The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Series #1)

by Rick Riordan

Overview

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 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 . . .

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781423163374
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/04/2017
Series:	Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Series , #1
Pages:	544
Sales rank:	4,217
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.00(h) x 1.50(d)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Rick Riordan, dubbed "storyteller of the gods" by Publishers Weekly, is the author of five #1 New York Times best-selling middle grade series with millions of copies sold throughout the world: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, and the Trials of Apollo, based on Greek and Roman mythology; the Kane Chronicles, based on Ancient Egyptian mythology; and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, based on Norse mythology. Rick collaborated with illustrator John Rocco on two best-selling collections of Greek myths for the whole family: Percy Jackson's Greek Gods and Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes. Rick lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @camphalfblood.

Hometown:

San Antonio, TX

Date of Birth:

June 5, 1964

Place of Birth:

San Antonio, TX

Education:

B.A. in English and History, University of Texas

Editorial Reviews

"Norse myths are in right now, and Riordan has the magic touch."—Booklist

"This is a highly entertaining, tongue-in-cheek romp. Magnus is a witty and likable teen who proves himself worthy of redemption. The novel expertly sets up for book two and will be adored by boys and girls alike."—Voice of Youth Advocates

"Riordan offers a terrific cast that is effortlessly diverse—all of the allies stand as independent, well-constructed characters who each bring entirely different skills, histories, interests, and personalities to the group."—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A whirlwind of myth, action, and wry sarcasm, perfect for readers hungry for a new hit of that Percy Jackson-type magic."—Horn Book

"With an epic plot, engaging (and diverse) characters, and tons of wisecracking humor, Riordan's latest is a page-turner."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

The master of reviving ancient mythologies has moved on to the Norse legends in this first outing of a planned trilogy. A smart aleck child of the Boston streets, Magnus Chase, on the day of his sixteenth birthday, discovers some pretty odd and amazing things about himself. He is the son of the Norse god of summer—Frey—and he is being pursued by Surt, a monster from the Norse version of hell. Within twenty-four hours he will find himself in Valhalla, the afterworld for honored warriors, having died in battle protecting innocent bystanders from Surt’s destruction. There, he barely begins adapting to a bizarre (hilarious) afterlife when he discovers a route back to the real world, and perhaps a method to reunite with his deceased mother. Thus a long and winding trek through the various Norse worlds leads him and his elfin accomplices through one deadly task after another as he meets most of the gods and ultimately attempts to forestall Ragnarok—the apocalypse. This is a highly entertaining, tongue-in-cheek romp, though formulaic if readers have read the author’s similar adolescent trips through other mythologies (see the Percy Jackson and Kane serials). Magnus is a witty and likeable teen who proves himself worthy of redemption. Aimed at a middle school audience, older readers will enjoy the tale and perhaps pick up some facts about the gods of Asgard. The novel expertly sets up for book two and will be adored by boys and girls alike. Reviewer: Kevin Beach; Ages 11 to 18.

VOYA, December 2015 (Vol. 38, No. 5) - Kevin Beach

12/01/2015
Gr 5 Up—Fans of Percy Jackson and "Kane Chronicles" (both, Disney-Hyperion) books will not be disappointed in Riordan's newest series, which is based on Norse mythology. Magnus Chase, 16, has been an orphan living on the streets of Boston for the past two years. Ever since the mysterious death of his mother, he has tried to stay ahead of anyone who might be looking for him. When his Uncle Randolph tracks him down and begins talking about his birthright—an ancient sword—Magnus's world changes forever. But Randolph is not the only one searching for the sword. A Fire Giant destined to wield it as part of doomsday is hot on their trail. Dying and winding up at the Hotel Valhalla is only the beginning of this teen's (after)life. With an epic plot, engaging (and diverse) characters, and tons of wisecracking humor, Riordan's latest is a page-turner. Those new to the author's past series can jump right in; fans of his previous works will be happy to see clever nods and references to the other in-universe books. VERDICT Ravenous Riordan fans are likely to begin lining up for this on the publication date; be prepared for long holds lists on this one.—Patrick Tierney, Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School, Providence, RI

School Library Journal

2015-08-31
First there were the Greek gods, then the Egyptian gods, then the Roman gods—now Riordan takes on the Norse gods. On his 16th birthday, homeless Boston orphan Magnus Chase (daughter-of-Athena Annabeth's cousin) magically summon an ancient Norse sword, uses it against a fireball-throwing monster, drops the sword, and dies—but a girl in hijab on a flying horse grabs him and deposits him at the Hotel Valhalla for a new afterlife of perpetual preparation for Ragnarok. Turns out Ragnarok will come pretty soon unless he can retrieve the sword and somehow use it to rebind Fenris Wolf, who is about to slip the magical rope that's kept him bound for millennia. This will take some doing. Per established formula, narrator Magnus explores his fabulous new home, makes quirky new friends, acquires a bristly female companion, engages in a chain of adventures, and meets the Norse pantheon. Riordan consciously crafts a diverse cast, including a dark-skinned dwarf and a deaf elf. Muslim Valkyrie Samirah is a particularly interesting character. Though she does not come across as devout—she doesn't seem to take time out to pray, for example—Riordan's choice to make her happy with her future arranged marriage both honors her culture and allows her friendship with Magnus to develop blessedly free of romantic tension. A fast-paced, eventful, and largely successful pivot. (Fantasy. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews