If you loved
The Sword of Summer
Rick Riordan · Book · 2015
What hooked you in The Sword of Summer was the way modern life collides with ancient myth through the lens of a sarcastic hero.
Films on the same thread
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Chris Columbus · Film · 2010
Shares 2 threads with The Sword of Summer: Hidden Identity, Mythological Fantasy.
If you enjoyed the witty, demi-god perspective in The Sword of Summer, you will appreciate how this film grounds its high-stakes mythological conflict in the relatable struggles of a modern teen.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
Guy Ritchie · Film · 2017
Explores: usurped heir, chosen one, destiny.
Much like the urban upbringing of Magnus Chase in The Sword of Summer, this story follows an underdog hero who discovers his legendary heritage while navigating the harsh city streets.
Thor
Kenneth Branagh · Film · 2011
Explores: Redemption, Fish Out of Water, Father-Son Relationship.
You will recognize the fish-out-of-water dynamic from The Sword of Summer as this arrogant warrior god is stripped of his power and forced to survive among ordinary humans on Earth.
The Kid Who Would Be King
Joe Cornish · Film · 2019
Explores: Chosen One, Kids on a Mission, Friendship.
This film captures the same sense of modern wonder found in The Sword of Summer by thrusting an unsuspecting youth into an epic quest involving ancient artifacts and legendary figures.
Series on the same thread
Vikings
Michael Hirst · Series · 2013
Explores: Power Struggle, Exploration, Warrior Culture.
The focus on Norse culture and the legendary sagas that define the world of The Sword of Summer makes this gritty, historical exploration of Viking life a perfect thematic match.
The Umbrella Academy
Steve Blackman · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with The Sword of Summer: Found Family.
Just as Magnus Chase finds a new home in The Sword of Summer, this series centers on a dysfunctional group of outsiders forced to bond while preventing a looming, apocalyptic threat.
Ragnarok
Adam Price · Series · 2020
Explores: Environmental Apocalypse, Coming of Age, Ancient Prophecy.
This series mirrors the contemporary setting of The Sword of Summer by bringing the danger of ancient Norse prophecies and impending doom into a modern, recognizable small-town environment.
Reacher
Nick Santora · Series · 2022
Explores: Conspiracy, Small Town Secrets, Justice.
If you were drawn to the rugged, street-smart survivalism of the protagonist in The Sword of Summer, you will enjoy this series about a capable drifter navigating the modern world.
Podcasts on the same thread
Myths and Legends
Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod · Podcast · 2026
Explores: cultural origins, archetypal storytelling, human condition.
This podcast digs into the very roots of the myths that shape the narrative of The Sword of Summer, providing deeper context for the legends that define Magnus Chase's journey.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The humor and group chemistry found in The Sword of Summer translate perfectly to this improvised adventure, where a band of misfits tackles high-stakes fantasy with wit and heart.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Sword of Summer the first book in a series?
Yes, The Sword of Summer is the first book in an incredible new series from the author of the Percy Jackson, Kane Chronicles, and Heroes of Olympus series. It introduces the character of Magnus Chase, an orphaned teenager living on the streets of Boston.
Who wrote The Sword of Summer?
The Sword of Summer was written by Rick Riordan. This author is well known for creating popular book series including Percy Jackson, the Kane Chronicles, and Heroes of Olympus. The Sword of Summer was published in 2015 as the start of a new series.
What is the premise of The Sword of Summer?
The Sword of Summer follows the story of Magnus Chase, an orphan living on the streets of Boston. His life changes suddenly when he is warned that people are after him, leading to a series of events that force him to face dangerous new challenges.
When was The Sword of Summer published?
The Sword of Summer was published in 2015. It serves as the opening installment of a series written by Rick Riordan, who is also the author of the Percy Jackson, the Kane Chronicles, and the Heroes of Olympus series.