Tristan Strong Keeps Punching by Kwame Mbalia: Review & Giveaway

Tristan Strong Keeps Punching by Kwame Mbalia
Series: Tristan Strong #3
Also in this series: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Published by Rick Riordan Presents on October 5, 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Retellings
Pages: 400
Source: Blog Tour, The Publisher
Cover Artist: Eric Wilkerson
My content rating: MG (Some MG-level violence, hints of romance)
My rating:

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the finale of Kwame Mbalia's trilogy, in which Tristan Strong faces off with his archenemy King Cotton once and for all.

"Imagine if you combined Anansi the Spider, John Henry, and Marvel into, like, one book."--New York Times best-selling author and Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander

After reuniting with Ayanna, who is now in his world, Tristan travels up the Mississippi in pursuit of his archenemy, King Cotton. Along the way they encounter new haints who are dead set on preventing their progress north to Tristan's hometown of Chicago. It's going to take many Alkean friends, including the gods themselves, the black flames of the afokena gloves, and all of Tristan's inner strength to deliver justice once and for all.

Shocking twists, glorious triumphs, and a cast of unforgettable characters make this series conclusion as satisfying as it is entertaining.

Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

Tristan Strong Keeps Punching is the thrilling finale fans of this series have been waiting for! This book brings the mythical characters of Alke into our world and explores the ways in which history is intertwined with these legends’ stories. Children, both Alkean and human, are disappearing and Tristan can’t help but notice how the world goes on and ignores the lost souls. He is determined to save them, but he must face his nemesis King Cotton to do it. Oh, and he also has to disobey his grandparents and a few Alkean gods in the process (they only want to keep him safe).

My favorite aspect of this book is how it highlights the importance of untold, often-ignored history. Tristan discovers the true importance of storytelling. He realizes how important it is not to forget the trials of his ancestors but also the everyday modern stories that are woven into the fabric of humanity. The book points out racism (in its most obvious forms and in smaller microaggressions), but it doesn’t feel preachy. Instead, it helps kids see the importance of understanding the past so we can work toward a better future.

As always, this installment in the series uses humor to help soften a sometimes difficult storyline. And the book culminates in an ultra-satisfying showdown in which Tristan learns not to fear the fire of his anger but to use it to help bring justice (and peace) for his friends and family. This third book is my favorite in the series—it ends Tristan’s journey on an explosive high note!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

Grab the first 2 books in the series now!

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