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lesserjoke's review against another edition
3.0
This is a fun fantasy adventure story, drawing on Norse mythology but set several centuries after Ragnarok when the gods have largely passed into legend. Still, young Maddy Smith dreams of them, and she seems to have inherited some measure of their magic. Of course, it turns out the gods are not as dead as her people believe, and before long the girl is caught up in their schemes as they try to navigate a changing world. Maddy herself gets a little lost in the shuffle as the action reaches its climax, and I don't think a reader unfamiliar with these myths would enjoy the book as much, but it's all still pretty charming.
ssj88's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
isipet's review against another edition
3.0
I always love a good book about northern mythology. You follow a girl called Maddie and her adventure with the Gods, but you also read from a lot of other people’s perspectives. (I liked that, because I personally thought Maddie was a bit too “not like other girls”. She is kinda cool though.) An oracle has made a prophecy and Maddie is trying to stop the world from falling apart. It is a simple story, and it is easy to follow.
The reason I give it 3 stars is because it was a bit too edgy for my liking. Every character thinks they are the best and I got a little tired of it in the end. They are also not that fleshed out and a bit flat. So, if you love character driven books, this may not be your cup of the.
The beginning was good. I really liked the mystery of who Maddie is and why she can do magic. The middle of the book wasn’t boring, it just was kind of long. Maybe that was because I took a very long time getting through this book. I liked the ending, it had a few twists I didn’t see coming. I didn’t feel for any of the characters, but there were many cool scenes.
The reason I give it 3 stars is because it was a bit too edgy for my liking. Every character thinks they are the best and I got a little tired of it in the end. They are also not that fleshed out and a bit flat. So, if you love character driven books, this may not be your cup of the.
The beginning was good. I really liked the mystery of who Maddie is and why she can do magic. The middle of the book wasn’t boring, it just was kind of long. Maybe that was because I took a very long time getting through this book. I liked the ending, it had a few twists I didn’t see coming. I didn’t feel for any of the characters, but there were many cool scenes.
logolepsy_e's review
2.0
L'intreccio è forse un po' confusionario, caotico. Il cambio di focalizzazione avviene troppo spesso, rendendo così impossibile l'immedisimazione nei personaggi e il coinvolgimento totale.
Un romanzo che non mi ha catturata come avrei voluto.
Un romanzo che non mi ha catturata come avrei voluto.
50shekels's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I found this book a slow read, but I really enjoyed the characters and the twist on Norse mythology! It builds up a great world and atmosphere that I really liked.
camielpov's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This one didn't grab me. It had the potential but the characters aren't very fleshed out and just when things get a bit more interesting character wise the story moves on. At 3/4th of the book Ethel Parson is introduced who is arguably the most interesting of all but gets little screentime possible for the second book. The ending didn't leave me wanting more. It felt a bit rushed and disjointed. Many characters that just don't seem to get a proper ending in favor of some literally indescribable crazyness that happens in Hel. Time and place doesn't function as normal, and as a reader you sure as Hel don't know who is where anymore.
There is a section where the dream of one of the "villains" is described and you get a *very* short backstory of 3 sentences how he went on to become the man he is now. That was a nice emotional moment but sadly the only one that really struck a chord.
There is a section where the dream of one of the "villains" is described and you get a *very* short backstory of 3 sentences how he went on to become the man he is now. That was a nice emotional moment but sadly the only one that really struck a chord.
abaugher's review against another edition
4.0
i forgot i'd read this book! it was great. it seems like the best fantasy adventures have an old man who turns out to more than he appears and is the mentor for the young person. this had one of those guys in it. maybe i should re-read it.
mjporterauthor's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free E Arc from Netgalley.
I was, I must be honest, supposed to be reading another book but I opened this one up on my Kindle and was immediately drawn into the story, and so I chose this one as my 'fun' read and the other book as my I 'need' to read. Not surprisingly, I've finished my 'fun' read first.
Initially I thought Runemarks was going to be very similar to the Terry Pratchett books about Tiffany, the young witch. Certainly the story begins in a somewhat similar was - especially with the humour and the presence of the goblins. But quickly the story moved away from just being a quick, fun read, and became much more complex and deeper. Almost every chapter introduces another new character, so that by the end of the novel, this is very much an ensemble cast, although some of them will have changed their identities and become someone else. Sadly, I thought the humour bled away a little toward the end of the novel, but I suppose, it was 'end of the world' stuff and perhaps not really the time for any humour.
I very much enjoyed the characters of Loki, One-Eye, Maddy and the little goblin, not to mention The Whisperer (for most of the story, anyway), and the other inhabitants of Maddy's little village, as well as the Seven Sleepers. I've never really read a great deal about old Norse world-origin stories (well I know the basics etc) and to see the Gods and Godesses actually ineracting made them feel that little bit more 'human' and their foibles and ungodly squables, made more sense. I often find this is the way with historical characters etc; you can read about them all you want but it's the interactions that make them appear so much more relatable.
I'm pleased to see this novel has a sequel and I'll be adding it to my 'to be read' list. Highly recommended.
I was, I must be honest, supposed to be reading another book but I opened this one up on my Kindle and was immediately drawn into the story, and so I chose this one as my 'fun' read and the other book as my I 'need' to read. Not surprisingly, I've finished my 'fun' read first.
Initially I thought Runemarks was going to be very similar to the Terry Pratchett books about Tiffany, the young witch. Certainly the story begins in a somewhat similar was - especially with the humour and the presence of the goblins. But quickly the story moved away from just being a quick, fun read, and became much more complex and deeper. Almost every chapter introduces another new character, so that by the end of the novel, this is very much an ensemble cast, although some of them will have changed their identities and become someone else. Sadly, I thought the humour bled away a little toward the end of the novel, but I suppose, it was 'end of the world' stuff and perhaps not really the time for any humour.
I very much enjoyed the characters of Loki, One-Eye, Maddy and the little goblin, not to mention The Whisperer (for most of the story, anyway), and the other inhabitants of Maddy's little village, as well as the Seven Sleepers. I've never really read a great deal about old Norse world-origin stories (well I know the basics etc) and to see the Gods and Godesses actually ineracting made them feel that little bit more 'human' and their foibles and ungodly squables, made more sense. I often find this is the way with historical characters etc; you can read about them all you want but it's the interactions that make them appear so much more relatable.
I'm pleased to see this novel has a sequel and I'll be adding it to my 'to be read' list. Highly recommended.
songwind's review against another edition
5.0
This was an excellent novel. I shelved it as young adult because it is kid friendly, but did not have the simplified plot or characters that typify the genre.
[b:Runemarks|633446|Runemarks (Runemarks, #1)|Joanne Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1322757188s/633446.jpg|619740] is an entertaining vision of what happens after the Ragnarok. The old gods have fallen, and a new God has arisen. The new God's rules and teachings make the Aesir's attempts to control chaos seem haphazard and half-hearted by comparison.
Maddy Smith is a girl touched by the chaos that her society rejects. Born with a "ruinmark" on her hand, she possesses powers of magic and true sight that make her outcast. Runemarks is the story of her search for a place to fit in, and of the people she meets along the way. It is a complex, entertaining work that mixes social commentary, Norse mythology, adventure, humor, and insight into the human condition.
[b:Runemarks|633446|Runemarks (Runemarks, #1)|Joanne Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1322757188s/633446.jpg|619740] is an entertaining vision of what happens after the Ragnarok. The old gods have fallen, and a new God has arisen. The new God's rules and teachings make the Aesir's attempts to control chaos seem haphazard and half-hearted by comparison.
Maddy Smith is a girl touched by the chaos that her society rejects. Born with a "ruinmark" on her hand, she possesses powers of magic and true sight that make her outcast. Runemarks is the story of her search for a place to fit in, and of the people she meets along the way. It is a complex, entertaining work that mixes social commentary, Norse mythology, adventure, humor, and insight into the human condition.
tsemoana's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely a recommended book for teens and adults alike. Despite the teenage protagonist, the book does not read as a young book. The magic/religious system, utilising Norse mythology, is complex in nature (and not just because Norse mythology can be quite complex to those not familiar with it), but Harris manages to explain and describe it clearly, without lecturing.
Maddy, the main character, is a likable heroine. Slightly the stereotypical ‘regular girl who’s an outcast in her society discovers she isn’t what she thought she was’ but well pulled off. It helps that, as the book starts, Maddy already knows she not like everyone else. Saves us from having to go through a whole forced discovery.
The character progress Maddy makes develops from the story and is plausible within the book’s system. The secondary characters are mostly well fleshed out, with multiple character traits, and personal development. I especially like how Harris’ portrayed Loki. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Trickster, and prefer the slightly more soft portrayal here, where he works for himself, but is capable of forming relationships and attachments beyond that me-me-me drive.
The story starts off 500 years after Ragnarók* with 14 year old Maddy using her magical talent to fix a problem. The people around town are aware Maddy is different, she was born with a rune birthmark, or as the townsfolk call it: a ruinmark. They have some fleeting knowledge that she has abilities no one else has, but are mostly in denial of it. Maddy tries her best to fit in, but knows she never will.
The only person she feels comfortable with is One-Eye, a traveler she met as a young girl. He comes by every summer, and teaches her about the old days, the stories of the Gods, and the things she can do. The summer of her 14th year though, everything changes. Starting with One-Eye who is late in showing up, it leads to Maddy using her power to open a portal to the World Below. Which then, as Maddy has been seen by a village boy, leads to a whole host of people getting involved. All with their own goals, everyone ends up trying to stop everyone else.
First person to get involved is Sugar-and-Sack, a goblin. He shows her around World Below, leading to Maddy meeting Loki. And from there the action really starts. Because one thing is for sure, as long as you’re with Loki, you’re in for one hell of a ride, for better or for worse.
*In Norse mythology, Ragnarók is the final battle between the Gods, the end of the world.
In Short
Pro: Well fleshed out characters, very interesting world-building,
Con: For the scope of the story, it seemed to happen in too short a period of time
http://www.tsemoana.net/?p=1323
Maddy, the main character, is a likable heroine. Slightly the stereotypical ‘regular girl who’s an outcast in her society discovers she isn’t what she thought she was’ but well pulled off. It helps that, as the book starts, Maddy already knows she not like everyone else. Saves us from having to go through a whole forced discovery.
The character progress Maddy makes develops from the story and is plausible within the book’s system. The secondary characters are mostly well fleshed out, with multiple character traits, and personal development. I especially like how Harris’ portrayed Loki. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Trickster, and prefer the slightly more soft portrayal here, where he works for himself, but is capable of forming relationships and attachments beyond that me-me-me drive.
The story starts off 500 years after Ragnarók* with 14 year old Maddy using her magical talent to fix a problem. The people around town are aware Maddy is different, she was born with a rune birthmark, or as the townsfolk call it: a ruinmark. They have some fleeting knowledge that she has abilities no one else has, but are mostly in denial of it. Maddy tries her best to fit in, but knows she never will.
The only person she feels comfortable with is One-Eye, a traveler she met as a young girl. He comes by every summer, and teaches her about the old days, the stories of the Gods, and the things she can do. The summer of her 14th year though, everything changes. Starting with One-Eye who is late in showing up, it leads to Maddy using her power to open a portal to the World Below. Which then, as Maddy has been seen by a village boy, leads to a whole host of people getting involved. All with their own goals, everyone ends up trying to stop everyone else.
First person to get involved is Sugar-and-Sack, a goblin. He shows her around World Below, leading to Maddy meeting Loki. And from there the action really starts. Because one thing is for sure, as long as you’re with Loki, you’re in for one hell of a ride, for better or for worse.
*In Norse mythology, Ragnarók is the final battle between the Gods, the end of the world.
In Short
Pro: Well fleshed out characters, very interesting world-building,
Con: For the scope of the story, it seemed to happen in too short a period of time
http://www.tsemoana.net/?p=1323