Magnus Chase has been on the run for quite some time, ever since one mysterious night, two years ago, when an explosion killed his mother. Left homeless and alone in Boston, he’s become adept at surviving the toughest of circumstances, and for any other teenage protagonist, doing so would be enough to drive the narrative. But this is a novel by Rick Riordan, author of such myth-inspired, best-selling series as Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles and the Heroes of Olympus. Like those previous stories, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer is inspired by mythology—this time the stories of the Norse gods.
The first installment in a planned trilogy, Riordan’s latest is fast-paced and full of action. Only in a world built by Riordan would a character turn 16, summon a sword so powerful it has a soul, then go to battle with a fire-wielding, flame-throwing Lord of Muspellheim—all within the first four chapters. Magnus is on a quest to find out who he is and how he can save the world. Whether he’s checking in at Hotel Valhalla, convincing a Valkyrie to go deep-sea fishing for Jormungand the World Serpent or trekking through the Nine Worlds, Magnus has the miraculous ability to stay one step ahead of disaster.
As irreverent as he is witty, Magnus is a delightfully crafted character who endears himself to the reader from the very first page.
