The Sword of Summer
by Rick Riordan
Magnus Chase and the Gods of A 2015
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
- friendship
- courage
- found family
- mythology and lore
- destiny vs. choice
- humor in adversity
About this book
Sixteen-year-old Magnus Chase discovers that Norse myths are real—and he’s right in the middle of them. After an unexpected turn lands him in the afterlife, he must team up with a diverse crew of friends to retrieve a lost sword and stop a looming apocalypse. Packed with action, humor, and Norse lore, this fast-paced adventure is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan’s witty, first-person heroes. Kids love the snappy dialogue, clever mythology twists, and found-family teamwork.
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, friendship, courage.
How long does it take to read The Sword of Summer?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Sword of Summer takes around 17h to finish. The book has 153,000 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.