The Throne of Fire: The Kane Chronicles, Book 2

Book review by Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media
The Throne of Fire: The Kane Chronicles, Book 2 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Riordan's usual winning mix of action, mythology, and humor.

Rick Riordan Fantasy 2011
Rate book

Parents say

age 11+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 23 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate book

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is the second book in Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles series, which weaves ancient Egyptian history into the modern world. Kids will definitely need to read the first book, The Red Pyramid, to keep up with all the Egyptian gods and terminology presented here. Expect about the same level of fantasy violence as the first book -- lots of battles, no real gore, and lots of humor to break the end-of-the-world tension. The main characters, Carter and Sadie, were admirable in the first book and are even more so here as they take on roles as mentors for other young magicians and grapple with how to do what's right, even if it's the more difficult choice.

Community Reviews

Bryan P.
Bryan P. Adult
November 14, 2016
age 10+

The Best Egyptian Mythology

Carter and Sadie are in a mission in Brooklyn to find the book of-Ra with two other magicians, Jaz and Walt. When Sadie hears Jaz and Walt talking, Sadie learns that Walt is sick and is dying every time he uses his magic. Well Sadie find the sun god Ra and find a cure in five days before Apophois destroys the world. Carter struggles against finding the sun god-Ra and finding Zia. Carter wants to find Ra on the other hand he also wants to find Zia. I like this book because it has a lot of action. I would recommend this book to other people because if you love adventure books this book is for you.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
KathyJ
KathyJ Adult
September 6, 2012
age 12+

Eh, it's confusing.

My twelve year old son hates to read. He LOVED the Red Pyramid and bought it for his sister for Christmas. WOW! So, naturally I thought he would love this next one in the series but he doesn't. He's had it for a month now and is only on page 120 and has ZERO interest. I don't know if it's because he is older now or that it just isn't as good. I think it's confusing.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

It's almost the end of the world. Again. But in this installment of the Kane Chronicles series, it's a battle between the force of chaos -- the giant snake Apophis, who's about to break out of his prison -- and the Ma'at, or order. Brother-sister team Carter and Sadie are convinced that the best way to fight Apophis is by waking the sun god, Ra. But first they have to find three torn parts of a scroll to work the spell, recover Ra's boat in the Duat, and, of course, find Ra himself, who retired eons ago. All this by the spring equinox, just days away. But the House of Life isn't convinced that Ra is the one who will save the day and is threatening to come after Carter, Sadie, and all their new magic students training in Brooklyn. Some of the gods aren't gung-ho about Ra's return either -- and of course it's always the scary ones with big teeth and claws who are ready to pick a fight.

Is It Any Good?

Sadie and Carter's world may be ending -- a common theme in many fantasy books these days -- but they really are in for a fun ride, and so are readers. If our summary of the book's plot didn't make sense, readers will definitely want to re-read The Red Pyramid and check out the handy glossaries in the back of THE THRONE OF FIRE (thank goodness they're included this time!). With the complex story set-up out of the way already, Throne of Fire gets right to the action. It digs into life in Brooklyn, with new recruits in training, and is filled with adventures that mix gods and mortals, world travel via portal, pyramid and museum pillaging, and inventive combat magic.

Riordan's wit is in top form here, introducing a new protector god who's irreverent to say the least (not spoiling the surprise). To say nothing of the funny chapter headings (such as "A Birthday Invitation to Armageddon") and the teasing brother-sister banter as Sadie and Carter take turns narrating. And, as always, the brilliant author manages to work a little educational material into a great summer beach read.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what drew them to this series. Is it because of author Rick Riordan? How does this series compare to the Percy Jackson books?

  • A popular theme with many big fantasy series is the end of the world. Why do you think that is? Why do you think authors enjoy playing with that idea -- and why are readers interested in it?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love fantasy and adventure

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon magic wand on orange background
    Magic and Fantasy
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate