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Rune: A Rebel Bloodline Story
Divine marks used to mean prestige.
Now, to be marked means death.
Milena Clarke is almost a young woman, one who would rather practice with her daggers than attend late-night balls. She dreads her introduction to high society, her aunt’s suffocating attention, and the snide glances of the Elite. Instead of living faraway adventures, Milena is trapped in the isolationist city of Steelton, evading unwanted suitors and sneaking over Slum lines to see her friends before curfew.
But when a divine Defender mark appears on her skin, Milena discovers more adventure than she ever dreamed of—or feared. Steelton’s twisting, gaslit streets hide dark beautiful assassins, an all-seeing Shepherd, and a prophet intent on taking over her life. In Steelton’s underbelly, alliances shift like sand. In the darkness, she uncovers secrets that make her doubt her own memories, that make her question everything she once knew to be true. Who can Milena trust?
Time is running out. There’s only a few days before the Holy Festival, when her family is due to be publicly executed.
Will Milena confront her past and master the magic branded into her skin, or will she risk the lives of her loved ones–
–and realize the cost is too high?
Rune is an emotionally-charged queer fantasy with Steampunk elements, including mechanical animal companions, espionage, daggers, government takedown, corsets, and a proper emphasis on the importance of tea time.
Trigger Warnings include mild violence, blood imagery, discussion of experimentation on minors and drug use (non-graphic).
Now, to be marked means death.
Milena Clarke is almost a young woman, one who would rather practice with her daggers than attend late-night balls. She dreads her introduction to high society, her aunt’s suffocating attention, and the snide glances of the Elite. Instead of living faraway adventures, Milena is trapped in the isolationist city of Steelton, evading unwanted suitors and sneaking over Slum lines to see her friends before curfew.
But when a divine Defender mark appears on her skin, Milena discovers more adventure than she ever dreamed of—or feared. Steelton’s twisting, gaslit streets hide dark beautiful assassins, an all-seeing Shepherd, and a prophet intent on taking over her life. In Steelton’s underbelly, alliances shift like sand. In the darkness, she uncovers secrets that make her doubt her own memories, that make her question everything she once knew to be true. Who can Milena trust?
Time is running out. There’s only a few days before the Holy Festival, when her family is due to be publicly executed.
Will Milena confront her past and master the magic branded into her skin, or will she risk the lives of her loved ones–
–and realize the cost is too high?
Rune is an emotionally-charged queer fantasy with Steampunk elements, including mechanical animal companions, espionage, daggers, government takedown, corsets, and a proper emphasis on the importance of tea time.
Trigger Warnings include mild violence, blood imagery, discussion of experimentation on minors and drug use (non-graphic).
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 6, 2026
Phew! I just finished “Rune” by @chelseaday_writes and it is a work of art.
If you or your teen are looking for a YA fantasy novel with deep characters that unfold on the page at the same time the plot is revealing itself - you need to get your hands on this book. Chelsea Day Chevalier has given us a masterclass in character and plot development with this work. From the growth and self-discovery of her main character Milena to the introduction and depth of every character you meet along the way, Chevalier gives us a book that is equal parts deep and engaging. The development of the characters and plot are slow burn until they’re not when they all come together, and it will be at that point you won’t be able to put it down.
If you’re looking for a book that you can read alongside your teen this summer, definitely consider giving “Rune” a try. Not only is the writing beautiful, but there are so many points of discussion from classist systems, meaningful relationships, what to do when you start to “have feelings” for others, how to handle betrayal, and more. I personally would recommend this for ages 13+ (nothing spicy beyond kissing, flirting, and innuendo, there is violence and blood), but you know your reader best!
If you or your teen are looking for a YA fantasy novel with deep characters that unfold on the page at the same time the plot is revealing itself - you need to get your hands on this book. Chelsea Day Chevalier has given us a masterclass in character and plot development with this work. From the growth and self-discovery of her main character Milena to the introduction and depth of every character you meet along the way, Chevalier gives us a book that is equal parts deep and engaging. The development of the characters and plot are slow burn until they’re not when they all come together, and it will be at that point you won’t be able to put it down.
If you’re looking for a book that you can read alongside your teen this summer, definitely consider giving “Rune” a try. Not only is the writing beautiful, but there are so many points of discussion from classist systems, meaningful relationships, what to do when you start to “have feelings” for others, how to handle betrayal, and more. I personally would recommend this for ages 13+ (nothing spicy beyond kissing, flirting, and innuendo, there is violence and blood), but you know your reader best!
April 7, 2026
*Steampunk meets Brigerton meets Magical Divergent with a cherry on top sapphic romance*
I saved this book for a long car ride and that was the best decision I could have made. I feel it has a bit of a slow start to the plot but our girl is so headstrong and complex I never lost my attention.
Once Lena had a fight with twigs and lost, I was hooked in and the rest of the book felt like a blink. I couldn’t put it down.
The amount of twists and turns held me bound and captive. I’m usually great at predicting books but I had no idea what was happening next. I cannot wait for the next book plleeeeassseee come soon!
Ps. Sterling is my favorite
I saved this book for a long car ride and that was the best decision I could have made. I feel it has a bit of a slow start to the plot but our girl is so headstrong and complex I never lost my attention.
Once Lena had a fight with twigs and lost, I was hooked in and the rest of the book felt like a blink. I couldn’t put it down.
The amount of twists and turns held me bound and captive. I’m usually great at predicting books but I had no idea what was happening next. I cannot wait for the next book plleeeeassseee come soon!
Ps. Sterling is my favorite
May 27, 2026
I loved everything about this book! The characters were amazing, the plot was great! Crumpet is my all time favorite 🥰🥰🥰 it's a pretty thick book but it doesn't feel that way when you're reading - I flew through this book in two days and it left me wanting more! I can't wait for the second book to come out!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews