Title: Runelight
Author: Joanne Harris
First published January 1, 2011
572 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780552778978 (ISBN10: 0552778974)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
Get ready to dive back into the world of Norse mythology with Runelight by Joanne Harris. This time around, we meet Maggie, a fierce young heroine who was raised in a world far from Maddy’s.
Chaos has taken over since the destruction of the Order, and the everyday world is now at risk. The Oracle’s prophecy is ominous and the battle between two young girls could determine the fate of the world.
With only twelve days left to prevent the Apocalypse, the clock is ticking and the stakes are higher than ever before. Get ready for a thrilling adventure filled with magic, mythology, and danger.
About the Author
Joanne Harris, also known as Joanne M. Harris, is a talented author with a wide range of works under her belt.
She has written fourteen novels, two cookbooks, and numerous short stories, all of which showcase her diverse writing style that spans genres like magic realism, suspense, historical fiction, mythology, and fantasy. Not only that, but she has also contributed to the world of television and gaming by penning a DR WHO novella and guest episodes for the game ZOMBIES, RUN! Furthermore, Harris is currently involved in several musical theatre projects and is developing an original drama for television.
One of her most notable works is CHOCOLAT, which was adapted into a film in 2000 starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. Harris is highly regarded in her field and has been recognized for her achievements with an OBE awarded by the Queen in 2022, as well as an honorary Fellowship at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge.
In her free time, Harris can be found indulging in her hobbies, which include mooching, lounging, strutting, strumming, priest-baiting, and quiet subversion, as listed in Who’s Who. She is also an active member of a band that she formed at the young age of 16, where she plays the flute and bass guitar.
Her writing space is a shed in her garden located in her home in Yorkshire. Despite her busy schedule, Harris admits to spending too much time on Twitter.
Editoral Review
Joanne Harris Runelight is a masterfully written sequel to her critically acclaimed novel, Runemarks. Combining elements of mythology, fantasy, and adventure, Runelight takes readers on a thrilling journey through Nordic and Celtic legends that are both timeless and familiar.
Harris has a remarkable talent for creating complex characters that are flawed yet compelling, and she weaves together intricate plotlines that draw readers deeper into the mystical world of Runelight. The story picks up where Runemarks left off, centering around the lives of two unlikely heroes: Maddy Smith and her best friend, Loki.
Maddy, now a young adult, had saved her village from destruction in the first book and is now struggling to reconcile her newfound power and identity with her ordinary life. Meanwhile, Loki has been stripped of his godly powers and must navigate the world as a mortal.
The two friends are thrown into a new adventure when they discover that the worlds of the gods and the living are on a collision course, and they must work together to prevent an all-consuming apocalypse. Harris expertly balances multiple plotlines, seamlessly moving between Maddy and Lokis perspectives while introducing new characters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations.
Despite the complexity of the plot, Harris never loses sight of the emotional core of her story, exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the consequences of power. The world-building in Runelight is equally impressive, with vivid and imaginative descriptions of the realms of the gods and the natural world they inhabit.
One of the books greatest strengths is in its ability to engage with contemporary issues while remaining grounded in ancient mythology. Harris draws parallels between the struggle for power in her book and the current state of politics, making the story feel both relevant and urgent.
She also delves into topics such as environmental destruction and the impact of technology on society, opening up important conversations for readers of all ages. The only potential criticism of Runelight is that a certain level of familiarity with Norse and Celtic mythology may be required to fully appreciate the story.
However, Harris does an admirable job of explaining the relevant mythology throughout the book, and anyone willing to invest time and attention will be richly rewarded. Overall, Joanne Harris Runelight is a gripping and thought-provoking sequel that both surpasses and honors its predecessor.
For fans of mythology, fantasy and adventure, this book is a must-read. Harris beautiful prose coupled with her expert storytelling makes for a magical and unforgettable journey.
The Washington Post highly recommends this book and gives it a score of 9 out of 10.
