Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Series

by Rick Riordan

This middle-grade fantasy trilogy follows a teenage boy from Boston who dies and discovers he is the son of a Norse god — and is recruited into a world of Vikings, giants, and Norse mythological beings who are preparing for Ragnarok, the prophesied end of everything. The series follows the same accessible and humor-driven formula as the author's other mythology-based series, adapted to the world of Norse gods and the nine realms.

Books in The Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series in order:

The Sword of Summer Book cover
#
1
The Sword of Summer
Recommended For Ages
10
+

Boston teenager Magnus Chase dies and wakes up in Valhalla, where he learns he is the son of a Norse god and must complete a quest to prevent Ragnarok—the end of the world—starting with finding the lost sword of the summer god Frey. The first Magnus Chase novel brings Riordan's witty, accessible mythology treatment to Norse mythology with a new cast of diverse heroes including a deaf elf and a Muslim Valkyrie. Fresh and funny.

The Hammer of Thor Book cover
#
2
The Hammer of Thor
Recommended For Ages
10
+

Magnus and his friends must recover Thor's hammer Mjolnir before a marriage pact between a giant and a valkyrie triggers Ragnarok, while Alex Fierro—a gender-fluid child of Loki—joins the team. The second Magnus Chase novel is notable for its warm and matter-of-fact treatment of Alex's gender identity within the adventure narrative. Another energetic and humorous entry in the series.

The Ship of the Dead Book cover
#
3
The Ship of the Dead
Recommended For Ages
10
+

Magnus and his friends sail to the realm of Niflheim to stop Loki from unleashing Naglfar—the ship of the dead—and triggering Ragnarok, in a conclusion that brings the Magnus Chase trilogy to a warm and satisfying close with humor, heart, and a genuine test of each character's growth. Riordan wraps up the series with typical skill.