Jennifer Jill Araya narrates the viewpoints of teenagers Eiric Halvorsen and Reginn Eiklund in alternating chapters as their separate journeys weave through this story. In the years since Ragnarok, the human realm of the Midlands has struggled from receding magic and fruitless lands. When Reginn finds herself performing a miracle in front of two wyrd spinners, she is offered an escape from enslavement. But is the seeming paradise of New Jotunheim truly a sanctuary? Araya expertly pronounces Norse words, like “modir” and “systir,” while lending unique voices to each character. All voices sound appropriately aged, including those of the elders, whose secrets are not given away by the way they sound. The maps included in the print edition are not part of the audiobook, but the story is still enjoyable without them. S.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

"Drawing on Norse mythology, this ambitious, original story captivates from beginning to end. The novel is lively and well told, with twists galore. This innovative story...strikes a refreshing note for the genre." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This sweeping, Norse myth–inspired series opener from Chima... toggles between Eiric’s and Reggin’s equally electrifying perspectives, and the tension, stakes, and complications mount as their paths intertwine. The vibrantly characterized, racially diverse cast is replete with courageous, resourceful women, imparting feminist undertones. Despite its scope, length, and complexity, Chima’s epic never outstays its welcome, stoking anticipation for the sequel." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Entirely unexpected and unique." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"[Will] grab epic fantasy fans." — Booklist

★ 12/01/2022

Gr 7 Up—This action-adventure packed with gods, demons, magic, and Norse mythology follows two 16-year-olds: Eiric, a Viking descended from gods, and Reginn, a foundling with magic. Eiric and his sister, Liv, have been found guilty of murdering their mother and stepfather following a rigged trial, and must bargain with a neighboring jarl or lose everything—including their family's unusually bountiful farm. If they can find the mythical, magical island stronghold of witches, called wyrdspinners, the jarl will pay their blood price. Reginn has spent her life traveling and using her sorcery to perform wonders, all while being leeched by a fire demon she would do anything to escape. After a performance, wyrdspinners invite her to the academy at the Grove, the island sanctuary for sorcerers, and offer freedom from her demon. Characters converge on the Temple at the Grove, naturally tying the plotlines together. Intricately plotted so that even the twists have twists, this book is exactly as long as it needs to be and leaves readers excited for the sequel. Chima proved an expert at balancing multiple points of view and intricate plotlines with her "Seven Realms" quartet, and those skills shine here. The main cast is white, with diversity in the secondary characters. VERDICT Infused with Norse mythos and spellbinding from start to finish, Chima's new series should find its way into every library. Hand this to fantasy fans and younger readers aging into YA.—Emmy Neal

Jennifer Jill Araya narrates the viewpoints of teenagers Eiric Halvorsen and Reginn Eiklund in alternating chapters as their separate journeys weave through this story. In the years since Ragnarok, the human realm of the Midlands has struggled from receding magic and fruitless lands. When Reginn finds herself performing a miracle in front of two wyrd spinners, she is offered an escape from enslavement. But is the seeming paradise of New Jotunheim truly a sanctuary? Araya expertly pronounces Norse words, like “modir” and “systir,” while lending unique voices to each character. All voices sound appropriately aged, including those of the elders, whose secrets are not given away by the way they sound. The maps included in the print edition are not part of the audiobook, but the story is still enjoyable without them. S.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

★ 2022-08-03
This first entry in the Runestone Saga series introduces readers to a world of witches, gods, demons, and humans.

Drawing on Norse mythology, this ambitious, original story captivates from beginning to end. Eiric Halvorsen and his mysterious half sister, Liv, are fighting to maintain ownership of Sundgard, their unusually prosperous farm located in the depressed land of Muckleholm; Sten, their drunken stepfather, has designs on it himself. When their mother, Sylvi, dies of exposure while protecting the infant son that Sten has rejected and left out to die, Liv and Eiric know they will be the next victims. Instead, they kill Sten and, for protection, make a deal with Jarl Harald, the regional leader, to search out a group of mythical islands, where the volur, or witches, live. A concurrent storyline follows Reggin, a thrall enslaved by fire demon Asger. Reggin is forced to use her considerable healing and musical abilities to make money, but worse is the painful transmission of her energy that Asger takes by touch to sustain himself. Eventually these two plots converge in a satisfying, organic way. The novel is lively and well told, with twists galore. Liv and Reggin are portrayed as strong, nuanced women; Reggin has a lovely, dry wit. Eiric is a classic Viking. Main characters are White; secondary characters bring racial diversity.

This innovative story with a satisfying ancient mythology baseline strikes a refreshing note for the genre. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18)