Title: Runes
Author: Ednah Walters
First published May 7, 2013
245 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780983429760 (ISBN10: 0983429766)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
Eighteen-year-old Kiera James is struggling to cope with her mother’s death, her father’s remarriage, and her own relocation to a new town. The last thing she needs is to fall for the enigmatic and dangerously attractive Rune Masters, who have taken over her school.
Kiera is drawn to their alluring magic and mysterious ways, but she senses that they are hiding something from her. When strange marks appear on her skin and she starts to experience powerful visions, Kiera realizes that she is not the only one with secrets.
But as she delves deeper into the world of the Rune Masters, Kiera discovers that their ancient mythology is more dangerous than she ever imagined. Now she must choose between her loyalty to her new friends and the truth that could cost her everything.
About the Author
The author of the award-winning and internationally bestselling YA Paranormal Romance series, Runes, has written six books to date. The most recent addition, Demons, is a Runes Companion Novel (Eirik Book 1) and tells the story of Raines’ best friend and former crush, Eirik Seville.
Meanwhile, her bestselling YA Urban Fantasy series, The Guardian Legacy Series, focuses on the Nephilim, the children of fallen angels, and has four books to date. Her Contemporary Romance novels are written under the name E.B. Walters and include The Fitzgerald Family series and Infinitus Billionaires series.
In all of her books, love, family, and friendship are crucial elements, whether she’s writing about Valkyries, Norns, and Grimnirs, or Guardians, Demons, and Archangels. If you enjoy her work, please consider leaving a review, as it can make a difference in the book’s ranking.
For more exclusive content related to the Runes series, including information on the next book in Eirik’s story, giveaways, teasers, and deleted scenes, join her newsletter. You can also join the discussion about the series on her private Facebook page or visit her website.
She can also be found on Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Editoral Review
Ednah Walters Runes is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that plunges readers into the world of Norse mythology. Walters is a bestselling author with several books under her belt, and it is evident that her experience has culminated in the creation of an enthralling and action-packed novel.
Set in modern-day America, Runes follows the story of seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper, who discovers that everything she knows about herself is false. Raine has been living with her grandmother in a small town in Minnesota, but when she moves to the city to live with her mother, a host of strange events begin to occur.
A glamorous new school, the sudden appearance of a mysterious boy, and a series of strange symbols etched onto her skin all of these events are interconnected, and they draw Raine into a perilous and mystical world of Norse mythology. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, destiny, and the power of destiny in shaping our lives.
Raine is a well-constructed character, with a vivid personality and a charming voice. She is strong-willed yet vulnerable, and her struggles and triumphs throughout the novel will resonate with readers of all ages.
One of the strengths of Runes is its ability to blend mythology and contemporary settings in a seamless way. Walters writing is polished and evocative, and she draws on the deep mythology of Norse gods and goddesses to great effect.
The novel is also fast-paced and engaging, with just enough twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. However, there are a few limitations to the novel.
The romantic subplot between Raine and her love interest, Torin St. James, is predictable and formulaic. While their chemistry is palpable, the story could have been enriched with greater nuance and complexity in their relationship.
The novel also relies heavily on traditional YA tropes, such as the Mean Girls clique and a high school setting, which may not appeal to all readers. Despite these limitations, Runes is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a thrilling and well-crafted YA fantasy novel.
It is a book that will transport readers to a world of magic and wonder, where anything is possible. For fans of Norse mythology, this novel is an absolute must-read.
In conclusion, Runes deserves a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Walters has delivered an engaging and imaginative novel with a strong protagonist and a thrilling storyline.
While there are a few missteps along the way, this novel is sure to captivate readers and leave them hungry for more.
