The Serpent's Shadow (Kane Chronicles #3) by Rick Riordan

The Serpent's Shadow is the third and final book in the Kane Chronicles series. Check out the cover and Goodreads blurb:

He's b-a-a-ack! Despite their best efforts, Carter and Sadie Kane can't seem to keep Apophis, the chaos snake, down. Now Apophis is threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness, and the Kanes are faced with the impossible task of having to destroy him once and for all. Unfortunately, the magicians of the House of Life are on the brink of civil war, the gods are divided, and the young initiates of Brooklyn House stand almost alone against the forces of chaos. The Kanes' only hope is an ancient spell that might turn the serpent's own shadow into a weapon, but the magic has been lost for a millennia. To find the answer they need, the Kanes must rely on the murderous ghost of a powerful magician who might be able to lead them to the serpent's shadow . . . or might lead them to their deaths in the depths of the underworld. Nothing less than the mortal world is at stake when the Kane family fulfills its destiny in this thrilling conclusion to the Kane Chronicles.

The Serpent's Shadow starts with crushing losses and defeat.  The book absolutely does not end that way, though.  Carter and Sadie each grow on their own in this story.  I love the way that they interact with the gods, with each other and with their friends from the House of Life.  Sade, Walt and Anubis were my favorite characters in this story because of their strange but interesting dynamic.  I enjoyed their parts in this story.  Carter had so much to deal with as he went out on his own as well.  He learns and grows in his magic.  I loved watching the Kanes as their thrived in the face of adversity.  I was glad to see so many cameos by characters from other books as well as interesting new characters.  This book is easily my favorite of the series and I really hope that you will give this series a try!

The Kane Chronicles can be added to your Goodreads by clicking here. You can also find author Rick Riordan on Twitter and on his website.  I give The Serpent's Shadow 4 Fairies for a wonderful conclusion to the Kane Chronicles full of pain, magic and celebration.