Parents' Guide to

The Hammer of Thor: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 2

By Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Loads of excitement plus intro of gender-fluid character.

Book Rick Riordan Fantasy 2016
The Hammer of Thor: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 2 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 10+

Based on 5 parent reviews

age 10+

Great book

I don't usually leave reviews, but this was a really good, educational book. Riordian managed to teach a lot about religion and gender in a funny, witty way that kids are generally receptive to. Most of the negative reviews are because of the presence of Alex, a genderfluid character. Their part in the book doesn't make it any more mature like some of these reviews say, discussing gender isn't sexual in any way, and the book doesn't ever mention genitalia or anything that some adults may not want their kids reading about. The presense of Alex is one of the high points and gives a lot of kids a character to identify with. Its also not forced or uncomortable, after all it is norse mythology which is famously filled with genderfluid people. Its a great book thats up to Rick Riordians usual standards. Please don't listen to the other reviews saying that it's mature, its great for kids, fun, and educational.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
age 11+

Decent Riordan sequel + action and language = OK for tweens

CSM GUIDE: Violence 3/5 Romance 3/5 DDS 3/5 Language 3/5. Language: The words "dick," "goddamn," "what the hell," "s--t," "jackass," "suck," "Jesus," (as an exclamation) "crappy," and "piss ant," are all uttered. Middle-finger gesture.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5):
Kids say (19):

With Book 1 and all the complexities of explaining nine worlds and new Norse gods out of the way, this sequel hits its stride with an exciting storyline carried out by diverse characters. Readers get to jump right into meeting one of Thor's goats at a coffee shop, Sam the Valkyrie running off to reap a soul, and Magnus heading home to attend a banquet in Valhalla. After The Sword of Summer -- and maybe a trip back in the glossary to check on some names -- it all makes perfect sense.

And for an author like Rick Riordan who strives for diverse characters, it makes sense for him to include the gender-fluid character of Alex as well. Both Alex's struggles and the struggles of the deaf elf Heartstone to face his disapproving and selfish father add depth in between nine-world hopping and giant killing. The only problem with these great characters is that Magnus' character growth seems to be taking a backseat to it all. He's always the understanding friend with few problems of his own. With The Hammer of Thor's great cliffhanger, Book 3 promises to be exciting. Hopefully it's also a chance for Magnus to work on his heroic qualities.

Book Details

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