The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes Series: The Storm Runner #1
Also in this series: The Fire Keeper
Published by Rick Riordan Presents on September 18, 2018
Genres: Middle Grade, Contemporary Fantasy
Pages: 448
Source: The Publisher
My content rating: MG (Some violence, hints of possible romance)
My rating:
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.
There’s a whole lot to love about this little gem of a book. It’s an action-packed introduction to a little-known mythological system that features a hispanic, disabled MC. This sounds like a lot of rep and you might be wondering if the inclusion of the disability might seem like too much, but it’s all woven together seamlessly and given its due weight.
What Fed My Addiction:
- Maya mythology. I knew absolutely nothing about Maya mythology going into this, and the book made me want to delve into it and learn more. I hope it encourages many kids to do the same! Of course, we only get a taste of the mythology in this book, but we’re introduced to some of the major gods and we learn about several of the myths associated with them. And, of course, it’s all done in a really fun and engaging way as we’re led on Zane’s quest to save humanity.
- Disability rep. Zane’s disability is eventually proven to be his greatest strength! I won’t tell you all the details because I don’t want to spoil things, but his too-short leg is actually his tie to his mythological father, and it is the source of his true power. I loved that Zane didn’t end up “overcoming” his disability—it didn’t go away—he just learned that it was an essential part of him.
- Fabulous pacing and engaging characters. This is the type of book that keeps you turning the pages. I was fully invested in Zane’s journey, and I loved the ragtag group of crazy people who joined him along the way! (I think Hondo, his wrestling-loving uncle, was my favorite—and I loved that Hondo sort of found himself on this quest as well).
- The ending. The final page of the book actually sent shivers down my spine (not kidding) because it was so perfect. What a fantastic way to get kids invested in the series!!!!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
- You’ve probably read similar books. It’s been a very long time since I’ve read Riordan’s Lightning Thief Series, but I feel like this has a lot of similarities—just using Maya mythology instead of Greek. And honestly, some of the plot points were predictable. But the whole story was told in such an engaging way that I didn’t mind having a good idea how a lot of it was going to play out.
So far, the Rick Riordan Presents imprint has been a total win for me. I can’t wait to read more!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
About the Author
Jen (J.C) is an award-winning children’s author; her most recent book, THE STORM RUNNER is scheduled for release in September 2018 with its sequel THE FIRE KEEPER, coming in 2019. As an author, she has earned multiple awards and recognitions, including the New Mexico Book Award, Zia Book Award, and was named a New Voices Pick by the American Booksellers Association for her first book Tortilla Sun.
Jen’s a champion of the underdog, can read, write and talk backwards, is an advocate for more POC in children’s fiction. Mostly she’s a believer in magic. But only if you’re willing to listen to the whispers of the universe.
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20 responses to “The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes: Hispanic and Disability Rep + Mythology Not Many of Us Know About”
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This is going to be fun for me too. I can’t wait to see if I feel the same way about the ending.
I just thought the author did something simple but brilliant on the very last page that will get kids even more invested in the story. Can’t wait to see what you think!
I’ve heard great things about this book and I’m so glad it was a win for you. It’s definitely on my TBR.
Thanks for sharing,
~Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
I’ve loved this new Disney imprint so far!!
I think it’s SO awesome how Riordan has started this imprint and is getting other culture’s mythology out there to teach kids!! AHHH I really want to read all of these new ones. And I actually always get excited when multiple minorities are repped in one character, because that happens a lot in real life and I feel like books often forget it!? So yay for disability and poc rep!
Yes, I agree that the idea behind this imprint is fantastic, and I’ve been loving the books so far!
Really excited for this. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I guess I will *have to* visit a bookstore this weekend and get this into my classroom!
You have to. I give you full permission. (I mean, that’s all you need, right?)
Yay for good disability rep! Idk anything about Maya mythology either, so that part does sound really interesting!
I’m glad you saw this because I actually meant to point it out to you. Don’t know if you have MG on your list, but I thought I’d let you know about it, just in case. 🙂
I do include MG 🙂 I saved this one and will add it when I get a chance!
Good to know!
This sounds like a fun read that includes a lot of rep without getting bogged down in Good Intentions. Great find 🙂
Yes, I agree that it can be hard to find a balance of representing a lot of things (well) and not making the book feel crowded with issues or preachy. This book finds that balance nicely.
This one was already on my TBR (by vritue of it coming from Rick Riordan Presents). I didn’t know the main character has a disability – sounds like good rep!
I’m loving Rick Riordan Presents. These first two books have been fantastic!
Oh, this sounds brilliant. I’m going to have to pick up a copy to read with my son. That cover is stunning too!
Hope you guys love it!
oh wow wow wow THIS IS SUCH A GEM! I’m so glad you share this (thanks for promoting Hispanic books!) GOTTA read this one!
Glad I could introduce you to a new book!