Adventure and humor sprinkled in. Follows Mesotamian lore and history. I found myself wanting more backstory and information on Mesopotamia in general. (It's been several years since it was fresh knowledge) I feel it is a fantastic tie in for our 6th graders history unit on Ancient civilizations. My higher reading 3rd graders would devour this. I'm hopeful I can get this book circulating! It's fantastic. Having a devout Muslim main character is a wonderful change. The more diversity and connection with everyone - and going against the common stereotypes (Especially in my area) is needed.

Not too graphic explaining the pestilence and decay .... yet graphic enough to draw you in and provide colorful visuals.

*3.5 stars*

4.5. This was incredibly well done. Very thoughtful, creative, touching, and funny. I'm gonna recommend it to so many customers.

Another solid RRP book! The world and mythology did not feel as immersive as some of the other titles, but that could have been due to the tight focus on family. Still enjoyed the characters and the story. I feel like there's a lot more of this world to be told.

I enjoyed how this book took twist I didn't expect and had a main character who wasn't good at fighting. It was a really nice change. I also liked getting introduced to Mesopotamian mythology along with how Islam tied into the writing. Lastly I liked the fact that learning that the gods of Mesopotamia were real didn't change or challenge the faith of the main character (which I feel like can be hard to pull off)

Overall this was an okay book. It is not the best but has some really great points to it.

This new offering from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint by Sarwat Chadda explores the stories of ancient Mesopotamia and the style and humor readers have come to expect from these books. This book is interesting as it grapples with how a practicing Muslim can hold his faith and still accept the existence of mythological creatures and gods. Sik's grief over his brother's death is also very grounded in reality while also side-stepping into the mythological world. This is another strong offering from the imprint, and Rick Riordan fans won't be disappointed. Perhaps it will even stir interest in the original stories about Gilgamesh who may not be as familiar to young readers. Highly recommended.

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My 12yo told me he finished the book and then said, "I just have one question. Is there a sequel?" I guess it was good!

Thank you, Edelweiss, for the ARC.

Fantastic! Absolutely loved this.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this mythology-based fantasy. Sik and his parents are mourning the loss of his brother Mo while maintaining a popular deli in New York City. When the deli is attacked by a band of... strange, disgusting creatures one night and Sik is rescued by a girl he recognizes from school, he learns that Mo’s travels back to Iraq may have unintentionally set him in the crosshairs of the ancient god of disease. It is now up to him to figure out why he is a target and how to fix the fate of New York City. There is plenty of action and humor, and I hope to see a sequel someday!

4.5 Stars!!!

What a fun read! I’m all about Greek and Roman mythology, so I was excited to try something different. I came in not knowing much about Ancient Mesopotamian mythology, but I left with so much newfound knowledge and interest in the world that has been written in this book!

I’d like to thank my student for recommending this to me, it was amazing! I see why he enjoys it so much.