Today, I’m delighted to be teaming up with Rick Riordan Presents & Disney Books to celebrate the release of The Fire Keeper by J.C. Cervantes, the second book in The Storm Runner series. We’re also celebrating diversity in middle grade literature, and the growing library of books from Rick Riordan Presents that are inspired by diverse mythologies.
The Fire Keeper reunites characters from the first book for a fiery, and fast-paced quest filled with new twists and turns. Plus meet exciting new characters, plus new gods and monsters inspired by ancient Maya and Aztec mythology.
Before we dive into The Fire Keeper, here’s a peek at some of the other titles from Rick Riordan Presents and the mythologies they’re based on:
Aru Shah series
Written by Roshani Chokshi, this series is inspired by ancient Indian mythology.
Dragon Pearl
This book by Yoon Ha Lee is rooted in Korean mythology, but is woven into a sci fi/space opera setting.
Sal & Gabi Break the Universe
Carlos Hernandez’s book blends science fiction with Cuban influences.
Race to the Sun
Rebecca Roanhorse’s middle grade fantasy draws influence from Navajo culture and legends.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
This book by Kwame Mbalia sees a meeting of ancient African gods and African-American legends.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
A contemporary adventure based on Maya mythology from Rick Riordan Presents! In Book 1, The Storm Runner, a lonely boy in New Mexico has a physical disability that makes middle school feel even more like everyone is watching him. But as he soon learns, his physical differences are merely the first clue to a family history that connects him to the Maya gods—and puts him in mortal danger.
ABOUT THE FIRE KEEPER:
Zane Obispo’s new life on a beautiful secluded tropical island, complete with his family and closest friends, should be perfect. But he can’t control his newfound fire skills yet (inherited from his father, the Maya god Hurakan); there’s a painful rift between him and his dog ever since she became a hell hound; and he doesn’t know what to do with his feelings for Brooks.
One day he discovers that by writing the book about his misadventures with the Maya gods, he unintentionally put other godborn children at risk. Unless Zane can find the godborns before the gods do, they will be killed. To make matters worse, Zane learns that Hurakan is scheduled to be executed. Zane knows he must rescue him, no matter the cost. Can he accomplish both tasks without the gods detecting him, or will he end up a permanent resident of the underworld?
In this cleverly plotted sequel to The Storm Runner, the gang is back together again with spirited new characters, sneaky gods, Aztec royalty, unlikely alliances, and secrets darker than Zane could ever have imagined. Secrets that will change him forever.
Available Now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound
About Rick Riordan Presents
The Rick Riordan Presents imprint is dedicated to providing entertaining middle grade fiction based on various world mythologies. Rick Riordan is involved in the selection, editing, and promotion of these books, working with great authors to tell exciting stories inspired by the mythologies of their own heritages. Learn more about the imprint and its current and upcoming titles on their official site.
Connect with Rick Riordan Presents on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Learn more about the book on the official Rick Riordan Presents site
J. C. Cervantes is the New York Times best-selling author of The Storm Runner, which Booklist called “a rip-roaring adventure” in a starred review. Her first novel, Tortilla Sun, was a 2010 New Voices pick by the American Booksellers Association and was named to Bank Street’s 2011 Best Book List. Jen grew up in San Diego and was fascinated by stories about Maya gods and magic.
Find J.C. Cervantes on Twitter | Instagram
THE STORM RUNNER SERIES CONTINUES!
The Storm Runner fans, rejoice! Enter for your chance to win:
- a copy of The Fire Keeper,
- plus a branded cap and bumper sticker.
To enter, tell us in the comments what other mythologies you’d love to see tackled in a book or book series? Then fill out the Rafflecopter form below to complete your entry & earn more chances to win.
Giveaway open to US addresses only. Prizing and samples provided by Disney Book Group. Contest runs through midnight PT on Monday, September 30th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Novel Novice 
I would love to see Inca and Toltec, and also Navajo and other Native American mythologies
“Tell us in the blog post comments: what other mythologies would you love to see tackled in a book or book series?” I recently enjoyed “Norse Mythology” by Neil Gaiman. I think the stories of the Norse gods might make good graphic novels–especially if the cartoonists can inject the requisite humor!
I would like Norse Mythology in a series.
Check out Rick Riordan’s Magnus Chase series!
Orpheus and Eurydice would be a good one to do.
I love reading about mermaids. They are always pictured as being so pretty and graceful.
I am honestly not sure.
I would like to see oedipus tackeled.
I think there are probably lots of aboriginal mythologies that would be interesting. I’d enjoy books about some from Africa.
Japanese or Korean mythology.
Something to do with Zeus.
I’d like a Valkyrie series.
Maybe something about the Zodiacs? That would be cool.
I agree with Audrey – Mermaids!!
I would love to learn more about other non mainstream mythologies like Russian or Asian ones.
I like to see something about the creatures of mythology, such as unicorns.
I can’t say that I really know. Greek Mythology?
Ya, I love the idea of the Maya Mythology and maybe it would be good to see some other Central American mythologies I see about the Olmec but know nothing about it.
Mermaids!!
I’d love to see stories based on Native American stories or Inca mythologies.
I love these sorts of books. And I want to get my son to read more – he loves these books too. I’m shameless in trying to get him to read more – I’ll do anything!
Iris, goddess of rainbows
The Rick Riordan Presents Imprint sounds amazing. I’ve only read Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and I loved it!
I love the Egyptian ones, and would also love Native America
the mayans or croatan
the mayans or the history behind croatan