The Sword of Summer
by Rick Riordan
Turtleback Books 2015
Book 1 of Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- courage
- friendship
- found family
- destiny vs. choice
- loyalty
- mythology
- heroism
About this book
Magnus Chase, a witty, street-smart teen living in Boston, discovers he’s the son of a Norse god and is thrust into a fast-paced quest tied to Viking myths. With new allies—including a Valkyrie, an elf, and a dwarf—he must locate a legendary sword and stop an ancient threat. Packed with humor, action, and clever myth twists, this adventure is great for fans of Percy Jackson who are ready for Norse legends. Readers love the nonstop pace, laugh-out-loud banter, and a hero who’s easy to root for.
Setting: modern-day Boston and the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Sword of Summer right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Sword of Summer. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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 identity, courage, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Sword of Summer?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Sword of Summer takes around 14h to finish. The book has 130,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Sword of Summer have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Sword of Summer has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 The Sword of Summer?
The Sword of Summer has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.