This book was a lot of fun and fits in perfectly with the Rick Riordan Presents line--I'd definitely feel comfortable that any kid who liked Percy Jackson would also like this story steeped in Mesopotamian mythology. I liked the side character Daoud, an actor who is frustrated that the only roles he's offered are terrorists--he's a funny, vain character but also a good way to gently open the eyes of young white readers to think a bit about stereotypes in media, while validating some of the experiences and frustrations of brown readers.

I do have one quibble:

Spoiler

the reveal that Daoud and Sik's late older brother, Mohammad, had actually been a gay couple rather than the platonic friendship the family had assumed, was actually so vague that I think a lot of kids might miss it? I know Rick Riordan has had openly queer characters and relationships in his books so I don't think this is a case of the author trying to sneak something in past a disapproving publisher. Why not just have them say "boyfriends" or "dating" or "in a relationship" or something?? Maybe (hopefully) they'll dig a bit more into that in the inevitable sequel.