I mean, obviously I loved it. IT’S A RICK RIORDAN BOOK.
Oh and before I apologise for the atrocious pun in the title of this post, lemme give you another one. Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor was ASGARD as the first one. (Because “Asgard” = “as good”…get it!?? Oh I’m hilarious it actually hurts.) OKAY BUT PUNS ASIDE — I totally collapsed in a fangirling heap over this exciting instalment of gods, demigods, dead people, falafel and mild doom.
Also it’s hilarious. Obviously. But there is a 100% chance I will laugh OUT LOUD when reading a Rick Riordan book.
Before we launch in, feel free to trot back to my review of Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer, which is book 1 of the series. This is the sequel. NO SPOILERS WILL BE SPOILED. Obviously. I am a delightful person not a monster.
Can we talk about the characters first?!
Because they are enormously amazing. And the diversity levels are on point which makes me very pleased. And the secondary characters?! They are complex and intriguing, JUST AS THEY SHOULD BE. But let’s go into list mode, yes. Because I can’t help myself.
- MAGNUS CHASE of course remains my favourite. Although at times he nearly felt like a secondary character in his own story…just because the plot REALLY centred around Loki’s children in this one. And Magnus is a child of Frey. SO. #awkward But he still has so much snark and sass and is really a squishable darling with a very bad haircut due to needing his locks to stitch up a bowling ball bag. UM, I SWEAR IT MAKES SENSE WHEN YOU READ IT.
- SAMIRAH is still a puddle of awesomeness and stubbornness. She’s also Muslim and POC and wears a magical hijab! And her love remains strong for her betrothed. Also someone give this woman a medal for all the dorky quips she has to put up with from Magnus. (Also 1000% happy she and Magnus can have an epic friendship with no love-triangle. Bless this book.)
- ALEX FIERRO is a newcomer (child of Loki) but very important to this plot. At first I didn’t like Alex because they’re really rude…but noooo, stop your flapping about in panic there Cait, because Alex is AMAZING and is a cinnamon roll. Truly. Alex is gender-fluid, but uses either he or she pronouns depending which gender they identify with on the day. I also thought it was super interesting how they tied this in with Loki being gender-fluid too (YA KNOW THAT TIME LOKI WAS A HORSE AND GAVE BIRTH….) Mythology is awesome, peoples. Plus Alex shapeshifts. So, epic levels are just exploding.
- HEARTH and BLITZ are present as always and we get so much more of Hearth’s backstory! Also I commented in book 1 how I thought it was unrealistic how accurately Hearth read lips (when in fact it is very hard to read accurately), but you know what? NONE OF THAT WAS HERE OMG. There was much more emphasis on sign language! I’M SO PLEASED.
- THE GODS were all nuts. Truly. I love it. Every time a new deity was introduced, just prepare yourself to laugh at the nonsense levels.
“Why doesn’t Thor go check this barrow himself?” I asked. “Wait…let me guess. He doesn’t want to draw attention. Or he wants us to have a chance to be heroes. Or it’s hard work and he has some shows to catch up on.”
“To be fair,” Otis said, “the new season of Jessica Jones did just start streaming.”
Also there remains NO ROMANCE. I have a feeling we’ll ship Magnus/Alex eventually? They could be cute. I can see it in the future. So far though, it’s FRENS. And I love this so much about this series!
I love all the pop-culture references too. They’re hilarious. Everything is hilarious. And yes if I say “hilarious” one more time in this review you can come smack me with a replica Thor’s hammer. (I say “replica” because are you worthy enough to lift it? hahah. No. Me on the other hand…) I love how the gods are taking selfies and watching Netflix. Plus the talking-sword, Jack, loves singing pop-songs. I KNOW. JUST APPRECIATE THAT STATEMENT FOR A MINUTE.
I flung him overhead. Jack spiralled out of view, flying after the goat-killer while singing his own version of “Shake It Off”. (I have never been able to convince him that the line isn’t cheese graters gonna grate, grate, grate, grate, grate.)
The actual plot was 80% awesome and 20%“this is kind of a needless side-tour and wut r we doing here get to the point mate”.
The quest to find Thor’s hammer was a bit too rambly, with some of the side-quests feeling like unnecessary detours. But you know what? I’m a concise person. I like to see something and GO GET IT IMMEDIATELY. So a more patient person would probably be cool with this. I just want to CUT TO THE CHASE (hahahah, get it…because Magnus Chase?! Okay, to be fair, I warned you my pun game was strong today). But we have bowling competitions with giants and talk about butt-dialing the apocalypse too. And it’s all amusing, so I shall shush.
But I still couldn’t put it down! I zooooomed through those 470-pages and JUST WANTED MORE.
Basically it was a monstrous tome of fantasticness.
I finished off with a huge craving for (A) more books which are not out yet dangit, and (B) falafel because Magnus has quite a thing for falafel and like I need to get onboard with this?? Someone make me some, yes?? But HEY. I laughed! I flailed! Any time Percy Jackson’s name was tossed in I THINK I FANGIRLED FAR TOO HARD.
And now, if you need me, I’ll just be petting the cover, because the font is slightly raised and shiny and beautiful.
Etiquette tip: if you’re looking for the right time to leave a party, when the host yells “No one leaves here alive,” that’s your cue.
THANK YOU TO PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE FOR THE REVIEW-COPY. Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor (Gods of Asgard #2) by Rick Riordan was published October, 2016.
Thor’s hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon – the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn’t just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can’t retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer’s return is the gods’ worst enemy, Loki – and the price he wants is very high.
\\ click to read reviews //
AHEM GREAT REVIEW❤️😂 Cait, I would like to say that you went overboard with the pun game today. Also, Taylor Swift needs to know of the line- cheese graters gonna grate, grate, grate, grate, grate. OF COURSE SHE WOULD LAUGH OUT LOUD. I haven’t still read a Rick Riordan book BUT I WILL FIX THIS UNGODLY ERROR SOON. Plus is this book a trilogy or a bigger series?? If it is a trilogy then I will of course read it. IF BIGGER SERIES THEN MAYBE WE WILL THINK ABOUT IT. I am so busy these days with school, I hardly have time to read. Also, do you need to read Percy Jackson to read this?? As that series is HUGE. I mean is it like Cassandra Clare novels that you need to read EVERYTHING or else you would be spoiled??
(P.S- IT IS TERRIBLY HARD TO GET THE FIRST COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG. I TRY HARD.😜😂)
Pfft, there is no such thing as overboard with puns. THERE IS ONLY PUN APPRECIATION AND GLORY. Like someone seriously crown me Pun Queen. I am THORoughly winning tonight. (Geddit?! Thor??! YES?! … yes I’ll show myself out.)
Also yes, petition for the line to change to cheese graters because it makes much more sense. It was a GRATE improvement. *dies laughing at self* Omg I’m sorry…was I supposed to stop punning?
Oh but no you can totally read this without having read Percy Jackson. All the books do interlock though, so like you might get mild spoilers for the other series. But it wouldn’t ruin them if you went back and read them later still *nods*
(Omg I’m dying.😂 CONGRATS ON FIRST COMMENT.😂😂)
PERCYY
YASS
In the end of last year and June this year I went through 2016 releases and I missed this?? How?? I usually note down all dates of books I want to read and put them up as a sticky-note-ladder-type-thingy on my wall and always refer that, AND THIS ISN’T THERE? HOW
*cough* anyway, I’ll get to this. Soon. I must. I must see Percy and hopefully Percabeth and have some otp feels cuz I have to shred my heart with little pieces of them whenever available, right?
(P.S. I read the first comment, saw “AHEM GRATE REVIEW” and went “more like GRATE review” :3 gotta love puns)
I am the pun queen today. The “TERRIBLE” pun queen though, to be specific. *crowns self*
ohhhh, how did you miss this one?!? NOOOO. YOU MUST ADD IT TO YOUR LIST RIGHT NOW! It’s so good. <3
I admit, I started squealing when I read “I think it’s time you met Percy Jackson” but then– it ended. And I was just like “Nooo” I was so excited for the meeting. 😀
And I am very disappointed in the publishers. They made the book a size taller than the first so they can’t look all pretty next to each other on the shelf! *gasps* Well…they still look pretty. But not perfect. 😛
I KNOW RIGHT?!?!? I SQUEALED INSANELY JUST THEN. It means Percy will be in the next book!!!!! CAN WE TAKE A MOMENT TO FLAIL ABOUT THIS?!??! FJADKAFLDSJKLJ 🎉🎉🎉
#WorringlyObsessed
And yes, still ticked off about the size difference. I didn’t notice until I started taking photos of them together and now = forever devastated.😭
I literally sat here for 20 minutes trying to pick a favourite character. When it comes down to it, I have to say either Sadie Kane or Leo Valdez. I would pick Percy, but I feel like that would be cliché?
Honestly, I adore the Magnus Chase series, and while I feel like The Hammer of Thor rambled a little, it was so hilarious that I’ve forgiven it.
Mironiel Blokzyl recently posted…The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan || THOR’S HAMMER IS STILL UNOFFICIALLY MISSING.
I’m sorry. IT WAS SUCH A CRUEL QUESTION. *sends self to the corner of shame* Leo tho. <333 I will pick Percy because he is a dork, but Magnus is also a wonderful dork. AND I WANT TO TAKE A MINUTE FOR NICO WHO IS PERFECT.
And YES! I agree! Like it was rambling, but still thoroughly enjoyable. (Excuse me wait...it was THORoughly enjoyable. Get it?!? THOR?!? YES I’M SO GOOD AT THIS.)
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!! yes. I love Thor. and I’M worthy to pick it up! *bonk* here, have some cake.
I can’t wait to read it! Maybe my dad will buy it for christmass, like last year….or maybe I’ll go shopping with Oma, and she’ll buy it, and I’ll start reading it in the car, and then we’ll get home, and daddy will say that he bought it, but I can still read it if I don’t tell daddy ANYTHING about it…..those were the three hardest months of my life, trying to keep my mouth shut. :/
now for those questions!
WHAT ARE YOU THINKING, ASKING ME THAT??? ok, Annabeth and Percy. First it was just Annabeth, but when I started reading the other books, not from Percy’s view, I realized how importent he was to get the most amount of hummur, so he’s a favorite to. 🙂
ehh, they’re pretty funnny, not not as good as Percy Jackson. #loyalfangirlforever
Sometimes, I think they should be longer. 😀
The lightning thief. I read it for the fist time when I was………..several years younger, I was staying home from church, sick, and I was laughing at least twice in every chapter. 🙂
wow, that was really long.
Most crazily, ~Olive
P.S. awww, no spoilers? how do you write a review with no spoilers?
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PERCY IS AMAZING THO AND I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. He’s probably my favourite.😂 But then, well, NICO. And also Leo…and Magnus. <33 So basically choosing a favourite is impossible...who asked that question omg they need to sit down and stop. (wait...IT WAS ME. DANGIT.)
I try to keep reviews always spoiler free so no one has the story ruined for them before they get a chance to read it!
I KNOW!! HE SO AMAZING AND FUNNY!!!! I do like Leo a lot, who wouldn’t? UHG. WHY DOES EVERYONE LIKE NICO??? *mutters about a certain sneaky little creep*
awww, phooy. I have a weakness for spoilers, I get it from my mom. 😛
Most crazily, ~Olive
Olive recently posted…Beautiful books
My favorite Riordan character is definitely Annabeth, without a doubt. (I might be a little biased though because I look exactly like her, and if that’s not enough, we have the really similar personalities too).
But yeah! I’m so glad that you enjoyed this so much! I have to admit that I haven’t started the Magnus Chase series yet (*hides*) because I’m so afraid that they won’t live up to the high quality original PJO series. (Although that’s what I said right before I started Heroes of Olympus, and alas, look where I am now.) But I’m definitely planning on giving them a try sometime.
AND RIORDAN’S SENSE OF HUMOR IS FANTASTIC. I love it so much. Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous review! <3
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SO BASICALLY YOU ARE ANNABETH. *nods* Which means you get a Percy which means that is awesome. 😂 hehhhhehheh. Ahem. And oh don’t be scared of the Magnus series!! IT IS REALLY GOOD. I think Magnus is pretty different to Percy so that helps and I think these ones are waaaay better than the Kane Chronicles.
I’m reading The Hammer of Thor right now! And oh dear…some of those puns. XD
Ahhhhh are you loving it?!? I mean, are you loving the book, because obviously you adore my puns. EVERYONE MUST.😇
OMG, my brother and I LOVED the Hammer of Thor SO MUCH! It was perfection. I loved learning more about Hearth (squee!) and wow, was his dad horrible! I wanted to smash him in the face with a pile of large hardcovers. Ahem. Alex was awesome! When we first met him/her, I did not expect anywhere near the level of awesomeness I got. And poor Blitz! Being petrified only to wake up for the end of the world…
And omg we get PERCYYYYY in the next book! (If there’s no Percy, I will have a problem.)
I am so excited and cannot believe I have to wait an ENTIRE YEAR for the next book.
#Riordan’sbooksarebest
Omg wasn’t Hearth’s dad just abominable?!? I FELT SO SAD FOR HEARTH THIS BOOK THOUGH. HE WENT THROUGH A LOT.💔 And YES I agree about Alex! I actually was worried him/her would be a bit insufferable because they seemed really snobby at the beginning…BUT NOOO, ALEX IS AWESOME. (And like Percy will totally be in the next book right?!? HE HAS TO BE. THAT ENDING SAID SO.)
Oh this sounds fantastic! I’ve never read a book with a gender fluid or a Muslim character (with the exception of non-fiction). I should amend this, yes?
I haven’t read Rick Roridian in forever either. So many childhood memories. I need to catch up with his work.
You should most definitely. *nods*
*piles Riordan books on your head*
I honestly screamed when I saw this post. Magnus Chase is AMAZING IN EVERY WAY. I’m so excited to read this – my dad ordered it yesterday!! 😀 I kinda ship Hearth and Blitz because they are such cute little French fries which I would like to gobble up.
My favourite Riordan character is probably Percy. Once, I’ve actually said ‘I love you’ aloud whilst reading an especially funny Percy moment because he is such a babe and so sassy and argh. I love that little Seaweed Brain <3
And Sam is also THE BEST. Her and Annabeth are so badass haha.
Simi
AFJDSKALD yes and YES IT’S SO AMAZING!! And I’m actually surprised Hearth/Blitz haven’t been announced as a couple yet…they seem like one. They’re adorable. And I will agree with Percy being the ultimate best though. <3 Every time he's mentioned these days I just must pause to give a pterodactyl screech because I can't hELP MYSELF.
I am one hold out on the Riordan fandom, I confess. But the promise of a quirky friendship with NO love triangle, a son of Loki, sass, and butt-dialing of apocalypses is proving a dire temptation.
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Basically everything in this book is calling to you then. :’) I HOPE YOU LOVE IT!
It’s so strange seeing the Aussie cover instead of the US one I know and love. THOUGH I ALMOST LIKE IT BETTER, SO GIMME.
You mean it’s so WONDERFUL because our cover is 1000% better.😂😂
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but have you read the Sword and the Staff trilogy? I’m on book 2 and I love it!! (Both the first and the second have made me laugh out loud, and that’s why I’m talking about it. I’m not just randomly telling you about this great series, although this would probably be the blog to do it on.)
Oh I totally don’t mind random recommendations! I LOVE THEM, IN FACT. 🎉 And no I haven’t read it and I actually don’t think I’ve heard of it. AHH. I shall go look it up on Goodreads and then see if my library has it. 😀 Because books that make me laugh are like 100% the kind I need in my life. 😂
Puns on point Cait! Haha, your reviews always make me laugh ^_^ I’m almost finished reading The Sword of Summer, and it’s great! Being my first Riordan book and all (why does this make me feel guilty?) I found the writing really fresh and pleasant to read, and the characters loveable. xD Can’t wait to finish so I can read this one! (and pet the cover. ’cause why not.)
Oh! and I finished book one of the Raven Boys! and I LOVED IT SO FRICKIN’ MUCH.
Thought you’d like to know. 😉
Eeep, that’s so cool you’ve just started Riordan books though!! Will you read the Percy Jackson series too?! I HOPE YOU DO BECAUSE THEY ARE GLORIOUS.
afjdklsafdflkj you liked the Raven Boys?! MY PRECIOUS RAVEN BOYS AHHHH!!!!!!!! I’M SO HAPPY! ALL THE HAPPY! HAPPYYYYYYYY!!🎉🎉🎉
Yay! I can’t wait for my library hold to start moving. Fantastic pun game today by you for sure.
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Hehe, thank you Amanda!! The puns were just happening today for sure.😂
OHMYGOODNESS, I GOT THIS BOOK WHEN RIORDAN WAS ON TOUR. A couple months back I was like “Hey Mom, can we go to Nashville.” I explained why. She started texting our friend and on October 6 Mom, me, Big Sis, and Oldest Lil’ Bro, and I all went on a SEVEN HOUR CAR TRIP (while listening to Harry Potter…) and Sis and I got to see Uncle Rick!! Like, OMG. I a signed copy of The Hammer of Thor (unfortunately it wasn’t in person… 🙁 ). I ALSO GOT TO ASK RIORDAN TWO QUESTIONS (which I count as a conversation, since we went back and forth once) ON A MICROPHONE (my first time) IN FRONT OF 15OO PEOPLE. It was great. 😀 Sorry, I’m still excited….
Anyways. I have the pretty green America version of the book on my shelf, crying for me to read.
BTW, have you read Peter and the Starcatchers?? I ADORE this series!!! (Actually … it’s high time for a reread.) It’s a Peter Pan retelling, so, yeah. It’s great. 🙂
Duuuude, that is AWESOME that you met Rick Riordan!! SO NOT JEALOUS AT ALL. haha. Ahem. But that’s really cool you also got to ask questions. You’re basically famous by association now, right?! RIGHT.
Now goooo and read it! COME NOW.
(And no I haven’t read Peter and the Starcatchers…yet. I totally will!!! I’m obsessed with all things Pan after all😂)
OOH the sequel! Totally forgot that was coming out XD. LOVED this review (and I must say, the puns did make me grin).
I have to admit … I didn’t finish the first book *hides from tomatoes being thrown*. Maybe I should give it another chance *nods*.
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HUZZAH THAT YOU LIKED MY PUNS! And don’t feel like throwing tomatoes at me! I AM WINNING.😂
ohhh i haven’t read this yet but it looks fabulous! YES SAMIRAH IS MY FAVE. what a perfect bean. i adore all of riordan’s books, honestly.
also – your photography is INCREDIBLE.
evelyn clickman @ if these stars shall fall
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OMG THANK YOU, KIND BEAN. I SHALL FLAIL NOW MOST AVIDLY. And also yesss, I’m pretty sure Riordan can do no wrong.😂
So I am way jealous of those Australian book covers for this series. They are way more awesome than the US ones. Even the little peak I got of the Percy Jackson books look cooler. I haven’t read this second one yet, but I’m glad you liked it.
yES omg we’re totally winning for the covers.😂 Usually I prefer US covers but I’m like the UK/AUS ones are so so nice this time hehe.
Oh, nice shots of that book btw, I plan on reading this one soon, we have the book. Well my sister does anyway. My sister had me take her down to she shops to buy this one a few days after it released… because (it was quite the tragedy) on the day it released the book was still in boxes in the storeroom because the person who organizes the book part of the store was on holidays. My sister was not impressed.
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Aww, thanks, Clare!! That means a lot from you, Miss Photographer Queen!! 😊😊
But oh that’s not acceptable for a rabid bookworm to have to wait for a book to be unpacked! I hope your sister loves it too though!
I absolutely loved the first book which was hilarious and so outlandish and it sounds like this is an awesome follow up to it! I love the sound of the falafel and the quest for Thordom too lol. Lovely review Cait!
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Ahh, thank you, Jeann!! 😊😊 It’s so nice when books meet expectations right?!? And I love how bizarre everything is in here.😂 It makes me laugh SO MUCH.
I NEED THIS BOOK LIKE I NEED OXYGEN, BUT I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL CHRISTMAS. *Sobs*
I’m glad you enjoyed it though! Favourite Riordan character (oh, that’s the cruellest question you’ve ever asked, and there’ve been some cruel ones)… I’m going to have to say Nico.
All of the points for all of the puns. XD
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It IS a horrible question and I am the worst. *pretends to be sorry but is not* And I agree Nico is the most adorable tragic slightly stabby darling. <33 I'll always probably pick Percy though, like as TOP top...but then Leo. And Magnus. And Annabeth. And I really love Apollo.😂
I read the first one in July, so I’m excited to get into the second one! I enjoyed the adventures of the first book and I’m glad you liked it because that usually means I’ll like it too! Wow the Australian covers are so cool!
~Sara
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Oh yayyy that our tastes usually match up then, Sara! THIS MAKES ME HAPPY. *hi fives for our excellent bookish taste* And yesss, Australia is winning for the covers this time!😍
Oooh it sounds awesome I bought it a weekish ago and think it is so pretty and think it is great for taking pictures of but also can’t wait to begin reading it. I just go giddy just about every time I look at it.
Eeep, I hope you love it too!! And yes isn’t it so photogenic?!? I LOVE THE COLOURS. 😍
I actually havent read any Rick Riordan books so you’d better come after me that hammer! They do sound good though so i’ll go check ’em out.
I have laughed out loud to Skullduggery Pleasant books and also to Gerald Durrell’s My Family and other Animals and I was in public on a train at the time!
Gill
Oh I hope you do! THEY’RE SO WORTH IT. *flings confetti around* And omg you love Skulduggery Pleasant too?! We have excellent taste in books clearly.😂
I cannot wait to read this book. Rick Riordan is so awesome and I know I am going to love this series. Great review!
Yesss I hope you enjoy it a ton!! I’m pretty sure any book in the Percy Jackson world is DESTINED TO BE AWESOME.
I NEED TO CATCH UP. I still haven’t read the first book. My bad. But I loveddddd Percy Jackson back in the day, when I was like…a young’un. NEED.
Fantastic review!!!!! Omg and I have to agree with all ur points. My fav character of rick riordan’s has to annabeth and Percy my fav ship! Squeeeeeeeee! – but humour wise? It’s jack. All his singing and stuff is hilarious!!! The Magnus chase series is good so far, I think that they might get a bit sidetracked with the quests and stuff, but otherwise – great!!! And I was fangirling like crazy when annabrtannabeth mentioned Percy. I know that the next book will be 1000000 times better cos he is in it – percabeth!!!!!!!! Anyways great review!
YAYYYY WE ARE THE SAME IN OUR FANGIRLING HAPPINESS. *hi fives* And omg I totally LOST IT when it ended with that promise that Percy is going to be in the next book. Yes please and thank you. 😍😍 I hope he has a huge part BECAUSE I NEED MORE PERCY IN MY LIFE.