction, but with any introduction. He plunges his readers into the heart of the problem where the siblings’ father, the brilliant Epyptologist Dr Julius Kane blows up the British Musuem.

What the author has given the readers is a ticket to a roller coaster ride. The readers get to know the siblings as the story progresses; just bits and pieces about their life.

Another master stroke adopted by the author is the number of ancient Egyptian Gods who make their entry throughout the books.  The author has added oodles of appeal to all the Gods. What I liked a lot was the author’s complete hatred for long winded explanations about the myths and legends surrounding each and every God. Its literally a case of , “Hi I am Bast, Goddess of  cats and I am here to help you two.”

The author has blended Egyptian myths and history seamlessly into the story, facts have been woven and what has emerged is a tapestry of fiction. Boredom has been denied entry.

 There is action on every page. Every page sees the two siblings fighting fierce monsters. These monsters have been sent by Set; a God of Ancient Egypt. Dollops of humour urge the story along.

Improvisation is the name of the game where the author is concerned. A god who drives an RV and  travels by plane. A blood thirsty monster (as the legend says)  is given several pints of Salsa sauce, a basketball loving baboon and a Dwarf who wears a blue Speedo and has trouble in his love life all make for an amusing and great read.

 What do you all think of Rick Riordan’s unique way of story telling and his take on the Egyptian Gods and myth. Is there anything in particular you all have learnt from Rick Riordan? Please share with us?

15 comments:

  1. Rachna- This definitely appears as an interesting read! I had purchased a book on Greek mythology long back, but such a thought never struck me...:) :)

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  2. seem it is the great book..wish to read it...

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  3. Good review Rachna. Interesting how the author does not use an introduction--it certainly makes him use every word with intent.

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  4. I have never heard of him so thank you for sharing about his writing style and him. I love the line a ticket to a roller coaster ride!

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  5. Interesting. About three or four months ago my sister and I were talking about the Percy Jackson books. We both liked them, but there was something a bit off about them. The story was good, the humor was there, as well as action and some romance.

    So to answer your question if there was anything we had learned from Rick Riordan is something that he didn't do in our opinion. For us, Percy didn't grow as a person. Fart jokes from book one were still there in book five. In other words he was the same. So having your characters grow is what Rick taught us.

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  6. He's got a great imagination, that's for sure. I hadn't heard of these books though--I'll have to check them out.

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  7. I love Rick Riordan! He's such a creative writer with excellent vision and ingenuity. I've learned about seeing my characters in my minds eye like I believe he does.

    *waving*

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  8. Hmm, my wife really liked these books, but I haven't gotten into them myself. I think you're winning me over on them however:)

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  9. I read the Percy Jackson books few years back without paying attention to what SBJones has brought to my notice, that Percy Jackson has not grown in the series. When a series is written, Character Growth should be paid a lot of attention to; and not just the chronological age, even maturity and lessons learnt must crawl into the character.

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  10. I do like the sound of these books. As a kid I used to love anything to do with adventure and ancient Egypt. Best combo ever.

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  11. They sound like fun reads! My son loves the How to Train Your Dragon books.

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  12. the books sound wonderful. Thanks for introducing us to these books.

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  13. I haven't read any of his stories, but it sounds like a lot of fun. I'm going to have to give him a read. :-)

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  14. Sounds like I need to get my hands on copies! I like the idea of being plunged straight into the action getting to know the siblings as the story progresses; just bits and pieces about their life.
    Sounds fab! :O)

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  15. I love his books Rachna......want to buy his latest book son of Neptune!!!

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