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Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

by Rick Riordan

Middle Grade Fantasy4.4/51,500+ pagesOctober 2015

About This Book

Meet Magnus Chase, a homeless teen from Boston who discovers he's the son of a Norse god. After dying heroically (and painfully), Magnus finds himself recruited to Valhalla to train for Ragnarok—the Norse apocalypse. With his diverse group of einherjar friends, Magnus must prevent the end of the nine worlds while navigating the complex politics of Norse mythology.

When Magnus Chase dies trying to protect a friend, he awakens in Valhalla, the hall of the slain, where he learns he's the son of Frey, Norse god of fertility and prosperity. Recruited as an einherjar (heroic dead warrior), Magnus must train for Ragnarok while also preventing it. Alongside his friends—Samirah the valkyrie, Hearthstone the deaf elf, and Blitzen the fashionable dwarf—Magnus embarks on quests that take him through all nine Norse worlds to stop Loki and other forces threatening to bring about the end of everything.

What Makes This Series Special

First major LGBTQ+ protagonist in Rick Riordan's work
Features deaf and Muslim characters as main protagonists
Tackles serious themes like homelessness and family acceptance
Most mature and nuanced of Riordan's series

Publication Details

Series: Magnus Chase Trilogy
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
ISBN: 978-1423160915
Publication Date: October 2015

Key Themes

Norse MythologyFound FamilyApocalyptic StakesDiversityLGBTQ+ Representation

If You Liked This

Percy Jackson Series
The Kane Chronicles
The Trials of Apollo
American Gods

Memorable Quotes

"Being dead wasn't so bad. The only problem was I had to keep going to sword practice."

"You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood."

"Family is more than blood. It's the people who love you. The people who have your back."

What Works

Exceptional LGBTQ+ and diverse representation
Rick Riordan's best humor and character development
Rich Norse mythology that feels authentic and respectful
Complex themes about family, identity, and belonging
Strong found family dynamics
Innovative approach to traditional mythology

Room for Improvement

Can be heavy with exposition about Norse mythology
Some pacing issues in the middle book
Complex mythology might confuse younger readers

Ready for Norse Mythology?

Join Magnus Chase and his diverse group of friends as they navigate Valhalla, prevent Ragnarok, and discover what it truly means to be family. This series represents Rick Riordan at his finest—combining mythology, humor, and heart with important representation.