Note: Though not required reading, as her backstory is explained in Dragon Goddess, I highly recommend checking out Sarwat’s story “The Loneliest Demon,” which can be found in the Cursed Carnivals and Other Calamities anthology, for an introduction to Rabisu, who plays a major role in this novel.

Though New York City was a perfect backdrop for Sikander’s first adventure, I loved seeing him travel to London for his second. It was good seeing Sik get out of his comfort zone, even if half his mind is back with his parents at the deli. His relationships with Belet and Daoud grew substantially throughout the last book, and it was nice to see them all come back together to solve a new problem---namely, a mysterious tablet that can alter the course of Sik’s life (as well as everyone else’s).

Nergal was such a fantastic antagonist in Plague God that I wondered how Lugal would measure up. Without a doubt, this particular character surprised me both with his brutality as well as with his logic. Sik must endure several hardships throughout this book, and they were so intense and spoke so honestly about the tragedies of the world. In fact, I would go so far as to say that is a hallmark of Sarwat Chadda’s writing. He is unapologetically honest about the topics at hand, whether he mentioned the Iraq war, America’s history of racism, or Britain’s tendency to pilfer ancient history and refuse to send it home, Sarwat didn’t bother pulling punches, and it was refreshing to see someone refuse to dance around these subjects.

Sik and Belet work well together because they balance each other out. So many female characters are present in stories to soften the edges of a male character, and yet the roles are reversed in Fury of the Dragon Goddess. It’s Belet who wants to fight first and ask questions later. She’s the one who refuses to open up because vulnerability is for the weak. And it’s Sik who teaches her that empathy and compassion are an asset. He is the one who reminds her that there’s another way that doesn’t involve fists and swords.

The last thing I’ll say is that Sarwat Chadda knows how to write a third act. In each of these two books, the climax and conclusion enraptured me. Though his writing throughout the book was action-packed, full of humor, and heavy with emotional reveals, the final battle always soars above the rest. Both times, I was surprised and impressed with how Sik handled his enemies. If there's another installment in this series, I know I'll pick it up on pub day.

This was such a fun read! While I didn't read the first book of Sik's adventures (note to self: read it now!), I still felt immersed in the world and found it easy to go along with the story without the first one as a guide.

I don't know much about the Mesopotamian gods, so this was a really great dive into those myths and legends! I know a lot of others have said that the gods introduced in the first one were more exciting, but I was really interested in Lugal and Tiamat--not to mention Ishtar and Dumuzi!

The premise of the Tablet of Destinies and the world unraveling was fun (well, as fun as the end of the world can be) and kept me on my toes. There were definitely more than a few twists and turns along the way. And I really enjoyed Sik's crew--especially Rabisu, who was the comic relief we all needed.

I will say, this story is definitely for upper-MG readers as the action and death (though not explicit and mainly fade-to-black-esque) took me a little by surprise for a MG book.

Overall, I thought this was a great read and if the author wrote a third book, I definitely wouldn't complain...

Thank you to #NetGalley, Sarwat Chadda, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another awesome "Rick Riordan Presents" book.

While on a trip to London, Sikander gets his hands on a mythical tablet of destinies. He uses is to bring his brother back but it comes at a terrible cost. Stealing the tablet opens a lot of craziness and even a dragon! It is then up to to Sikander to take on the ancient gods of Mesopotamia.

I love all the Rick Riordan and "Rick Riordan Presents" books. I like that this story featured a book who is Muslim. I think it is good for young readers to see themselves in books. I look forward to purchasing a copy of this book for my classroom!

This volume is the sequel - unexpected, but very welcome - to The Plague Gods. Sikander Aziz - Sik to his friends - is in London, visiting his friend Daoud, now a famous fashion model, when Belet appears, looking for a mysterious clay tablet, covered in undecipherable cuneiform writing. And so begins an epic adventure, as Sik, Daoud, Belet, and Rabisu (the demon) attempt first to decipher, and then to recover, this mysterious tablet - which, it turns out, holds the key to existence.

This is a non-stop adventure from beginning to end, well in keeping with the Riordan tradition of using cultural mythology as the basis for a modernized story. This is a heroic, epic saga, worthy of inclusion with the rest of the novels from Rick Riordan Presents, and is based on Muslim mythology from the Middle East. A relatively short and quick read, this novel is recommended to anyone interested in fantasy, mythology, the Middle East, or any combination.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a fun sequel to the City of the Plague God. It picks up where the first story left off, which is with Sik, a 14 year old, who lives with his parents and helps them run a deli that is named after his older brother, Mo, who was killed in a motorcycle accident three years earlier. Except that Sik had come across Mo in the afterlife and Mo, a talented botanist, had given Sik a branch of a tree and it made Sik an immortal. Belet returns and Sik's feelings for her are complicated. This time they are fighting a demon called Lugal who is looking for a stone tablet that will allow you to have any wish granted. It brings up complicated issues like what would you wish for if you could wish for anything? What about the side effects of the wish? It's another exciting ride with Sik. If you liked the first one, you're going to love this one.

Although this is the second book in the series, each book can be read alone, and although this story references some things that occurred in the first book, there's enough explanation that this can be your entry into the adventures of Sik. I loved the first book as Sik learns he is immortal and that Bergal wants to capture him for the secret of immortality. Belet, the adopted daughter of Ishtar also shows up to help him, as does the warrior turned gardener, Gilgamesh. I knew very little of Mesopotamian mythology, so this was a fun way to learn and I really liked that besides this whole fighting to save humanity (or at least New York City), he is also dealing with the loss of his older brother, who was always his hero.

There is an author's note that mentions he did not initially intend for this to become a series, but I'm so glad he decided to add this second book. Part of what made the first book so powerful was that he had to come to terms with his brother's loss, which he did. So, the fact that his brother Mo returns took a little getting used to. But I'm glad I gave it a chance, because I liked how the author took their story--it was not how I would have predicted things to go, but it worked for me. I read some reviews that didn't like that Mo returned because it seemed to fly in the face of all that happened in the first book, but I think the author did a good job of Sik continuing to deal with his grief, and that even with Mo back, he still had to continue working through all of this. In my mind, it's telling readers that grief is complex and there is no right or wrong way for it to be dealt with (or lived with).

But a hero is nothing without a crew Sik's Scooby Doo gang was quite the mixed crew. I loved that without Sik, none of these folks would have ever happened across each other and think, "Hey, let's work with each other!" In fact, he had to spend some time keeping Belet and Rabisu from killing each other, lol. Daoud was good for comic relief, although I had a tendency to metaphorically roll my eyes at him. Kasusu (the sword) was also good for comic relief, and as I mentioned before, I liked the few conversations that Mo had with Sik. I also liked that the author included information about Belet's past and her issues with abandonment. Several times Sik would think how lucky he was even though she was the one with infinite financial resources because he had the one thing that money can't buy--a good family who cared about him.

Overall, I thought the first book was slightly stronger, but I'm so happy this book was written! I would love to read more books in this setting!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was so fantastic! It hooked me from the very beginning and never let up. I felt such a wide range of emotions during this story - I laughed out loud, got chills, and teared up more than once. Sik is one of the best main characters I’ve read in a long time, and I loved his point of view. While this book is the second in a series, it can be read on its own (although I highly recommend reading City of the Plague God first, as it is also an amazing book). Chadda does a great job of reviewing the highlights of the previous story without it feeling repetitive for readers. The action is nonstop in this, and the humor is completely on-point for a middle grade novel.

The humor, action, and mythology all work together for a very Percy Jackson-esque vibe, but what puts the story even more over the top is its excellent representation of Islamic, Arabic, and Mesopotamian mythology. I really enjoyed reading this particular book on my kindle, as I could look up meanings and translations of different expressions in the story, but the author also includes a glossary at the end for readers of the physical version. This book does more than just introduce the reader to Mesopotamiam myths. It debunks stereotypes and myths of Islamic culture and believes and really highlights the love and joy at the heart of this culture and faith.

Honestly, I loved everything about this novel. I am really excited to share it with my students in the library this year! If you loved Percy Jackson back in the day and/or would like to learn about another branch of mythology and/or just enjoy a good story with a lovable main character, found family, and the importance of selfless love, pick up this book! You won’t regret it!

I LOVE IT AND I CANT STRESS THAT ENOUGH!!!!!! 😭
Dear Sir Sarwat Chadda, WE NEED TO TALK

I love what happened in City of the Plague God but this sequel is elevating everything's there. The stakes are MUCH HIGHER, more stressful, a lot more meaningful also (not that the previous book lacking in those stuffs, this book's just gave u more).

The MOTHER, the dance in the end, the reunion.... I'm in shambles.

✨ What's this book is about?
Met Sikander Aziz, a deli owner son whose friends are third level Mesopotamian demon and a worldwide supermodel (there's no in between).

Following the events in City in the Plague God, Sik's adventure started in England. I like how we finally have a new setting. New scenery, new history to unlock. Refreshing.

In this adventure, Sik has to deal with the tablet of destiny, multi layered realms, and an unfriendly super strong God.

This book dwelled in coming of age for middle graders, brotherhood bound, found family, friendship, and facing yourself.

Action packed and entertaining, Fury of the Dragon Goddess is an automatic 5 ⭐

✨Notable issues:
The shade about colonialism ✅
Mental health problems ✅
Anti fragile masculinity ✅

✨ Do I have to read City of the Plague God first?
Yes. Eventhough City of the Plague God is a completed story with no cliffhangers, it will explain the relationship among the characters.

So, the reading order would be:
City of the Plague God - The Loneli st Demon (in Cursed Carnaval book) - Fury of the Dragon Goddess.

If you're into Mesopotamian Mythology with Muslim main characters, found family, and coming of age middle grade, then this book's perfect for you!! Give it a go

I received an ARC of Fury of the Dragon Goddess from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.
I have been a big fan of Rick Riordan’s mythology series since its inception and had the advantage of my familiarity with Greek and Egyptian mythology to assist me when reading his books. Sarwat Chadda’s book challenged me in that I had no background regarding Mesopotamian deities and found myself taking time away from the reading to look up the gods, goddesses, and creatures so I could follow the plot more. The basic premise is that the book’s protagonist, teenager Sik Aziz, is in London with his demon sidekick Ribisu (who is the comic relief in the novel) hoping just to relax and recuperate from his recent adventures in NYC in which he saved the world from Nergal, the ancient god of plagues. Not having read it, I had to fill in the missing pieces which at times, was confusing.
Sik’s vacation is interrupted when Belet, his friend from home and his secret crush (did I mention she’s the adopted daughter of the goddess Ishtar?) arrives, pulling all of the characters into a frantic search for the Tablet of Destinies in order to save the world once again. At times the main characters’ adventures are too rushed and non-sequential, and to me, the ending was rushed, leaving many unanswered questions. I hope that the author plans at least a trilogy as the destruction of London at the end of this novel is going to be difficult for anyone to explain away.
The plot twist, which centered around Sik’s brother Mo who was supposedly killed while working in Iraq, was the catalyst for the character’s adventures in London, but it just didn’t seem to fit. Again, not having read the first book, I am at a disadvantage. I really am curious to see how the issue of Mo will be explained away if the author does write a third book, as it was not handled well at the end.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and as a teacher, it is a book that I’d recommend to my students and purchase for my classroom.

I loved the first book in this series. The sequel is a worthy end to the pair, although filled with lots of surprises. Our old friends return in a new city where new circumstances quickly arrive. It all starts with a party at a castle-turned blazing inferno. Anyway, those who loved Percy Jackson will find everything you expect here, some epic fights, a few different universes colliding, a little apocalypse… a fun read.

I am so excited that I got this book! I wasn’t expecting a sequel to “City of the Plague God” but I am so glad that we got one! This book is amazing because of the change in setting (London), the magical artifact (Tablet of Destinies) and the final battle (to save all of creation). I highly recommend this book to any who loved the first or if you just like Mesopotamian mythology.

Best read of the summer for me! Sarwat Chadda was my book club's favorite author last year and I couldn't want to get my hands on a copy of this book and into the hands of my munchkins.

I was blessed to get an advanced copy of the audiobook and the ebook AND the physical copy of this book ahead of schedule! So I read the ebook with the audiobook playing and my son read the physical copy. We BOTH loved it so much. We only read two books together this summer and this was one of them and it was glorious.

Sic and Daoud were supposed to be on vacation, but can a hero ever really go on vacation? And can you truly relax on vacation with a demon and a demon hunter on your vacay? Belet (hunter) and Rabisu (demon bestie of Sic) are at each other's throats from the get go. Daoud is super famous and always in demand. Sic finds himself in trouble while sight seeing when he accidentally gets his hands on a mythical tablet of fate and destiny and uses it to bring back his brother Mo unintentionally. Once the tablet is active... there's a few demons and gods who want to get their hands on it as well to rewrite history. Will Sic be able to right the past or will having his brother back prove too much of a temptation to turn back the past?

What I LOVED the most: all the main characters are back (although Ishtar isn't really a MC this go around and she was my fave), Rabisu is the demon bestie I would want if I were able to have a demon bestie, the catch 22 Sic finds himself in, Tiamet (yes, that Tiamet... the ultimate dragon - every D&D player will squee at this!!), Daoud becomes even more lovable!

One of my best reads of this year so far!

I loved this second volume. Although it is the second installment for the earth-shattering adventure based on Mesopotamian mythology by Sarwat Chadda, author of the City of the Plague God it can be read as a standalone (like the first one) and you still get emotionally attached to all the characters and their goals even if you haven't read book one.
The author is great at establishing the relationships at the start, quickly introducing us to all their personalities and each chapter progresses quickly and well into a new action/adventure and problem to solve this time in London.

I love the books in the Rick Riordan series and the different adventures and authors, but this one will be one of my favorites for a while. If you never read these books this one will make you want to collect them all.

I love the 007 kinda adventure at the start, the fast action and fighting the bad guys, the different locations lots of legendary creatures, gods, demons, a treasure hunt, hard choices, and sacrifices, it has it all. This time a tablet of destinies sets in motion some changes that can be good at first but may bring catastrophic consequences. The main character has an amazing ability, but is still vulnerable and has doubts. I love the demon character a lot. Very pleased with this second volume.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity to review this eARC.

Fury of the Dragon Goddess is a fantastic sequel; funny, heartfelt, and a great story that any kid would be thrilled to read. Rabisu will be a new fan favorite, she brings so much humor to any scene she's in and Sik's journey will resonate with many readers.

I have to start this review off by saying that I loved City of the Plague God, so my standards going into Fury of the Dragon Goddess were extremely high. On the whole, this sequel didn’t quite live up to my expectations, which was almost solely due to the realization of the plot.

This installment does have many strengths - for one, Chadda's writing style is excellent. His writing is so fun and full of humor that you can’t help but enjoy yourself while you read. Plus, the characters, especially Daoud and Belet, are much more fleshed out in this book.

But as I mentioned, I have reservations about the plot - specifically the confrontations with the antagonists. I personally felt that the moralistic approach in those moments was heavy-handed, and that the resulting actions of the antagonist in their final scene lacked enough justification. But my biggest issue was with the very end of this book; it didn’t feel impactful to me due to a lack of overall consequences.

While the first book was also intended as middle grade, it felt so well plotted and fleshed out to me that I felt it could be easily consumed by a middle grade, YA, or even adult audience. This sequel feels very much like only an early middle grade read. But despite this, Fury of the Dragon Goddess remains a fun and fast-paced addition to the series, and I would definitely recommend that those who enjoyed City of the Plague God also continue on to read this book.

I received a digital Advance Reader’s Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.75/5 stars.

I loved the first book in this series by Sarwat Chadda, City of Plague God and was hoping for a sequel and the second book (Fury of a Dragon Goddess) did not disappoint. Like the first one, it was full of non-stop action, loveable characters, and the perfect amount of humor. Now I'm eager for a third!

Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

I received an electronic ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide through NetGalley.
Sik is looking forward to a quiet vacation in London as this sequel begins. Reader who read the first book will suspect how far from quiet this trip will be from the start. Several characters return - Belet, Daoud, Rabisu - to join the new battles. The challenge to get an ancient stone tablet unleashes forces of chaos beyond what they faced before. They must challenge two of the most ancient gods and goddesses to save the world from complete annihilation. In the end, Sik succeeds and even changes some circumstances for his family.
The pace was a bit slow and some of the transitions were choppier than I prefer. However, Chadda knows his subject and offers a clear look at Mesopotamian mythology. This book took violence up several levels without clear resolution provided. Readers will understand the point that the gods involved are those of chaos but this felt more like mass slaughter at times. Readers were not subjected to full descriptions of gory deaths but the implications were certainly there. Again, I acknowledge these are violent gods being portrayed but some of the scenes feel extraneous to the plot points. The final chapter felt rushed and the resolutions felt incomplete.
Others will appreciate this sequel more but it had more potential than follow through.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974


Core themes: Grief, family, friendship


And we're back. Sik goes on a much needed vacation but as always trouble seems to find them. Fans of Marvel and Dungeons & Dragons will see shout outs to the fandoms. For those who loved Pet Semetary, there are hints of it as Sick seeks to bring his brother back from the dead. There are always consequences when messing with death and the underworld.

Fans of Greek mythology will see the similarities in the Mesopotamian gods. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.

I absolutely LOVED <i>City of the Plague God,"</i> the first in this series. In this second book, Sik Aziz goes on vacation to London, expecting to hang out with his friend, but ends up with the mythical "Tablet of Destinies" which allows him to bring his brother Mo back to life. This is where the problems begin. The relationship described between Mo and Daoud was out of the blue - not even hinted at in the first book. Sik had finally seemed to come to terms with Mo's death - which took a LOT of work on his part, a lot of grieving and healing - and that was all just discounted with how it was handled in this book. The Mesopotamian gods introduced in this book were nowhere near as cool as those in the first book. And, the destruction was so complete in this one, that I have a hard time understanding how it was going to be explained away to the average Londoner.

What I did like was how the relationship between Sik and Belet continued to develop as they are there for each other and help each other grow. I did like Rabisu and found her to be a nice comic relief.

Sadly, this one just didn't live up to the first one for me. It was entertaining, but not nearly as intricately plotted or well-paced. I was wavering between three and four stars, but the ending just about ruined it for me. I loved the picture on the wall of the deli (I'm trying to not give spoilers!) but the overall resolution just left me feeling let down after everything the family went through in the first book.
3 1/4 stars

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really appreciate what the writer does in this book. I don’t think any of the mythology is westernized, but it is presented in such a way that somebody who doesn’t have a lot of knowledge is still able to understand and relate. I thought the story was well done and engaging. I am a huge fan of the Rick Riordan presents, because I do believe that these are fantastic writers typically that are representing their cultures in YA literature.