A review by riniya
Rune by Victoria McCombs

adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I really enjoyed this book and the way that the author wove Norse Mythology into a compelling plot. Norse Gods are skirted often in favor of Greek gods, so seeing them get their time in the sun has been delightful.  This story is an amazing mix of romance, Tension, mystery and trials of Combat to the death. It pulls you in and doesn’t let go till the very last page. 

I loved our FMC, Rune, and her character arc. She starts off physically weak and mentally strained, but slowly grows and strengthens as the plot carries on. I thought her development was well thought out and executed, even if she did refuse to read the writing on the wall. 

OUR MMC, Ve, is so sweet and guarded. He wants more than his life in Asgard and sees rune as his ticket out. After convincing her to go through with a fake engagement, his walls start crumbling down to let her in. He cares with the biggest heart and is an absolutely amazing love interest. 

I loved the trials by combat, even though they were a secondary plot to the main story, they added a needed source of tension to the story. This book balances finding yourself, familial love and vengeful gods in a delicate web.

My only complaint is that the book feels unfinished. I don't like the way the ending of the book was written. It tells us what SHOULD happen without actually giving us the resolution that we expect and deserve. now if I was younger, the intended audience, I might overlook it, but as an adult I feel robbed of an amazing climax of the story.