Author: Rick Riordan

Title: The Kane Chronicles: The Throne of Fire

Publisher: Hyperion

"If it ain't broke don't fix it." Or so the old saying goes, and Rick Riordan's latest edition to The Kane Chronicles certainly adds weight to that claim.

Most people recognize Riordan as the author who wrote the Percy Jackson novels, a series of books in which the Greek gods are real and causing trouble in modern day Manhattan. The Kane Chronicles, Riordan's junior series, pretty much follows the same template.

In the Kane world, the ancient Egyptian gods are real and active, while an order of magicians known as "The House of Life" has been charged with hunting them down and imprisoning them.

Enter Carter and Sadie Kane; two siblings descended from the Egyptian Pharaohs. Because of their unique ancestry, both children possess the ability to channel the mystical power of the gods, something that does not make them popular with The House of Life.

The series' first book, The Red Pyramid, opened with Carter and Sadie breaking into a museum to find an Egyptian artifact, while The Throne of Fire opens with, um, Carter and Sadie breaking into a museum to find an Egyptian artifact. The mission turns sour however, and the pair is forced to retreat back to their Brooklyn mansion, where we learn things are not going well for the young magicians.

 Apophis, the serpent of chaos, is on the verge of escaping his ancient prison, The House of Life still wants them dead, and the world will end in a matter of days unless they find and re-awaken the sun god, Ra.

If that weren't bad enough, both teenagers have relationship problems. Carter is still searching for Zia, the beautiful girl who went missing in the previous book, while Sadie has started to develop feelings for a brooding young magician named Walt. If the world is to survive, brother and sister must put aside their feelings and focus on their mission, easier said than done.           

Despite the familiar story, The Throne of Fire won't disappoint its readers. Riordan doesn't try to hide the fact that he's using a recycled plot. In fact, he plays with the idea by placing inside jokes throughout story, such as when Carter thinks he saw a flying horse over Manhattan or laments that he doesn't have sea god powers. The sense of humor, coupled with Riordan's storytelling skill, makes it so readers won't mind that they've heard the story before. They'll be having too much fun to care.

As always, Riordan's characters are what really drive the novel. Carter and Sadie make solid protagonists with their entertaining narration, personal quirks, and lovable bickering. It's with the minor characters though, that Riordan really lets his talent run wild.

All side characters are creative and likable in their own way, such as Felix, the trainee magician obsessed with penguins, or Tawaret, the hippo goddess in high-heeled shoes. Readers just won't be able to resist getting wrapped up in the cast of characters.

Setting is also a big part of The Kane universe and The Throne of Fire delivers plenty of unique destinations, both real and imaginary. The detailed scenery helps set the mood for the story, and lends itself to the quest-centered plotline. Whether it's a chilling vision of Saint Petersburg or something more awkward like the Sunny Acres Assisted-Living Community for retired gods, The Throne of Fire is never wanting for interesting places.      

Few books have the ability to re-run the same story. The Throne of Fire not only succeeds at pulling it off, but makes the whole experience fun for readers as well. Fans will enjoy this newest edition to the Kane series with few complaints. Let's just hope by the time the third book arrives, Riordan has found some new material.                                        

*This article first published 5/31/2011