
The Sword of Summer
by Rick Riordan1 of 3
Magnus Chase has always been a survivor. After the tragic loss of his mother, he spent two years living on the streets of Boston, relying on his wits to stay safe. But everything changes when he discovers a shocking truth: he is the son of a Norse god. Suddenly, the myths of old are very real, and Magnus is thrust into a world of Valkyries, giants, and ancient magic. To prevent the end of the world—Ragnarok—he must embark on a perilous quest across the Nine Worlds to find a weapon that has been lost for millennia. This gripping tale is perfect for children who love fast-paced action and witty humor.
Rick Riordan brings Norse mythology to life with a modern twist, making it an ideal choice for readers interested in legends and folklore. Fans of the Percy Jackson series will find a familiar blend of high-stakes adventure and relatable characters. Magnus is a unique hero whose journey explores themes of sacrifice and finding one's place in a vast, magical universe. Great choice for middle-grade readers looking for an epic story that balances heart-pounding danger with laugh-out-loud moments.
Highlights:
- A fresh and funny take on Norse mythology and the Nine Worlds.
- Relatable protagonist dealing with homelessness, loss, and heroism.
- Fast-paced quest filled with diverse characters and mythical creatures.
- Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and epic urban fantasy.

The Hammer of Thor
by Rick Riordan2 of 3
In The Hammer of Thor, the second installment of Rick Riordan's hit series, Magnus Chase faces his most daunting challenge yet: Thor has lost his hammer, Mjölnir, again. This time, it’s not just a minor inconvenience; the weapon has fallen into the hands of giants, and without it, the mortal world is vulnerable to a full-scale invasion. Magnus and his diverse team of friends from Hotel Valhalla must embark on a perilous quest to retrieve the hammer before Ragnarok begins and the Nine Worlds burn. This action-packed tale is perfect for children who love mythology, witty humor, and high-stakes adventures.
Ideal for readers interested in Norse legends and epic quests, this book stands out for its inclusive cast and modern take on ancient myths. Rick Riordan masterfully blends laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine emotional depth, making it a great choice for fans of the Percy Jackson universe. Readers will be captivated by the introduction of Alex Fierro and the evolving dynamics of the team as they navigate treacherous deals with Loki and battle formidable foes.
Highlights:
- Fast-paced adventure featuring Norse gods and mythological creatures.
- Strong focus on diversity, identity, and the importance of chosen family.
- Witty narration and humorous chapter titles that keep readers engaged.
- High-stakes plot that expands the lore of the Magnus Chase universe.

The Ship of the Dead
by Rick Riordan3 of 3
In the thrilling conclusion to the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard trilogy, Magnus and his diverse crew of friends must embark on their most dangerous quest yet. As the son of Frey, the god of summer and health, Magnus isn't your typical warrior, but he must lead a team including a Valkyrie, an elf, and a dwarf across the farthest borders of Jotunheim and Niflheim. Their mission: to stop Loki from sailing the Ship of the Dead and starting Ragnarok, the doom of the gods. This epic adventure is perfect for children who love mythology, fast-paced action, and witty humor.
Rick Riordan masterfully blends ancient Norse legends with modern-day sensibilities, making it an ideal choice for readers interested in diverse characters and inclusive storytelling. Fans of the Percy Jackson series will find the same blend of high-stakes tension and laugh-out-loud moments that they have come to expect. This book is a great choice for middle schoolers looking for a story about finding one's place in the world while facing impossible odds.
Highlights:
- An epic conclusion to the Norse mythology-inspired trilogy.
- Features a diverse cast of characters, including Muslim and genderfluid heroes.
- Packed with Rick Riordan's signature humor and modern mythological twists.
- Explores deep themes of chosen family, identity, and bravery.
- Perfect for fans of action-packed fantasy and legendary quests.
