Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams are back at it again. Their mai series is a long-running, well executed, semi-modern spin on Greek Myths. Now they take on Norse mythology as the Vanir, Aesir, Jotunheim and other creatures go to school at Asgard Academy.

While it sounds similar to their Goddess Girls premise, Holub and Williams make sure to keep it fresh, fun and in line with the Norse world. One unique plotline that runs through the series is the impending threat of Ragnorak. The students are also dealing with the aftereffects of the war between Venir and Aesir. In the original myths, the wise head god, Odin helped to ensure peace by organzing an alliance between the Venir and Aesir by having them trade three members of each race to live with the other. Here, Principle Odin invites four Venir gods to come to Asgard Academy which is located on the Aesir level in order to fosyer friendship.

Freya, who is one of the Venir gods chosen is completely against it. Not only does she fear the hostility of the Aesir, but she doesn’t believe that they were invited out of friendship She suspects that the Aesir want to learn about their powers (of which Venir are born with, while Aesir must use magical objects). Not to mention the usual longings for home where everything is familar.

Some of this comes true, somethings are more than they appeared to be, but you’ll have to read on for yourself.

These books do an excellent job covering topics that middle schoolers will relate to from homesickness, fitting in with friends, learning to stand up for yourself and sportsmanship. I also admire how they add in some more specific topics like possible dyslexia or just general learning difficulties, learning not to be a doormat and set up boundaries and the possibility of second chances.

Character-wise, everyone is perfectly distinct from Idun’s apple puns to Thor’s hot temper though Loki is a particular delight with his quick tongue but mischevious personality. Though the authors make sure to point how Loki often crosses over to jerk territory while still hinting at his possible depths. His potential for being a good person doesn’t eliminate that he needs his compumpence.

I appreciate how the authors keep them well-rounded though, discarding the trope of middle school protagonists having one defining feature. Like Skade. She’s the goddess of skiing, and would normally be defined by her athlete-nature but here, she also shows a deep love for shoes. To quote some teen magazine whose name I’ve forgotten girls can kick a ball and care about the latest sephora line. Same with girl goddesses.

Additionally, this series features lots of action and death-defying adventure. And I do mean death-defying, decapitation seems to be a favored method. Plus it’s one of the few middle grade series that seems to actually say the word “death,” when its usually censored. But it is needed in these books considering the bets and adventures they get into.

Additionally, the authors do their research with Williams taing trips to Norway, where some of her family resides, to help get inspiration and add authentic details to play on like the Norwegian friezes and clothing styles.

Plus the covers are just so beautifully detailed in the outfits and landscapes, including an expressive drawing of the Yggdrasill (the ash tree that holds the universe).

A great series to get young readers into a new pantheon.