The Storm Runner

 Rick Riordan wanted more cultures to be represented in Percy Jackson like ways and got many other authors from different cultures to write about mythologies. This book, written by J.C. Cervantes, is a dive into Mayan Mythology. 

Zane is a kid who constantly got picked on because one of his legs was shorter than the other meaning he had a very dominate limp and was forced to walk with a cane. With his back yard in New Mexico being home to a volcano and walking around and on top of it all the time with his dog, he became pretty good at keeping his balance on uneven terrain. It was just about time to start at another school when things start to go loco. A girl that can shapeshift into a hawk appears and demons flying airplanes fly into the volcano. He finds out that practically all the people around him are keeping secrets from him and that they aren't who they appear. He isn't even who he thinks he is.  Zane discovers more about himself as he dives deeper into the mythology of his ancestors. Dealing with the God of Death and Darkness is no picnic either. 

This book felt very much like Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Full of snarky humor of a teenage boy, it was fun to get into Zane's head and discover more about Mayan culture as we understand it presently. There is so much that I didn't know about and it was fun to learn. The book was written well enough that it wasn't confusing for me an "unknowledgeable" person when it comes to this sphere. 

I enjoyed the characters. Zane's uncle was funny and wasn't "useless" like some characters have been in this type of series. Brooks was alright though not my favorite. There was so much "mystery" about her and it took her forever to explain so many things--she was needed to inform us as the reader and Zane as to what is up with the Mayan world. His Seer neighbor almost seemed unneeded, though I can potentially see her being potentially bad guy worthy later but probably not. I also found it nice that Zane's mom didn't just sit back and do nothing while Zane was off adventuring. She tried to help in as many ways as she limitedly could. 

It was good, though I think the concept of "not knowing who you can trust" when you find out that you can trust most everyone was kind of obnoxious. Unless it's foreshadowing for more books, I found it kind of unnecessary. I did like the fact that The Twins  that Zane has to ask for help from turned out the way they did--trying hard for no spoilers here. I also liked the lady who took over Shibalb; she has the potential to become a very fun character and I hope we get more of her as the series goes on.

Over all I enjoyed it. For those who get upset about "the dog dies" books, take a breath and keep reading. Much of the book aside from facing the God of Death is Zane trying to get his dog back. And as you can see from the next cover, he does. So it's okay, it just take a while for him to accomplish it. It's okay, don't stop reading.