Rick Riordan Presents The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

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I partnered with Disney Book Group to share this awesome new middle school fantasy book, The Storm Runner, by J.C. Cervantes. All opinions (including the fangirl gushing about Rick Riordan) are my own.

How can one boy with a limp stop the Maya god of death, disaster, and darkness from destroying the world? That’s what we’ll find out in J.C. Cervantes’ stunning new book, The Storm Runner. I have so many positive things to say about this book that I’m having a hard time deciding where to begin. Let’s start with the overview and Rick Riordan’s role in this book, shall we?

The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

I love Rick Riordan’s mythology series, and I’ve often wished that he’d delve into other cultures, especially the ancient civilizations of Central and South America. I’ve found the Mayan civilization particularly fascinating ever since we first covered them in middle school. Apparently, quite a few Riordan fans wished the same thing!

Rather than write the books himself, though, Riordan opted to support other writers who actually live in those cultures. By doing so, he’s not only ensuring that the story gets told by those who are actually meant to tell it, but also helping to “publish great books by middle grade authors from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds…” (in Riordan’s own words), as is the case with J.C. Cervantes and The Storm Runner.

What is The Storm Runner About?

Zane has always enjoyed exploring the dormant volcano near his home in New Mexico, even though hiking it is challenging. He’d much rather hang out there with his dog, Rosie, than go to middle school, where kids call him Sir Limps a Lot, McGimpster, or Uno – for his one good leg. What Zane doesn’t know is that the volcano is a gateway to another world and he is at the center of a powerful prophecy. A new girl at school, Brooks, informs him that he’s destined to release an evil god from the ancient Maya relic he is imprisoned in–unless she can find and remove it first. Together they return to the volcano, where all kinds of crazy happens. Brooks turns into a hawk, a demon attacks them in a cave, and Rosie gives her all while trying to protect Zane. When Zane decides to save his dog no matter the cost, he is thrust into an adventure full of surprising discoveries, dangerous secrets, and an all-out war between the gods, one of whom happens to be his father. To survive, Zane will have to become the Storm Runner. But how can he run when he can’t even walk well without a cane?

The magic of The Storm Runner comes not just from the Mayan gods & mythology, but from the likable (and relatable) main character, Zane. While the cause of Zane’s limp may not be a common thing, tweens can still relate to the feeling of being different, and of having other kids hone in on that one difference until you feel like it’s all they see. Zane doesn’t let that hold him back, though. He, along with his faithful canine companion Rosie, hike, climb, and explore the volcano in their backyard for fun. Yep, volcano. In his backyard. Crazy, right? When that volcano turns out to be SO much more than expected, Zane is in for the adventure of a lifetime!

If you’re a fan of Rick Riordan’s mythology series’ (my favorites are the Percy Jackson series and the Magnus Chase series), you’ll love The Storm Runner. Cervantes delivers the same sense of adventure and excitement mixed with plenty of humor that made Riordan so spectacular. While she gave the gods and goddesses unique personalities, the accuracy of the pantheon makes The Storm Runner as educational as it is engaging.

While the book is recommended for ages 10-14, I am much older than the target audience and I really loved it!

About the Author

J.C. Cervantes is the author of Tortilla Sun , which was called “a beautiful and engaging debut” by Kirkus, an “imaginative, yet grounded novel” by Publishers Weekly, and “lean and lightly spiced with evocative metaphor” by School Library Journal. Tortilla Sun was a 2010 New Voices pick by the American Booksellers Association and it was named to Bank Street’s 2011 Best Book List. When Jennifer isn’t reading or writing, she helping her husband with his gubernatorial campaign.

About Rick Riordan Presents

The Rick Riordan Presents imprint is dedicated to providing entertaining middle grade fiction based on various world mythologies. Rick Riordan is involved in the selection, editing, and promotion of these books, working with great authors to tell exciting stories inspired by the mythologies of their own heritages.

Learn more about the imprint and its current and upcoming titles on their official site. You’ll also find some crazy cool articles about the characters as well as interactive quizzes and activities.

Where to Buy The Storm Runner

The Storm Runner is now available at most major book retailers, including: Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Indie Bound

Connect on Social Media

Use the Hashtag #TheStormRunner to join the conversation

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Learn more about the book at ReadRiordan.com

Last update on 2020-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API