The Heroes of Olympus Series: Books 1-4

By: Rick Riordan

This series follows Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series.  The author introduces many new characters but weaves their stories to include the main characters from the original series.  One of the biggest challenges is that a Roman group of demigods is discovered - and they consider the Greek demigods their enemies.  However, to save the world, these two groups will be forced to work together and trust each other.

Mrs. Senechal says:
I almost enjoyed this series more then the first!  I love all the new characters, and I continue to learn a lot about both Greek and Roman mythology.  In typical Riordan style, there is plenty of action and suspense.  There is one book left in this series - to be released in October 2014 - and I can't wait to read it!

The Serpent's Shadow

By: Rick Riordan

In this, Kane Chronicles - Book #3, Sadie and Carter are once again faced with saving the world.  They have known of their magical powers for less then a year, but have faced many evil creatures from the ancient Egyptian world.  In this book, Sadie and Carter must involve some of their new friends, and they are reunited with several friends from the past who they had thought were hopelessly gone.  They must figure out how to stop Apophis, the god of chaos, before he destroys the world.

Mrs. Senechal says:
As in all of Rick Riordan's fictional mythology stories, this book is filled with suspense and adventure.  Brother and sister, Carter and Sadie, are great characters because they care about each other and can still tease and have fun with each other.  I love that the author takes readers to places all over the world - and even some places that exist only in Egyptian mythology.  I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

The Red Pyramid

By: Rick Riordan


Since their mother passed away, Carter has traveled the world with his archaeologist father, while his only sister Sadie lived with their grandparents in London.  In one of their rare visits together, their father takes Sadie and Carter to the British Museum.  The two quickly realize their parents had many magic secrets!  Their father attempts to summon an ancient Egyptian god, but things don't go smoothly.  Suddenly, Sadie and Carter must learn to use their own magical powers to stay alive, save the world, and try to save their father.


Mrs. Senechal says:
If you liked Riordan's Percy Jackson series, you will love this book, too!  The story is filled with non-stop action and suspense.  It is really fun to read about modern kids dealing with historic locations and mythological creatures.  Riordan's description help you picture the adventures, and the characters are very realistic.  Of course, this is only the first book in the series, so you'll have to keep reading to find out what happens!

The 39 Clues (series)

By: Riordan, Korman, Lerangis, Watson, Carman, Park, and Haddix

The 39 Clues is a series of 10 books.  Nine of the books are currently available, and the tenth book will be in stores on August 31, 2010.  Besides an exciting part to the story, each book contains 6 clue cards which readers can use to try to help solve the mystery by going to http://www.the39clues.com/.

The books follow Amy and Dan, two orphans raised by a grouchy great-aunt and a series of nannies, but loved greatly by their grandmother, Grace.  But when Grace passes away, instead of an inheritance, Amy and Dan, set out on the hunt for the 39 Clues which are said to lead to an amazing and powerful treasure.  Unfortunately, the other members of the family are on the hunt as well, and they will stop at nothing to beat each other to the final prize.  Amy and Dan quickly find themselves using all their wits to escape fires, capture, and deceit while trying to get to the clues before anyone else.

Mrs. Senechal Says:
I am currently reading book 5 in the series, and every book so far has been fantastic!  I love the constant action and suspense.  It's also interesting to read about so many countries and famous people from history.  The adventure in this book reminds me a bit of the National Treasure movies.  I'm looking forward to reading the entire series - glad book 10 comes out soon!