Author | Rick Riordan |
---|---|
Cover artist | John Rocco [1] |
Series | Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard (book 2) |
Genre | Fantasy, Norse mythology, Young adult |
Publisher | Disney Hyperion |
Publication date | October 4, 2016 [2] |
Publication place | United States |
Media type | Print (hardcover, paperback), audiobook, e-book |
Pages | 528 [1] |
ISBN | 9781423160922 |
Preceded by | The Sword of Summer |
Followed by | The Ship of the Dead |
The Hammer of Thor is an American young-adult fantasy novel based on Norse mythology written by Rick Riordan. It was published on October 4, 2016 as a hardcover, audiobook, and ebook, and is the second book in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series.
The novel takes place six weeks after the events of the preceding story, The Sword of Summer , and chronicles Magnus Chase's quest to retrieve the missing hammer of Thor and prevent Loki's rise to power. Since its release, the novel has been translated into 15 languages, and re-released in a boxed set and as a paperback.
The Hammer of Thor received positive reviews from critics, who praised its inclusion of diverse characters such as the genderfluid character Alex Fierro, Muslim Samirah al-Abbas, and deaf-mute Hearthstone, but also noted its trite and repetitive plot that did not help readers progress through the series' overall story arc. The book won the 2017 Stonewall Book Award for Children's literature for its portrayal of Alex as was a Goodreads Choice Awards nominee for 2016. A sequel, The Ship of the Dead , was released on October 3, 2017.
The book opens six weeks after the close of the preceding novel, The Sword of Summer . Magnus Chase meets with Samirah "Sam" al-Abbas and Otis, one of the god Thor's two goats, who inform the heroes that Thor's hammer is still missing. [3] The jötnar are beginning to suspect Thor does not have his weapon to defend Midgard and plan to invade. Magnus returns to Hotel Valhalla to rest and prepare, where he meets Alex Fierro, Sam's newest einherji recruit and a transgender/genderfluid child of Loki. While in Valhalla, Magnus has dreamlike visions of Loki manipulating his uncle Randolph. Loki also tells Magnus about a wedding between Samirah and the giant Thrym in five days and says that Magnus will need to bring the bride-price. Magnus, Sam, and their friends Blitzen and Hearthstone travel to the Provincetown barrow but discover the Skofnung Sword instead of Thor's hammer. Loki appears and tells the quartet that the sword and matching whetstone will be Sam's bride-price. They are reluctant to help Loki, who causes Randolph to wound Blitzen with the sword.
Because wounds caused by the sword can only be healed by its whetstone, the four are forced to hunt for the stone. Hearth, Magnus, and a petrified Blitz travel to Alfheim. There, Magnus learns the stone is in the possession of Hearth's father, Alderman. Alderman insists Hearth repay a wergild he owes because Alderman resents Hearth for being unable to prevent his younger brother Andiron's death at the hands of a Brunnmigi before he may take the stone. Magnus and Hearthstone track down a dwarf named Andvari and force him to give them his treasure, which they use to repay Hearth's debt. With the stone, they heal Blitzen. After escaping Alderman, who has been driven insane by Andvari's cursed ring, the trio returns to Midgard. With Alex and Sam, Magnus visits the god Heimdall to locate Utgard-Loki. Rejoining Blitz and Hearth, Magnus's quest group then travels to Utgard-Loki. After completing some tasks to prove their worth, the giant king tells them Thrym has Thor's hammer to be given to the bride as part of the traditional Norse wedding ritual and helps them track Thrym. Utgard-Loki also reveals that, according to Norse rituals, the father of the bride (i.e., Loki) will receive the Skofnung Sword which can free Loki from his cave. To retrieve the hammer and stop the giants' invasion of Midgard, the quest group must go through with the wedding and deliver the Skofnung Sword to Loki.
The goddess Sif arrives and transports the mortals to Asgard. They explain the situation to Thor, who agrees to help them trick Thrym and retrieve the hammer. Since Sam is already betrothed, Alex volunteers to act as the bride because she [a] is a daughter of Loki. The group travels to the cave where Loki is bound. Although they find the hammer, Loki forces Randolph to use the Skofnung Sword to cut his bonds. Magnus's hallmates and a group of gods arrive and defeat the giants, but Loki escapes, and Randolph is killed by the spirits of the sword. The mortals and einherjar return to Hotel Valhalla and are told by Helgi their next mission will be to find and attempt to recapture Loki, who has gone to find the boat Naglfar . Magnus contacts his cousin Annabeth to ask for help from her boyfriend Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon. [4]
Before the release of The Sword of Summer, the first book in his series Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard , author Rick Riordan had plans to publish a trilogy, while acknowledging that Percy Jackson was planned as a trilogy. [6] The sequel was teased in the back pages of The Sword of Summer , the first novel in the series. [3]
Entertainment Weekly released an excerpt of the first chapter and the cover of The Hammer of Thor on April 28, 2016, along with an interview with Riordan. [7] [8] Penguin Books Australia also released a book trailer for The Hammer of Thor on YouTube on September 25, 2016. The trailer is an animated short with a narration explaining the concept of Yggdrasil. [9] To promote The Hammer of Thor, Riordan went on a nine-day tour in the United States beginning October 4, 2016. [10] [11] The tour promoted both the new novel and Riordan's new imprint Rick Riordan Presents. [10] [11]
Riordan also attended the Iowa Book Festival on October 7, where he announced the title of the third book in Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, The Ship of the Dead . [11] [12] In a radio interview conducted in Iowa City, Riordan discussed his character choices and the kinds of themes he wanted to present in the series, including increased awareness of Muslim-American issues, and his inspiration and writing method. He also highlighted the differences between his approach to Norse mythology and that of other popular media series such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which he described as "fast and loose". [13]
The Hammer of Thor was first published as a hardcover in the United States on October 4, 2016, with cover illustration by John Rocco and interior rune illustrations by Michelle Gengaro-Kokmen. [1] Ebook and audiobook editions were released the same day. [14] [15] The audiobook is read by actor Kieran Culkin and published by Listening Library. [14] [16]
The Hammer of Thor sold more than 58,000 copies during the first week. [17] Upon release, the book ranked No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list, [18] No. 2 on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list, [17] and No. 3 on the USA Today bestseller list, [19] remaining on the former for 17 weeks [20] (being in the first position for three weeks immediately after its release). [21] It peaked at No. 6 in the Amazon's Children's Bestsellers list in the United Kingdom the week of its publication. [22] It peaked at No. 5 on the Los Angeles Times list and remained in it for eight weeks. [23] By the end of 2016, the book sold more than 298,000 copies. [24]
In the United Kingdom and Australia, English-language editions in hardcover were also released October 4 by Puffin Books. [25] A paperback edition was released by Puffin on October 5, 2017. [25] To date, editions have also been released in Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Czech, Danish, Bulgarian, Turkish, and Hebrew. [15] Although many non-English editions used John Rocco's cover art, a few –and the Puffin editions –have unique covers by other illustrators. [15]
The book was recommended as a holiday gift by the Los Angeles Times. [26] On January 1, 2017, The Hammer of Thor returned to the newspaper bestseller list at No. 19, [27] and to No. 7 on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list in March 2017. [24] The book received a Lexile score of 690L, making it age- and difficulty-appropriate for the average 8-13 year-old. [28]
The novel received positive reviews, many of which praised Riordan's newly diverse characters. Maggie Reagan of Booklist wrote, "Riordan combines Norse mythology with a number of social issues: [gender fluidity, disability, and race and religion]", calling the book "a surefire hit". [5] Kirkus Reviews gave The Hammer of Thor a starred review and praised the interposed religious and sexual complexity in the Norse mythological world introduced using characters such as Alex and Samirah, while also writing that Magnus is a distinct character when compared with Riordan's other protagonists. [29] Hypable praised the depth of the storyline, the characters' diversity –particularly Alex Fierro –and the familial love between the characters. [30]
Todd Kleiboer of The East Texan, the student newspaper of Texas A&M University-Commerce, claimed that although Riordan does well to include such diverse characters as the Muslim Samirah and genderfluid Alex, the author runs the risk of making his readers believe such characters are representative of their "group" by portraying only one example of each "type" of person. He continues, "Young adult readers may have no contact with the Muslim or transgender population outside of literature, and most will take Samirah or Alex as representatives. However, Riordan counters this by portraying characters that do not fall into stereotypes and perhaps illuminate the diversity of people on Midgard–or Earth." [31]
Despite the praise for Riordan's new diversity, reviewers criticized other aspects of the novel. Claire Yu of the Central Times said in her review, "I want to thank Rick Riordan for giving us such a diverse set of characters, and how he emphasizes on the importance of other cultures", but also said she feels the "special something" of Riordan's typical humor writing is missing from the book. She calls the plot "repetitive" and "not ... filled with the same energy and vigour as its predecessors". [32] Fantasy Literature similarly praised the book's sensitive approach to delicate issues and its continuation of Riordan's humorous style but criticized the book for its small part in expanding the over-reaching plot of the series. [33] Common Sense Media , which gave the book four stars out of five, praised the continued inclusion of diverse characters and storylines but criticized the lack of character development for Magnus. [34]
The Hammer of Thor won the Stonewall Book Award for Children's Literature, which are granted to works of merit for children or teenagers relating to LGBTQ experience. [35] [36] The award was granted for the depiction of the genderfluid teenage character Alex Fierro. [37] [38] When asked about his decision to include Alex, Riordan said, "There’s lots of kinds of kids out there, and my feeling is that all of them deserve to be able to see themselves in stories". [39] An official announcement by the American Library Association said, "Alex is a hero and represents the expansive possibilities of gender for future generations". [37] The novel was also nominated for Best Middle Grade & Children's Book of 2016 in the Goodreads Choice Awards, and ended in third place, behind The Hidden Oracle (another book by Riordan) and Pax . [40]
The sequel, The Ship of the Dead, was released on October 3, 2017. [41] The book ranked No. 2 on USA Today 's bestseller list after its release [42] and was considered one of the best books of the year by Barnes & Noble. [43] It also won the 2017 Goodreads Choice Award for Middle Grade & Children's. [44] On October 17, 2017, the three books of the series were released as a boxed set. [45]
In Norse mythology, Útgarða-Loki is the ruler of the castle Útgarðr in Jötunheimr. He is one of the jötnar and his name means literally "Loki of the Outyards" or "Loki of the Outlands", to distinguish him from Loki, the companion of Thor. He was also known as Skrýmir or Skrymir.
Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr are the goats who pull the chariot of the god Thor in Norse mythology. They are attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century.
Loki Laufeyson is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby, he is based on the Norse mythological deity of the same name. Although a version of Loki debuted in Venus #6, his characterization as the adoptive brother and nemesis of the superhero Thor was introduced with the version that debuted in Journey into Mystery #85, which has persisted to the modern age.
Heimdall is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is based on the Norse deity Heimdall. Heimdall is described as all-seeing and all-hearing and is the sole protector of the Bifröst in Asgard.
The Norse mythology, preserved ancient Icelandic texts such as the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, and other lays and sagas, was little known outside Scandinavia until the 19th century. With the widespread publication of Norse myths and legends at this time, references to the Norse gods and heroes spread into European literary culture, especially in Scandinavia, Germany, and Britain. In the later 20th century, references to Norse mythology became common in science fiction and fantasy literature, role-playing games, and eventually other cultural products such as Japanese animation. Storytelling was an important aspect of Norse mythology and centuries later, with the rediscovery of the myth, Norse mythology once again relies on the impacts of storytelling to spread its agenda.
Sif is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #102. She is based on the Norse goddess Sif. As an Asgardian warrior and lover of Thor, Sif often accompanies him into battle. She has also battled alongside Balder, who has developed an unrequited attraction to her, as she never shows affection for anyone but Thor and certain individuals who have proved worthy to wield his hammer, Mjolnir, such as the noble alien warrior Beta Ray Bill, and the mortal Eric Masterson.
Surtur is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly as an enemy of Thor. Based on the fire giant Surtr from Norse mythology, he was adapted by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Journey into Mystery #97. The character was once described as one of "The Ten Most Heinous Enemies of the Mighty Thor".
Richard Russell Riordan Jr. is an American author, best known for writing the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. Riordan's books have been translated into forty-two languages and sold more than thirty million copies in the United States. 20th Century Fox adapted the first two books of his Percy Jackson series as part of a series of films in which Riordan was not involved. Riordan currently serves as a co-creator and executive producer on the television series adaption of the book series that was released on Disney+ in 2023. Riordan's books have also spawned other related media, such as graphic novels and short story collections.
The Kane Chronicles is a trilogy of adventure novels based on Egyptian mythology written by American author Rick Riordan. The series is set in the same universe as Riordan's other franchises, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard.
Thor Odinson is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, based on the Norse Mythology god, Thor (Þór). Created by artist Jack Kirby, writer Stan Lee, and scripter Larry Lieber, the character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 (1962) and first received his own title with Thor #126 (1966). Thor is an adaptation of the deity of the same name from Norse mythology, and many aspects of Thor's character are based on his mythological counterpart. Comic books featuring Thor have been published across several volumes since the character's introduction.
The Lost Hero is an American fantasy-adventure novel written by Rick Riordan, based on Greek and Roman mythology. It was published on October 12, 2010, and is the first book in The Heroes of Olympus series, a sequel to the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. It is preceded by The Last Olympian of Percy Jackson & the Olympians and followed by The Son of Neptune. The novel has since been translated into many languages and released as a hardcover, e-book, audiobook, and paperback.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard is a trilogy of fantasy novels based on Norse mythology written by American author Rick Riordan and published by Disney-Hyperion. It is set in the same universe as the Camp Half-Blood Chronicles and The Kane Chronicles series. The first book, The Sword of Summer, was released on October 6, 2015. The second book, The Hammer of Thor, was released on October 4, 2016. The Ship of the Dead, the third book, was released on October 3, 2017.
The Hidden Oracle is a fantasy novel based on Greek and Roman mythology written by American author Rick Riordan. It was published on May 3, 2016, and is the first book in The Trials of Apollo series, the second spin-off of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The book and its cover art by John Rocco were first announced in 2015. It has been published in hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and large-print editions. The Hidden Oracle has been translated into 19 languages from its original English.
The Sword of Summer is a young-adult fantasy novel based on Norse mythology written by American author Rick Riordan. It was published on October 6, 2015, by Disney Hyperion, and is the first novel in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series.
The Ship of the Dead is a young-adult fantasy novel based on Norse mythology written by American author Rick Riordan. It is the third and final novel in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard trilogy, preceded by The Hammer of Thor. It was released on October 3, 2017, by Disney-Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group. The novel is narrated in the first-person view by Magnus Chase, 16-year-old demigod and homeless orphan. He and his crew sail to the farthest borders of Jotunheim and Niflheim in pursuit of Asgard's greatest threat.
Hotel Valhalla: Guide to the Norse Worlds is a collection of short stories about Norse mythology. The book is a supplementary work in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, written by Rick Riordan. It was released on August 16, 2016 and was published in United States by Disney Hyperion, in United Kingdom by Puffin Books and was also translated into five languages to date.
Alex Fierro is a fictional character and one of the main characters in Rick Riordan's Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. Alex's portrayal in The Hammer of Thor was praised for its honest and accurate approach to the character's genderfluid identity. As a child of Loki, Alex is a demigod and also capable of shapeshifting; in The Hammer of Thor, Alex becomes an einherjar.
Thor Odinson is a fictional character portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and the Norse mythological god of thunder. In the MCU, he is depicted as one of the most powerful Asgardians, an ancient alien civilization with long ties to Earth, who humans consider to be gods. Thor wields a powerful hammer called Mjolnir, and is initially depicted as the arrogant heir to the throne of Asgard whose brash behaviors causes turmoil among the Nine Realms under Asgard's protection. This brings him into conflict with his villainous adopted brother, Loki, the god of mischief.
Norse Mythology is a 2017 book by Neil Gaiman, which retells several stories from Norse mythology. In the introduction, Gaiman describes where his fondness for the source material comes from. The book received positive reviews from critics.