Unlike the first two books (The Red Pyramid and The Throne of Fire – which I’m yet to write a review of), Kane Chronicles: The Serpent’s Shadow is a revelation of sorts.
Carter and Sadie Kane continues to be the key to saving the world fro an impeding Apocalypse along Amos, recently appointed Chief Lector, and the remaining faithful members of the House of Life (First Nome); the Brooklyn House and the new recruits practicing the path of the Gods; and of course, Zia Rashid and Bast.
The First Revelation
Doom’s day wasn’t as swift and scary as the Kanes thought because for some reason, Apophis wasn’t attacking and the world was still intact. That was too soon to tell though.
After the equinox, and the Kanes failure to prevent Apophis from rising, Ra has become more of nuisance rather than help in defeating the God of Chaos. It took a lot of time and experience before the Kanes realized their advantage and greatest strength in this war — and a few more revelations to note.
The Second Revelation
Set, the God of Evil, along with all those who appears to be the antagonists, are not that bad.
It never fails to amaze me how villains can turn out to be useful in spite of their destructive nature, specially for Set, who has managed to possess Amos – and almost destroyed the world on the previous book.
The Third Revelation
The title is a give-away but reading through the pages is an adventure in itself.
This book is all about Apophis (The Serpent) and how to defeat it (through the Shadow). By about the 10th to 20th page, you’ll know that for sure BUT the book has lots to offer in describing “how” everything else that’s happening in the Kanes’ life, the gods of Egypt and the House of life is connected.
The Fourth Revelation
There always have to be a love story in a Young Adult book.
It’s been brewing since the book started and it will be fun to know what happened with Carter and Zia, with Sadie and Walt or perhaps, Anubis, with Bes and Bast or maybe, Bes and Tiwaret; and even the parents of Carter and Sadie.
The Fifth Revelation
Destiny depends on the perspective of the announcer.
Since this book started, it appears obvious that both Carter and Sadie have their own roles to play in the House of Life, and generally, in the way the Egyptian Gods are remembered. The Duat, is a shared gateway – it is a mirror of what is and may be. In the end, though, what is referred to as destiny is a matter of perspective.
Carter was destined to be king, from the eyes of his family. He is the eye of Horus, rightful owner of the throne.
Sadie, being the eye of Iris, is destined to be Carter’s adviser.
Amos, the Chief Lector, is supposed to guard the Throne until a true Pharaoh is able to lead the House of Life.
Apophis prophesizes his victory – how he would swallow the sun and put the world in an array of chaos.
The Kanes are the enemies.
Nobody can travel through the Underworld and live to tell the tale.
Well, the book definitely have its share of “vantage points,” but it’s quite interesting to read how all things play out.
Conclusion
Book 3 of the Kane Chronicles, The Serpent’s Shadow, is a very exciting book. It will not fail in providing you action-packed scenes that shall keep you holding your breath until the next chapter. Carter and Sadie’s perspective of the story, will help you understand a man and a woman’s concern – or a teenager’s at that; and the continuity of the story is nothing short of expected.
I love the book’s attempt at a happy ending and a full closure, and I also love that perfect tug on my sleeve that there’s Book 4, right around the corner.
What I don’t like about the book is that in spite of the twists and surprises it offers – it is sooo focused on Apophis. I did not enjoy the appearance of our new Egyptian Gods and I hardly felt the introduction of “something new” to the Kanes story. Sure that the adventure is there, but there seems to be something missing – and I can’t quite place what it is.
Nonetheless, the book is a perfect read – an uncanny disorientation of the modern times and a replica of an Egyptian myth, with a touch of witty, realistic and sincere expression of teenage life. It is enjoyable as it is educational, quite a good fiction to start an exciting discussion. Thank you Mr. Riordan for a wonderful addition to your novels!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book 4: The Battle of the Labyrinth brings the prophecy being discussed in the earlier books much closer to end. The demigods venture to another exciting journey where they get to discover Camp Half-Blood more, realize their stirring enemy and resolve some personal internal conflicts.
The Red Pyramid opens with the main protagonists, Carter and Sadie, going into a museum with their dad, Julius. It became apparent, however, that Julius was planning something else other than visiting for they caught him using magic to summon the god, Osiris. Something went wrong however, for a creepy, cold voice spoke to their dad talking about getting back his throne and then, they saw their dad being entombed alive in a coffin which was swallowed by the floor as if it was water.