I didn’t realize I was missing something in the Percy Jackson series until I started Rick Riordan’s next series, the Kane Chronicles. Don’t get me wrong, Percy Jackson was excellent, but the Kane Chronicles, based on Egyptian mythology, came a series of even greater depth and emotion.
Sadie and Carter are siblings. You wouldn’t know it though. Not only have they not grown up together but Carter takes after their father, who is black, and Sadie takes after their mother, who is white. Sadie has a British accent from growing up with her grandparents in England while Carter sounds American; he’s grown up backpacking around the world with his dad. They aren’t very close because they don’t know each other very well, but all that changes when they find themselves running for their lives. They discover a royal heritage, magic abilities, how to become the living hosts of ancient Egyptian Gods, and the sibling relationship they never had.
As always, Riordan manages to mix mythology and reality to create a seamless story. There’s so much going on, but he manages to keep it all straight, make all the details add up, and leave you guessing.
Best of all, Riordan really delves into Sadie and Carter’s minds. You feel like you know them, understand their fears and sorrows, you relate to each one for different things. Like Percy, these kids have a difficult relationship with their parents, but unlike Percy, the relationship feels complex. You are as torn as they are about how they should relate to their parents. Should Sadie be furious with her father for not raising her? Should Carter be angry for never growing up with friends and a home? Should both siblings be upset at having missed out on the opportunity to be raised with a sibling? And however they might feel, can Sadie and Carter learn to relate to each other?
The biggest problem I have with the story is its format, which is a recording that Sadie and Carter make after everything happens. The very nature of this format, much like when a story is written in journal/diary form and even first person in general, removes any true sense of suspense. We know that nothing can happen to the protagonists because they have clearly lived to record the tale. Every time they’re in a life threatening situation, the danger and excitement is lessened by the knowledge that they have obviously succeeded or at the very least survived.
Despite this, you get a sense of something much bigger coming and that mystery builds the excitement. I came away satisfied and excited to continue on the Kanes’ journey.
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