The Norse Gods Have Their Day

Today I am reviewing the new novel by Rick Riordan and I am thrilled. The reason - it is based on Norse Mythology! Can I say that again? Norse Mythology! Since I am Norwegian, and my name comes from the Goddess of Love and Beauty I have been well versed in this subject matter since I was young. What a treat to see it get the attention it deserves. Oh, those Roman and Greek Gods have had their day. It is time to step aside and let their brethren from the North come down and show them how it is done.

Don’t forget to visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com so that you won’t miss any books where Norwegians rule! No, not biased here.

Title: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Author: Rick Riordan

Target: Grades 5-9

Series: Yes

What this book is about:
Magnus Chase lost his mother two years ago and has never known his father. He is living on the streets. When he discovers that a long lost Uncle is looking for him, he is wary. His mother always told him to steer clear of this family relative. But his Uncle Randolf finds him and starts telling him that he is the son of a Norse God and that he must claim his birthright, a sword that will keep the world from doomsday. He wants to believe that his Uncle is nuts, but it all rings too true. The next thing he knows he is falling to his death after a battle with the Lord of the Fire Giants, but really this is just the beginning.

Why I love this book:
Norse mythology …. finally! I grew up on this stuff so what a delight to see it weaved into a funny and heart pounding story. Of course any book that has a chapter called “Freya is Pretty!” is already ten steps ahead in my book.

Since I already had a knowledge base of Norse mythology, all the different worlds and gods were a little easier to follow. I think that someone new to this information will have to refer back to the glossary for the first half of the book until the names and narratives sink in, but Riordan repeats quite a bit to give first timers a chance to catch up.

This book is just as funny, sarcastic and at times irreverent as the Percy Jackson series, so fans will not be disappointed. The action is nonstop so it is a fun ride.

Who this book is for:
It follows the same story arch as Percy Jackson, so fans of that series will enjoy this one as well.

Final thoughts:
If your kids read this book and get interested in Norse Mythology, I highly recommend D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths . This is the book I grew up with and you can see my dog eared copy published in 1967!

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!