The Sword of Summer

Hardcover, 512 pages

Published Oct. 20, 2015 by Disney-Hyperion.

ISBN:: 978-1-4847-1871-1

(1 review)

Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus's birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

The more Randolph talks, the more puzzle pieces fall into place. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus's memory. But he doesn't have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his …

Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus's birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

The more Randolph talks, the more puzzle pieces fall into place. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus's memory. But he doesn't have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents. . . .

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

11 editions

Briar reviewed Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Review of 'Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer' on 'Storygraph'

4 stars

I had never read a book by Rick Riordan before, so I thought I would give his books a try when I saw this Norse mythology themed one.

This book was full of humour. From fart jokes to witty sarcasm, it has it all. The book also has action, unique characters, and a hilarious modern take on Norse mythology.

I suppose the only reason why this book didn't get full ratings from me is that it seemed to be missing a needed moment of pause for more character building. I understand this was a race against time, but I wish that there was just a tiny bit more character-to-character dialogue that didn't include talking about backstory. This is likely just a personal thing, but I would have liked to have seen a little more friendship building through dialogue.

I also wish Magnus showed a little bit more weakness since he …

I had never read a book by Rick Riordan before, so I thought I would give his books a try when I saw this Norse mythology themed one.

This book was full of humour. From fart jokes to witty sarcasm, it has it all. The book also has action, unique characters, and a hilarious modern take on Norse mythology.

I suppose the only reason why this book didn't get full ratings from me is that it seemed to be missing a needed moment of pause for more character building. I understand this was a race against time, but I wish that there was just a tiny bit more character-to-character dialogue that didn't include talking about backstory. This is likely just a personal thing, but I would have liked to have seen a little more friendship building through dialogue.

I also wish Magnus showed a little bit more weakness since he was a little on the perfect side.

spoiler below
Since at the start of the book he cringed every time he even saw a fake wolf, I would have liked to have felt that fear more in the final fight. Perhaps him frozen with fear for a few moments.

All in all, though, it was still a very fun read and I am glad I picked it up.

Pros:
-Funny
-Interesting characters
-Norse Mythology
-Interesting plot
-It was a fun read

Cons:
-Too perfect of a MC
-Slightly too little character building