Title: The Colossus Rises
Author: Peter Lerangis
First published February 5, 2013
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062070401 (ISBN10: 0062070401)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
Meet Jack McKinley. He is just like any other regular kid, except for one small thing – he has a life-threatening problem.
He has only a few months left to live. But Jack is not one to give up easily.
He has a mission to complete. He must find seven magical loculi scattered across the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
These relics belong to a lost civilization and are said to possess the power to cure him of his illness. However, the journey to find these loculi is fraught with danger and obstacles.
Will Jack be able to complete his mission in time or will it be too late? Join him on his quest in The Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis.
About the Author
Peter Lerangis is a prolific writer, known for his work in a variety of genres. He has authored several books in popular children’s series, such as The 39 Clues, Spy X, and The Baby-sitters Club.
He has also written historical novels, dark comedy-adventures, and series such as Drama Club and Watchers. Lerangis has even ghostwritten for famous series like The Hardy Boys, Sweet Valley Twins, and The Three Investigators.
Lerangis grew up in Freeport, New York, and his parents were both retired public employees. He attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in biochemistry and also participated in musical theater and sang with the a cappella group, the Harvard Krokodiloes.
After graduation, he moved to New York City, working as an actor and freelance copy editor before becoming an author.
In 2003, Lerangis was invited by First Lady Laura Bush to attend the first Russian Book Festival in Moscow, along with other authors such as R.L. Stine and Marc Brown. That same year, he was commissioned to write X-Isle, a book in the Point Horror series for Scholastic UK.
In 2007, Scholastic launched a new series called The 39 Clues, and Lerangis was chosen to write the third book, The Sword Thief. He later wrote the seventh book, The Viper’s Nest.
Lerangis currently lives in New York City with his wife, Tina deVaron, and their two sons.
Editoral Review
Peter Lerangis’ The Colossus Rises is a young-adult novel published on February 5, 2013. The book is an action-packed adventure in the fantasy genre, filled with magic, mystery, and danger.
The story revolves around the life of 13-year-old Jack McKinley, who is suffering from a rare disease that will soon take his life. To save him, a secret organization called the Karai Institute has been keeping an eye on him and other children who share the same fate.
As it turns out, these kids possess unique powers that can be harnessed to reawaken an ancient colossus to save the world.
Throughout the book, Lerangis brings to life a handful of compelling characters, including Jack McKinley, his friends from the Karai Institute, and the mysterious Dr. B.
The story is set in several locations around the world, from New York to Paris, and takes the reader on a thrilling journey that is filled with surprises and twists.
Lerangis’ writing style is fast-paced, reflecting the high-octane energy of the story.
The book’s themes are also well-crafted, touching upon issues such as trust, bravery, and courage. Moreover, The Colossus Rises is an excellent example of how imagination and creativity can be used to address real-world concerns, such as global warming and conservation.
The book’s strengths include its ability to genuinely immerse the reader in its world. The plot is captivating and filled with action, and the characters are fleshed out well.
The author’s use of real-world settings makes the book’s fantastical elements all the more impressive. However, the book has a couple of limitations.
The plot at times seems predictable, and some of the characters lack depth. While the book does address real-world issues, it does so in a somewhat simplistic manner.
Overall, The Colossus Rises is a thrilling young-adult novel that is both action-packed and thought-provoking. While it has some flaws, it is an impressive debut in the fantasy genre by Peter Lerangis.
This book is best suited for readers who enjoy action-adventure novels and fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
Rating: 4/5
