The Throne of Fire: The Kane Chronicles, Book 2

If readers thought they learned a lot about ancient Egypt in the first book, that knowledge will really help them here. If they get lost this time, thankfully, there's a three-part glossary in the back with Commands Used by Carter and Sadie (complete with the hieroglyphs), Other Egyptian Terms (like Duat and Ma'at), and Egyptian Gods and Goddesses Mentioned in The Throne of Fire. In the course of the book more gods enter the picture, Ra's nightly journey in the Duat is explained in detail, and the characters visit London; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt where real museums, pyramids, and relics are described.

Sadie and Carter were admirable in the first book and are even more so here as they become mentors for the magicians-in-training in Brooklyn and grapple with how to make the right (and often tougher) decisions over what's easy or what will gain them power. Even though Sadie's the younger sister, she's very powerful, smart, well-spoken, and capable. Carter learns to act self-assured even when he isn't to help his young recruits stay positive. Bes is a good mentor to the teens and is willing to make tough sacrifices.

A kiss and some talk of crushes.

Brands mentioned include iPod and Cheetos.