RUNES represents a refreshing twist away from a genre flooded with fallen angels, vampires, werewolves and zombies. I will be the first to admit that I am sorely uneducated in Norse mythology. That leaves me trying to play catch-up in a story that is a unique and interesting read.
What would I do if I finally got everything I thought I wanted only to find that it isn’t what I really wanted at all? At the same time, I learn that ‘magic’ is real, I start seeing runes, and I am healed by my dream guy after a crazy girl tries to kill me. As far as reactions go, I will have to say that Raine is remarkably easygoing. Part of that acceptance is probably due to her growing feelings for Torin and his growing feelings for her.
I do feel bad for Eirik even though it is obvious a pairing with Raine is not his destiny. The literal ‘boy next door’ who is so sweet and caring all through Raine’s life does not deserve to have his girlfriend kissing someone else behind his back. In the end, it is Raine’s heart that is broken when Torin reappears with no memory of her or their time together.
One thing that I notice throughout the story is that there is a lot of give and take. For every positive occurrence it seems there is a corresponding negative occurrence or outcome. It seems to affirm that there is a balance to life and destiny. There are several examples that lead me to this conclusion. Raine gets Eirik but gives her heart to Torin. Raine risks her life and reputation to save the members of the swim team only to be called names and ostracized for her trouble. Finally, the Norns punish Raine for saving some of the swim team, they send Torin back to her with no memory of her at all.
Toward the end of the book, there are some surprising twists and very important information revealed. This is a very interesting story with likeable characters that are developing slowly throughout. I am looking forward to following their further development in book two of the Runes Series. I definitely need to increase my understanding of Norse mythology before then..
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