Skip to main content

Review: Magnus Chase by: Rick Riordan

Series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1
Author: Rick Riordan
Overall Goodreads Rating: 4.28
Genre: YA Fantasy (Mythology)
Pages: 499
Published: October 6th 2015 by Disney - Hyperion Books

 MY OVERALL RATING: 4.5/5 STARS 


IN A NUTSHELL
Fun and exciting read. Took a couple of chapters to really get into, but once I got into it I could not put it down! This book has all the comedy and charm that we all love and expect from Riordan's writing. The Norse Mythology was interesting and done in a way where I was never overwhelmed. I felt like I learned a lot, and it made me want to learn more about this particular mythology. The only downfall this book had was there were MANY similarities to Percy Jackson. I had a hard time getting over a few. There were so many that it took away from the originality of the book. If you want examples of the similarities keep on reading.


"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...."

I really enjoyed this book. I laughed and at times cried. It had all the charm that I was expecting and once I really got into the book I did not stop reading until I was finished. I really enjoyed the friendships in this book, and how it was a main part of this book. What I love about Riordan's stories is that he always puts a emphases on relationships such as friendships and family dynamics. His writing is unique in the fact that he has his characters build trust and friendship instead of solely romances. He actually writes about children who love their parents, and have a healthy relationship with them. I have to acknowledge that because it is a rare factor in middle grade/YA books. I really came to love every character in this book, and not one of them fell flat. Magnus is funny and full of smart remarks and whit. Other characters you will meet in this book will still your heart and quickly become your new book friends. 
I loved learning about new mythology. Norse Mythology is complex and Riordan makes it easy to follow. After reading this book I felt like I learned a lot, and I even went on to do more research on my own. The Norse Mythology really added a new originality to the book because it was something I had never read about before! 
Now for the reason I gave this book 4.5 instead of 5 stars. There were A LOT of similarities to Percy Jackson. Without giving away too much I will say, there were similar personalities, fighting situations, relationship dynamics, and special weapons,we already read about in Percy Jackson. This book is original with the Mythology and it was a real bummer to see these repeats, because this book had so much potential to be a one of  kind book in YA.  
Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I am truly excited for the next book to come out. I highly recommend it. Just know that there are similarities to Percy Jackson, but it is still an amazing read. If you have children in middle school I would recommend this book for you and your children to read together. You can have a family type book club! Okaaay I just nerded out on a completely new level.

Tell me your thoughts on this book. Did you find the similarities as annoying as I did? How much fun did you have learning about Norse Mythology? And the most important question....Magnus or Percy? 
Happy Reading Y'all, 
Ashley 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Back to School: Percy Jackson Style

As any fangirl or fanboy wherever you go you want to show your love of books. Being lovers of books we are a unique kind. We crush over fictional characters, they become our best friends, when they hurt we hurt. Books are our escape, our passion, our fun, hobby, friend, books are our lives. Pride comes with being a book nerd and it's something you should embrace. These books we love sometimes take over. We love them so much we want to be a part of that world. I wanted to help find ways for you to always feel close to your favorite books and characters. This week I wanted to do Percy Jackson because I mean who doesn't like Percy Jackson?! These outfits are loosely inspired by some of the loved characters from The Percy Jackson series or the book covers. I stayed on pinterest for hours (shocker right?) to find outfits that have simple pieces that you can find in your closet or wouldn't be hard to find for a good price at stores. I also wanted to find outfits that...
3 comments
Read more

Meet My Book Boyfriends

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by   The Broke and the Bookish This week:  Top Ten Book Boyfriends/Girlfriends (Which characters do you have crushes on?) Tower of Dawn It's been a long time coming, but I finally gave in to Chaol. He's complex, confusing, dark, and endearing.  Lola and the Boy Next Door Cricket is my sweet boyfriend. He loves Lola for exactly who she is. He never asks her to change, and falls in love with every part of her.  The Raven Boys I refuse to pick. I want them all!  White Hot Kiss I like both men in this book, but if I had to pick, it would be Roth. I just love his attitude. I haven't read the last book. I'm not ready!!!!!!  Clockwork Angel Will is my moody and misunderstood boyfriend.  Touch of Power  Kerrick is the boyfriend that I'm not real sure why I like him, but I keep him around.  The Body Finder Oh Jay my sweet and loyal...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top Ten Tuesday

  Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by   The Broke and the Bookish   December 8th: Top Ten New-To-Me Favorite Authors I Read For The First Time In 2015   Holly Black This was one of the best reads for me this year! I feel like I cannot believe I waited this long to enjoy the amazing world of Holly Black's writing.     Morgan Matson This was the BEST SUMMER read. I have another book by Matson, but I am saving it for summer =)   Wendy Higgins Higgins' writing will make you laugh, blush, and cry. I LOVED this series   Jeri Smith-Ready Ready's world in this book was unique and fantastic!   Marie Rutkoski Do I really need to say anything about Marie's writing besides perfection?   Jennifer Rush I could not put this book down!   Leigh Bardugo I feel deprived because I waited too long to read Bardugo's writing.   Julie Kagawa I know, I know, it too...
Post a Comment
Read more