That was HILARIOUS. Like incredibly, marvellously FUNNY. It’s Rick Riordan, right?! So you expect to laugh so hard you choke…but I think Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer is THE most funniest book he’s ever written. I’m endlessly pleased with this hilarious cacophony of Norse mythology and awkward heroes. Also there’s an Annabeth cameo!! (Annabeth and Magnus are cousins.) Annabeth hasn’t got a staggeringly big part, but she’s still in a few chapters, so consider me pleased.
Ohhh, but WHERE TO START!? A list? A list sounds good.
THE REASONS WHY THIS BOOK IS JUST DOWNRIGHT FABULOUS:
- Magnus Chase. He’s a dork. He’s really dramatic and funny and so so sarcastic. He has a snarky comeback for everything and it’s just so fun to read. He’s also really laid back. It’s all “and then a monster ate me and dangit I missed dinner”. Also he’s dead. So that’s unique.
- THE CHAPTER TITLES. I loved them. They’re ridiculously funny. Like “I Do Combat with Eggs” and “We Are Falafel-Jacked By An Eagle” and “We Have a Pre-Decapitation Party, with Egg Rolls” and “Don’t Be a No-bro, Bro“. Excuse me, I must giggle.
- The Norse gods are quirky and kooky. For instance: Thor is a TV addict. He bypasses crushing an enemy to catch up with Game of Thrones. And Odin sucks at giving speeches. Also one of the scary villains is a pigeon.
- And, surprisingly, there’s no romance! I don’t mind romance in books, but it’s surprising and awesome and fabulous that a YA book can exist and be brilliant with zlich romance.
- Also there’s Samirah al-Abbas. She’s a Valkyrie and can fly and escorts heroes to the afterlife and SHE’S REALLY EPIC. She’s serious and intense and is the daughter of Loki (!!) so has tons of nifty abilities. She’s also prone to punching Magnus. Love her. Also she’s Muslim and wears a magical hijab.
- Then there are Magnus’ two buddies: Hearth and Blitz. They’re his “protectors” even though they’re about as much help as a rubber duck. BUT STILL! COMIC RELIEF. One loves designing clothes and the other is deaf (although I question the realism there, because he seems to read lips 100% perfectly despite that being a ridiculously hard thing to do).
There are similarities with Percy Jackson…but I didn’t even mind! Usually it bothers me when I feel authors aren’t being original enough, but I was TOO IN LOVE with everything about this book. (There’s a character who’s basically Clarisse, and Sam is very much like Annabeth.) And the plot follows the Riordan Method: here is a quest, go meet monsters, kill stuff, maybe die, fulfil all the things. I’ve read 11 of his books and EVERY. SINGLE. ONE has the same plot.
My only quibble is: it’s too long. I really HONESTLY think there are too many plot detours that, while they might be entertaining, they’re not actually adding to the story. I did get a bit bored in the last 1/3. I like concise books.
ANOTHER SOLIDLY FANTASTIC RIORDAN BOOK! I can’t believe it took me until 2015 to actually start reading his stuff…and now look at me. I’m hopelessly fangirl. #noregrets Oh, and while Magnus Chase is YA (he’s 16) I think the book would work for a much younger audience, too. It’s funny and exciting and creative and I learnt SO MUCH about Norse mythology! (Apparently Loki isn’t brothers with Thor?! And I didn’t even KNOW a god called Frey existed.) I CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE MAGNUS CHASE. Also the cliffhanger is quite kind (I have trust issues after Mark of Athena) so thank goodness. Basically this is the funniest book ever and I don’t even know what you’re doing with your life if you’re not planing to read it. GO READ IT.
“I, at least, will make sure you get a proper trial before the thanes cast your soul into Ginnungagap!”
Samirah and I exchanged glances. We didn’t have time to be captured and sent back to Asgard. I definitely didn’t have time to get my soul cast into a place I couldn’t even pronounce.
THANK YOU TO PENGUIN AUSTRALIA FOR THE ARC! Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer is published October, 2015.
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 an uncle he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. His uncle 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 . . .
I’ve LOVED all of riordan’s books so far (except the Red Pyramid series. I got bored), so I’m glad you were so excited for this one! It sounds good, and I’m definitely reading it when it comes out. Although I totally agree that Riordans books are formulaic. It’s funny, and there are surprises, but it’s always just. MC. Quest. Almost die. Finish it. I wonder what would happen if he branched out of the demigod genre?
YES ME TOO, OMG. WHAT IS IT WITH THE PYRAMID SERIES?!?! I only read book 1 but I won’t be reading the others. >_> LUCKY HE WRITES SO MANY, RIGHT?!? I think he writes adult books? But either way, I love that he writes all these demigods. XD IT’s like Cassandra Clare writes so many shadowhunters. When a new Riordan book comes out I kind of know what I’m in for and I DO LOVE THAT.
Didn’t Riordan just announce a new Roman demigod’s series? Hmm, I think he should move away from European myths. Indian gods are awesome, as are south American Religions- though I can see why he’s trying to use ‘dead’ religions, as people might find it offensive if he made a god they worshipped a tv addict. This sounds so great though! I WANT :). I am a fan. I think I probably like House of Hades best. Blood of Olympus holds a special place in my heart as the first book that I read this year. thanks for your review, Cait!
I think so???? Like I saw it on Goodreads!! SO IT MUST BE REAL. *flails* I will basically read everything by him. XD Although I probably will abandon the Kane Chronicles so far because book 1 really didn’t grab me D: STILL. Indian mythology would be GREAT. I love learning about this stuff and he makes it so fun. hehe. Blood of Olympus is my 5-star love. :’)
I’M SO GLAD YOU LOVED THIS, CAIT! I desperately need this book in my life because it’s Rick Riordan and Rick Riordan’s books are life. Magnus sounds hilarious and I’m so glad that Annabeth is in it (even if barely) and I’m so glad to hear it’s probably the funniest RR book you’ve read because YAY, I love laughter! ;D
THIS LOOKS AMAZING. I haven’t so far met a Riordan book I didn’t love (I’m one of those weird people who adored The Kane Chronicles). (Except for Blood of Olymus, at least. I was not a fan of that one at all). I have Magnus Chase on pre-order and fully intend to devour it the second it arrives.
My favorite of his books would have to be between Mark of Athena, House of Hades, and The Last Olympian. (I also love Son of Neptune, but no Annabeth.) I seriously doubt the new books will ever be better than the old ones for me, but we’ll see.
I think he just announced a new Roman demigod series? I would love for him to do Chinese mythology. (Frank could be involved–so many possibilities.) Things that people still believe are tricky, though. Indian would be cool, but people won’t like seeing their gods being portrayed the way Riordan does it….
So good to hear you loved it. I just got my copy in the mail <3
I really like Riordan's work, and I think I am a fan since he has a shelf all to himself at the moment, haha. I haven't read the Pyramid series and I'm not planning to. I read a bunch of reviews that clearly told me it was not for me. Have you read the Percy Jackon and the Greek Gods (the companion book that came out last year)? I wasn't too happy about with that one, so I'm a bit hesitant to pick up the Greek Heroes one that came out earlier this year. But I'm happy to follow his series work in the future.
And yes I would love to see Chinese mythology.
I really like the new series, but I preferred Greek you know…., I love Percy Jackson and Sadie and Carter. So I think Rick should make another series presenting Percy and Annabeth. But the idea of Chinese mythology is cool.
Rick Riordan is the king of chapter titles!
I can’t believe you got an ARC of this! You lucky girl! I have no doubts that it will be just as fabulous as you say. Rick Riordan never disappoints and I absolutely love Norse mythology. Fingers crossed.
You know, I’m thinking that I should read one of his books one day.
AHHHHH I can’t wait to get this already. Seriously it’s so hard NOT to like Rick Riordan’s books. I HAVE READ ALL OF HIS BOOKS *puffs out chest* and I loved them all although the Kane Chronicles is the least of my favourites. I want to check out some if his adult books BUT THIS KEEPS GETTING IN THE WAY.
Annabeth is in this, you sayyyy?! You’re killing me! I love her so much arrregh.
To answer your question. I’d really love it if Riordan writes about Chinese myth! There are so many of them! I saw a tweet that says he might work on that for his next project. SQUEEEEE.
I definitely need this book! I loved the PJ series, and I am ready for Magnus Chase!
Wait, wait! So Riordan has already written Norse myth!? That is the bestest thing of ever! I’ve wanted that since I’ve started reading Riordan. . . which was only just this year (what? I’m a little behind, okay?). But I’m still muchly pleased.
Usually, I get annoyed when authors use the same plot formula for everything too. But I really like Riordan and I think I’d be okay with it. We read it for the twist on myth and the funny, not the formula, right? Besides Riordan is such a master of funny, it would be a shame not to read him.
I think it’d be interesting if maybe he did Celtic stuff? That would be fun.
And now I have more incentive to brush up on some Norse myth. 😀
GAHHHH I”M SO JEALOUS!!! LIKE SO SO SO SO SO JEALOUS. *breathes deep* It sounds really good. 😀 I was loosing faith in Riordan after his last few books, but now I’m super excited.
Thanks for the review!
Yoooooo, that Mark of Athena cliffhanger was the worst of all time, ever. It was so hardcore.
I hope the audiobook gets a good narrator. That is my dream for RR: that his books actually receive a narrator worthy of them.
I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW. I’ve been waiting and waiting for this to come out–I mean, I’ve been waiting so long I forgot I was even waiting. But anyway, this sounds super exciting and I’m glad that it’s hilarious because Riordan has the best sense of humor ever. *dies*
I have only read the The Lightning Thief and The Sea Of Monsters, but I am trying to get hold of more, they are so funny, but I totally agree with the plot being the same, and not really surprising, but still so good. I am currently writing a blog post reviewing the first book.
OOHHH this excites me! It sounds like the diversity in this series might be more natural than in Heroes of Olympus. As much as I’m enjoying that series, it feels like a “one of each” thing at certain points. BUTTTTTT I can tell you for sure that reading lips is like a 60% success rate, for me at least, and I’m still hearing and use it to make up for the hearing that I’ve lost so far. Even if I miss words or sounds, I can still fill in the blanks with lip reading. But entirely deaf and 100% success? Probably not!
Gaaah I’m jealous. I feel like I’ve said this before, but American bloggers are keeping this ARC under lock and key. IT’S FRUSTRATING. AND I forgot to place a hold on it at the library, so now I’m five hundredth and something of fourty copies. IT’s AGONY, I TELL YOU. AGONY.
I don’t think anyone could ever Replace Percy Jackson in my heart as pure Riordan perfection, but I need to get my hands on this Magnus Chase book ASAP just in case.
I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE. Because 1) I love funny books 2) I loved Percy Jackson and 3) I’m tentatively plotting a Norse mythology epic fantasy and clearly this would be research 🙂
My TBR list is getting heavy lol
Thanks to you. Love that we have similar taste.
OMG I’m so happy you liked Magnus Chase so much! I can’t wait to read it.
I feel like I’m the only person who’s never read a Rick Riordan book, lol! Somebody shoot me. *cries*
Ooooo, Chinese Mythology could be DAMN WELL AWESOME. The culture, the history, the backstories, the diversity (if done well) could be fabulous. I’m still reading this (I’m half way through) and I agree, it’s a good book, but I can’t help but see the common plot themes like you did. Maybe I’m getting a little bored of the same plot and direction? Meh, I think it’s looking to be a 4 star read, although it’d be higher if more exciting things happened, and I’m sure when I meet a god or two, it’ll get better! Great review Cait 😀
I WILL be reading this. Don’t ask me when (my reading list is three times my height), but I will.
Celtic mythology would be interesting. Or Japanese folklore.
WOAH! I just saw in the comments that someone posted that he’d announced a Roman series. *Flies to Goodreads*
I haven’t read this series yet, but I obviously need to get to it. I really enjoyed all the Percy Jackson books, but kind of stalled out when I started reading the companion series. – I’ll bett if I picked them up now though, I’d be ready to read them all!
I love the Percy Jackson books! I’ve read the first of the Kane Chronicles and enjoyed it as well. I still need to read the Heroes of Olympus series, though…I know, shame on me. I’m really looking forward to his exploration of Norse mythology.
YES. I am so glad you liked this so much Cait! To be completely honest, I’ve been a bit hesitant about reading this when it comes out because I’m worried that it won’t be quite as good as the Percy Jackson series, but you’ve eased my fears. (Although, I felt the same way when I started Heroes of Olympus, and, alas, look where I am now). So glad that Annabeth is in this (my spirit character TBH) and that there were some Percy Jackson cameos as well. Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous review my twin! ♥
THIS BOOK IS LIFE!!!
Or, you know, death…whatever.
(See what I did there 😉
I’m yet to read the 2nd and 3rd Kane Chronicles books, but otherwise I’ve read the lot and I love Rick Riordan’s books SO VERY MUCH!! The Person Jackson books are the reason my sister reads (which is awesome), and they are all just so fantastically hilarious!
And this one especially so.
My idea about Hearth being able to read lips perfectly is that he’s an elf…so, you know, magic.
Excuse me while I hyperventilate because OHMYGODS I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY HANDS RIGHT NOW, PRECIOUSSSS!!! (Why am I even in a book buying ban? *sobs*)
I knew this would be hilarious because this is Rick Riordan, what did you expect? But if you’re saying this is the funniest book he’s ever written, then this would be epically magnificent and LOL-inducing. (Even more so than his previous books) 😀 And the diversity! alskdfjldk!!
BOOK BUYING BANS ARE JUST CRUEL TO THE SOUL. But sometime needed right? heh hehhhhh. *wails for you* And YES. I love Rick Riordan and I don’t think he ever fails in the hilarity (although I didn’t really love the Kane Chronicles much!?! But they were still mostly funny) XD
YES! Who invented book buying bans? Who even invented money? Why can’t we just trade our firstborns for books, yeah?
EXACTLY. This is exactly what I’m saying. Who needs those firsborns anyway. Gawsh.
I sort of want to read this one. At the same time, a year of Old Norse lectures was possibly enough for me FOREVER. Now I’m that weird mix of being snobby about books that mess up the mythology while also hating the idea of actually reading the original texts ever again in my life, hahaha.
I need to lighten up.
Also, I saw a few of your commenters saying that he should do Celtic myth and like, that’d be cool and all, but I’m just imagining how hard that’d be because of the lack of information. Literally the Celtic gods it’s just like “??? Well we think there’s this guy called Cernunnos but that name only appears once and it doesn’t actually have all the letters, we’re just reconstructing it from linguistics, and he might’ve been associated with nature or something, but we don’t actually know… He may not even have been a god? Or he might’ve been a type of god not one guy. He probably had horns, but again, that’s just because of a few sculptures and stuff? Yeah we have no idea.”
It makes writing essays about them… interesting.
Your review makes me so insanely excited to read Magnus Chase. The first time I read your review, I spend so long laughing and rereading that quote. I can’t wait to see what Rick does with a whole new mythology and I can’t wait to meet Thor because HE SOUNDS GREAT.
It’s a little scary because it’s not narrated by Percy. BUT I’ve just started today, and Magnus is seriously so great and hilarious that I’ve never even thought “I wish it were Percy”. I love his sense of humor so much already (though I’m only around page 70) So many moments where I’ve laughed out loud!
I also like that Magnus is a older at the start of this series because (for me) it’s more relatable and I like that’s him and his voice is older. Compared to young Percy in the first book. I’m glad that he changed it up and didn’t start it off with a really young character again.
Also, I kind of failed with the Egyptian mythology series and never made it past book one (OOPS)! It just wasn’t my thing. But I’m so glad that I’m loving Magnus Chase so far and that in don’t have any problems like I did with The Red Pyramid. It’s great getting to dive into a brand new story, mythology, and characters and just have NEW content from Rick Riordan.
Also, Rick Riordan quoted your review and linked you in his blog post today! Congrats- that’s awesome!
Sorry for the weird typos. I was typing on my IPad and it kept screwing everything up.
Yay! I’m picking this up at the lib this weekend. So excited to see what he does with the Norse myths. Will be trying to read with my dog Loki in my lap 🙂
I’m glad you liked the book, but as entertaining as Rick Riordan is I’m sorta over him. Percy Jackson got me into writing and I’m grateful for that but I get my mythology and humor highs from other books. I could see myself picking up Magnus Chase at some point, and I’m glad for the assurances that it’s worth it, but still… I’m wary. As you say, all the books have the same plots, the same characters, and all my reader’s needs are not being met anymore.
But that’s okay. You can admire something without liking it. Thanks for piquing my interest, Cait!
Ooh, this one was fun! I personally thought it was a bit darker than the Percy Jackson or Kane Chronicles- definitely not as dark as it could be, but darker. I loved the norse-ness, loved the sarcasm, loved the diversity of characters… kinda funny, I forgot I’d preordered it on kindle and freaked out at six AM the day it came out. I may or may not have been reading while walking down the stairs in school. 😉
I’m glad you loved it too, Kathryn!! 🙂 I definitely can’t get enough of Riordan.😂 And omg walking + reading? You multitasking bookworm queen.
I LOVE ALL OF RIORDANS BOOKS