The Recommended Reading Order
For the best experience, readers should follow the series in its publication order. The main trilogy is a cohesive story that builds directly from one book to the next, while the companion books add extra flavor and lore at specific points along the journey.
- The Sword of Summer (2015) - The essential starting point where Magnus Chase dies, is reborn in Valhalla, and goes on a quest to delay Ragnarok.
- For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds (2016) - A companion guidebook that is best read either right before or after the second main novel to familiarize yourself with the gods and mythical creatures of Norse lore.
- The Hammer of Thor (2016) - The second novel in the trilogy, following Magnus and his friends as they search for Thor's missing weapon and team up with the genderfluid demigod Alex Fierro.
- The Ship of the Dead (2017) - The epic conclusion to the main trilogy where Magnus and his crew sail to the edge of the worlds to prevent Loki from launching the apocalyptic ship of the dead.
- 9 From the Nine Worlds (2018) - A collection of nine short stories, each told from the perspective of a different character from the series as they travel through the Norse realms. This should be read last as it takes place after the events of the main trilogy.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because the core narrative of Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard spans exactly three main novels and two official companions, the chronological order aligns almost perfectly with the publication order. The only minor variation lies in where you insert the companion works.
While Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds was published between the first and second novels, it functions as a reference book rather than a narrative installment. You can read it at any point after the first book without spoiling the plot. In contrast, 9 From the Nine Worlds is a direct sequel-adjacent collection of short stories. Reading it before completing The Ship of the Dead will spoil character fates and key resolution details of the trilogy.
How Magnus Chase Fits Into the Riordanverse
While you can read Magnus Chase as a completely standalone Norse fantasy trilogy, it is officially part of Rick Riordan's shared universe, often referred to by fans as the "Riordanverse." If you want to experience the complete timeline alongside Greek, Roman, and Egyptian demigods, here is how the connections work.
The Annabeth Chase Connection
Magnus Chase is the first cousin of Annabeth Chase, one of the central protagonists of Percy Jackson and the Olympians and The Heroes of Olympus. Their mothers are sisters, and the two cousins share a history of childhood visits. Annabeth appears in person during the events of The Sword of Summer and The Ship of the Dead, establishing a direct bridge between the Greek/Roman and Norse pantheons.
Percy Jackson's Cameo
In the final book of the trilogy, The Ship of the Dead, Percy Jackson makes a guest appearance. Annabeth brings Percy along to help Magnus prepare for his upcoming sea voyage, teaching him the basics of ocean survival and demigod combat. This cameo provides a fun crossover moment that rewards readers who are already familiar with the Percy Jackson books.
Timeline Overlap with The Trials of Apollo
Chronologically, the events of the Magnus Chase trilogy take place concurrently with The Trials of Apollo series. While the two series do not directly crossover their main plots, subtle references in both series confirm they are happening at the same time. For the ultimate chronological reading experience of the Riordanverse, it is recommended to read Magnus Chase after finishing The Heroes of Olympus and alongside The Trials of Apollo.
What to Know Before You Start
Unlike Percy Jackson, who begins his journey as an untrained middle schooler, Magnus Chase starts his story as a sixteen-year-old homeless teenager on the streets of Boston. The tone of this series is slightly older, featuring witty, self-aware humor, fast-paced action, and a deep exploration of Norse mythology's darker elements, such as the concept of dying in battle to reach Valhalla.
The series is also widely celebrated for its diverse and inclusive cast. Key characters include Samirah al-Abbas, a practicing Muslim Valkyrie; Hearthstone, a deaf elf who uses sign language and rune magic; Blitzen, a fashion-conscious dwarf; and Alex Fierro, a genderfluid demigod. Their relationships and individual identities form the emotional core of the series, making it a standout entry in modern young adult fantasy.