// book review + discussion: magnus chase and the sword of summer by rick riordan

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

Author: Rick Riordan

Expected Publication: 6th of October 2015 by Disney Hyperion (US) and Puffin Books (UK)

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology

Format: ARC, 489 pages

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 . . .

Review: 

First of all, massive thank you to Miss Hutchison for giving me an ARC in exchange of an honest review. The Sword of Summer is one of my most anticipated fall releases for 2015 so I am over the moon that I have one in my possession. I grew up reading Rick Riordan’s books so you could imagine my excitement over his new novel. 

The novel opens up with Magnus Chase, telling us that he’s going to die. Isn't that just lovely? His mother died protecting him two years ago and her last words consisted of her telling him to run and to never trust anyone. He has no clue who his father is either so now he was an orphan and lives on the streets of Boston.  When he turned sixteen, the same people that murdered his mom is coming for him again. When the fire giants get to him, he makes a selfless decision to save their lives instead of his. But then he actually doesn't die… In this book we get to journey with Magnus in his second life and be with him as he discovers his ties with the Norse gods, the nine worlds, his father and his destiny. 

I completely fell in love Rick Riordan’s writing all over again. His spin to Norse mythology was such a fantastic and original way of retelling it and I was easily compelled. I mean I was only 20 pages in and I’ve already declared that I love it. Although I was hesitant about Norse mythology at first, since personally I’m an avid fan of Greek mythology, but I was not disappointed. It was equally interesting as his other books. I loved the way that Magnus Chase narrates the story, I felt like he was personally talking to ME, as if I was really there in the book itself. I liked this style of writing as it was so engaging. Also the world building! I was completely immersed into worlds in the book. There was never a dull moment when I was reading The Sword of Summer, not only was it filled with action but it would also keep you laughing 100% of the time (Even in near-death situations). And the chapter names! Even the names of the chapters would make you cackle. To name a few, they were “Come To The Dark Side. We Have Pop Tarts” and “Hey, I Know You’re Dead, But Call Me Maybe”. 

Now let’s talk about the characters! YOU WILL FALL EASILY FALL IN LOVE WITH MAGNUS CHASE. He is charming and easily likeable. I liked his sarcasm and his sense of humour. He’s also very sassy and in a way I felt like Rick Riordan put a bit of himself in Magnus’ character because let’s be honest Rick Riordan is the sass master (well on twitter anyway). He also loves to read! Despite being homeless. And he loves food, he has this obsession with falafel so that’s a plus for me. THERE ARE ALSO DIVERSE AND FULLY DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERS AND BADASS WOMEN IN THIS BOOK. 

Overall, the book exceded my expectations (which was a lot!) and it completely blew me away. I am really happy that we get to know Magnus Chase and all the other unheard of Norse gods (since Odin, Thor and Loki are the only famous ones). I can’t wait to read the sequel to The Sword of Summer. This book deserves five shiny stars (and more!) I definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially to fans of Percy Jackson (because one of our favourites from the PJO series does make an appearance in this book, which, will definitely make you squeal).

This book is out now and you guys should definitely read it. I cannot recommend this enough!