merc_birb's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book! Magnus has the dry sense of humor I've come to associate with Riordin's main characters, but he's a lot more world-weary than Percy and a LOT less likely to try and jump in and solve everything on his own (thank goodness). Loved the story and the ways he made everything unique to THIS pantheon of gods and their kids and minions. Not to mention the fun tie-ins with his other books. On a personal note, it tickles me to read a story taking place (mostly) in Boston!
ratnix's review against another edition
5.0
It's a book by Rick Riordan of course I loved it.
I DIDN'T KNOW THAT I WOULD CRY
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE ANNABETH AND MAGNUS TALKING ABOUT GREEK&NORSE GODS
I NEED THE HAMMER OF THOR N O W
I DIDN'T KNOW THAT I WOULD CRY
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE ANNABETH AND MAGNUS TALKING ABOUT GREEK&NORSE GODS
I NEED THE HAMMER OF THOR N O W
kstring's review against another edition
2.0
Straight up, I gave this book more than a fair chance. I got more than halfway through the audiobook before my disinterest in listening to this book overpowered my yearning to listen to the Les Mis soundtrack again.
I quickly grew disinterested in the storyline--so cliche. Riordan seems to recycle his stories and characters. I was actually slightly upset that Annabeth was in this book. She has her fingers in too many pies, and the explanation for her presence in this book is brushed off and glossed over. I hard time grasping the actual plot of this book because there are so many sidetracks that are unfocused. You know, I read these books for the quests, and I couldn't find it in this book. I also couldn't take a single person seriously. The grown-ups don't act like grown-ups and everyone is just snarky. A witty comment here and there is good to spice up a novel, but all the time is a me-no-likey scenario apparently. I didn't know how much I disliked constant sass and snark until this book. Couldn't take a single person seriously.
Percy Jackson remains as my favorite Riordan series. I will not recommend this series to others.
I quickly grew disinterested in the storyline--so cliche. Riordan seems to recycle his stories and characters. I was actually slightly upset that Annabeth was in this book. She has her fingers in too many pies, and the explanation for her presence in this book is brushed off and glossed over. I hard time grasping the actual plot of this book because there are so many sidetracks that are unfocused. You know, I read these books for the quests, and I couldn't find it in this book. I also couldn't take a single person seriously. The grown-ups don't act like grown-ups and everyone is just snarky. A witty comment here and there is good to spice up a novel, but all the time is a me-no-likey scenario apparently. I didn't know how much I disliked constant sass and snark until this book. Couldn't take a single person seriously.
Percy Jackson remains as my favorite Riordan series. I will not recommend this series to others.
mundinova's review against another edition
4.0
Hearth signed, Is it talking? I don't read sword lips.
"What is he saying?" Jack [the sword] asked. "I don't read elf hands."
I'm already a fan of Riordan's, so I knew going into this book that I'd enjoy it. Reviewing this book is pretty simple: if you like the Percy Jackson books, there's a 90% chance you'll like Magnus Chase. If you haven't read the Percy Jackson books yet, stop reading this review and pick up the first book. It's action packed and a fun ride. I especially appreciate how inclusive Riordan is with his characters. Each book has great representation of different races, religions, and ability. In The Sword of Summer we get Hearthstone, a deaf elf. The attention to detail around using ASL in a novel was very well done and added to the story in interesting ways.
Story/Pacing: 5 stars
Character Dev: 3 stars
Prose/Language: 3 stars
"What is he saying?" Jack [the sword] asked. "I don't read elf hands."
I'm already a fan of Riordan's, so I knew going into this book that I'd enjoy it. Reviewing this book is pretty simple: if you like the Percy Jackson books, there's a 90% chance you'll like Magnus Chase. If you haven't read the Percy Jackson books yet, stop reading this review and pick up the first book. It's action packed and a fun ride. I especially appreciate how inclusive Riordan is with his characters. Each book has great representation of different races, religions, and ability. In The Sword of Summer we get Hearthstone, a deaf elf. The attention to detail around using ASL in a novel was very well done and added to the story in interesting ways.
Story/Pacing: 5 stars
Character Dev: 3 stars
Prose/Language: 3 stars
librarian_katie's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very well written book. I read Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief a few years ago and wasn't impressed. But Magnus Chase was very good, it had good characters and was just a fun read!
After I read Percy Jackson, I wasn't anxious to read another book by Rick Riordan, but I am glad that I did read Magnus Chase.
After I read Percy Jackson, I wasn't anxious to read another book by Rick Riordan, but I am glad that I did read Magnus Chase.
aelynreads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This was great fun and very easy to read. It's action-packed, adventurous, funny and all the things you expect from Rick Riordan. I don't think it offers anything new that we haven't already seen in Riordan's other series, but it's still a good time.
If you've read both the Percy Jackson series and The Trials of Apollo and are desperate for more middle-grade action-fantasy, this is a great shout.
This was great fun and very easy to read. It's action-packed, adventurous, funny and all the things you expect from Rick Riordan. I don't think it offers anything new that we haven't already seen in Riordan's other series, but it's still a good time.
If you've read both the Percy Jackson series and The Trials of Apollo and are desperate for more middle-grade action-fantasy, this is a great shout.
flutters's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another super fun dive into mythology from Riordan. Me and husband LOVE Norse mythology, so it's been super fun going through this book with him. Strongly recommend, hilarious and fun writing as always.