Thanks to NetGalley and Rick Riordan Presents for the eARC. This review deals with the published edition, since that’s what I ended up reading.
I didn’t particular care for this book. The story was alright, but I didn’t really like the narrating style. However, I definitely think a middle-grade reader would love Zane’s distinctive voice.

This book gave me way too many emotions and I was not prepared. As many of you know, I just lost my dog at the of September, so the plot point with Rosie had me in tears. Lots of tears. Like I just thought she would be kidnapped, but no. So fair warning for all you animal lovers out there.

Dog-related sadness aside, this book was actually super fun. I have a pretty non-existent knowledge of Mayan mythology, but I've seen a few specials on it and I'm actually quite interested in learning more. Getting to learn more about this mythology with Zane made for an incredibly enjoyable experience.

I also love Zane as the main character! He was funny, relatable, and though he made some dumb decisions there wasn't anything that was outside of the realm of believability for a teenager. I also liked the disability rep that was in this book. Zane walks with a cane due to one of his legs being shorter than the other. I liked how this played into the plot once we found out who Zane's father was, but I also liked how Zane wasn't only charactered by his disability. We really got to know about him, his family, and how he views his situation.

I think one of the best parts of this book was the ending. Wow, I did not think it was going to end the way it does (at first), but I do enjoy the sequel hook. I can't wait to see how this continues. Though Zane, buddy, please no stupid choices.

Um, as for cons, since I do need to include a few (I guess). Some of Zane's choices has me screaming at my radio. For his age, they seemed pretty logical and in good faith, but wow that boy had me screaming.

Also, some of the phrasing in the ARC copy was, a bit much. The synonyms were a bit aggressive. However, some of the stuff that I had an issue with was removed in the final copy.

Oh, and the audiobook was a great way to experience this story. It was helpful for me to see hear how the names were pronounced while seeing the spelling. Also, the narrator did an amazing job bringing this story to life!

Final Thoughts:
Once again, another hit from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint! I love how we got to learn more about Mayan mythology with Zane and I can't wait for more books so we can continue to learn more. I also loved some of the moments when Zane was talking to the reader. Getting his insight allowed for some great comic relief.

Lovers of other Rick Riordan or Rick Riordan Presents will love this one too!

This book absolutely has the feel and humor of a Rick Riordan novel. It is about Mayan mythology but it is definitely for fans of the Percy Jackson series!

3.5 stars!

What a fun middle grade story! I feel like if you liked the Kane Chronicles then you would like this book. Of the Riordan series, The Stormer Runner is most reminiscent of that series in my opinion. Which is a GOOD thing because I think Kane Chronicles is super underrated. This book has family dynamics, there’s some innocent romance, there’s action, and there’s magic! Zane was an incredible main character and I loved his character arc and growth. The quest was full of action and small twists. The side characters are interesting and unique. Altogether, would recommend.

I was first intrigued by this book because of its basis in Mayan mythology and Mexican culture. The Spanish elements were such a nice twist in the writing (though I wonder how other’s who do not know Spanish faired with that aspect, I don’t remember if there were translations in the book). As this book is published by Rick Riordan’s company, you can imagine that Cervante’s writing is very reminiscent of the classic Riordan formula everyone loves. We’ve got a demigod main character who’s life is turned upside down when he realizes he’s got to save the world, but with only so much time to figure everything out.

Zane was an adorable main character. He was very relatable and I liked that we had some disability representation in this story with the fact that Zane has a underdeveloped leg and has to use a cane. I’m not 100% sure on how well people with the same disability were represented through this, but I absolutely loved the Zane’s character arc. I loved how something he thought was holding him back his whole life became one of Zane’s strongest attributes.

Family was so important to me for this book. I really wanted to have Zane’s family actually have a role in how the story was going to play out because family is extremely important in Hispanic culture and that’s what I got. Zane’s uncle was pivot in helping him get through his quest. Zane’s father also was extremely important (and not just because he’s a God...). All the foreshadowing about his father came together perfectly in the end.

The romance in this story as very very very innocent. It was adorable and these youngin’s barely even understand their feelings. Romance of course was not the forefront of this plot, hardly ever is in middle grade because it’s all about the action and the quest, but Zane’s feelings did become a catalyst for some of the major plot points in the story.

I liked the world building for the most part. Cervantes does an amazing job of creating her settings. I was able to picture Zane on his travels and in his battles perfectly.
The one thing I wasn’t too keen on with he world building was the introduction of the different Mayan Gods. I don’t actually know anything about Mayan Gods. Generally I like to end these books feeling like I’ve learned a good amount about the Gods these kind of books are based on, but for this one, I still feel pretty foggy on all the main Gods, their powers, their influences. If this series continues, I hope we get more in-depth information on the important Gods, their hierarchies, and how their worlds work.

The ending was my favorite part! Everything came together so well. Very satisfying ending. What a twist! If this was a standalone, I’d be very content. But I still want to get to know more about the Mayan Gods, Zane’s father, what becomes of Zane and Brooks... All of it!

Mini review:

DNF

I received an E-ARC via Netgalley and Disney Book Group. However this review is based on the final version of the book. I was really excited when I heard about this book! And so happy when I got it on Netgalley. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to read it earlier. Then the final version released and I opted to read that.

The beginning was pretty enjoyable. As the story continued I found the writing style a bit annoying. The Storm Runner was also too similar to Percy Jackson. It just didn't stand on it's own.

Overall this wasn't for me. Still recommend.

This story is about Mayan mythology. I wasn’t familiar with Mayan myths before this book. Many of the names were difficult to say, because they are not pronounced the way they are written. Zane explains how to say some words in his narrative, but there is also a glossary at the end which details the gods and how to pronounce their names.

This story followed the usual format of Rick Riordan books. Though he did not write this book, it is published by his imprint, Rick Riordan Presents. Zane lives with his mother and has never known his father. His father is a figure from Mayan mythology, and Zane learns his identity when he gains his own powers. The Percy Jackson series and the Magnus Chase series also begin like that, but they are about Greek mythology and Norse mythology. I liked the predictability of the story, and the ending was a surprise.

This narrative was unique because it is Zane’s account of events which he is writing down for the gods. He makes comments directly to the gods a few times. At the end of his narrative for the gods, he continues the story to tell how it really ends. This was a unique way to tell the story.

I’m excited to see where this story goes. This was a great start to the series.

I love all things Rick Riordan so I was very excited to see this book pop up! I was not disappointed. I really liked the main character and I know my students will really enjoy this book. It went right on my purchasing wish list!

really interesting, i love books like this. not my fave middle grade, but i'm so into the setting/world presented. makes me happy to see things like this being published and targeted to younger readers

I liked this one, although not as much as Aru Shah. I mean, a disabled Latinx kid story? I had high hopes. I wonder if reading another Mayan Mythology story not that long ago influenced me, but it just didn't capture my attention as much. However I do think kids will love it, and it fits the Riordan formula well.

Rick Riordan presents on the cover had me hooked! Im a huge, huge fan fan and now i've found a new favorite author. Zane was such a cute character and I loved reading him in this book. Zane is such a good role model and really funny. So many edge of your seat moments for this YA! I loved this new voice telling myths in other cultures! i really cant wait to see what all is next.

First off, I'll admit that had it not been for a NetGalley email letting readers know about The Storm Runner and Dragon Pearl that were inspired and sponsored by Rick Riordan, I probably...perhaps very likely would not have heard of these, or picked them up so quickly... I loved the Percy Jackson series growing up, and like with any of my favorite authors, if they talk about other authors and books, I have to check them out! (Which is why this isn't a 5 star review.)

That said, while I wasn't immediately pulled into this one, I loved the idea of learning about Mayan mythology as I read this, and once the gods started getting introduced I quickly found myself wanting to know more! That was a big thing, since I was afraid this wouldn't be able to stand up to other mythology stories I've read like the mentioned Percy Jackson series, and even things like Gaiman's Norse Mythology. Not to worry, since I loved it! (Although all those I and X names kind of got confusing! I still managed to figure it out though.) If I was asked about a favorite character...? I don't have one, and there was a part where pretty much each of the main characters was able to stand up and have the spotlight. I loved so many little things that I can't even begin to list, with or without spoilers I just know I would miss something. Why not read it? I'm sure you will find your own favorite things about this book!

I loved this book for many reasons. First, it is something totally fresh and new to hand to all the kids (and occasional adults) who finish Rick Riordan's other series only to be thirsty for more of the same.

This book is full of some rich, wonderful Mayan Mythology! I think it will spark a curiosity for these fables and legends they may not have encountered before.

The characters are well written and the the pace is perfect. Looking forward to the next installment.

Rick Riordan comes through for us once again! This book was so good! The author did a great job of descriptions and characters development. Going through this journey with Zane was so fun, and I really enjoyed the mythology part (as I do with all of Rick Rick Riordan's books and the books he presents). Such a fun middle grade book, and so enjoyable.

I found this to be a very exciting, humorous read with some very unique characters. I know nothing about Maya folklore, so all the new gods and goddesses were interesting to read about. I appreciated the backmatter that included a pronunciation guide. I think my students will enjoy reading a book set partly in New Mexico, because we don't come across them very frequently.

Zane is an imperfect, funny kid who has a strong sense of honor and takes up the mantle of his new responsibilities with some anger and frustration, but never gives up. Brooks is mysterious and the reader is pretty unsure about her through much of the book. Hondo is a great supporting character, and there are many others we meet along the way, as well.

If you are looking for a fantastic, funny, crazy adventure for your middle grade reader, J.C. Cervantes’ novel The Storm Runner is an excellent choice. A modern take on Maya folklore, it offers readers a rollicking adventure with disgusting foes from the Underworld, crazy Maya gods and other unexpected creatures, and is helped along in his adventure by an unlikely cast of characters including his pro wrestling-mad Uncle Hondo, his nearest neighbors who consist of the blind phone-psychic Mrs. Cab and the besotted Mr. Ortiz who is obsessed with growing hot peppers, and a girl with more than a few secrets of her own.
The Storm Runner is narrated in the quite expressive, honest, earnest voice of its 13-year-old hero, Zane Obispo. An unlikely hero he is – born with a limb difference, he is used to being taunted by classmates for an obvious limp due to his “gimpy” leg, and so he’s happiest on his own, exploring the dormant volcano near his home in the New Mexico desert with his three-legged dog Rosie. Did I mention that his mom doesn’t like him exploring the volcano, or that he’s been warned away by Mrs. Cab?
When he sneaks out one night to explore the volcano, he sees something bizarre – and soon realizes that nothing in his life is what he thought it was, or people are more than he knows them to be – including the father that he never met.
He’s a character that means well, but sometimes breaks the rules – even if he has good intentions behind his decisions – and one of those decisions fulfills a Maya prophecy at which he is the center. This story unfolds with a breakneck pace and a whole lot of imagination, from mystical ways of travel, crazy inventions from a diabetic giant (who grows when his blood sugar gets low), and breakaway twists and turns. This book is pure FUN.
The Storm Runner is part of Rick Riordan Presents, a Disney imprint, which publishes books by middle grade authors from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds, to let them tell their own stories inspired by the mythology and folklore of their own heritage. It has the feel of one of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson tales, only with a disabled Hispanic teen at the center of a great Maya prophecy and tangled in Maya folklore. It’s a lot to celebrate here, and Zane is a brave, realistic hero that I think will appeal to middle schoolers (and those of us of an older age who still love a great adventure.)

Thanks to Rick Riordan Presents and Disney Book Group for this review copy through Netgalley.
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All opinions are my own
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Zane's life was challenging but he had his dog, Mom and Uncle, and quirky neighbors to keep him satisfied and his mind off of things that made him sad. Oh! And let's not forget the volcano literally in his backyard. However one day he witnessed a plane crashing into said volcano and his life spiraled out of control. Everything that could go wrong went wrong.

This was a fast paced and delightfully thrilling read. It was hard to put it down because of the question "what happens next?".

Maya demons were as disgusting as demons could get and Zane not being able to fully trust people around him kept everything in a super precarious balance that would keep you on the edge of your seat.

Now if you're wondering, well, how come this isn't a four (or five) star read then? My answer is simple. I had a hard time connecting with Zane. In fact I found myself often rooting for other characters (especially Rosie) instead. That's just the nature of fiction.

But I have to be honest and say I am looking forward to the next book because I was positively entertained.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

From the very beginning this book had a "Percy Jacksonesque" feel to it. Essentially, it takes the idea of mythical gods hooking up with mortals and having supernatural offspring from Greece to the Mayan Civilization. This wasn't too much of a surprise for me since the book is published by the "Rick Riordan Presents" part of Disney Book Group. The book is entertaining; the characters are just quirky enough to be likeable, but not over done; and the writing flows smoothly. Overall, this is a great middle grade novel.

So, why am I only giving it 3 stars? After a considerable amount of thought I've determined that it's because it took me so long to finish. I am a Children's Librarian and I read voraciously - often finishing a book in just a day or two. However, this one took me almost a month. Why? I don't know. Somehow I just never felt like picking it up. I finally forced myself to finish it so I could finish this review for Netgalley. I think I'm just over the whole mythical gods & humans thing. After reading multiple series based on Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythology, I'm just not that interested in another series along those lines. The idea of supernatural hookups that leave humans with issues (like ADHD, Dyslexia, gimpy legs, etc.) just no longer captures my imagination.

That being said, the book itself if fun and well-written. If you have a middle grade reader who loves Percy & friends or loves mythology - especially Mayan - then definitely pick this one up and you won't be disappointed! If, like me, you're over the whole genre, give it a pass and maybe pick it up in a few years when the entire series is finished and you've taken a break from mythical gods. Either way, Happy Reading!

The next Rick Riordan Presents book is out! The next Rick Riordan Presents book is out!! I'm as excited as my library kids are, because The Storm Runner has got the GOODS.

Middle schooler Zane Obispo is an ordinary kid. Kinda. I mean, he's being raised by his single mom, hangs out with his pro wrestling-loving uncle, and loves exploring with his 3-legged dog, Rosie. But he also has his own volcano - there's a dormant volcano right near his New Mexico home - and he tries to avoid the jerks at school who make fun of him, because one leg is shorter than the other. When a new girl named Brooks shows up at school and tells him he's destined to release an evil god from the underworld, he thinks she's crazy: until it really happens. Brooks is a shapeshifter than can turn into a hawk, Rosie is lost to the underworld while trying to protect Zane from a Mayan god who smells like puke, and Zane? He's the son of another Mayan god. And now, with Ah-Puch unleashed, there's a war brewing between the gods, including Zane's father. Zane's the only one who can put things right, but all he wants to do is save Rosie and leave them to it.

The Storm Runner is SO. GOOD. It's a brilliant introduction to the Mayan pantheon, for starters. Narrated by Zane, we get some real talk about the awesomeness of a people that worshiped a goddess of chocolate (Ixcacao) and a Mayan giant who likes to tinker and invent things that would make the As Seen on TV people drool. There's action and adventure, and a strong bonds of family and friendship that run through the book. The worldbuilding is fantastic, with delightfully gross descriptions of gooey, oozing gods and poisoned meatballs. There are key elements that fantasy fans will look for and love: the bonds of family and friendship, a strong sense of humor, and a disabled character who discovers the true nature of his disability as a source of power. (In Percy Jackson, kids with ADHD were descended from the Greek gods. Here, Zane's leg is directly linked to his heritage, and the reveal is outrageous and fantastic.) There's a glossary of Mayan terms, including pronunciation help.

Look at Irvin Rodriguez's cover! That artwork is incredible! Want a program-in-a-book idea? Scholastic has some good activities; there are Mayan gods coloring pages. and The British Museum has good ideas. Spice up your library programming or ELA/History lessons!

This trend of exploring cultures through different pantheons is such fun and such a great learning experience. Give this to your Percy Jackson/Kane Chronicles/all the Riordan fans; your Aru Shah fans, your Serpent's Secret fans - all your action, adventure, and fantasy fans. See what else is coming from Rick Riordan Presents here, and check out award-winning novelist JC Cervantes' website here. The Storm Runner has starred reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal.

Zane Obispo may not have thought so a few days ago, but it turns out he lives the coolest life ever. Not only does he have a smart and loyal dog named Rosie, but there’s a volcano in his backyard. A real volcano! Ok, so school is a real drag, especially because other kids make fun of the fact that Zane walks with a limp and he lands in the principal’s office for shoving a bully on his very first day at his new school. Oops. But things start looking up when a mysterious girl named Brooks shows up in the school office looking serious and beautiful and telling him he’s in mortal danger. And boy is she right.

Author J.C. Cervantes takes us on a high stakes adventure full of danger, intrigue, and lots and lots of monsters, gods, and mythical creatures. Zane and Brooks team up to save the world (after Zane releases an ancient Mayan god hellbent on destroying it). It turns out Zane is the perfect person for the job, along with his ragtag band of sidekicks including his luchadora-loving Uncle Hondo, and neighbors Ms. Cab who collects eyeballs and Mr. O who invents new hot pepper varieties.

You couldn’t ask for a more delightful cast of characters. Cervantes’ strength lies in her ability to create robust and wholly likeable people you wish you were friends with in real life. I especially adored Zane’s nervous awkwardness around Brooks, as well as his determination, resilience, and humor whether he was facing bullies at school or a nasty world-destroying god. The rest of the characters are just as brilliant, too.

The Storm Runner is the latest from Rick Riordan’s imprint (following Roshani Chokshi’s Aru Shah and the End of Time which released earlier this year), and it’s a great addition. It’s not as fast-paced as Riordan’s books or Chokshi’s Aru Shah, but it holds its own with wit, charm, and those amazing characters.

I knew nothing about Mayan mythology going into this book and loved learning about it through Zane and Brooks’ eyes. Cervantes’ did an amazing job of introducing readers to this world and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!*

Zane knows he's different - he has a bad leg that causes him to limp, and lives in the desert with his mother, Uncle Hondo, and three-legged dog, Rosie. He works a few hours a week with the old lady next door, who works as a phone psychic. Oh, and there's a volcano in his back yard. What he doesn't know is that he's also the son of a real-life Mayan god, and that he's the subject of a very import, potentially world-ending prophecy. No big deal.

My notes: As a big fan of mythology and also Rick Riordan's books, I was really looking forward to this one. I appreciate the inclusion of a disabled main character, and he did display some real character growth over the course of the novel, but I think I would have liked the story more if Zane was more likable. There were also some loose ends that I would have liked to see tied up -- what exactly happened with the Hero Twins? Overall, good story and great fun.