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?
