zahlI also started the Percy Jackson series. Slow start in book one. It grates on me for some reason. Finished book 2. So far I'll put the series as "ok, but not necessary reading".
Although I did buy the Greek Gods stand alone retelling book.
I partly read this series because of the moniker "Chinese Percy Jackson" for #XiranJayZhao 's #ZacharyYing and the #Dragon #Emperor. A bit of a slow start that's mostly uncomfortable because you're reading about racism & microaggressions. But then it gets interesting fast and you won't put it down until you're done.
I finished it, then read it again. Several times.
The use of #Chinese mythos and history is fascinating. It's a shame they were excluded from the Hugos. #books #bookstodon
Zachary Ying & the Dragon Emperor (how TF do I hashtag that?) had me looking up the history of the First Emperor of #China. Supposedly his burial tomb had flowing rivers of mercury. Modern archeology soil testing shows much higher than expected background mercury levels in the area. Like it's evaporating through the soil.
And Li Po makes an appearance, complete with poetry quoting. Except he's Li Bai, so I didn't realize who he was until I'd looked it up. Apparently the guy has a ton of names. Li Po is how it was published in English.
Slipping classical poetry into a kid's book? Smooth #XiranJayZhao ...
And not so much that you just skip reading it all (looking at you Tolkien). It's actually plot!