Plot Summary

Magnus Chase, a once-homeless teen, is on a death-defying quest across the Norse realms, literally. As a resident of the Hotel Valhalla, this son of the god Frey is now one of Odin's chosen warriors. Magnus and his friends, Hearthstone the elf, Blitzen the dwarf, Samirah the Valkyrie, and other heroic characters must use all their wits and special talents in order to defeat fearsome giants, lethal creatures, and meddlesome gods in order stave off Ragnarok.

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews (Aug. 30, 2015)

First there were the Greek gods, then the Egyptian gods, then the Roman gods—now Riordan takes on the Norse gods.

On his 16th birthday, homeless Boston orphan Magnus Chase (daughter-of-Athena Annabeth’s cousin) magically summon an ancient Norse sword, uses it against a fireball-throwing monster, drops the sword, and dies—but a girl in hijab on a flying horse grabs him and deposits him at the Hotel Valhalla for a new afterlife of perpetual preparation for Ragnarok. Turns out Ragnarok will come pretty soon unless he can retrieve the sword and somehow use it to rebind Fenris Wolf, who is about to slip the magical rope that’s kept him bound for millennia. This will take some doing. Per established formula, narrator Magnus explores his fabulous new home, makes quirky new friends, acquires a bristly female companion, engages in a chain of adventures, and meets the Norse pantheon. Riordan consciously crafts a diverse cast, including a dark-skinned dwarf and a deaf elf. Muslim Valkyrie Samirah is a particularly interesting character. Though she does not come across as devout—she doesn’t seem to take time out to pray, for example—Riordan’s choice to make her happy with her future arranged marriage both honors her culture and allows her friendship with Magnus to develop blessedly free of romantic tension.

A fast-paced, eventful, and largely successful pivot.

School Library Journal (Oct 06, 2015)

Fans of Percy Jackson and "Kane Chronicles" books will not be disappointed in Rick Riordan's newest series based on Norse mythology, "Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard." Magnus Chase, 16, has been an orphan living on the streets in Boston for the past two years. Ever since the mysterious death of his mother, he has tried to stay ahead of anyone who might be looking for him. When his Uncle Randolph tracks him down and begins talking about his birthright—an ancient sword—Magnus's world changes forever. But Randolph is not the only one searching for the sword. A Fire Giant destined to wield it as part of doomsday is hot on their trail. Dying and winding up at the Hotel Valhalla is only the beginning of this teen's (after)life. With an epic plot, engaging (and diverse) characters, and tons of wise-cracking humor, Riordan's latest is a page turner. Those new to Riordan's past series can jump right in; fans of his previous works will be happy to see clever nods and references to the other in-universe books.

VERDICT Ravenous Riordan fans are likely to begin lining up for this on the publication date; be prepared for long holds lists on this one.–Patrick Tierney, Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School, Providence, RI

Publishers Weekly (08/10/2015)

Ten years after The Lightning Thief, which chronicled modern-day Greek god shenanigans on Earth, Riordan enters a new pantheon with a similar setup: on his 16th birthday, Magnus Chase learns that he is a demigod, human son of a Norse god. Talk about an upgrade—Chase had been homeless in Boston since his mother’s death (by wolf attack) two years earlier. Chase’s story opens with his death on the day he comes of age, when he finds his father’s powerful sword and defends Boston against a fire giant. For dying a hero, he earns afterlife at the Hotel Valhalla (so large it has its own Ikea), but Chase has scores to settle and must prevent Ragnarok itself, a mission that involves perilous encounters, loads of gore, and snarky one-liners. Riordan plays much of the material for laughs (one battle weapon is a stolen sign that reads “Make Way for Ducklings”) and brings the Norse gods into the 21st century (Thor streams TV shows on his hammer). The sensibility is right in line with the Percy Jackson novels, and the audience will be just as large. Ages 10–14. Agent: Nancy Gallt, Nancy Gallt Literary Agency.

Booklist (2/12/2016)

Death has been pretty good to Magnus Chase, son of Norse god Frey. After a victory against Fenris Wolf, preventing Ragnarok (for now), Magnus has started to settle into his (after)life in Valhalla. But nothing is quiet for long when gods are involved: Thor’s hammer is missing again (shh); two of Magnus’ best friends have disappeared; Valkyrie Samirah, a daughter of Loki, is being forced into marriage with a giant king; and Loki himself might be behind it all. It’s a good thing Magnus has allies—even if they include a talking sword with a penchant for Top 40 songs. Riordan combines Norse mythology with a number of social issues: gender fluidity (Alex, a child of Loki, was born male but predominately identifies as female), disability (elf Hearthstone is deaf, and several characters know ASL), and race and religion (Samirah balances her Muslim faith with her Valkyrie duties). There’s some crossover with characters from Riordan’s other series, and the ending promises more overlap in future installments. A surefire hit. — Maggie Reagan

Awards and Honors

Nominee for the 2016 Goodreads Best Middle Grade and Children's Book
Won the 2017 Stonewall Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature
2017 Selection on the Rainbow Book ListOregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) 2018—2019 Nominee Goodreads Choice Awards 2015, Middle Grades and Children’s Winner
Amazon.com Best Books of the Year 2015, Ages 9–12, Top 20
2016 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
VOYA’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror 2016
Children’s Book Committee Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of 2016, Fantasy

Responses to Challenges

Objection: “The series pushes a ‘political agenda’ by focusing on diversity, especially with characters like Alex Fierro (gender-fluid character) and Samirah (Muslim Valkyrie).”

Response: The diversity in Magnus Chase reflects the real world and promotes inclusivity, something that is vital for young readers to see. By representing characters of different races, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religions, Riordan helps foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance in a multicultural society.

Alex Fierro’s gender fluidity and Samirah’s Muslim faith are not presented as political statements, but as natural aspects of the characters’ identities. These representations are carefully written and thoughtfully handled. Riordan’s inclusive storytelling opens up important discussions about respect and acceptance, helping readers from marginalized communities feel seen and represented, while also teaching others to appreciate diversity.

Additionally, diversity in literature, especially for younger audiences, mirrors the varied experiences of real people. The inclusion of such characters allows the series to be more inclusive and relevant to a broader readership.

Objection: “Gender fluidity in the book is inappropriate."

Response: Gender Fluidity in Mythology Is Canonical

In Norse mythology, gender fluidity is not an invention of Rick Riordan but a characteristic of the myths themselves. Loki, for example, is a well-known shape-shifter who often takes on different forms, including those of different genders. In one myth, Loki transforms into a mare, becomes pregnant, and gives birth to the eight-legged horse Sleipnir. Norse gods, like many deities in various ancient cultures, are not bound by human norms, including gender, and their fluidity is well-documented.

By incorporating these elements into Magnus Chase, Riordan is staying true to the source material rather than introducing something out of context. This portrayal helps readers understand that ancient mythologies already had a flexible and open concept of gender that predated modern discussions of gender identity. It introduces the idea that fluidity and diversity have long been part of human storytelling.

Loki’s gender fluidity and bisexuality in Norse mythology and in modern adaptations (Academic article [PDF])

Book Resume by Parents Defending Schools and Libraries

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