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Disney Publishing Worldwide Announces 2-Million-Copy First Printing of #1 Best-selling Author Rick Riordan's Final Book in The Kane Chronicles Trilogy

"Fans eagerly await learning the fate of Carter and Sadie Kane in this final book," said Suzanne Murphy, vice president and publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide. "Rick, the master of mythology, gives fans a nail-biting conclusion with his signature blend of humor and nonstop action."

An interview with Rick was featured on tonight's episode of the news program Rock Center with Brian Williams. In the segment, Rick discussed the backstory of his best-selling book series Percy Jackson & the Olympians. An excerpt of the first chapter from The Serpent's Shadow is now available on TheKaneChronicles.com.

The Serpent's Shadow simultaneously releases in hardcover and as an eBook from Disney Publishing's Disney-Hyperion imprint, and as an audio version through Brilliance Audio on May 1, 2012. More than thirty million books are currently in print in the US across Riordan's three series from Disney-Hyperion: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, and The Heroes of Olympus. The books have been translated into 37 languages in 36 countries.

Carter and Sadie Kane return for more explosive encounters with Egyptian gods in the final book in the Kane Chronicles trilogy. Nothing less than the mortal world is at stake as the Kane family fulfills its destiny in this thrilling conclusion. Visit TheKaneChronicles.com for more information on The Serpent's Shadow and the series.

Rick Riordan, Children's Choice Book Award Author of the Year in 2011, is the author of the award-winning New York Times #1 best-selling Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The Lightning Thief, the first book in that series, was developed into a feature film. In 2010 he launched two all-new series that both debuted at #1 on multiple best-seller lists: The Kane Chronicles and The Heroes of Olympus. His previous novels for adults include the hugely popular Tres Navarre series, winner of the top three awards in the mystery genre. He lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and two sons. For additional information on Rick visit RickRiordan.com.

About Disney Publishing Worldwide

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, with over 250 million children's books and over 400 million children's magazines sold each year. Disney Publishing Worldwide consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints including Disney Book Group in the U.S., Disney Libri in Italy and Disney Libros in Spain. DPW publishes a range of children's magazines globally, including Topolino, Le Journal de Mickey, and Donald Duck, as well as family titles in the U.S. which include Disney Princess and Phineas and Ferb. Disney English is DPW's English language learning business, which includes Disney English schools in China and a worldwide retail licensing program. DPW's digital products include best-selling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Disney Publishing Worldwide publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit www.disneypublishing.com.

The Kane Chronicles, Book Three: The Serpent's Shadow
By Rick Riordan
ISBN-10: 1423140575 • Laydown Date: May 1, 2012 • Price: $19.99 • Ages 10 and up

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50128080&lang=en

Disney Publishing Worldwide
Deborah Bass, 818-544-0682
Deborah.Bass@disney.com