YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

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?

Feisty heroes, tricky gods, murderous demons, and spirited giants are just some of the pleasures that await in this fresh and funny take on Maya mythology, as rich and delicious as a mug of authentic hot chocolate.

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ I really want to know more about Brookes and the demon runner. And what is the prophecy is about! (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[Chapter 5;

Okay, but, the demon runner thing scares me a little. I don't know much about Maya mythology and I may as well have to look it up to understand this book more.

AND ANYWAY! I only met Zane today but I already love him. (hide spoiler)]

Yeah I like Zane too, not so sure about Brooke so far, and for the future make sure you put anything spoilery things (you didn't this time) in spoilers so people can use this thread in the future!

Ah, I forgot about that! My bad!

What do you think about Brooke so far? I agree with you, (view spoiler)[there's something off about her. (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote: "Ah, I forgot about that! My bad!

What do you think about Brooke so far? I agree with you, [spoilers removed]"

No problem! (view spoiler)[ she seems shady to me so far like she doesn't have the best intentions. Like her dragging him into the prophecy and how like he narrates the books like he regrets trusting her. Hope I'm wrong though (hide spoiler)]

Melany wrote: "No problem! [spoilers removed]"

I think the same. (view spoiler)[Do you think she could be that demon on the plane or some gods' minion? I just feel like she's not an ordinary girl like the writer wanted us to think. What about Zane's neighbors? Mr. O and Ms. Cab? What do you think about them? I also feel like they're there to protect Zane from the evils, just like Rosie--I won't be surprised at all if she turns out to be another Bast/Muffin case on The Red Pyramid. (hide spoiler)]

Hey! I'm already at chapter 10. So far, (view spoiler)[ I'm glad I'm right about Ms. Cab and it makes me more suspicious about Brooks. Ms. Cab told Zane not to trust her, and I wonder what side she's on actually. A little bit sad about what happened to Rosie.

And, not mean to compare books, but this is feel like The Red Pyramid all over—freeing the god and face the consequences.

How about you? What do you think? Do you think Brooks can be trusted or Ms. Cab CAN'T be trusted? (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote:....Hey! I'm already at chapter 10. So far,"
I really like this so far! (view spoiler)[ yeah I don't think we can trust Brooke at all, I had similar feelings about Mrs. Cab and the eye removing thing is really weird. And I think your right that it a lot like The Red Pyramid. I think something is up with Mr. O too I get this sense. Trying to get Rosie back sound like a terrible idea but I get it he loves her so much so I get it.

Also after all the other books in the Rick Riordan world, it weird it that Mayans demigod are like deformed while other mythologies have them as supermen. (hide spoiler)]

About the Mayan demigod, (view spoiler)[ I think Cervantes wanted to make a character who has disability so this book can be the representation for children with the same condition as Zane, which is a good thing. But I don't think he is a demigod, he could be demi-supernatural something, but that's just my guess! What do you think?

And if Mrs. Cab is really a seer, then why didn't she warn Zane's mother?

Agree. Getting Rosie back is a terrible idea, I have this feeling that if Rosie returned from Underworld, I think some demon would possessed her—or any supernatural being.

Mr. O, however, seems harmless to me. He's curious, but harmless. Just raising a suspicion I think?

I need to dig up some Maya myths, since I understand a little about it. (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote: "About the Mayan demigod,"
(view spoiler)[ I don't trust any of them lol I have a feeling that it could be for representation but still it a strange contrast to other mythologies.

I have a feeling trying to get Rosie back is what gonna lead to the evil god getting lose, if this follows the rule of the other Riordanverse books I've read lol. (hide spoiler)]

I finished chapter 15!

Oh my God!! (view spoiler)[ You are right, he's the demigod. Or part god, as they call it. I read about Maya gods earlier and I may have an idea which god is Zane's father. Also, you're right, it's a contrast to other mythologies where they're all powerful but Zane is.. not?

And yeah, saving Rosie is the key to save the world too. Especially now Zane's life is claimed by Ah-Puch.

UH, is this really taking place in Riordanverse? Because I have this innuendo lmao, they /have/ to go to Los Angeles? Really? That reminds me of other Underworld door...... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17 (view spoiler)[ Yeah it seems like it is in the Riordanverse. That would be great because Hades was also in LA!

Zane was so stupid like he even got a sign to not promise himself to Ah-Puch.

And poor Ms. Cab was turned into a chicken.

Also, the pepper being like a secret weapon is cool and cute! And I can't wait to learn about the hero twins and I'm excited for the organized magic! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[ What happened? Whos is bleeding??!? Is Zane going to be ok? I want to know more about Jazz, and he has a very strange case of diabetes! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17 (view spoiler)[ Ms. Cab turned into a chicken = something a god in Riordanverse would do, am I right? I'm SO glad that Mr. O also turned out as someone who knows Zane's business with the Mayan gods and having a pepper as a secret weapon is unexpected. I expected Mr. O would give Zane a lecture about "being a hero" and give him a weapon (maybe swords? arrows?) but no, no, no, that man GAVE him a pepper instead!!! The humor gets me, tbh. (hide spoiler)]

ALSO, (view spoiler)[ the hero twins (based on Brooks' description) seem like big bullies..... and what's it with Riordanverse and Los Angeles? Why do they choose the city as something related to death? :))) (hide spoiler)]

Do you already have an idea who Zane's father is?

Chapter 20, (view spoiler)[ AND HOLY K!! what is happening??!! it happened so fast I— is everyone ok, that twist surprised me (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote: "ALSO, [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ they do sound like jerks (hide spoiler)]

Agree. I have a feeling that (view spoiler)[ they won't help Zane at all. Or maybe they do, but it'll cost something. And yeah, I'm not surprised if the twin heroes appeared like someone around Hondo's age or your typical high school jocks (hide spoiler)]

Hey, sorry! I'm going to be out all day. I'm in chapter 24 so far

It ok I just finished chapter 25 (view spoiler)[ Brooke's sister is married one of the twins??!?!?!? I really hope Zane can beat them!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 30 (view spoiler)[ I wonder what Zane's powers are going to be when he reaches full strength. It starting to get annoying that no one can give him a straight or complete answer (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 35 (view spoiler)[ I wonder which of his father's powers he is gonna get, I think it going to be something with fire because he wasn't burned during his match with the twins (hide spoiler)]

Melany wrote: "Chapter 35 [spoilers removed]"

I'm a little concerned with this book because, (view spoiler)[ I don't really understand why put so many troubles and secrets when the book is almost done? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 33, catching up with you this Saturday! (view spoiler)[ I'm also annoyed that Zane's power hasn't really showed up. Although the aids from the gods are helpful, a little. :)) And about the power, I also think it's either fire, storm, or lightning. But I'm more sure with the fire. He had felt it few times, right? (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote: "Melany wrote: "Chapter 35 [spoilers removed]"

I'm a little concerned with this book because, [spoilers removed]"

I think it because it gonna be a series

Maybe, but it'll leave a big question mark when the first book is done, I think

I finished it I think it answered most of my questions, let me know what you think when you finish

Melany wrote: "I finished it I think it answered most of my questions, let me know what you think when you finish"

I finished it yesterday but my internet went off! Sorry for inform you by now.

It's ok, what did you think?

Okay but, I don't expect the twist in the end. (view spoiler)[ All these times, Ixtab is trying to protect Zane? She's working with Hurakan? Yeah, the last chapters answered most of my question, especially with why Zane didn't have a power or his leg is deformed, it makes sense because of Hurakan. I didn't even expect Rosie to become hellhound! (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote: "Okay but, I don't expect the twist in the end. [spoilers removed]" (view spoiler)[ Yeah the thing with Ixtab seemed way too convenient, I think it was to give him a godly alley and to introduce other godborn, I liked it but I do think it was a little too similar to the Red Pyramid or The Lightning Thief, I get that is what the author was going for but I think the ending was very similar to The Red Pyramid (hide spoiler)]

Melany wrote: "neeks wrote: "Okay but, I don't expect the twist in the end. [spoilers removed]" [spoilers removed]"


I get it, it's the point Cervantes tried to make, (view spoiler)[ but the ending is too similar, especially when Ixtab moves Zane's family to the island, it reminds me about Isis and Horus repairing The Brooklyn House. Introducing Zane to other godborn could be a possible storyline for the next book, in which, also similar to the way Sadie and Carter found other magicians throughout the rest of the series. The characters and storyline are interesting, but I don't see any originality from it (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote: "Melany wrote: "neeks wrote: "Okay but, I don't expect the twist in the end. [spoilers removed]" [spoilers removed]"


I get it, it's the point Cervantes tried to make, [spoilers removed]"

That is exactly how I felt (view spoiler)[ I think the story will be more original moving forward (hopefully) but I fear it also might end up being like the other book in the Kane Chronicles or Percy Jackson, I still have hope. I know nothing about Mayan myth so I hope they have some interesting one to pull from. (hide spoiler)]

Melany wrote: "neeks wrote: "Melany wrote: "neeks wrote: "Okay but, I don't expect the twist in the end. [spoilers removed]" [spoilers removed]"


I get it, it's the point Cervantes tried to make, [spoilers remov..."

The book (view spoiler)[ lacks of originality, and yeah, hopefully for the next book, we can get something nice. Now now, how do you feel about Brooks? Still suspicious? (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote: "Melany wrote: "neeks wrote: "Melany wrote: "neeks wrote: "Okay but, I don't expect the twist in the end. [spoilers removed]" [spoilers removed]"


I get it, it's the point Cervantes tried to make, ..."

(view spoiler)[ yes and no, like I don't trust her yet, you? (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ Nope, even after Ixtab told Zane that Brooks is playing important role on this undercover mission, I just don't think that her main goal is to set Ah-Puch down. She seems suspicious enough, especially when her story hasn't yet unraveled. (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Yeah I really don't trust Quin yet. (hide spoiler)]

Melany wrote: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ The only thing I can trust is Zane and Hondo. But something is a little off for me. You know that in Rick Riordan books, there's a thing we call mist/glamour, where they hide the true form of monster from human's eyes. What about this one though? Hondo can see the monsters clearly... does he have some kind of sixth sense or Mayan myth doesn't work that way? (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

neeks wrote: "Melany wrote: [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I think it because the demon runners can change shape and apear how they want, but I don't know. Hopefully it will be explained in teh next book (hide spoiler)]

Melany wrote: "neeks wrote: "Melany wrote: [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Hopefully! I hope the next book is more interesting than this one. (hide spoiler)]

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Date changed. Restarting September 13th 2022. Happy Reading ☺

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starting soon!

chapter two
(view spoiler)[this is interesting so far! i like that our hero is disabled :) (hide spoiler)]