kristinasshelves's review
4.0
I will be amending this review in the future, as I only read 6 of the 10 stories included. I'll read the remainder after I read their respective series. My star rating reflects the average of my read short stories (3.9).
The stand-out by far is the story following Sikander Aziz by Sarwat Chadda, following the events of [b:City of the Plague God|43517256|City of the Plague God|Sarwat Chadda|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581959802l/43517256._SX50_.jpg|67680875]. His story was exactly what I expected from the entire collection- one that both expanded the world of the character by adding a new mythological element, as well as fitting to the spooky theme of the collection. I found the moral lesson, to not judge an individual based on preconceived notions about an entire group, to be fantastically woven into the story and ADORED the snippet of Sal and Gabi's story that was worked into the multiverse theory in Sik's world. Rabisu, a demon from the underworld comes to Sik, whose mother tells him to help the creature her return to her home. What unfolds is a story about the Annuna, or The Old Ones, beings who existed before the gods of Mesopotamian mythology, who threatening to come into and destroy our world.
My other favorite story, unsurprisingly, was that of Sal and Gabi by Carlos Hernandez, following the events of [b:Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe|41712668|Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe (Sal and Gabi, #2)|Carlos Hernandez|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581960906l/41712668._SX50_.jpg|65059257]. The Sal and Gabi books are my favorites in the Riordan-verse, with the story in this collection containing the same adventure, multiverse traveling and humor that I've come to expect from the characters. Sal and Gabi are called to a section of their school full of unicorn vomit, learning their friend Gladis has gone missing in the multiverse. They embark on a universe hopping adventure, full of alternative versions of themselves, talking unicorns, thrown chickens and their favorite AI toilet.
The biggest letdown in the collection was the story from Rick Riordan, My Life as a Child Outlaw. This is clearly an introduction to a forthcoming series, complete with a pronunciation appendix for ancient Celtic. The main character, Demne, is an eight year old boy in Ancient Ireland. He is constantly on the run as the son of the late chief of the Fiana clan. While the story was entertaining, it did not fit into the theme of the collection. I would be open to reading more about the characters introduced, but am hoping there will be more world building in a full book, as the reader is thrown into a complex world with no context
The stand-out by far is the story following Sikander Aziz by Sarwat Chadda, following the events of [b:City of the Plague God|43517256|City of the Plague God|Sarwat Chadda|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581959802l/43517256._SX50_.jpg|67680875]. His story was exactly what I expected from the entire collection- one that both expanded the world of the character by adding a new mythological element, as well as fitting to the spooky theme of the collection. I found the moral lesson, to not judge an individual based on preconceived notions about an entire group, to be fantastically woven into the story and ADORED the snippet of Sal and Gabi's story that was worked into the multiverse theory in Sik's world. Rabisu, a demon from the underworld comes to Sik, whose mother tells him to help the creature her return to her home. What unfolds is a story about the Annuna, or The Old Ones, beings who existed before the gods of Mesopotamian mythology, who threatening to come into and destroy our world.
My other favorite story, unsurprisingly, was that of Sal and Gabi by Carlos Hernandez, following the events of [b:Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe|41712668|Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe (Sal and Gabi, #2)|Carlos Hernandez|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581960906l/41712668._SX50_.jpg|65059257]. The Sal and Gabi books are my favorites in the Riordan-verse, with the story in this collection containing the same adventure, multiverse traveling and humor that I've come to expect from the characters. Sal and Gabi are called to a section of their school full of unicorn vomit, learning their friend Gladis has gone missing in the multiverse. They embark on a universe hopping adventure, full of alternative versions of themselves, talking unicorns, thrown chickens and their favorite AI toilet.
The biggest letdown in the collection was the story from Rick Riordan, My Life as a Child Outlaw. This is clearly an introduction to a forthcoming series, complete with a pronunciation appendix for ancient Celtic. The main character, Demne, is an eight year old boy in Ancient Ireland. He is constantly on the run as the son of the late chief of the Fiana clan. While the story was entertaining, it did not fit into the theme of the collection. I would be open to reading more about the characters introduced, but am hoping there will be more world building in a full book, as the reader is thrown into a complex world with no context
zoepagereader's review
4.0
The first few short stories in here had me scared I wasn’t going to like it. The ones from books I already read were definitely my favorites, except for the Dragon Pearl one, I haven’t read that book, and so I added to my TBR as I read. I thought the one that Rick Riorden wrote in the back was oddly dark, compared to his other stuff.
yapha's review
4.0
Fun collection of short stories featuring your favorite heroes from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint plus a new Irish hero from Rick Riordan himself. Recommended for fans of the many series.
booksandpops4000's review
4.0
* I got this book for review from the publisher*
I thought this was such a fun read. I loved reading all these stories following the presents characters. They were all super fun and short stories. I thought some of them could have used a bit more basic info i felt a tad lost not having been caught up on the current books. I also really am now more motivated to actually catch up. I also just thought the stories were fun and dived into smaller assets of mythology . I also really liked learning about Irsh mythology.
I thought this was such a fun read. I loved reading all these stories following the presents characters. They were all super fun and short stories. I thought some of them could have used a bit more basic info i felt a tad lost not having been caught up on the current books. I also really am now more motivated to actually catch up. I also just thought the stories were fun and dived into smaller assets of mythology . I also really liked learning about Irsh mythology.
dinipandareads's review
4.0
I read this as part of the blog tour hosted by Rock Star Tours. Special thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review! 4 stars
Check out the full review on my blog and enter the giveaway!
I've always wanted to read more from Rick Riordan Presents and when I saw this collection of short stories I knew that I had to get my hands on it ASAP! It's not that I needed more convincing that the Rick Riordan Presents books were amazing but reading this collection from the multiverse mansion has me wanting to immediately pick up the books that have been languishing on my shelf for too long.
I was completely immersed from the moment I set foot into this multiverse mansion and I was itching with eagerness to open each door to the different worlds held within. These stories are rich with diverse cultures and a wild kind of magic courses through each of the pages that hold you enthralled as the wonderful characters and their stories unfold. Honestly, these are the kind of stories that I wish had been available to younger me because it would've meant so much to see parts of myself in characters who look like me and have roots in parts of the world I'm from. Not to mention that it would've been amazing to learn about the different mythologies, too! Luckily, they're stories that adult me can read and greatly appreciate and it makes me so happy knowing that such diverse heroic tales are available for younger generations to read and identify with!
We get small glimpses into magnificent worlds and we meet many new characters that I was eager to learn more about the minute their story ended. What makes me love a short story is when the story comes full circle, the questions are answered and it can essentially stand on its own, and the majority of stories in here did that! I often found myself going into deep(ish) dives on the interwebs to read up about the mythologies and creatures and I love when a story can pique my curiosity in that way because it makes the experience that much more unforgettable. While I enjoyed all of the stories my top three are: The Demon Drum by Rebecca Roanhorse, My Night at the Gifted Carnival by Graci Kim, and... it's a tie between The Initiation by Yoon Ha Lee and Bruto and the Freaky Flower by Tehlor Kay Mejia (sorry, I really can't choose)!
Although I had only met the characters from one of the stories in this collection (Gum Baby forever!), I had no trouble following along with the adventures, so it's okay to go into this without prior knowledge of the stories. I think it would be perfect for readers who want to get a taste of the worlds found in the Rick Riordan Presents books and I can guarantee that it will leave you wanting more as soon as possible! Highly recommended for all readers but especially those who love action-packed (mis)adventures, an abundance of magic, diverse mythology, most likely demons and ghouls, and lots of cheeky and witty humour!
Check out the full review on my blog and enter the giveaway!
I've always wanted to read more from Rick Riordan Presents and when I saw this collection of short stories I knew that I had to get my hands on it ASAP! It's not that I needed more convincing that the Rick Riordan Presents books were amazing but reading this collection from the multiverse mansion has me wanting to immediately pick up the books that have been languishing on my shelf for too long.
I was completely immersed from the moment I set foot into this multiverse mansion and I was itching with eagerness to open each door to the different worlds held within. These stories are rich with diverse cultures and a wild kind of magic courses through each of the pages that hold you enthralled as the wonderful characters and their stories unfold. Honestly, these are the kind of stories that I wish had been available to younger me because it would've meant so much to see parts of myself in characters who look like me and have roots in parts of the world I'm from. Not to mention that it would've been amazing to learn about the different mythologies, too! Luckily, they're stories that adult me can read and greatly appreciate and it makes me so happy knowing that such diverse heroic tales are available for younger generations to read and identify with!
We get small glimpses into magnificent worlds and we meet many new characters that I was eager to learn more about the minute their story ended. What makes me love a short story is when the story comes full circle, the questions are answered and it can essentially stand on its own, and the majority of stories in here did that! I often found myself going into deep(ish) dives on the interwebs to read up about the mythologies and creatures and I love when a story can pique my curiosity in that way because it makes the experience that much more unforgettable. While I enjoyed all of the stories my top three are: The Demon Drum by Rebecca Roanhorse, My Night at the Gifted Carnival by Graci Kim, and... it's a tie between The Initiation by Yoon Ha Lee and Bruto and the Freaky Flower by Tehlor Kay Mejia (sorry, I really can't choose)!
Although I had only met the characters from one of the stories in this collection (Gum Baby forever!), I had no trouble following along with the adventures, so it's okay to go into this without prior knowledge of the stories. I think it would be perfect for readers who want to get a taste of the worlds found in the Rick Riordan Presents books and I can guarantee that it will leave you wanting more as soon as possible! Highly recommended for all readers but especially those who love action-packed (mis)adventures, an abundance of magic, diverse mythology, most likely demons and ghouls, and lots of cheeky and witty humour!
antoinettepowb's review
5.0
An amazing sample of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint! Having read many of the main titles, I enjoyed reading short stories about the same great heroes. This book contains stories of friendships, adventures, battles and more. "The Gum Baby Files" and "Demon Drum" were among my favorites. I think this a great edition to middle school classrooms and libraries.
drsdon's review
2.0
A collection of short stories of young-adult fiction in the mold, as suggested by Rick Riordan being the editor, of his Percy Jackson series - using old mythic heroes and telling new stories. The range of stories is impressive, touching on various mythologies for jumping off points. The reading was easy, as I supposed young adult should be, but the reading experience was just okay for me (hence the 2 stars). It felt at times that certain stories was trying to hard with the dialogue to be funny. Perhaps this just means I am too old for it.
In any event, I can definitely see how some will really enjoy these stories, but ultimately the writing, and thus the book, was just not for me.
In any event, I can definitely see how some will really enjoy these stories, but ultimately the writing, and thus the book, was just not for me.