This series got off to a rocky start, but I think Riordan really hit stride in book 2, and I adored the trilogy cap. Norse mythology is bonkers (see also: Thor Ragnarock), and there's a cyclical nature to it that other mythology doesn't quite have, and I wasn't sure if it was going to work for Middle Grade, but it really, really did.

Magnus was such a good character. I liked that his homelessness was a character trait throughout, rather than something that was shaken off as soon as he had a reliable home. I loved how Annabeth played into the story, and I loved the ending on that front.

ALSO SAM. I LOVE SAM. SAM IS MY FAVOURITE. Hijab-wearing, Ramadan observing, air hug-giving, STRAIGHT UP HERO-VALKYRIE. Learns to best herself and her father (Loki) and I JUST REALLY LIKED IT.

ALSO ALEX. Last book, I observed that Alex was being written as the love interest, and I thought that was remarkable. TURNS OUT ALEX IS THE LOVE INTEREST. Yup, genderfluid love interest in a MIDDLE GRADE book.

The pacing was Riordan's usual breakneck speed, but I loved the geography and various monsters they fought. A neat variety of characters and a wide array of skills helped keep everything moving, and I liked how all the pieces fit together.

It was just really good.