As with other books in the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, I will be purchasing multiple copies for my classroom library. The rich worldbuilding, compelling charachters, and high-stakes plot kept me turning the pages and begging for more when it was over. My students are going to love this!

Zane Obispo has been happy being home-schooled for the past year. His one short leg and needing to use a cane has made him a target for bullies at his middle school. He has been content exploring his surrounding - including a mysterious volcano - with his three-legged rescue dog Rosie. But a plane crash into the volcano and the appearance of a beautiful girl at his first day at his new school opens him up to an adventure he couldn't have imagined.

Zane finds himself involved with Mayan gods and their schemes. He learns that there is a prophecy about him and that he has a destiny. He also learns about the father who left his mother before he was born.

He has to free an ancient god Au-Puch who is the god of death, darkness and destruction in order to save his new friend Brooks and his beloved dog Rosie. Now he has to find a way to kill him before he manages to destroy this world and make Zane one of Au-Puch's soldier of death for eternity.

Zane gathers both friends and enemies on his quest including a giant who is an inventor and twins who have built a big reputation on the basis of a lie. His protector gets turned into a chicken who can only visit him in dreams and who wants Zane to get on with things so that she won't have to be a chicken forever.

This was a fast-paced story with tons of Mayan mythology. I liked the way Zane changed during the course of the book as he found his courage and his destiny.

Zane loves two things exploring his volcano and his dog, Rosie. But hiking is hard for Zane since he has a prominent limp, from one leg being longer that the other, but Rosie is always there for him and to help him. But when the new girl comes to town, things change, but can they be helped?

This is such a awesome book for children that love the different mythologies, such as the ones by Rick Riordan. This book is based on Maya mythology and Cervantes integrates it well between the now and the than. The action is non stop and the suspense will keep readers of all ages reading well past their bedtimes to find out what happens next. The characters fit well into their parts even if you don't find out until much later in the story. I really liked this book and I hope Zane, Brooks, Rosie, and Hondo will come back real soon for another adventure.
This will appear on my blog on Sept 18th 2018

There are complicated names and Mayan mythology in this book. There are pronunciations in the book I forgot them and I'm quite sure I am pronouncing the names wrong. I still love this book. Zane Obispo has a bum leg, is the son of a god and although he has a prophecy surrounding his releasing the god of death he really wants nothing to do with it. With demons chasing him, shapeshifters, and several missing canes, Zane is trying to not cause the end of the world. He's a reluctant hero and his adventure is truly one of a kind.

In full disclosure, I'm pretty psyched about the new Rick Riordan imprint series of world mythology for middle-grade readers.

This one has not only Mayan mythology (which I was searching for last year when we were studying them) but also homeschooling (due to bullying, which is a subtle nod to normalizing the whole idea.)

I have a personal goal of reading more diverse books this year and this one is so well written I'd recommend it to adults too. It follows the "Rick Riordan" formula of a kid discovering that the myths of their heritage are indeed real. It's both familiar and comfortable for kids who are into this genre. Plus, I bet most of the gods will be new to readers. Everyone has some knowledge of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and now thanks to Marvel Norse gods. This universe was new to me and was so fun to immerse myself in.

I'd also add that Zane is so much fun to read about and he is as likable as Percy Jackson. I'm looking forward to reading this aloud as a bedtime story and to hopefully a few sequels!

Please note that I received a free advance E ARC of this book from NetGalley without a review requirement or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that, I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.

Please note that I received a free advance E ARC of this book from NetGalley without a review requirement or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that, I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.

The Storm Runner set near as seemingly dormant volcano in New Mexico introduces us to Zane Obispo, his strange neighbors, his Uncle Hondo, his dog Rosie, his mom, and Brooks, the mysterious cute girl. Zane has been burdened with terrible purpose. According to prophecy, he is destined to release a terrible demon into the world. It seems like it would be an easy enough prophecy to avoid, but destiny is destiny. Sounds like a good time to me, and it was.

I will say that I was momentarily concerned because I wasn’t immediately drawn into the story, which is just to say that the exposition felt a bit slow. I’m always looking for the instant enchantment I had with the first in the Percy series. I didn’t find it here, but it didn’t take long for me to embrace Zane, his family, and his friends. As it turned out, Zane offered some awesome brown boy representation, which is fantastic. I also loved seeing the disability rep in the book, and the way it tied into the overall mythology and thematic elements. It did all of these things in an appealing and action-packed adventure with a side of incredibly disgusting monsters—the descriptions hit me on a visceral level. Middle schoolers are going to love those monsters.

I give this 3-1/2 stars. It was okay, but not particularly impressive, a little too cookie-cutter for me. I've read so many of Rick Riordan's books and other mythology-inspired books that I think I am just burned out on the genre myself. , but I am glad to see other mythologies represented. However, I will definitely recommend it to any young readers who are looking for Percy Jackson read-alikes.

I do like the idea of Riordan lending his name to help promote new multicultural authors telling stories based on the mythologies of their cultures themselves, rather than using them as ghostwriters as so many other authors would, and I am curious to check out the other titles in this new imprint.

This didn't read as smoothly as I wanted. The story felt clunky in places. That being said, I don't think the intended audience would have the same opinion at all. I think they would love the similarities to The Lightning Thief, and find the story action packed and fun. Reading about Mayan mythology was interesting. I knew nothing on the subject, and the story didn't suffer from it.

Part of Rick Riordan's imprint of #ownvoices retellings of mythology, this adventure through Mayan history and culture successfully brings the adventure to life in keeping with Riordan's own Greco Roman novels. Zane lives with his mother and his uncle in rural New Mexico. One of his legs is shorter than the other, which forces him to use a cane as he walks. When a new girl at school approaches him to discuss a prophecy that he is part of, Zane has to suddenly make sense of his whole life being different than he previously thought. Is it possible that his father was one of the gods? And if that wasn't all, the future of the world as we know it suddenly depends on him. Highly recommended for fans of Percy Jackson, grades 4 & up.

The Storm Runner is another solid entry from Rick Riordan's Presents, telling the story of thirteen-year-old Zane Obispo, wacky family and neighbors, his new mysterious friend, Brooks, and an array of gods from Maya mythology.

Like Aru Shah and the End of Time, The Storm Runner includes the premise of Rick Riordan books: a kid who feels like an outcast, a previously unknown heritage to a mythological god, a seemingly impossible quest, and a host of entertaining minor characters to fuel the rising tension and sense of adventure.

The surprise ending might seem contrived to adults, but kids will see this plot twist as an enticement to read the next book in the series.

I'm always in search of books that reluctant readers will devour.

J.C. Cervantes delivers.

This book totally exceeded my expectations! What a ride. I loved every minute of this book and I'm so excited for young readers to have a protagonist like Zane to read about and empathize with. The representation throughout the book is emblematic of the new wave of literature we're seeing for children and the interwoven mythology is stunning. I keep loving everything this imprint is putting out! Can't wait for the next one!

The book was a fun read. Interesting mythology, decent character development, and sarcastic wit. However, it just seemed like it was a Rick Riordan wannabe.

I loved the Mayan mythology in the story and even though it is clearly explained, I am glad that here is a glossary of names in the back.
The story itself is fun to read. Kids who love action and humor will devour this book!

I loved this book! If you like the Percy Jackson books, you'll love this one. The kids in our library often choose adventure stories based on mythology. Cervantes gives readers a fresh look at mythology by focusing on Mayan myths. The exciting pace and interesting mythological gods and creatures hooked me right away. The characters are compelling, and the story moves so fast I couldn't put it down. Kids are going to love this one!

The Storm Runner
By J.C. Cervantes


Wow! This book is going to be very popular among my middle school students! The main character is very well developed and the book has so many twists and turns that really keep you on the edge of your seat. The author’s style is similar to Riordan’s to give you that familiarity that we all love about Percy, but it is unique in its own right. While some readers may critique these similarities, they need to take a deeper look and realize that the author is paying respect to Riordan who really made this mythology genre popular.

Note: My professional goal for this year is to read 50+ diverse books. As I attempt to read and review these books, I will be answering the following questions for each book:

Brief plot summary - Zane is a boy who is homeschooled because other kids have bullied him. One of his legs is shorter than the other one causing him to walk with a cane, and he is a bit down in life until a mysterious girl enters. Everything he has ever known about the world and his life changes as he learns that Mayan myths are real.

How is the book diverse? The author and the characters are nonwhite. The main character also has a physical disability.

Opinion & reason for rating - This book deserves five stars! I have read many books in the mythology genre, and this is one of the best. The Lightning Thief has been my favorite one for over a decade, and I even had the opportunity to teach the book for multiple years. Please know that I do not say this lightly, but The Storm Runner is a close second to The Lightning Thief. Zane is a fun and likeable character and the plot is very well developed. One reason this book is so strong is because it has great secondary character that are complex and sympathetic characters. In addition, the gods, supernatural being, etc. are interesting and unique, and the way she introduces the reader to this world is very exciting. Cervantes does a great job explaining the basics of the gods and their creation story as well as interweaving multiple myth-based stories, which will give everyone a greater knowledge base in Mayan mythology.

How does the book impact me personally? I absolutely love Greek mythology and tend to shy away from the other types of mythology. However, the author introduced Mayan mythology in such an interesting and easy way, which has made me excited about other cultures. The personalities and various types of the gods (there is a god of chocolate!) also opened me up to new thinking as I read, and it gave me a broader view of our world. This book matters because it allows students and adults to view the world through a new lens and become more empathetic human beings.

How will the book impact my teaching? This book has given me the knowledge and confidence to explore Mayan mythology so that I can incorporate some stories into my brief unit on mythology. I tend to focus on Greek mythology, so now I am ready to read more about Mayan mythology and teach about something new. Incorporating Mayan mythology into my lessons will then expose my students to new ideas in literature and get them to take risks in their reading and thinking.

I would recommend this book to fans of Rick Riordan and anyone looking to explore the world past the Greek myths.

Cervantes' book is an excellent addition to the Riordan mythology imprint. I was waiting for a book that delved into Mayan mythology and this book delivered. Adventurous, with great voice and tone, the plot moves along quickly and keeps readers engaged. Ignites curiosities for further exploration into Mayan mythology.

I grabbed an E-ARC from NetGalley of the next release from the Rick Riordan presents imprint because his books are so beloved by my kids at home and they also enjoyed the first book from the imprint. I really enjoyed this story that was partially based on Maya mythology. The main character, Zane is quite likable and I had to stop myself from begging him not to make the mistakes that I would have known not to make from reading similar books such as the whole Percy Jackson series. I think kids will love the disgusting creatures that are well described and the message of looking at your own weaknesses and strengths is a good one. This will be the start of another interesting series featuring a character trying to find his place in two worlds.

The Storm Runner by JC Cervantes is part of the Rick Riordan Presents Series, this time focusing on Mayan mythology. Zane Obispo is a 'freak’, as he puts it. He was born with one leg shorter than the other. He walks with a cane, and pronounced limp. Zane has been homeschooled, but now he's headed to the Holy Ghost Academy, which goes about as well as expected, and he finds himself in the Father's office before the first day is out. He also meets Brooks, who tells him he's in danger. And that he's destined to release Ah-Puch, the Mayan god of the underworld. Despite his protestations that he would do no such thing, Zane is given motivation he can't shrug off. Everyone has a price, and Ah-Puch found Zane's. Joined by a crazy cast of characters, Zane must find a way to imprison Ah-Puch again, before the god destroys the world as Zane knows it. There’s Mrs Cab, a giant chicken, and Hondo, Zane’s wrestling obsessed uncle, not to mention Brooks, a nawal who can shift into a hawk, and the surfer cat-lady Pacific. To defeat Ah-Puch, these intrepid questors must seek out the aid of the hero twins of Mayan myth.

I loved this story!! It's a quick, action packed read that left me wanting more Zane Obispo books in the future. The ending certainly left it open for further exploration. Yeah, the overall story bore similarities to Riordan's in Percy Jackson, Kane, and Magnus Chase series, but hello! It is part of a series called Rick Riordan Presents. I expected no less. Riordan's series are awesome. I adore that he explores so many cultures’ myths. I want to see his take on so many other mythologies, such as Celtic and Japanese, but he's one person, with personal interests, and familiarity with certain mythology over others. This Presents series gives a chance to see what that kinda might be like. The humour is similar to Riordan's as well, at least with Storm Runner. I've not read Aru Shah or Dragon Pearl yet, but I imagine it's the same.

The chance to explore Mayan myth a bit was fun. Granted, there are variations to these stories and deities depending on geographic locale, which is mentioned. The concept of the hero twins is prevalent in Native American myths, through South, Meso-, and North America. I didn't manage to guess Zane’s father, though I tried. The characters were all likable. Even Ah-Puch, to me anyway. I suppose I understand where he's coming from in his thinking. I really related to Zane. I have to use a cane at times, thanks to a bum hip. Being slowed and hobbled is frustrating as heck. Characters with any physical challenge tend to draw my sympathy. I want to know more about Brooks. What is her other half, if she's half nawal. I'd love to know more about the nawal in this world. I've never seen it spelt that way. Just nahual, and such mixed ideas about how 'good’ or 'evil’ they are. The epilogue wraps up Rosie's thread very nicely. I actually really liked how things end up for her, and for Zane.

***Many thanks to Netgalley, and Disney Book Group/ Rick Riordan Presents for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This one was a bit eye-roll-y for the first couple of chapters, but man, the adventure really drew me in! It was definitely leaning a bit heavily toward Rick-Riordan-fanfic, but despite this, the characters and story really made for an enjoyable read. Zane Obispo is a very likeable, relatable main character, but his quest-mates really made the story come alive. I definitely plan to get a couple of copies for my library.

Another in the “Rick Riordan Presents” series, this explores Mayan mythology. I really love that Riordan is helping authors explore world mythology, but I wish there was a little more originality in this story. There are so many similarities to both the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books that I stopped keeping track. There’s nothing really wrong with the story - it’s fun and fast and very engaging - but it’s been told before. That’s my “adult” review.

That said, this is aimed at kids, and many of them may not have read the older books. They will find this a wild ride, with a cool new character who is pretty relatable even as he discovers his powers. Other characters will definitely appeal to kids - Hondo, the pro-wrestler fanatical uncle, the pretty, mysterious girl, and the laid-back, surfer-dude troll are just a few of the fun characters here. The plot is well-developed, everything gets tied up at the end, and the good guys win, Recommended.