Review Detail

And so the Runestone Saga concludes with conflicted allies, deception, unhappy gods, and a spooky army of the dead. The story picks up right where it left off, and Eiric’s captivity and Liv (Heidin) and Reginn’s organizing military forces on the island.

Everyone who wanted more backstory about the gods, demons, and Ragnarok will be happy with the information and secrets unveiled. As Reginn grows into her powers as an aldnari, one who speaks with the dead, she’s able to commune with ancient beings and recruit them to her cause, which may not necessarily align with that of the other Jotun.

Overall, the pacing feels very similar to the end of the first book - slow in some ways, fast in others. There is a LOT of preparation before the invasion. All three characters take a long time to make decisions, sometimes in the face of high danger. But once the invasion begins, it’s fights fights fights, one after another. My favorite parts involved Asger, the mercurial demon, and the ordinary people of the archipelago who are doing their best to just survive in an unforgiving land.

I’ve read and loved the author’s Heir series, and this duology doesn’t meet the same mark. However, fans of viking flavored YA with strong male and female protagonists should give it a try.