The Sword of Summer

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Content Ratings

No Romance

There is no romantic content in this first installment; all relationships are built on friendship and found-family bonds.

Mild Themes

The novel opens with Magnus's death, which is handled matter-of-factly within the Norse mythology framework; themes of identity, belonging to a culture one never knew, and the value of diverse backgrounds are warm and affirming.

Mild Violence

Viking-mythology combat involving giants, monsters, and undead warriors is exciting and fantastical; violence fits the established series tone.

Synopsis

Boston teenager Magnus Chase dies and wakes up in Valhalla, where he learns he is the son of a Norse god and must complete a quest to prevent Ragnarok—the end of the world—starting with finding the lost sword of the summer god Frey. The first Magnus Chase novel brings Riordan's witty, accessible mythology treatment to Norse mythology with a new cast of diverse heroes including a deaf elf and a Muslim Valkyrie. Fresh and funny.