I think that I’ve mentioned a few times how much we love Rick Riordan books? My son has read every word that man has written with the exception of his adult novels. (Yes! He wrote for adults before Percy Jackson.) My son reads them so fast that I had to find other books like Percy Jackson and diversity books like Percy Jackson. He, of course, prefers the real thing.
My son raced through the first Magnus Chase book where it was fun to see Annabeth Chase. In order to follow the Nordic Mythology references, my son made a second attempt to read d’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths, and completed it this time. Honestly, Norse Mythology is a little confusing compared to Greek and Roman Mythology. The gods are more ambiguous with regard to “good versus evil.” We will definitely read Riordan’s new companion book to brush up on the Norse world. His books are particularly good at highlighting lesser known gods and stories so it’s always worth reading.
We also read the new Trials of Apollo Percy Jacksons series. At first, I liked the Magnus Chase book better. We also appreciated that Magnus Chase is set in Boston where we live. It was fun for us to read about places that we had been too. Apollo as a mere mortal takes some getting used to. This Apollo series also has the return of some of the Percy Jackson gang as supporting characters.
Riordan’s newest series are fresh and clever takes on the Percy Jackson series. He seems to be writing faster than ever, which greatly pleases my son. After reading each new book, my son always asks me when the next one is coming out. I used to quote one year, but now it seems to be a little faster but his craft continues to improve with that intoxicating mix of adventure, humor, and super powers. We are so excited for these next two books!
Are your kids also excited for the newest Magnus Chase book? What do you think of companion books? Do your kids read those voraciously too? Please enter to win a copy AND some swag below.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan is out on October 4, 2016! One of my readers will win some great stuff including:
- a copy of Magnus Chase: The Hammer of Thor
- a copy of official-companion book: For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds: Your Introduction to Deities, Mythical Beings, & Fantastic Creatures
- Hammer of Thor pen
- Hotel Valhalla Swell-Style Water Bottle
- Hotel Valhalla Luggage Tag
- Hotel Valhalla T-Shirt!
About The Hammer of Thor
Thor’s hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon–the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn’t just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can’t retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer’s return is the gods’ worst enemy, Loki–and the price he wants is very high.
To Learn More
Visit ReadRiordan.com. Follow Rick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow Disney-Hyperion on Twitter and Instagram. Send Disney-Hyperion a Snapchat @DisneyBooks. Use hashtag: #HammerofThor.
Hammer of Thor Book and Swag GIVEAWAY
To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. I can only ship to U.S.A. due to the high cost of shipping. I partnered with Disney-Hyperion to offer this giveaway.
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BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
My 10yo recently started reading The Lightning Thief and loves it! It is the first time he has read a Rick Riordan book. He would be thrilled to win this pack! We read Mary Pope Osbourne’s Norse Myth book, and we were all fascinated with the mythology.
Hi Melanie,
Good luck!! It sounds like your son is ready for Magnus Chase! There are a few bloggers giving away this same package so do apply to all the giveaways to increase your chances of winning!
I honestly have no kids😂but I’m invested in getting and giving folks, especially children and teens inclusive books. I think I prefer The second series so far because its the MOST inclusive as far as main characters go, but I just started the Magnus Chase a few weeks ago and he’s so funny! But definitely the second series. I cant pick one but forcing myself too The Mark of Athena!
Hi Guinevere,
I totally agree with you but you don’t really hear Percy Jackson series as the poster child of diversity in children’s books. And yet I feel that Rick Riordan made a conscious decision to create characters that children of color as well as those in minority groups could relate to. And he did such an amazing job that it’s so hard to pick a favorite character. I’m so impressed the Magnus Chase has a strong female character that wears a hajib. He’s on the forefront for diversity and I’m glad that you pointed that out. My son loves that his adventure fantasy books are funny.
I really want to read this! I will enter the rafflecopter! I love this series!
Hi Erik,
My son finished the companion book in a few days. It is such a fun read and our third or fourth time through the Norse gods is helping us remember all of them. We have such a background in Greek and Roman mythology here in the U.S. but not Norse so it’s so hard to keep everyone straight (except for Thor!).
My nine year old loves Grover, but I really read the books for myself. It is a bonus that the kids like them!!
Hi Nancy,
I love Grover too and I hope he comes back in a future Rick Riordan book. Haven’t seen much of him in the Magnus Chase books yet though.
I would have to say the Percy Jackson series.
Hi Morgan,
We love that series too!
The Trials of Apollo, my kiddos love that he lands in New York as a teenage boy and they like to follow his adventures without his powers!
Hi Tiffany,
I think it’s so funny too that he has acne and has lost his six pack! Riordan creates characters that feel so real!
My niece’s favorite character is Annabeth
Hi Derek,
She is a crowd favorite! Such a great character! I’m glad she’s in Magnus Chase!
My son is a huge fan of Percy Jackson and those books!
Hi Stephanie,
Me too! He will drop everything to read a new Rick Riordan book which doesn’t happen with most other books. Timmy Failure is another series that he loves.
OH my boys are dying to read this book! We love all of Rick Riordan’s stories.
Hi Mother of 3,
My son is so excited too!!!
My kids love Percy Jackson from the LT series. They also really like Hazel from the Heroes of Olympus (not sure if that’s the name of that series).
Hi Dianna,
I love all your kids’ choices!
Annabeth is our favorite! She’s such a strong character. The original Percy Jackson series and the Heroes of Olympus are our favorite series!
Hi Stacy,
She’s a great character; no super power really, just her fierce intellect!
My nieces love the Lightning Thief
Thank You
Thanks so much for entering Fiona!
I love the Rick’s books. I’ve been reading them for years and am especially obsessed with the Percy Jackson series and the Magnus Chase series. I actually met my best friend through the second Heroes of Olympus series, so I honestly owe Rick a lot. It brings me such joy to see so many other fans!!!
Hi Hope,
What a great story! I hope Rick learns about that one day! He’s coming to my neck of the woods in Nov (Mega Awesome Event) if you live near Wellesley, MA.
I just got done reading the Sword of Summer and I loved it. I’ve always been interested in Norse Mythology. I’m reading the Heroes of Olympus series now.
Hi Ryan,
We love Norse Mythology now too but it took us two or three books to really get the hang of it. It’s so different from Greek or Roman mythology but now we are ready for Book 2 of Magnus Chase!!
I don’t have kids, but my favorite character is Hearthstone! I absolutely loved him in Magnus Chase.