Fabulous reads – Second Ragnarok spells doom for new world

Book review - Runemarks by Joanne M. Harris.

Runemarks (Runemarks #1), Joanne M Harris, Jonathan Ball Publishers, ISBN: 9781 4732 17065

FIVE hundred years have passed since Ragnarok, the fall of the gods and the destruction of Asgard.

The Order now rules with an iron fist, swiftly stomping out any links to magic, dream and its previous overseer, Odin.

Maddy was born with a runemark on her wrist and is both feared and mistrusted by her fellow villagers for her “gifts”.

As fate would have it, a weary old traveller passes through her town and teaches her the way of the old gods.

With her new powers, an epic adventure begins that sees her fleeing into the World Below, waking up the Sleepers and setting in motion a prophecy that could end all worlds.

Having previously read Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology book, I feel many of Joanne’s “surprises” were somewhat dulled.

Her writing style is both intriguing and laborious, culminating in an interesting story that could have easily been shorter than its current 513 pages.

This story has intrigued me enough to pick up the next book in the trilogy.

I am hoping that there will be deeper character progression for Maddy, allowing her to grow into a protagonist worthy of her new status in the world.

It may not be a read for everyone, but if you enjoy magic and stories of gods from another age, then this is just for you.

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