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The Hammer of Thor

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Rick Riordan

The Hammer of Thor

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

528

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary; Boston, Massachusetts

Topic
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690L

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Super Short Summary

The Hammer of Thor follows Magnus Chase as he, along with friends Sam, Blitz, Hearth, and newcomer Alex, attempts to locate Thor's missing hammer and prevent the trickster god Loki from escaping his bonds. Their journey takes them through multiple realms, culminating in a perilous mission to stop Loki's schemes and avert the onset of Ragnarok. The book addresses the complex dynamics of gender fluidity and cultural identity.

Adventurous

Humorous

Fantastical

Exciting

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.5

133,018 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Rick Riordan's The Hammer of Thor delivers an engaging blend of Norse mythology and modern adventure. Fans appreciate the humor, diverse characters, and fast-paced plot. However, some criticize the predictable storyline and lack of depth in character development. Overall, it's a compelling read for middle-grade audiences who enjoy mythological twists.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Hammer of Thor?

Fans of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series and The Heroes of Olympus will enjoy The Hammer of Thor. Perfect for middle-grade readers who relish mythology, adventure, and humor, it appeals to those who appreciated J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia.

4.5

133,018 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Magnus Chase

The protagonist of the story, Magnus is a son of Frey who uses his healing abilities to aid both friends and strangers. As an einherji, he is loyal and dedicated, often supporting his friends with humor and sarcasm.

Sam is a Valkyrie and close friend of Magnus who struggles with being a daughter of Loki. She navigates the challenges of her dual existence and resists Loki’s influence.

Alex is a gender-fluid friend of Magnus who possesses the power of shape-shifting. Her defensive nature stems from her upbringing, and she works to earn trust from those around her.

The Norse trickster god of chaos, Loki remains trapped in a cave and exudes a charming appearance in projections. His true form is marked by pain and suffering from his punishment.

A dwarf and fashion expert, Blitz is a friend of Magnus who helps the group with his special skills and is affected by sunlight that turns him to stone.

An elf with a tragic past and perpetually sad eyes, Hearth is a loyal member of Magnus’s group. He overcame shunning for being deaf in his community and finds acceptance with his friends.

Sam’s betrothed, Amir, is drawn into the Norse world and represents the merging of Sam’s mortal and Valkyrie lives. He learns to accept the mythical world through Magnus’s aid.

Magnus's uncle, who makes a dangerous deal with Loki driven by the hope to reunite with his deceased family. His desperation leads to significant consequences in the story.

Hearth’s father, who holds status and wealth in high regard and shuns Hearth due to his deafness. His character highlights the destructiveness of greed and power.

The Norse god of thunder who, despite his traditional image of masculinity and power, is more preoccupied with watching TV. His character subverts typical expectations of a god.

Giant siblings who plan to secure Thor’s hammer through marriage to Sam. Their desire for power and belief in manipulative plans showcase the dangers of ambition.

A giant king who uses disguise to communicate with Magnus, indicating the nuanced nature of power and cunning. He provides cryptic guidance that benefits Magnus.

A hulder servant in Hearth’s family home, who is forced to display her differences as a nature spirit. Her circumstances highlight themes of servitude and acceptance.

Book Details
Pages

528

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary; Boston, Massachusetts

Topic
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690L

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