The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

[bluewillowtree]

The Serpent's Shadow is the third and final book in Rick Riordan's Egyptian mythology-focused Kane Chronicles. Sibling magicians Carter and Sadie Kane and their troupe of friends and apprentices from Brooklyn House are facing the more dire apocalypse of their young lives. The ancient magicians' guild to which they belong, the House of Life, is divided; at least half the nomes have turned against the Kanes, and the other half are suffering deadly attacks from a god bent on destroying the world. Carter and Sadie have just three days to find an ancient scroll that will teach them how to stop the apocalypse. As if that weren't enough, they also have to contend with a diabolical ghost, a senile ruler, and a gravely ill friend. The Kanes' life is certainly never dull.

The Serpent's Shadow was just as entertaining and enjoyable as the first two books in the series. The narration and dialogue are excellent, particularly Sadie's, and the action keeps on coming. I also like that Riordan worked in some scenes of the Brooklyn House crew trying to balance their calling with a more "normal" childhood; the school dance was especially fun. The not-so-subtle hints about a new Kane series made me smile. I'll keep reading Riordan's books as long as he keeps writing.

Speaking of which, The Mark of Athena comes out in less than three weeks! I pre-ordered it for my Nook months ago, and I can't wait!