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528
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary; Boston, Massachusetts
2016
Middle grade
10-14 years
690L
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
133,018 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
133,018 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Samirah Al-Abbas
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 Fierro
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.
Loki
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.
Blitz
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.
Hearth
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.
Amir Fadlan
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.
Randolph
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.
Mr. Alderman
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.
Thor
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.
Thrym and Thrynga
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.
Utgard-Loki
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.
Inge
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.
528
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary; Boston, Massachusetts
2016
Middle grade
10-14 years
690L
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