Friday, January 1, 2016

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Publication Date:  October 6, 2015
Publisher:  Disney-Hyperion Books
Pages:  491
Series:  Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1
Genre:  Fantasy
Synopsis:  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 a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man 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 . . .

Review:  Years ago I remember my dad saying how cool it would be if Rick Riordan did a series based on the Norse gods.  Well, his wish came true.

I had forgotten just how hilarious Rick Riordan's writing is.  Be prepared to laugh.  While it isn't the most complex writing style, it flows well and is just plain fun.  The plot is the basic quest, as it has always been, and while this makes it predictable, there are still plenty of unexpected moments.

Myths are simply stories about truths we've forgotten

Norse mythology is a fascinating as it is confusing.  There are nine worlds, two distinct types of gods, and not to mention the other creatures.  Word of warning:  you will not be capable of pronouncing half of the Norse terms.  

Magnus is quite different to Percy Jackson.  He is more cynical, hates the color blue, and is extremely sarcastic.  Admittedly, he wasn't my favorite.  The other characters shined more.

Even if we can’t change the big picture, our choices can alter the details. That’s how we rebel against destiny

Hearthstone and Blitzen are the two best buddies of Magnus.  One happens to be an elf, the other a dwarf.  Blitzen, the wayward fashion designer, is the lovable sidekick.  Hearthstone, however, is my personal favorite.  

Hearthstone is deaf and has given up everything to learn magic.  He is loyal to his friends and is incredibly endearing.  I didn't expect much from him at the start, but he really rises to the occasion.  

Samirah is a Valkyrie and a daughter of Loki.  She is one tough cookie.  I mean, who wants to balance calculus homework and mythological responsibilities along with keeping it a secret from, well, everyone?  Not me. Also, don't worry, there is no romance to speak of, thankfully.

“I hate this plan,” I said. “Let’s do it.”

It has to be commented on that Annabeth Chase and her uncle made a few brief cameos.  I loved this to no end, just as I love Annabeth.  It's cool to see an example of how both mythologies coexist.

The Sword of Summer was a typical but solid start to a new series.  Rick Riordan injects levity into even the most dire of situations--I can't remember the last time I laughed so much.  

18 comments:

  1. I really want to read this but I don't know if I have the strength to start another Rick Riordan series...

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    1. If you liked Percy Jackson, I think you would REALLY enjoy this one. It is classic Riordan, and it is only a trilogy, so not too long! XD Thanks for commenting!

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  2. I've been debating on whether or not to pick up yet another Riordan series. I absolutely loved Percy Jackson, but I wasn't sure about his one. Perhaps I should!

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    1. I think this has been Riordan's best series since Percy, and is very similar while maintaining its own story, if that makes sense! I hope you read it and thanks for commenting!

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  3. I actually haven't Rick Riordan although I know everyone loves Percy Jackson. I do love all sorts of mythologies so maybe this would be fun to start. Great review!!

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    1. Rick Riordan is very funny and easy to read, and I definitely think that if you like mythology, you will like his books. Thanks for commenting! ❤

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  4. I really want to read this book but I don't know, I'm afraid I'll get bored because the plot itself is repetitive in every book... But then again, I always enjoyed Rick's writing, so maybe I'll give this book a chance. I'd love to learn more about Norse Myth!

    Tasya // The Literary Huntress

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    1. It IS a repetitive plot, but I still think the book is worth it! The world and characters are all new, and Norse mythology is extremely interesting. Not to mention just how hilarious Riordan's writing is! Thanks for commenting, Tasya! ❤

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  5. I was debating whether or not I should pick this up! Love love LOVED Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus, but I found it hard to read the Kane Chronicles because I was a bit unfamiliar with the mythology! Do you reckon The Sword of Summer would be hard to read if you're not familiar with Norse mythology? :/
    Geraldine @ Corralling Books

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    1. If you liked Percy Jackson, I definitely think you would like this one. While Norse mythology is complex, I think Riordan incorporates and explains it a lot better than in the Kane Chronicles. Thanks for commenting! ❤

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  6. I'm not sure if I want to read this one... I've heard so many good things about it, but I don't know if I'd like the mythology elements. I haven't tried Percy Jackson (that doesn't really appeal to me), so I'm not sure if I'll enjoy it. I'll have to get it from the library or something, haha! XD

    I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Erin! Great review - thanks for sharing <3
    Denise | The Bibliolater

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    1. As much as I want everyone to love Percy Jackson and Riordan's other books as much as I do, if you are not one for mythology, it might be tough to get into it since all the plots are based on different myths. But I definitely think it is worth checking out! Thanks for commenting, Denise! ❤

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  7. All types of mythology are so interesting and so much fun to learn about. Haha how cool that the Norse and Greek mythological worlds all coexist together - would it be possible for one of Riordan's characters (or anyone, I suppose) to have family ties to more than one mythological god realm? XD
    I am only familiar with Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief, but anyway I'm so happy you enjoyed this book! <3

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    1. I particularly found Norse mythology intriguing! It is complex and imaginative--almost to the point that I can't believe people actually believed it! And Annabeth Chase is actually Magnus' cousin! A Greek and Norse demigod in one family. Thanks for commenting, Rebekah! ❤

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  8. I still haven't finished reading Percy Jackson (don't kill me...) but once I do I definitely want to get round to reading this. I love all kinds of mythology and the fact that you liked it is an extra incentive to pick it up. As always, great review Erin! <3

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    1. I will refrain from killing you, but cannot promise I won't glare at you judgmentally! Mythology is so fun, especially how it is incorporated in these books. Thanks for commenting, Emma! ❤

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  9. Dark-deep-secret-sharing-time. *whispers* I still haven't finished reading Percy Jackson. *shouts* I KNOW I KNOW, it's terrible and I'm just a horrible person! *sobs* *goes back to normal voice* This book and Percy Jackson are on my tbr. Happy 2016, Erin!

    anna | annaish

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    1. ANNA! >.< Percy Jackson is one of the best series I remember from my childhood. It has been out for a decade--you have had time! Anyway, happy New Year, Anna! Thanks for commenting! ❤

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