Review: Tristan Strong Punches A Hole In The Sky

Discussion

What an explosive adventure of mythological proportions! If you’ve read a review of mine, you know I am all for any story that brings in elements of mythology and folklore. So I was super intrigued and fascinated by the chance to learn more about iconic Black Gods. Tristan Strong definitely delivered!

With each story I read in the Rick Riordan Presents series, I become more and more convinced he can do no wrong. Each story is so exciting, so rich with cultural detail, and, most importantly, strong own voices that lends such an authentic narrative expanding my learning and understanding … which is really what reading is supposed to be all about! Especially important for us to raise well rounded children who are accepting and understanding of those who are different. My long way of saying, keep up the good work Riordan!

But back to Tristan Strong.

Overall this is a powerfully dynamic story with incredibly strong character voices – Gum Baby will definitely become a favourite – and a completely, wholly unique new world. Action, adventure, imagination – it is all here in a very comic-book style script and fast paced plot. While it might at first glance appear more “boy leaning” in true middle grade fashion there are numerous strong female characters to balance it – from Gum Baby to his Grandmother to Ayanna to Thandiwe. It is a superbly crafted middle grade adventure story but I did find myself somewhat lost numerous times, having to go back to reread certain sections, however this was never enough to take away from the whole. An ambitious read full of might, power, and voice – a heartfelt story of finding strength through adversity, hope through grief, and power through healing. An excellent choice for any comic-lover or reluctant reader with action aplenty, Tristan Strong is a seriously impressive debut.

You may also like:

Aru Shah and the End of Time

Written by Roshani Chokshi

Published by Rick Riordan Presents

You can find it here: Bookshop.org