Rick Riordan Presents: City of the Plague God-The Adventures of Sik Aziz Book 1

by Sarwat Chadda

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents CITY OF THE PLAGUE GOD, an adventure based on ancient Mesopotamian mythology written by Sarwat Chadda, author of the Ash Mistry series.

"An epic worthy of Gilgamesh. Chadda brings attention to the less well-recognized mythology of ancient Mesopotamia with engaging humor and wit."--Kirkus Reviews

Thirteen-year-old Sik wants a simple life going to school and helping at his parents' deli in the evenings. But all that is blown to smithereens when Nergal comes looking for him, thinking that Sik holds the secret to eternal life.Turns out Sik is immortal but doesn't know it, and that's about to get him and the entire city into deep, deep trouble.

Sik's not in this alone. He's got Belet, the adopted daughter of Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, on his side, and a former hero named Gilgamesh, who has taken up gardening in Central Park. Now all they have to do is retrieve the Flower of Immortality to save Manhattan from being wiped out by disease. To succeed, they'll have to conquer sly demons, treacherous gods, and their own darkest nightmares.

• ISBN10: 1368051502
• ISBN13: 9781368051507
• Publish Date: 12 January 2021
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Hyperion
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 400
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781368051507

Reviews

[alindstadtcorbeax]

Star Rating: —> 4.5 Stars

The Rick Riordan Presents imprint has never let me down before, and indeed, this time through the brilliant lens of Sarwat Chadda, once again I am beyond impressed.
I truly feel that well written books, based upon any world mythology transcend age, and this will indeed strike the attention of more than just a Middle Grade audience.

I was enthralled from beginning to end of this perfectly paced, action packed novel. With this gorgeously written, fascinating delve into American Muslim culture and Mesopotamian mythology, Sarwat Chadda blew. me. away. I will most definitely picking up anything he has to offer in the future.

We need more diverse books in this world, and Chadda hit the mark on this front, as well. Through wonderfully written prose, and one heck of an adventure, he truly made sure that diversity, culture, & the mythology shone through.

Through the eyes of an American Muslim kid l, Sik, we step into a beautifully crafted fresh piece of diverse literature & look into a fascinating cultural mythology, based upon the Epic of Gilgamesh.

I truly loved Sik's bravery & dedication to his family. This undoubtedly sends an important message, about strength, loyalty, and bravery, especially to the target middle grade audience, as well as audiences of all ages.

Anyone who reads about Sik, will LOVE HIM! He's a kid who will freely step up & take on Gods of ancient Mesopotamian origin when they show up on his doorstep, & in his hometown, New York City... all to keep his Iraqi refugee parents' American dream alive, and try to save those & the city he loves at all costs. Both Sik, & his story will undoubtedly leave readers with a feeling of true heart and new understanding of topics of great value..

Stepping into the absolutely enthralling world that Sarwat Chadda crafted masterfully, was a joy.
I loved everything this book had to offer, and it increased my love for the Rick Riordan Presents imprint all the more!

I will definitely be recommending this book to all.

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
__________________
YAYYYYYY ! Arcccccccc!

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!
(Confession: I am OBSESSED with all world mythologies. Honestly obsessed. I cannot wait to slice open a pocket between universes & step into this one! Yes, yes, I know to close it afterwards or mess with the fabric of reality blah blah but we're getting off topic here.