Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: 9 from the Nine Worlds – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: 9 from the Nine Worlds

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2018

90%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Magnus is out of town, so his band of misfit gods and monsters takes the wheel for a hilarious, myth-heavy road trip through the Nine Worlds.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: 9 from the Nine Worlds

book

2018

90%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Magnus is out of town, so his band of misfit gods and monsters takes the wheel for a hilarious, myth-heavy road trip through the Nine Worlds.

4.7

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4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This isn't just 'extra credit' reading for fans of the series; it’s a solid, funny, and genuinely smart expansion of the world.

Riordan has this uncanny ability to make ancient myths feel like they’re happening in a Brooklyn subway station. It’s safe, it’s inclusive without being preachy, and it’s one of those rare books that might actually make a kid laugh out loud while they're reading in their room.

If they’ve already finished the main trilogy, this is a no-brainer. If they haven't, start with 'The Sword of Summer' first.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 9-13 crowd. It hits that sweet spot where kids want something a bit edgier than 'little kid' books but aren't ready for the heavy romance or grimdark themes of YA.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Rick Riordan is the master of the 'found family' trope. The stories prioritize loyalty, standing up for friends, and navigating complex identities with grace and humor. It's emotionally grounded despite the talking swords.

Imaginative

Taking Norse mythology and making it feel like a modern-day sitcom is a feat. From fashion-obsessed dwarves to the physics of giant-slaying, the creativity is dense and rewarding for curious kids.

Safe

It's standard Riordan fare: fantasy violence that involves mythological monsters and 'death' that is often temporary or played for laughs. No explicit content or language concerns beyond typical middle-grade snark.

Enriching

It’s a stealthy way to teach Norse mythology and diverse perspectives. Between a deaf elf using ASL and a genderfluid character, it builds empathy without ever feeling like a lecture.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

It shines a spotlight on the side characters who are often more interesting than the protagonist.
The humor is top-notch—Riordan knows exactly how to write for the 10-14 age gap without being cringey.
Excellent representation of disability (Hearthstone) and diverse religious/gender identities (Samirah and Alex) that feels totally natural.
Great for kids with short attention spans since it's a collection of snappy short stories rather than one long slog.

⚠

What to Watch For

Mild fantasy violence—think decapitated heads that keep talking and giants getting smacked around.
Some 'gross-out' humor involving smells, body parts, and mythological weirdness that appeals directly to middle-schoolers.
If your kid hasn't read the main Magnus Chase trilogy, they will be completely lost.

Conversation Starters

"Which of the Nine Worlds would be the worst place to get stuck for a weekend?"
"How does Samirah manage to be a Valkyrie while staying true to her Muslim faith?"
"If you had to pick one character from the book to have your back in a fight, who is it and why?"

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