Magnus Chase

Magnus Chase

book

2021, Teen & Young Adult, Literature & Fiction

WISE
86%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Rick Riordan does Norse mythology—think Percy Jackson but with Vikings, Valhalla, and a homeless kid who discovers he's the son of a god.

Amazon4.8
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is Riordan doing what he does best—taking mythology seriously enough to be educational, but wrapping it in enough humor and heart that kids don't realize they're learning. Magnus Chase doesn't quite have the cultural phenomenon status of Percy Jackson, but it's a strong series that expands the Riordanverse into Norse territory.

The diversity feels organic rather than forced, which is Riordan's strength. Alex Fierro's gender fluidity is treated matter-of-factly by the characters, modeled well for young readers without turning into an After School Special. Magnus being homeless adds real stakes and emotional weight.

The 4.8 Amazon rating from thousands of reviews tells you what you need to know—kids and parents love these books. If your kid has already burned through Percy Jackson and is hungry for more mythology-based adventure, this is the obvious next step. The Norse setting offers fresh territory, and the found-family dynamics hit just as hard as Camp Half-Blood ever did.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14, though mature 9-year-olds who've read Percy Jackson will be fine. The reading level is accessible (4.8 AR) but the themes and humor are pitched at middle schoolers. High schoolers typically age out unless they're Riordan completists.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82

Rick Riordan's signature style brings humor, friendship, and found-family themes to Norse mythology. Magnus is a homeless teen who finds belonging among diverse demigods. The series models loyalty, courage, and acceptance while maintaining Riordan's characteristic wit. Some combat violence and peril, but handled appropriately for the middle-grade audience with emotional warmth throughout.

Imaginative
88

Norse mythology reimagined for modern Boston—Magnus dies in the first chapter and wakes up in Valhalla. Riordan weaves gods, giants, runes, and the Nine Worlds into a contemporary adventure. The world-building is rich and creative, mixing ancient lore with present-day settings. Invites curiosity about mythology, encourages readers to explore Norse tales beyond the Marvel version.

Safe
85

Age-appropriate fantasy violence with characters who die and come back (it's Valhalla). No graphic content, sexual situations, or mature themes beyond what's standard for middle-grade adventure. Some characters deal with homelessness, loss of parents, and identity questions (including a gender-fluid character introduced respectfully). Common Sense Media and parent reviews consistently place this at ages 10+, which aligns with publisher recommendations.

Enriching
84

Introduces Norse mythology in an accessible, engaging way that sends kids to the library for more. Riordan includes diverse characters (including Muslim, deaf, and gender-fluid protagonists) naturally woven into the story. Themes of chosen family, overcoming homelessness, and finding your place. Reading level around 4.8 makes it accessible while the storytelling keeps it engaging. Builds cultural literacy and empathy.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Riordan's proven formula: mythology + humor + heart + diverse characters who feel real
  • Gets kids genuinely excited about Norse myths beyond Thor movies—they'll be Googling runes and asking about Ragnarok
  • Magnus is homeless at the start, which adds emotional depth and makes the found-family themes hit harder
  • Gender-fluid character (Alex Fierro) introduced naturally in book 2, handled with respect and zero preachiness
  • Fast-paced adventure that keeps reluctant readers turning pages—this is the series teachers recommend when Percy Jackson runs out
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What to Watch For

  • Magnus literally dies in chapter one (then wakes up in Valhalla), so be ready for that conversation
  • Fantasy combat throughout—characters fight monsters, giants, and each other in Valhalla's eternal training ground
  • Some heavier themes: homelessness, parental loss, characters dealing with trauma from their mortal lives
  • If your kid hasn't done Percy Jackson yet, start there—this series assumes you know Riordan's style

Conversation Starters

  • "Magnus lives on the streets before finding out he's a demigod. What do you think that was like? Why do you think Riordan started the story that way?"
  • "How is Norse mythology different from the Greek myths in Percy Jackson? Which gods would you rather hang out with?"
  • "Alex Fierro is gender-fluid and switches between he and she. How does Magnus handle that? What did you think about how the other characters treated Alex?"
  • "If you died and went to Valhalla, would you want to train for Ragnarok every day? What would that actually be like?"

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