Magnus Chase the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan - Reviewed by Adele Chen

Magnus Chase the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan is a fiction book for ages 10+. This is the sequel to The Heroes of Olympus.

Magnus Chase is a 16 year old boy who is the son of a Norse god. This book takes place in Boston and the Nine Worlds. Magnus dies trying to save innocent people but is later on revived as a soldier for Odin’s personnel army. Along with his friends Sam, Blitz and Hearth, Magnus is trying to delay Ragnarok (Doom’s Day) from happening in 9 days.

Now considered enemies of Valhalla, the undead army. With many side adventures, Magnus must run from Gunilla and her army of Valkyries while trying to find Fenris’ island in order to delay Ragnarok. All while befriending Sumarbrander also known as Jack, and keeping him away from Surt, the fire giant’s hands.

Magnus Chase is a book that is written in such detail, that you can see it happening in your mind. The chapter titles will catch your eye: “Phil the potato meets his doom”. Magnus’ wry humor will have readers laughing for hours: “So a well-dressed Satanic male model who could melt cars…why not” (page 36)? There are so many twists and turns such as betrayals, hidden characters and flying re-consumable goats, they will leave you feeling flabbergasted. Rick Riordan exaggerates the personality of the gods making you see them never the same way again: “Boy, did he love farting. When he got excited, sparks of electricity flew from his hands, his ears and…well, I’ll leave the rest to your imagination” (page 360). With one mysterious quote that reflects the whole novel, people will be thinking about it all day: “Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die”. Magnus Chase will captivate audiences.

Although a lot happens in the novel, the central idea is very clear because it is summed up in one big battle, which is the climax of the story. Magnus learns that sometimes, it’s best to let go of the things you cherish most. Rick Riordan is able to describe the battles happening around Magnus with much detail without becoming too wordy. Rick Riordan keeps the climax until the very end and that’s when all the puzzle pieces are finally put into place.

I strongly recommend this book for those who like comedy, Norse mythology and adventure. From fighting giants to eating falafels with bald eagles, there are so many up’s and down’s that will leave you wanting to read more.