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

by Rick Riordan

Overview

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 . . .

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781423160915
Publisher:	Disney Press
Publication date:	10/06/2015
Series:	Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Series , #1
Pages:	512
Sales rank:	31,729
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 5.70(h) x 1.70(d)
Lexile:	630L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Rick Riordan (www.rickriordan.com) is the author of three # 1 New York Times best-selling series with millions of copies sold throughout the world: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, and the Heroes of Olympus. His Greek myth collection, Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, was a #1 New York Times bestseller as well. 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 Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and two sons.

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

08/10/2015
Ten years after The Lightning Thief, which chronicled modern-day Greek god shenanigans on Earth, Riordan enters a new pantheon with a similar setup: on his 16th birthday, Magnus Chase learns that he is a demigod, human son of a Norse god. Talk about an upgrade—Chase had been homeless in Boston since his mother’s death (by wolf attack) two years earlier. Chase’s story opens with his death on the day he comes of age, when he finds his father’s powerful sword and defends Boston against a fire giant. For dying a hero, he earns afterlife at the Hotel Valhalla (so large it has its own Ikea), but Chase has scores to settle and must prevent Ragnarok itself, a mission that involves perilous encounters, loads of gore, and snarky one-liners. Riordan plays much of the material for laughs (one battle weapon is a stolen sign that reads “Make Way for Ducklings”) and brings the Norse gods into the 21st century (Thor streams TV shows on his hammer). The sensibility is right in line with the Percy Jackson novels, and the audience will be just as large. Ages 10–14. Agent: Nancy Gallt, Nancy Gallt Literary Agency. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR PERCY JACKSON'S GREEK GODS"

The clash of modern and classical worlds is both exciting and entertaining."—The New York Times Book Review

PRAISE FOR THE SWORD OF SUMMER"

The Sword of Summer combines the glory of Norse myth with the joy of Rick Riordan's effervescent world-building. One of Riordan's funniest books-everything from the chapter titles to the wry humor of Magnus Chase will have you chuckling, even as the plot races along at breakneck speed. Check me in to Hotel Valhalla, please. I'll be staying."—New York Times #1 best-selling author Cassandra Clare

PRAISE FOR THE SWORD OF SUMMER"

The Sword of Summer is a propulsive, kinetic, witty rebooting of Norse mythology with all the charm of the Percy Jackson novels. Instantly likeable heroes! Insane action! Cool villains! A twisting, turning, always exciting story! Rick Riordan does it again, even better."—New York Times best-selling author Michael Grant

PRAISE FOR THE SWORD OF SUMMER"

Rick Riordan's new series is simply brilliant-maybe his best yet! I thought I knew Norse mythology, but now that I've read the gripping and hilarious Sword of Summer, I'll never see Thor the same way again. Get ready to stay up all night reading!"—New York Times #1 best-selling author Harlan Coben

PRAISE FOR THE TITAN'S CURSE"

All in all, a winner of Olympic proportions."—School Library Journal

PRAISE FOR THE SON OF NEPTUNE"

Should pacing and wit continue unabated into the third volume, whose foretold European setting promises further freshness, fans will eagerly await numbers four and five."—Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE MARK OF ATHENA"

With a true storyteller's sense of pacing, Riordan creates another compelling adventure, right down to the cliff-hanger at the end. Stay tuned for volume four."—Booklist

PRAISE FOR THE LIGHTNING THIEF"

Perfectly paced, with electrifying moments chasing each other like heartbeats."—New York Times Book Review

PRAISE FOR THE HOUSE OF HADES"

In this adventure, victories are hard-won and the essence of bravery nuanced, making the journey as satisfying as it is entertaining."—Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE HOUSE OF HADES"

Adventure fans will relish the action as their heroes confront formidable foes, while readers who have come to love the characters will enjoy following the different individuals as they take the stage in scenes that are usually dramatic, often witty, and occasionally surprising. A satisfying, penultimate entry in the Heroes of Olympus series." —Booklist Online

PRAISE FOR THE SEA OF MONSTERS

* "In a feat worthy of his heroic subjects, Riordan crafts a sequel stronger than his compelling debut."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

PRAISE FOR THE LAST OLYMPIAN"

Riordan masterfully orchestrates the huge cast of characters and manages a coherent, powerful tale at once exciting, philosophical and tear-jerking. The bestselling series' legions of fans will cheer their heroes on and rejoice in such a compelling conclusion to the saga."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

PRAISE FOR PERCY JACKSON'S GREEK GODS

"The novel's winning combination of high-voltage adventure and crackling wit is balanced with scenes in which human needs, fears, and ethical choices take center stage."—Booklist (starred review)

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