I partnered with Disney Book Group to share this awesome new middle school fantasy book, The Storm Runner, by J.C. Cervantes. All opinions (including the fangirl gushing about Rick Riordan) are my own.
How can one boy with a limp stop the Maya god of death, disaster, and darkness from destroying the world? That’s what we’ll find out in J.C. Cervantes’ stunning new book, The Storm Runner. I have so many positive things to say about this book that I’m having a hard time deciding where to begin. Let’s start with the overview and Rick Riordan’s role in this book, shall we?
The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
I love Rick Riordan’s mythology series, and I’ve often wished that he’d delve into other cultures, especially the ancient civilizations of Central and South America. I’ve found the Mayan civilization particularly fascinating ever since we first covered them in middle school. Apparently, quite a few Riordan fans wished the same thing!
Rather than write the books himself, though, Riordan opted to support other writers who actually live in those cultures. By doing so, he’s not only ensuring that the story gets told by those who are actually meant to tell it, but also helping to “publish great books by middle grade authors from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds…” (in Riordan’s own words), as is the case with J.C. Cervantes and The Storm Runner.
- Hardcover Book
- Cervantes, J.C. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 448 Pages - 09/18/2018 (Publication Date) - Rick Riordan Presents (Publisher)
What is The Storm Runner About?
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?
The magic of The Storm Runner comes not just from the Mayan gods & mythology, but from the likable (and relatable) main character, Zane. While the cause of Zane’s limp may not be a common thing, tweens can still relate to the feeling of being different, and of having other kids hone in on that one difference until you feel like it’s all they see. Zane doesn’t let that hold him back, though. He, along with his faithful canine companion Rosie, hike, climb, and explore the volcano in their backyard for fun. Yep, volcano. In his backyard. Crazy, right? When that volcano turns out to be SO much more than expected, Zane is in for the adventure of a lifetime!
If you’re a fan of Rick Riordan’s mythology series’ (my favorites are the Percy Jackson series and the Magnus Chase series), you’ll love The Storm Runner. Cervantes delivers the same sense of adventure and excitement mixed with plenty of humor that made Riordan so spectacular. While she gave the gods and goddesses unique personalities, the accuracy of the pantheon makes The Storm Runner as educational as it is engaging.
While the book is recommended for ages 10-14, I am much older than the target audience and I really loved it!
About the Author
J.C. Cervantes is the author of Tortilla Sun
, which was called “a beautiful and engaging debut” by Kirkus, an “imaginative, yet grounded novel” by Publishers Weekly, and “lean and lightly spiced with evocative metaphor” by School Library Journal. Tortilla Sun was a 2010 New Voices pick by the American Booksellers Association and it was named to Bank Street’s 2011 Best Book List. When Jennifer isn’t reading or writing, she helping her husband with his gubernatorial campaign.
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. You’ll also find some crazy cool articles about the characters as well as interactive quizzes and activities.
Where to Buy The Storm Runner
The Storm Runner is now available at most major book retailers, including: Amazon 
Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Indie Bound
Connect on Social Media
- Use the Hashtag #TheStormRunner to join the conversation
- Follow Rick Riordan on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
- Follow J.C. Cervantes on Twitter | GoodReads | Instagram
Learn more about the book at ReadRiordan.com
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mesopotamian Mythology would be different so I would like to see it incorporasted next.
Oooh, that would be interesting!
I would love to see more Japanese mythology being written.
@tisonlyme143
I would love that, too! I lived in Japan for two years, and they have such incredibly rich mythology!
Maybe some Norse Mythology.
Grandson wants to read The Storm Runner book.
Greek or Egyptian mythology
I would love to see more Celtic mythology!
I have always like Greek mythology, but all of it sounds wonderful.
i have read and loved everything by rick so far but maybe some Irish mythology?
I would be so excited for norse mythology!
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE GERMAN MYTHOLOGY.
“What mythology would you love to see in a Rick Riordan Imprint next? For example, I would love to see one about the Inca mythology!” Incan is good. How about Egyptian? Or Native American?
I think so Greek or Roman mythology would be really cool to see next.
I like to see Greek mythology
Greek is always very intersting
I’d like to see Japanese mythology.
I would like to see Native American mythology.
I’d like to see more Greek!
Maybe Chinese or Amercan
I think Greek would be interesting.
Egyptian mythology
I’d like the next one to include Hindu mythology!
Native American mythology would be awesome to explore. I know I would love to read a book with that included.
It sounds fun to be able to explore a volcano in your backyard. The Mayan mythology does sound like it would peek your interest for many hours.
I would like to see a good Greek mythology.
Greek Mythology always interested me.
I would like to hear stories about Roman mythology.
Native American would be cool
It’s been almost 50 years since I cover the Incas or Mayans in middle school, lol, so I can’t remember anything about their culture. How about some Greek mythology? Thanks for the giveaway!
I would like to see American Indian mythology.
Japanese!
I have been a fan of monotheistic mythology since elementary school. I learned about Native American, Mayan, and Incan mythology in fifth grade. I have loved Greek mythology ever since viewing the original ‘Clash Of The Titans’ film, and reading ‘Wonder Woman’ comic books!
Norse.
Egyptian mythology
Sounds amazing 🙂
Hawaiian mythology
I would love to see Greek mythology.
I love stories about queens and princesses, so I’d want to have a plot with that and intrigue and adventure!!
I would love more Celtic mythology! Its one of my favorites!
I would love to read some Egyptian mythology. So different and could make great reading!
i would love to see Egyptian Mythology
Perhaps some from the Laplanders.
Thanks for the contest.
subscribe email: slehan at yahoo dot com
How about some writing on Nordic mythology?
I would have to say for us would be Greek or Egyptian mythology here thanks
I would love to see more Greek mythology!
Greek Mythology
[email protected]
Greek mythology would be interesting!
There are so many that would interest me but, I think Japan would be my #1 pick.
I’ve always liked the old pagan mythology, especially the Celtic Gods. That would be interesting.
I would love to see something with the Celtic Gods!
would like to see mythology of egypt and the egyptian history
I’d like to see something with the Mayans or Egyptians!
I would love to see something of the Egyptian mythology!
I think something with Native Americans would be fun.
Almost any of the Asian mythologies–the western world knows very little about them.
I’ve never read this genre before, but I’m open to trying something new. Thanks for this amazing giveaway.
I’d like to see Greek mythology.
I would like to see a book on Egyptian mythology.
Celtic or Aztec mythology would be very interesting.
Aztec mythology would be great.
I would like to see the Greek mythology.
I would choose Greek Mythology
I think Greek Mythology would be fun!
I would like to see a Norse Mythology.
I would love to see anything to do with Mayan. Thanks for hosting.
more greek mythology.
I would like to see Egyptian mythology.
I would like to see Celtic mythology.
I would love to see Ancient mythology.
I’d like to read some Japanese mythology
I am an adult and would like to read this for myself! My younger kiddo would like for me to read this aloud to her.
I’d love to see Greek or Incan mythology!