annieb123's Review of Runestone Saga: Children of Ragnarok (Runestone Saga , #1)

by Cinda Williams Chima

Sweeping adventure, breathtaking twists of fate, and immersive worlds based in Norse mythology are woven into this first volume of the Runestone Saga, from the New York Times bestselling author of the Seven Realms and Shattered Realms series.

Since Ragnarok—the great war between the gods and the forces of chaos—the human realm of the Midlands has become a desperate and dangerous place, bereft of magic.

Sixteen-year-old Eiric Halvorsen is among the luckier ones—his family has remained prosperous. But he stands to lose everything when he’s wrongly convicted by a rigged jury of murdering his modir and stepfadir. Also at risk is Eiric’s half-systir, Liv, who’s under suspicion for her interest in seidr, or magic. Then a powerful jarl steps in: He will pay the blood price if Eiric will lead a mission to the fabled Temple at the Grove—the rich stronghold of the wyrdspinners, the last practitioners of sorcery.

Spellsinger, musician, and runecaster Reginn Eiklund has spent her life performing at alehouses for the benefit of her master, Asger, a fire demon she is desperate to escape. After one performance that amazes even herself, two wyrdspinners in the audience make Reginn an irresistible offer: return with them to the Temple to be trained in seidr, forever free of Asger.

Eiric’s, Liv’s, and Reginn’s journeys converge in New Jotunheim, a paradise fueled by magic and the site of the Temple. They soon realize that a great evil lurks beneath the dazzling surface and that old betrayals and long-held grudges may fuel another cataclysmic war. It will require every gift and weapon at their command to prevent it.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Children of Ragnarok is a powerfully written fantasy series starter by Cinda Williams Chima. Released 8th Nov 2022 by HarperCollins on their Balzer + Bray imprint, it's 536 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out 4th quarter 2023 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a solid brick of a book. Despite being marketed as a YA book on a children's allied imprint, it's surprisingly brutal and unflinching throughout. There is pervasive moderate violence, and while it's definitely not egregious, it is quite stark in many places.

The Norse mythological and mystical tales provide a solid historical framework for the story which is the story's beating heart. It's very very well written and even in the parts which are scary and distressing are fascinating and immersive at the same time.

Four stars. Probably too scary for younger/more sensitive readers. Some mature themes, death of a parent, vulnerable kids, domestic abuse and murder. Public library acquisition recommended, school library acquisition after carefully considered curation.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

4 April, 2023: Started reading

4 April, 2023: Finished reading

4 April, 2023: Reviewed