Category: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3
Great conclusion to the series! I think what I love most about Magnus Chase, is he is not your typical hero. He’s not very good at fighting (his animate sword Jack takes care of most of the fighting for him), he’s not a brilliant strategist or master planner, and his “demigod” powers include healing and “The Peace of Frey” which blasts the weapons from everyone’s hands (his allies included). But above all Magnus is caring, loyal, and determined – and he surrounds himself with a group of powerful and resourceful allies.

Many of our side character’s get the highlight in The Ship of the Dead. Mallory and T.J. in particular get a great spotlight. And Alex Fierro has become one of my favorite character’s ever! As a gender fluid character, she/he is probably the most unique character I’ve seen in popular literature and really put a “face” to an identity I was basically unfamiliar with. Thank you Riordan for challenging our beliefs and presenting such diverse characters to our children. I really believe that it’s books like this that will help to breed more understanding and inclusive generations.

Religion is also handled so well in this series. The dichotomy between Muslim Samirah and Atheist Magnus is handled with tack and understanding, and projects such a wonderful message of inclusion that it warms my soul. Not to mention mixing this with a world where the Norse gods are real and coexist with these other faiths.

Overall, a great ending to the series. Though we are finished with Magnus and friends for now, I have no doubt that they will pop up at some future point in Riordan’s writing (Percy Jackson does make an appearance in this book after all). As always, looking forward to more from my favorite Middle Grade author.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #2
I always enjoy Riordan’s work and The Hammer of Thor did not disappoint. Full of action, wit, and fun new characters, I enjoyed this better than The Sword of Summer. With the setting and main character’s already established, it was great to jump right into the plot this time around. The stakes are getting higher and the conclusion of The Hammer of Thor leaves us wide open for a dynamite finale in the next book. And can I say that I can’t get enough of the ties between this and his Greek/Roman series (yay for Annabeth scenes)! I’ll always look forward to Riordan’s mythology and I can’t wait for more.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1
A fun new series by favorite Rick Riordan. Admittedly, I do not feel the same connection to Magnus as I developed for Percy, but it took me a few books to really fall in love with the Percy Jackson series as well. I have to admit, I felt as thrown off as Magnus with that first trip to Vahalla, it’s not often that your story begins with your hero dying, but I was soon enjoying the adventure. Riordan includes fun and quirky characters as always, along with a host of gods who don’t always seem as godly as you’d expect. Fenris Wolf was so deliciously devious…the perfect villain. And the final chapter, “I lost a bet,” just the perfect ending. Can’t wait for more!