Friday, September 16, 2016

Review: The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1) by Rick Riordan

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #1)
Title: The Sword of Summer

Series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1

Author: Rick Riordan

Publication date: October 2015

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Hardcover

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Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

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 a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man 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...

My rating: ★★★★★

Do I even need to mention that I loved this book? You all know Rick Riordan is my favorite author, so I doubt it ;) But I'm going to say it anyway, I LOVED it!! I loved the mythology! While Greek mythology is my favorite, really, I find all mythology interesting and am always up to learning more about them. As is the case with Norse mythology. I am a bit familiar but not nearly as much as I am with Greek mythology. Which is one of the things I love about this: you learn about mythology but in a fun way! I particularly love that we got into the more minor gods, because we all pretty much know about Thor and Loki, mostly thanks to Marvel (not that I’m complaining... even though the mythos in the MCU isn’t all that accurate to the classic Norse mythology).

Thor and Loki

I am also very much excited about the fact that our main character, Magnus Chase, is Annabeth Chase’s (from Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus) freaking cousin! What?! What are the odds that these two are demigods but from completely different pantheons?? One Greek, one Norse... my mind is blown. There’s something about this family... and I am dying to know what it is and why! I should also mention that Annabeth makes an appearance which totally pleased my fangirl heart. Her cameo was great! I also appreciated the other little shout outs to Rick Riordan’s other series.

The Sword of Summer, just like Rick Riordan’s other books, was a very fun adventure. But it was also different because our main character is freaking dead! And no, this isn’t even a spoiler because A.) it’s in the summary of the book, B.) It is literally the first line of the book:

Yeah, I know. You guys are going to read about how I died in agony, and you’re going to be like, “Wow! That sounds cool, Magnus! Can I die in agony too?”

And C.) Chapter one is called Good Morning! You're going to die, so, I mean, make of that what you will. lol. But yeah, I really liked that aspect even though in the beginning, I admit, I was kind of iffy about. I don’t know why I worried, this is Rick freaking Riordan!

Another different thing that I also liked was the fact that there was no romance! Nowadays you can’t pick up a book without finding some sort of romance in it. Don't get me wrong! I love it! But it is also refreshing to pick up a book without it. Not all novels need it. Especially since this is an MG novel. But hey, I am totally up for Magnus finding some love ;)

The Sword of Summer was so much fun and so funny! I loved the new characters and the way the mythology was intertwined into the amazing story! I am definitely intrigued by this new series and cannot wait to see where things go from here because this one was pretty epic!


Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a link to your review or comment below! :)

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