The story follows Magnus Chase, a homeless teenager who discovers he is the son of the god Frey after dying and being sent to Valhalla. He learns about a prophecy to prevent Ragnarok, the end of the world, with the help of his diverse group of friends, including an elf, a dwarf, and a Valkyrie. The book is praised for its humorous and unique take on Norse mythology, as Magnus embarks on a quest to save the world from Fenris Wolf and Surt, encountering various mythical beings along the way.

Magnus Chase's journey is fast-paced and filled with action, appealing to fans of Rick Riordan's previous series. The book introduces readers to a new mythology, blending it seamlessly with a relatable protagonist, witty writing style, and a diverse cast of characters. With elements of humor, adventure, and mythology, Magnus Chase navigates through challenges and revelations, setting the stage for an exciting series.

Characters:

Characters are diverse, well-developed, and reflect a range of backgrounds, contributing significantly to the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by humor, quick pacing, and engaging prose that keeps readers entertained.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Magnus Chase's journey as he learns about his heritage and embarks on a thrilling quest that intertwines his fate with Norse mythology.

Setting:

The setting integrates modern Boston with rich Norse mythological elements, creating a unique backdrop for the story.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, with constant action that keeps readers excited and eager to continue.

Besides, you wouldn’t want to deal with my situation. Unless you’ve got some crazy desire to see undead warriors hacking one another to pieces, swords flying up giants’ noses, and dark elves in snappy...

Notes:

Magnus Chase is a homeless teenager living in Boston.

He discovers he's the son of a Norse god named Frey.

The fire giant Surt attacks him on a bridge, leading to his death.

After dying, Magnus is taken to Valhalla by a Valkyrie named Samirah.

The plot revolves around preventing Ragnarok, the end of the world in Norse mythology.

The Sword of Summer, which Magnus must retrieve, is actually a significant weapon in the mythology.

The book includes diverse characters, including a deaf elf named Hearthstone and a Muslim Valkyrie named Sam.

Rick Riordan integrates humor with mythology, making it suitable for a younger audience.

Magnus has a talking sword named Jack, which adds comic relief to the story.

Riordan uses first-person narration for Magnus, allowing for humorous insights into his thoughts.

The characters go on adventures across the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology.

The book references other Riordan series, connecting Magnus Chase to the larger universe.

Magnus and Annabeth Chase are cousins, linking the Norse and Greek mythologies.

Jack the sword can transform and has its own personality, akin to Riordan's earlier talking characters.

The author portrays gods like Loki, Odin, and Thor in a more modern and humorous light.

From The Publisher:

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother's mysterious death, he's lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he's tracked down by an uncle he barely knows, a man his mother claimed was dangerous. Uncle Randolph tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. To prevent the doomsday battle, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fateful decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die.

Ratings (67)

Incredible (15)
Loved It (34)
Liked It (8)
It Was OK (9)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (117):

Read It (76)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (27)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (11)

2 comment(s)

soulfulsin

It Was OK

3 months

Not as good as Percy Jackson, Magnus Chase nonetheless has its moments. I was torn between three and four stars on this one, so it's actually 3.5.

lulareviewla

Loved It

8 months

I honestly didn't think this book was as good as the Percy Jackson series. It's like comparing apples to oranges though. This book was great in its own way. Entertaining, action filled, and funny. But I just didn't feel myself get too attached to any of the characters, except, perhaps, Hearth. We'll see if I get more interested as the series progresses though. Two things that I really loved were 1: Annabeth is Magnus's cousin, so I'm looking forward to see how she reacts to learning about the Norse gods. Possibly get some Percy Jackson action up in there. Fingers crossed for a crossover. Maybe a three-way crossover with The Kane Chronicles, Percy Jackson and The Olympians, and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. 2: That Magnus didn't fall in love with the first girl in the series. In PJO, Annabeth was the first female character that stayed in the series, and he fell in love with her. In TKC, Carter meets Zia and falls in love. But with this, Magnus meets Sam and he has 0 interest! She's even got a boyfriend already! I do look forward to meeting his actual love interest though!

What can you read after
The Sword of Summer?

See the list (100 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

The Sword of Summer

Rick Riordan

Book 1 in the series:Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard