Sword, Wolf, and Gods. OH MY!

TITLE: The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard)
GENRE: Young Adult, Fantasy
PAGES: 491
AUTHOR: RICK RIORDAN

Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus’s birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

The more Randolph talks, the more puzzle pieces fall into place. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus’s memory. But he doesn’t have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents. . . .

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die. 

Books with mythology involved can really be hit or miss. This depending on how much creativity is involved from the author and the research which was done ahead of time. They are either dry, or ones that cannot be put down until the end.

With Sword of Summer, I am pleased to say it falls into the ‘can’t put down’ category. Of course I haven’t read a Rick Riordan book yet that has disappointed me. I expect him to keep writing so I can continue to collect, read and horde his books. In that order.

The way the characters are designed to be very much relatable is refreshing. The book being in first person; only adds to the hook which kept me entranced. Personally, I liked the other side characters a little more. The roles they play and how they enhance everything was just, in a single word, mesmerizing. I would tip my hat off to the author for his use of norse mythology creatures, going beyond just the gods. If I ever wore hats.

The plot in the book, what the main character had to do almost reminded me a little of Hercules. Having to accomplish amazing feats just to prove himself. With the other books in this series, it seems that his tasks are not yet over with either. I personally am looking forward to finding out what happens next.

Overall, I rate this book a 5/5 for the amazing story telling.