This one was particularly interesting because it follows a Muslim boy and the mythology of Mesopotamia which is essentially the start of civilization! There was plenty of action which will keep the attention of readers, and all the characters show some major growth which I applaud the author for that! I just could not get past the villain. He was so gross!!! It was also very eerie to read about a villain who is a god of disease after coming out of quarantine and watching the world around me fight Covid-19. There were some uncomfortable similarities, but that is powerful in of itself. I also really appreciated that the story brought to life the stereotype of Middle Eastern people in Hollywood, and it goes to show that there is still progress to be made!

Overall this is a great story that I know many will enjoy, and I hope there is a continuation of this story on the horizon!

What stood out for me were the very human relationships of caring amidst a thrilling and action-packed adventure. If there’s a message to be taken away, it seems like sometimes people can surprise you; the person you think you know, maybe you’ve characterized as a loser, can do something amazing and heroic.

Excellent addition to the Rick Riordan Presents series focused on the mythology of ancient Iraq and Mesopotamia. The narrative is fun, entertaining, and covers both humorous high points and deep emotional themes like grief with aplomb. The book concludes with a possible set up for a sequel, which I will be thrilled to read as well. I'll be purchasing a copy for myself, my library, and some young people in my life that I dearly love.

So City of the Plague God is your typical Rick Riordan imprint: A hero rises in New York City, this time from the seeds of Sumerian mythology. Like most of the Riordan imprint, the hero has trouble adjusting to the real world — Sik loves working in his parents’ deli, but he grieves every day for his brother Mo, who died working in Iraq, and he hates the way the world sees his Muslim heritage. Unlike most Riordan heroes, Sik doesn’t have godly relatives: What he has is the gift of immortality, thanks to a botanical sample from his brother’s adventures, but that sample brings the wrath of the plague god Nergal to his neighborhood. With help from the goddess Ishtar’s daughter and the epic hero Gilgamesh (who managed to steal a bite of that same immortality-granting flower), Sik matches wits against the giant Humbaba, the goddess of death, scores of minions, and Nergal himself to save the city and his family. It’s a fun, fast-paced romp, but not super substantial; in some ways, it feels a little like cut-and-paste Percy Jackson Meets Gilgamesh, even though its strong sense of Muslim culture is refreshing and engaging.

I could not put this book down. Rick Riordan Presents does it again. Loved the way the author dealt with the death of a brother. Can hardly wait for the next one.

This is one of those books that I can't wait to get into the hand of middle grade readers, even though I freely admit, it's not the kind of book I really enjoy. What I DID enjoy was Sikander, the main character. It's so rare to find a book with an Arab (or actually an Arab-American) character that rings true and isn't focused on what's become almost a cliche: the refugee child who escapes war and is adjusting to his new life in America. That description certainly fits Sik and his family, but that's definitely NOT what the book is about. The book is about the gods from Ancient Mesopotamia wrecking havoc on modern-day New York City, complete with a mysterious plague that changes people into bizarre dog-like creatures. (Like I said - not my style of book, but I know kids are going to love it!) Sik could be any one of a number of middle grade Arab boys I know. I can't wait to hand them a book with a hero that looks, talks and acts like them! I also liked the way his Islamic faith is respectfully handled even as he interacts with "the gods". (As an aside, I'm waiting for the day that one of the Rick Riordan Presents books manages to do the same with a Christian character.) Highly recommended.

This review is based on an ARC received from the publisher through NetGalley.

The plot and storyline were excellent, but two big things ruined it. First, he used politics - specifically the complete emphasis on Muslim inclusion - to turn the story into a propaganda machine. At times, it felt like he was even trying to convert the reader to Islam.....and there's no place in my classroom for any sort of religious conversions. Secondly, he made Gilgamesh a pacifist gardener....and as anyone who is familiar with the Epic of Gilgamesh knows, he's the Hercules of the Mesopotamian mythology....a loud, arrogant fighter. So...good plot, but not for use in my classroom.

City of the Plague God follows the same mythology arc as other books in the imprint, but this iteration seems fresh and exciting. I love the way Muslim culture is woven through the book naturally without seeming instructive and Sarwat Chadda's depiction of grief and the different ways people cope with loss is lovely. This might be one of my favorite Rick Riordan Presents books!

Fans of Percy Jackson and Aru Shah will love this fast-paced, action-packed novel. Chadda Sarwat’s characters, Sik and Belet, are insanely likeable and Sarwat makes Mesopotamian mythology engaging. I admit, prior to reading this book, I knew nor cared little about Gilgamesh and others, but now I would love to read more. I hope there is a sequel.

I love the diversity represented in all of the Rick Riordan Presents titles!

Many times students are not exposed to mythology beyond the Greeks and the Romans. That is why I love the Rick Riordan imprint. The Mesopotamian mythology that is woven into this story was unknown to me and I cannot wait to share it with my students. They will enjoy reading Sik's story of adventure while trying to defeat Nergal. The mystery behind what Nergal is seeking will keep readers engaged as well watching the relationship between Sik and Belet develop. Another fantastic book from Rick Riordan presents!

This book is very reminiscent of the Percy Jackson series. Good character development, interesting integration of Mesopotamian mythology and great story progression. I love the fact that it stars Muslim characters and incorporates part of that culture in a real way, without being heavy handed. I could confidently put this book into the hands of Percy Jackson fans and know they will enjoy it.

I so greatly appreciated this new Rick Riordan Presents book in so many ways. First, as a compelling story for all readers. Then, as a book so well-suited to young readers. Finally, as a historical and cultural work — highly recommended.