by Ryan Leahy
The Red Pyramid
by Rick Riordan
Rating: 3.5
Set, Horus, Isis and Ra are not familiar names to many people, but Rick Riordan brings these mystifying Egyptian gods to life in this modern adaptation of Egyptian legend. Carter, one of the main characters, is always on the move with his father, Dr. Julius Kane. His sister, Sadie, lives with their grandparents in London, England. She now has a British accent and has little connection with her brother. They become reunited once more when their father takes them to a museum after hours to perform a “research experiment.” The plan goes south when he releases the god Set, who has plans for the siblings and the world. The siblings discover that they have ancient powers that rival Set himself. They are the only two that are able to stop Set and save their father.
After reading the Percy Jackson series, I was excited to read Riordan’s new series, but it was not as good as the rest of his novels. The characters in this book were not as well developed as in his other books. The author does not go into depth with the past and back story of Carter and Sadie. It is harder to understand what is happening to them. The reason that Carter and his father are always on the run is not explained well, and it leaves the reader with numerous questions left unanswered. The only detail that is written is that Carter’s mother died because of his father.
In addition, the Egyptian mythology was harder to understand than Greek mythology. I don’t know if it was a more complex topic or Rick Riordan did not explain it that well. When the gods were reincarnated as different people, it was a little confusing. Riordan described in one section of the book that Horus, one of the most powerful gods, is reincarnated as Ra’s (king of gods) son. Then, all the gods are again reincarnated and Horus is Ra’s father. It made little sense.
People that have read and loved Rick Riordan’s previous books would enjoy this one as well. Also, people who love any types of mythology would be perfect candidates for this book.
