Whether god, mortal, or monster, the characters of The Sword of Summer face consequences for every choice they make. Depending on their outlook, a decision may be bad or good, and two characters may view the same consequence in very different ways. Before the book’s beginning, Frey’s decision to sit upon Odin’s throne put the story’s events into motion. Frey found love but lost Jack. At first glance, it seems that finding love is positive, but to do so, Frey gave up his weapon and friend. Losing Jack seems like a negative occurrence, but if Frey kept the sword, Magnus never would have found it, bonded with Jack, and found his place among friends in Valhalla. Each consequence of Frey’s inciting choice is both positive and negative.

Throughout the book, Magnus faces difficult choices. More than once, he has the opportunity to give up the sword and hand over responsibility for Ragnarok to someone else. While it seems like doing so can only bring about negative outcomes, Magnus could save himself and possibly his friends by relinquishing the dangerous position he puts them in. However, if he turns away from his responsibility, no one else may take up the cause, which would usher in an early doomsday.