Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead
by Rick Riordan
2017
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship and loyalty
- courage and sacrifice
- identity and self-acceptance
- teamwork
- good vs. evil
- destiny vs. free will
- perseverance
- found family
About this book
Magnus Chase and his friends race across the Norse Nine Worlds to stop Loki from launching the Ship of the Dead and triggering Ragnarok. Packed with humor, fast-paced action, and clever mythological twists, this finale brings high-stakes battles and heart. Riordan’s inclusive cast and witty banter make the journey both exciting and welcoming for a wide range of readers. Perfect for middle schoolers who enjoy epic quests, team dynamics, and modern takes on mythology.
Setting: contemporary world and the Norse Nine Worlds, with a sea voyage across Midgard, Jotunheim, and Niflheim
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include friendship and loyalty, courage and sacrifice, identity and self-acceptance.
How long does it take to read Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead takes around 12h to finish. The book has 122,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead have an AR quiz?
Yes — Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead has an AR quiz available, worth 16 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead?
Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.