katekintailbc | The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase #1) by Rick Riordan

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

I ran into this book at the library during a volunteer shift when someone in the system put it on hold. There were multiple copies on the shelf, so I helped myself to one of them. I've read the first Percy Jackson series, and liked it well enough, so I thought I'd have this one a chance in order to fill a challenge requirement.

Magnus is a strong character, learning to survive on the streets after his mother is murdered by wolves and then learning to survive in the after life now that he's dead and admitted into Valhalla. It's a lot for the kid to take in, especially when no one thinks he belongs there and his Valkyrie is expelled for bringing him. Then there's his uncle's obsession with the Sword of Summer, Loki whispering to him in dreams, sneaky giants in disguise, a several different rag tag groups of friends, and MIA gods who aren't all that helpful.

I was thrilled to find this was in the same universe as the Percy Jackson series (Annabelle is Magnus' cousin). I was also thrilled to see so many creative twists on Norse Mythology, which I know very little of to begin with. I loved learning about elves, dwarves, trolls, giants, Valkyries, einherjar, mythical creatures, gods, and goddesses. I loved settings like the wolf's island, the Hotel Valhalla, and the World Tree. And the characters are so varied, diverse, and complex I loved getting to know them and watching them save the world. Team Empty Cups FTW!

There was just enough balanced action, drama, twists, and interpersonal relationships to keep me interested and enjoying the read. I can't wait to read the others in the series now.

Pop Sugar Reading Challenge: A book based on mythology