Editorial Content for Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer
Reviewer (text)
Kat Szabo
If you’re a fan of Rick Riordan (as I am), you will not be disappointed by THE SWORD OF SUMMER, Book 1 of Magnus Chase And The Gods Of Asgard. It has everything that his fans will love: action, adventures, comedy, mythology (of course) and a great cast of characters. Fans of the Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus series will love Magnus and his friends just as much as they loved Percy and his gang. There’s even a bit of a crossover between Magnus and a very familiar character from Percy’s world.
Once again, Riordan does an incredible job of combining mythology with the contemporary world in a charming and unique way. If you think you’re familiar with Norse mythology from comic books or Marvel films...think again! Riordan smashes readers expectations about Norse mythology in a way that’s intriguing, funny and informative. This story is full of quirky gods and frightening villains. Even though it is similar in theme to Riordan’s other series about gods and demigods, Magnus Chase feels fresh and exciting. Riordan keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they wait to discover Magnus’ parentage, and I appreciate that he did something unexpected there.
It has everything that his fans will love: action, adventures, comedy, mythology (of course) and a great cast of characters.
The characters are what stand out most in this story. Magnus makes for a funny, brave and well-developed protagonist that readers will love. I really appreciated the diversity Riordan included in this book. Among Percy’s friends are a deaf elf who uses magic and communicates using American Sign Language, a Muslim Valkyrie with a magical hijab and a dark-skinned dwarf who loves fashion. Magnus himself is homeless and living on the streets of Boston and Riordan does a great job of navigating the tough subject of homelessness. Magnus also has some truly interesting hall-mates in Hotel Valhalla whose origins span all of history.
I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. I really enjoyed learning new aspects of Norse mythology and getting to know Magnus and his friends. What I’m most looking forward to is how Riordan will continue the crossover between the Magnus Chase series and the Heroes of Olympus series that began in this book. Though there is some crossover with Riordan’s extremely popular Greek/Roman mythological series, THE SWORD OF SUMMER really stands on its own and is a promising start to what I’m sure will be another outstanding series from Rick Riordan.
Teaser
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.
Promo
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.
About the Book
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. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, 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 fatal decision.
Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die...
