REVIEW: 9 from the Nine Worlds by Rick Riordan

Expected publication: October 2, 2018 by Disney Hyperion

I received an ARC in exchange for a review - thanks Netgalley and Disney Hyperion!

Publisher's Summary: 

The Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard trilogy may have concluded, but we haven't heard the last of our favorite peeps from the Nine Worlds. Join Hearthstone, Blitzen, Samirah, Alex, Jack, T.J., Mallory, Halfborn, and more on a hilarious and unforgettable journey through Rick Riordan's unique take on Norse mythology. While Magnus is off visiting his cousin, Annabeth, his friends find themselves in some sticky, hairy, and smelly situations as they try to outwit moronic giants, murderous creatures, and meddlesome gods. Can they stave off Ragnarok at least until Magnus gets back?

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Each short story centers upon a specific supporting character from the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. Norse mythology driven, these stories are exactly what readers have come to expect from Riordan--the perfect blend of humor with adventure and myth. There is a common thread throughout that connects the stories: Thor (in all his flatulent, inappropriately dressed glory!)  Standouts for me were Alex and Jack but also Hearthstone. 

A definite must read for any Riordan fan!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking

*Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: January 2, 2018

Valkyries have one great responsibility: to return immortals to the afterlife by slaying them. As a Valkyrie, Malin has always known that the balance of the world rests on her ability to carry out orders. But when Malin discovers that her mother spared the life of an immortal who was destined to die, her world is thrown into chaos. 

Malin not only wrestles with the knowledge that her mother might not be who she thought—she’s also thrust into the path of a gorgeous blue eyed guy named Asher who needs her help slaying the rogue immortal who destroyed his family. The balance of the world is at stake. And, as Asher competes with Malin’s ex for her love and loyalty, so is her heart.

This was an interesting read which delves both into significant character and world building. I enjoyed the fresh take on some of the Norse mythology.  Malin is a complicated character with potential for growth. She's likeable in her indecisiveness, especially her love life. I do want to see her open up a bit more. I liked the secondary characters as well. 

One hope for improvement is to provide a villain with some additional depth. I found myself wanting a bit more in this avenue. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book like I have Hocking's other titles. It is ideal for an older teen transitioning into New Adult who enjoys urban fantasy, mythology and a bit of romance.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan

Riordan is back with book 3 in the Magnus Chase series.

A once-homeless teen, Chase, is a resident of the Hotel Valhalla and one of Odin's chosen warriors. As the son of Frey, the god of summer, fertility, and health, Magnus isn't naturally inclined to fighting. But he has strong and steadfast friends, including Hearthstone the elf, Blitzen the dwarf, and Samirah the Valkyrie, and together they have achieved brave deeds, such as defeating Fenris Wolf and battling giants for Thor's hammer, Mjolnir. 

In The Ship of the Dead,  Magnus and his crew must sail to the farthest borders of Jotunheim and Niflheim in pursuit of Asgard's greatest threat. Together, they must again defeat surprising foes and collect items that will help them on their quest. Will they succeed in their perilous journey, or is Ragnarok lurking on the horizon?

The Ship of the Dead is everything Riordan readers love and come to expect--an unlikely group of demigod teenagers sent on a dangerous quest in order to save the world from utter annihilation. There is plenty of comedy and heroism as they encounter foes, defy the odds and of course save the world.

I continue to love the diversity which Riordan adds to the narrative and characters. Readers of any age can expect to find characters they will identify with including those with disabilities, LGBTQ, religion, ethnicity and social economic status. 

The audiobook was entertaining and added to the humor and fast paced reading experience.

The ending makes readers believe that this series might end up being a trilogy; however, I remain unsure. What is clear is that there is a hint for another tie-in series on the horizon with Percy and Annabeth.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan

Thor's hammer is missing again and Loki is up to his scheming plots of doom in Riordan's second entry to the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series.  

Magnus and his friends learn that the hammer is not only missing but in enemy hands. They'll have to find it quickly or 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. 

Back are Riordan's humor, sense of adventure and great characterization.  He remains one of the few authors for children and teens who adequately incorporates characters of diversity as major players within his stories.  Sameera inspires as a Muslim Valkyrie, Heart, positively promotes deaf culture and new character Alex is gender fluid.

One drawback for me was the rather disappointing audiobook.  Sword of Summer had been narrated by Christopher Guetig and was phenomenal with its pacing, pronunciations and general performance. However, The Hammer of Thor switches narrators to Kieran Culkin and he just misses the mark.  As a scholar and fan of Norse mythology, Culkin's pronunciations are incorrect and became distracting.

Overall, this is a solid entry for the series and sets up the great potential for another adventure with the 2017 release of the third book The Ship of the Dead.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


#HammerOfThor #MagnusChase #NorseMythology #YAlit #teen #humor #adventure

REVIEW: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

The Sword of Summer is the first in Rick Riordan's new Norse mythology centric series. Sixteen year old Magnus Chase (yes, he's Annabeth's cousin!) has had a turbulent few years.  Following the mysterious death of his mother two years, before, he's been living alone on the streets of Boston. When he's tracked down by the very man his mother warned was dangerous, Magnus get the shock of a lifetime.

In a strange twist of fate, Magnus' life is over before it really began.  Carried in his afterlife to the halls of Valhalla, Magnus is shocked to learn he's the son of a Norse god and that all the Viking lore he learned as a child is true.  The Asgardian gods are at war and doomsday is fast approaching. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus and his new comrades must search the Nine Worlds for a powerful weapon, the Sword of Summer, all while deciding who to trust and ensure that Fenrir--legendary wolf-son of Loki--doesn't escape his bound prison.

Fans of Riordan's other mythology based YA series won't be disappointed.  Magnus reminds me greatly of Percy Jackson but perhaps with a bit more sarcastic edge, especially since he's experienced far more tragedy and hardships than our beloved Greek demigod.  I found this first in the series far more humorous than the Heroes of Olympus series as a whole. Besides humor, there are plenty of other characteristic present which Riordan readers have come to expect including the introduction of diverse characters, creative, adventures plot and an easily accessible way to learn more about mythology.

Overall, I loved it and certainly recommend the audiobook read by Christopher Guetig.  He gives each character memorable flair and highlights the exciting story and hilarious moments. I think it will be a great series and I can't wait for the Hammer of Thor's publication in 2016.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars



#Norse #mythology #YAlit #teen #swordofsummer #magnuschase #rickriordan