A review by champers4days
Runemarks by Joanne Harris

5.0

This was SUCH a fun book to read, and welcome change from the Greek-mythology-steeped fantasy novels I have read of late!

Runemarks followed the adventures of 14 year-old Maddy, an outcast in her small, pre-Industrial era town, and an old traveling man, who taught her the forbidden skill of magic. It doesn’t sound like too crazy a set-up, but believe me, it gets very engrossing very quickly as what you thought you knew about the characters and the roles they play all come into question. The novel also had me heartily laughing a couple of times – I mean who wouldn’t laugh at the pig’s involvement toward the end of the story?!!!??

There was a mini-epic feel Runemarks, and with the introduction of many characters throughout, there was a chance that this plot could swing out of control. However, Harris’ direct writing style effectively conveyed personalities onto each new character as it drove this plot-driven story to an entertaining and unexpected end.