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Ilmarinen
Altana Burrows has always been special.
She’s smart, talented, and quick to learn. She also has a secret, and whenever she tries to tell anyone about it—her friends, her family, the school psychiatrist—they accuse her of letting her imagination run away with her. They don’t believe her. They don’t understand.
They don’t know about Ilmarinen.
They don’t know about the prophecy, or the role Altana will play in it. But the people of Ilmarinen know, and they will help a young hunter with a dangerous secret; a talking horse who loves to play; a little girl with a big axe; a beautiful woman in a red dress. Eventually, they will all play a part in Altana’s story, and the fate of a world will rest in their hands.
That is, if they can figure out how to kill a god.
She’s smart, talented, and quick to learn. She also has a secret, and whenever she tries to tell anyone about it—her friends, her family, the school psychiatrist—they accuse her of letting her imagination run away with her. They don’t believe her. They don’t understand.
They don’t know about Ilmarinen.
They don’t know about the prophecy, or the role Altana will play in it. But the people of Ilmarinen know, and they will help a young hunter with a dangerous secret; a talking horse who loves to play; a little girl with a big axe; a beautiful woman in a red dress. Eventually, they will all play a part in Altana’s story, and the fate of a world will rest in their hands.
That is, if they can figure out how to kill a god.
- GenresFantasy
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Marilla Mulwane
11 books10 followersMarilla Mulwane is a small town girl that loves to write, read, craft, and play video games. All the best things to do in a small town! She just wants people to read her work. If it leads to fame, fortune, and world domination, she'll take it.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 18, 2021
This is a great middle grade, to young adult age appropriate fantasy novel! Thank you so much to the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!
Ilmarinen is bases on a mix of Finnish and Norse mythology, which seems like a great mix. I loved the creation story and history provided, it gave the world meaning and depth. Some of the other world building lacked but oh did I love the origin story.
Altana begins the book around age six, travelling to Ilmarinen accidentally and meeting some of the characters. Altana hurt the book for me, because whether she was age six or sixteen she just did. Not change. At all. She is so self centered and gains absolutely no insight into humanity or humility at all, which was a little surprising considering her adventures.
The book also disposed of a few important characters rather suddenly, and it threw me off how quickly Altana just forgot them at first. The proper names are used SO much as well, there is rarely if ever a need to use someone's name six times in a short paragraph.
Besides Altana though I really liked the characters and banter! Especially Neri and Bisha! The Smith was so funny too, Hieronymos?
The story and plot itself were interesting enough though and I flew through the book. I loved the wolves and how the origin story and modern prophecy set the stage for modern events. The end killed me too, just killed me. What a jerk.
I can't wait to continue with book two!
Ilmarinen is bases on a mix of Finnish and Norse mythology, which seems like a great mix. I loved the creation story and history provided, it gave the world meaning and depth. Some of the other world building lacked but oh did I love the origin story.
Altana begins the book around age six, travelling to Ilmarinen accidentally and meeting some of the characters. Altana hurt the book for me, because whether she was age six or sixteen she just did. Not change. At all. She is so self centered and gains absolutely no insight into humanity or humility at all, which was a little surprising considering her adventures.
The book also disposed of a few important characters rather suddenly, and it threw me off how quickly Altana just forgot them at first. The proper names are used SO much as well, there is rarely if ever a need to use someone's name six times in a short paragraph.
Besides Altana though I really liked the characters and banter! Especially Neri and Bisha! The Smith was so funny too, Hieronymos?
The story and plot itself were interesting enough though and I flew through the book. I loved the wolves and how the origin story and modern prophecy set the stage for modern events. The end killed me too, just killed me. What a jerk.
I can't wait to continue with book two!
February 28, 2015
Thank you to Whitney at The Zharmae Publishing Press for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review in this blog tour!
I simply devoured this book. This basically told the story of my childhood except it was all real in the book… or was it? Altana could have powers… or she could have an overactive imagination. Who’s to know?
I loved the dynamic between Altana, Garrick, Neri, and Bisha. They had a wonderful banter (sometimes not so wonderful and more serious) that kept me captivated. Altana in general grows up so much within this book and I felt like I was growing up right with her. The book takes place over something like 10 years which is an incredible feat to write and keep the audience interested.
When ragnarock was first mentioned, I couldn’t help but think of that Atlantis movie that came out a while ago. I don’t remember exactly what it was called but it had Mila and Kita and that dog type of creature of whom I’ve forgotten the name… anyway, in the second (or was it third?) movie in that series, they dealt with ragnarock as well (which basically is the destruction of the world if you were wondering). Pretty serious stuff. I don’t want to give the whole plot away but it does include ragnarock and adventures and awesomesauce stuff.
So I was glad to have some sort of background with some of the world. As I was reading, I kept getting this nagging feeling that I’ve read this sort of story before but for the life of me, I couldn’t think of where! Regardless, it’s a beautiful story. I only hope it is a series because that ending man! Please please let it be a series!
The Final Verdict:
A wonderful story about a girl growing up and taking on responsibilities in a magical world. I loved reading about everything and meeting all the fantastical cast of characters.
5 stars
Quotes:
"Garrick growled and demanded attention.
'If you do not teach this cat a new song I will remove her tail,' Garrick threatened to Altana who stifled a laugh. Altana heard it; in fact, people were probably hearing for miles. Neri had been screaming out Jingle Bells over and over since they left Sadia Forest.
'Alright, Neri, how about I teach you The Song That Never Ends?'
'Yes!' Neri happily accepted.
'No!' Garrick exclaimed at the exact same time."
"'And she knows who you are, Bisha, so the cat's already out of the bag. We have nothing to hide from her,' Altana added.
'That makes it less safe.' Bisha snorted again right at Eva's face.
'I was not in a bag,' Neri said."
I simply devoured this book. This basically told the story of my childhood except it was all real in the book… or was it? Altana could have powers… or she could have an overactive imagination. Who’s to know?
I loved the dynamic between Altana, Garrick, Neri, and Bisha. They had a wonderful banter (sometimes not so wonderful and more serious) that kept me captivated. Altana in general grows up so much within this book and I felt like I was growing up right with her. The book takes place over something like 10 years which is an incredible feat to write and keep the audience interested.
When ragnarock was first mentioned, I couldn’t help but think of that Atlantis movie that came out a while ago. I don’t remember exactly what it was called but it had Mila and Kita and that dog type of creature of whom I’ve forgotten the name… anyway, in the second (or was it third?) movie in that series, they dealt with ragnarock as well (which basically is the destruction of the world if you were wondering). Pretty serious stuff. I don’t want to give the whole plot away but it does include ragnarock and adventures and awesomesauce stuff.
So I was glad to have some sort of background with some of the world. As I was reading, I kept getting this nagging feeling that I’ve read this sort of story before but for the life of me, I couldn’t think of where! Regardless, it’s a beautiful story. I only hope it is a series because that ending man! Please please let it be a series!
The Final Verdict:
A wonderful story about a girl growing up and taking on responsibilities in a magical world. I loved reading about everything and meeting all the fantastical cast of characters.
5 stars
Quotes:
"Garrick growled and demanded attention.
'If you do not teach this cat a new song I will remove her tail,' Garrick threatened to Altana who stifled a laugh. Altana heard it; in fact, people were probably hearing for miles. Neri had been screaming out Jingle Bells over and over since they left Sadia Forest.
'Alright, Neri, how about I teach you The Song That Never Ends?'
'Yes!' Neri happily accepted.
'No!' Garrick exclaimed at the exact same time."
"'And she knows who you are, Bisha, so the cat's already out of the bag. We have nothing to hide from her,' Altana added.
'That makes it less safe.' Bisha snorted again right at Eva's face.
'I was not in a bag,' Neri said."
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April 8, 2020(3.5)
This book was one that I went up and down with liking and not liking so much but most of that had to do with the main character, Altana. I guess you aren't supposed to like her much because she is written as an absolute brat at first and as she gets older she holds on to that and becomes conceited, bratty, and mean. Plus she has the whole men are completely worthless type attitude as well. At least that's how it read to me. She carries much of that straight through to the end of the book. There may be things that attempt to change her and make her more likable but I really had a hard time with her. I will say though, all the other characters were well written and a lot of fun.
Now, I just really just wanted to get the one thing that I really didn't enjoy about the book out of the way because other than that, I kind of like this one. The story itself is very interesting. Altana somehow manages to find herself in a strange world when she is just a young child. In this world she meets a cast of characters that are unlike any she's met before. When things get scary she finds she winds up back in her own world but when she talks about where she was she's told she has quite the imagination. Years go by and she winds up back there. This becomes a bit of a pattern but I don't want to tell you too much more about this because I'll hit spoiler territory.
This is written in a way that almost choppy when you read it. It doesn't necessarily flow smoothly but has more of a full stop type of thing going. It works for this book for some reason. I think it's because the underlying story line and possible plot (this is a cliffhanger my friends!) keeps you hanging on. You just want to figure out exactly who everyone is, what is going to happen, how it's going to happen, why... well, I guess the usual who,what, where, when, and why applies here to this story. As the characters build up and you are fed bits of information about the Gods and the histories of the land a bigger picture emerges. You are presented with a prophecy so of course you are hoping to see it reach fruition. Well you aren't going to see that here because, again, cliffhanger but I imagine if you keep reading the series you'll find out.
I don't have the next few books in the series yet but I'm hoping to continue on. I sure do want to know what happens next. I'm feeling incomplete! I like this book and once I got into it I really began to enjoy it. I just never warmed up to the main character at all. I would encourage giving this book a chance if you can. You may find you like it as well.
This book was one that I went up and down with liking and not liking so much but most of that had to do with the main character, Altana. I guess you aren't supposed to like her much because she is written as an absolute brat at first and as she gets older she holds on to that and becomes conceited, bratty, and mean. Plus she has the whole men are completely worthless type attitude as well. At least that's how it read to me. She carries much of that straight through to the end of the book. There may be things that attempt to change her and make her more likable but I really had a hard time with her. I will say though, all the other characters were well written and a lot of fun.
Now, I just really just wanted to get the one thing that I really didn't enjoy about the book out of the way because other than that, I kind of like this one. The story itself is very interesting. Altana somehow manages to find herself in a strange world when she is just a young child. In this world she meets a cast of characters that are unlike any she's met before. When things get scary she finds she winds up back in her own world but when she talks about where she was she's told she has quite the imagination. Years go by and she winds up back there. This becomes a bit of a pattern but I don't want to tell you too much more about this because I'll hit spoiler territory.
This is written in a way that almost choppy when you read it. It doesn't necessarily flow smoothly but has more of a full stop type of thing going. It works for this book for some reason. I think it's because the underlying story line and possible plot (this is a cliffhanger my friends!) keeps you hanging on. You just want to figure out exactly who everyone is, what is going to happen, how it's going to happen, why... well, I guess the usual who,what, where, when, and why applies here to this story. As the characters build up and you are fed bits of information about the Gods and the histories of the land a bigger picture emerges. You are presented with a prophecy so of course you are hoping to see it reach fruition. Well you aren't going to see that here because, again, cliffhanger but I imagine if you keep reading the series you'll find out.
I don't have the next few books in the series yet but I'm hoping to continue on. I sure do want to know what happens next. I'm feeling incomplete! I like this book and once I got into it I really began to enjoy it. I just never warmed up to the main character at all. I would encourage giving this book a chance if you can. You may find you like it as well.
March 16, 2016
I realllllllyyyy wanted to like this book just soooo much. I love love loveeee the premise.
It fell short just a few ways though. Biggest was that I did not like Altana at all. The spoiled bratyness of her just wore very thin as she got older. Her attitude through out the book just was no good.
The other problems I had were with the dialogue, which could majorly just be me. It felt too stiff and wooden. It was primarily in Ilmarinen but also on earth. In Ilmarinen, it was most noticeable because of the way they spoke, like i said just the way it went in my brain it didn't feel very realistic in the wording.
Now this last issue, i'm pretty sure could be blamed on myself but I felt like the author set up the world and how Altana was connected with it, that the end just upset me. Could have been what she was going for with the questioning of it being real or not though. I can't say much more because that would be just major spoilage.
What I loved and enjoyed... All the other Ilmarinen characters, not limited to her friends. The world was set up in such a well done way. I think this is where the author really thrived in creating something that was just amazing. Although Ragnarok, ya know, I'm just sad.
Would I still have read the book or recommend it? I am glad I read it, meeting Bisha and the cast was great. I'm not sure how many other people would appreciate the end. Not due to any negativity of the story or my own issues with Altana and dialogue.
I received this book from the Author in return for a review. This is an honest review in no way influenced by that so very kind gift. Thank you Marilla!
It fell short just a few ways though. Biggest was that I did not like Altana at all. The spoiled bratyness of her just wore very thin as she got older. Her attitude through out the book just was no good.
The other problems I had were with the dialogue, which could majorly just be me. It felt too stiff and wooden. It was primarily in Ilmarinen but also on earth. In Ilmarinen, it was most noticeable because of the way they spoke, like i said just the way it went in my brain it didn't feel very realistic in the wording.
Now this last issue, i'm pretty sure could be blamed on myself but I felt like the author set up the world and how Altana was connected with it, that the end just upset me. Could have been what she was going for with the questioning of it being real or not though. I can't say much more because that would be just major spoilage.
What I loved and enjoyed... All the other Ilmarinen characters, not limited to her friends. The world was set up in such a well done way. I think this is where the author really thrived in creating something that was just amazing. Although Ragnarok, ya know, I'm just sad.
Would I still have read the book or recommend it? I am glad I read it, meeting Bisha and the cast was great. I'm not sure how many other people would appreciate the end. Not due to any negativity of the story or my own issues with Altana and dialogue.
I received this book from the Author in return for a review. This is an honest review in no way influenced by that so very kind gift. Thank you Marilla!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2016
Here's what Readers' Favorite had to say with their five star review of Ilmarinen! :D
Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
Ilmarinen by Marilla Mulwane is a young adult fantasy about Altana Burrows, a special girl who is more than just smart and talented. She has a secret that no one else understands, a secret called Ilmarinen. Altana has a role to play in an old prophecy. The people of Ilmarinen want to help her in her quest, so Altana quickly assembles a team to accompany her on her dangerous and adventurous journey. The characters in this story are vivid and imaginative: a gorgeous woman who is captivating in her red dress, a small girl with an enormous ax, a talking horse, and a young hunter with a secret that threatens them all. Can Altana fulfill the prophecy with the help of her rag tag team of friends? How will they survive? And more importantly, just how do the people of Ilmarinen expect them to kill a god?
Readers will love the characters in this story, especially the dialogue and quick witted banter than takes place between Altana, Bisha, Neri, and Garrick. Readers will love Altana, and her strong female lead, and the interesting and entertaining sidekicks. The story even has a cute little cat girl to give it some much needed humor and take away from the constant seriousness and dire situation within the book. Although this story is spread over a long time period, it doesn't feel that way to the reader. The reader is constantly engaged and invested in what the characters say and do, which is a very good skill in the writing.
Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
Ilmarinen by Marilla Mulwane is a young adult fantasy about Altana Burrows, a special girl who is more than just smart and talented. She has a secret that no one else understands, a secret called Ilmarinen. Altana has a role to play in an old prophecy. The people of Ilmarinen want to help her in her quest, so Altana quickly assembles a team to accompany her on her dangerous and adventurous journey. The characters in this story are vivid and imaginative: a gorgeous woman who is captivating in her red dress, a small girl with an enormous ax, a talking horse, and a young hunter with a secret that threatens them all. Can Altana fulfill the prophecy with the help of her rag tag team of friends? How will they survive? And more importantly, just how do the people of Ilmarinen expect them to kill a god?
Readers will love the characters in this story, especially the dialogue and quick witted banter than takes place between Altana, Bisha, Neri, and Garrick. Readers will love Altana, and her strong female lead, and the interesting and entertaining sidekicks. The story even has a cute little cat girl to give it some much needed humor and take away from the constant seriousness and dire situation within the book. Although this story is spread over a long time period, it doesn't feel that way to the reader. The reader is constantly engaged and invested in what the characters say and do, which is a very good skill in the writing.
February 2, 2016
Ilmarinen is a charming coming of age fantasy drama that will be enjoyed by mid-grade readers and the lower end of the YA spectrum alike. (As well as quite a few adult.) I focuses on the emotional journey towards a sense of self and responsibility, of Altana, the young protagonist. Altana is very young - just starting primary school when the book begins - and the novel spans ten years which it manages to do convincingly without losing its pace and flow. While I have to say that I didn't actually like Altana that much until two thirds of the way through the book - which frankly was my issue, not the character's - I still had to know what happened to her. What was it about Altana that made her so different? She has a lively intelligence but is touchingly naive in other ways. Is she gifted with a special ability or just a fabulous imagination? Perhaps book two will tell us - enquiring minds want to know. The other characters were satisfyingly well rounded and there were deft touches of humour throughout the book. This has the feel of classics like Alice's adventures in wonderland and The Lion, the witch and the Wardrobe. The dual worlds were very well handled. All in all an enjoyable read which I gobbled up in a few hours over two days.
January 25, 2016
I really enjoyed the novel! I'm not a big fantasy reader but was able to read this in a couple of days. It's just that addicting of a story. I liked how all the characters from the main character of Altana to the minor characters are fleshed out which a lot of times doesn't happen in this genre of stories. I'd definitely recommend the book to anybody who is a fan of fantasy/world-building novels or somebody who wants to give the genre a try!
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