Title: Runemarks
Author: Joanne Harris
First published January 1, 2007
528 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385611305 (ISBN10: 0385611307)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
Experience the enchanting world of Norse mythology through the eyes of Maddy Smith in Joanne Harris’ captivating novel, Runemarks. Set five hundred years after the apocalypse, chaos and magic are nothing but a distant memory to the orderly society Maddy resides in.
However, Maddy is different from the rest. Her ruinmark, a symbol of magic on her palm, makes her an outcast in the village.
But when a traveler named One-Eye recognizes the true potential of her ruinmark, Maddy’s destiny takes a turn. Join Maddy on an epic adventure as she learns to harness her forbidden magic to save the world from the looming darkness.
This fresh and witty take on Norse mythology is perfect for readers young and old alike.
About the Author
Meet Joanne M. Harris, the talented Anglo-French author who has written 14 novels, two cookbooks, and numerous short stories.
Her writing style is incredibly diverse, spanning genres such as magic realism, suspense, historical fiction, mythology, and fantasy. Joanne’s impressive resume also includes writing a DR WHO novella for the BBC, scripting guest episodes for the game ZOMBIES, RUN!, and working on several musical theatre projects.
Currently, she is developing an original drama for television.
One of Joanne’s most successful works, the 1999 novel CHOCOLAT, was adapted into a movie in 2000 and starred Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. Her contributions to literature have earned her an honorary Fellowship at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, and in 2022, she was awarded an OBE by the Queen.
When she’s not writing, Joanne enjoys mooching, lounging, strutting, strumming, priest-baiting, and quiet subversion, as listed in Who’s Who. She admits to spending too much time on Twitter, playing flute and bass guitar in a band she formed when she was 16, and working from a shed in her garden at her home in Yorkshire.
Editoral Review
Runemarks by Joanne Harris is a captivating novel that transports readers to a world filled with Norse mythology, magic, and peril. First published in 2007, the book has since garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following that has led to its adaptation into a graphic novel.
Joanne Harris, the author of Runemarks, is a British-French writer known for her bestselling novel, Chocolat. She has been praised for her ability to weave rich, compelling stories that draw on folklore, history, and myth.
Runemarks is no exception, as it follows the journey of a young girl named Maddy Smith through a world populated by gods, monsters, and witches. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Runemarks takes place 500 years after the destruction of the gods’ realm, Asgard.
Maddy, who has been ostracized from her village for having a runemark a magical symbol associated with the old gods embarks on a journey to discover the truth about her past and the fate of the gods. Along the way, she encounters a cast of characters, including Loki, the trickster god, and Odin, the god of wisdom, who guide her through a perilous adventure filled with magic and danger.
The book’s themes revolve around the idea of faith, identity, and power. Maddy’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her runemark and the powers it bestows upon her.
Furthermore, the book touches on the importance of preserving one’s heritage and culture while living in a world that is constantly changing. Harris’ writing style is lyrical and vivid, transporting readers to an imaginative world filled with wonder and danger.
The pacing of the book is well done, with the action and intrigue building steadily throughout the story. The characters in Runemarks are multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and struggles, making them relatable and engaging.
One of the book’s strengths is its use of Norse mythology. Harris expertly weaves elements of Norse folklore into her narrative, creating a world that feels both mysterious and familiar.
Furthermore, the book’s exploration of faith and power is timely and resonant, given the current state of the world. If there is one limitation to the book, it is that the ending can feel rushed, with some loose ends left untied.
However, this flaw does not detract from the overall quality of the book and can be seen as a minor issue. In conclusion, Runemarks is a beautifully crafted novel filled with magic, adventure, and compelling characters.
It touches on important themes that are relevant today and provides readers with a window into a rich and imaginative world. I highly recommend it to fans of fantasy and mythology, as well as anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.
Rating: 4.5/5.
