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Rune Kingdom: Uncommon World: Northern Isles
Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Adrienne Young, this stand-alone, young adult fantasy with a slow-burn romance wiill keep you up all night!
Bryn only wanted to save her mother...
A blood sacrifice. A power-hungry mage. A magical bestiary.
When the ruling mage of Snowfallen chooses Bryn’s mother as the next sacrifice, Bryn decides she’s had enough.
With her own burgeoning magic and the help of the village's handsome death singer, Raven, Bryn claims a forbidden grimoire and brings a host of dangerous—and potentially evil—creatures to life.
But will her new power save her mother or turn Bryn into a mage far more vicious than her enemy?
Dive in to this high fantasy full of viking atmosphere today to find out!
What people are saying about Alisha Klapheke’s
"Klapheke has woven a spellbinding tale of adventure, the perfect amount of romance, and characters so fleshed out they feel real. If you love Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, you’ll devour this addictively immersive and unique fantasy world." ~Audrey Grey, USA Today Bestselling author of the KINGDOM OF RUNES series
"The twists and turns keep me hanging on every page." ~Elise Kova, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Air Awakens Series
“The colorful descriptions and sounds come to life to entertain all your senses. Excellent characterization.” ~Shelley in San Diego
“An incredible series full of adventure, magic, and romance.” ~Pixel 3131
"This series was AMAZING! I loved their lives, I felt so entangled I couldn't stop. I keep finding myself stopping around 1am (I don't get much time to read with a baby clung to me, judge away) when I have to be up at 6am. Even in my sleep the books continue and take on new twists and turns because my mind just can't stand to be away from the lands so beautifully entwined within the pages!" ~Kindle Customer Review
"Seriously awesome worldbuilding." ~Sylvia Mercedes, Author of the Venatrix Chronicles
Bryn only wanted to save her mother...
A blood sacrifice. A power-hungry mage. A magical bestiary.
When the ruling mage of Snowfallen chooses Bryn’s mother as the next sacrifice, Bryn decides she’s had enough.
With her own burgeoning magic and the help of the village's handsome death singer, Raven, Bryn claims a forbidden grimoire and brings a host of dangerous—and potentially evil—creatures to life.
But will her new power save her mother or turn Bryn into a mage far more vicious than her enemy?
Dive in to this high fantasy full of viking atmosphere today to find out!
What people are saying about Alisha Klapheke’s
"Klapheke has woven a spellbinding tale of adventure, the perfect amount of romance, and characters so fleshed out they feel real. If you love Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, you’ll devour this addictively immersive and unique fantasy world." ~Audrey Grey, USA Today Bestselling author of the KINGDOM OF RUNES series
"The twists and turns keep me hanging on every page." ~Elise Kova, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Air Awakens Series
“The colorful descriptions and sounds come to life to entertain all your senses. Excellent characterization.” ~Shelley in San Diego
“An incredible series full of adventure, magic, and romance.” ~Pixel 3131
"This series was AMAZING! I loved their lives, I felt so entangled I couldn't stop. I keep finding myself stopping around 1am (I don't get much time to read with a baby clung to me, judge away) when I have to be up at 6am. Even in my sleep the books continue and take on new twists and turns because my mind just can't stand to be away from the lands so beautifully entwined within the pages!" ~Kindle Customer Review
"Seriously awesome worldbuilding." ~Sylvia Mercedes, Author of the Venatrix Chronicles
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2018
About the author
Alisha Klapheke
51 books788 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Alisha Klapheke strives to write fantasy romance inspired by history and informed by her travel worldwide.
*Get a Deluxe Collector's Edition of Dragons Rising with faux leather, sprayed edges, and gold foil today https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 10, 2022
3,5*
Finally a stand alone YA fantasy, that does *not* have a love triangle!
I really enjoyed Rune Kingdom, and found the world and magic system rather fascinating. It's kept rather mysterious, so you don't know exactly what magic can and can't do, but that allows the story to flow fast and never loose steam. It got the book really neatly!
The characters are the usual cast for most YA books, so we have the stubborn girl, the drop down gorgeous boy, as well as the fighter best friend and the good hearted "conscious" of the group.
Despite these roles that felt a bit stereotypical, I liked spending my time with them, and was nicely surprised with little twists and turns every so often.
The plot was not new, but did hold up well enough to keep me breezing through.
The main strength of the book however was definitely the writing. It's both easy to comprehend and devour, and yet manages to really settle you into the world and scene.
Finally a stand alone YA fantasy, that does *not* have a love triangle!
I really enjoyed Rune Kingdom, and found the world and magic system rather fascinating. It's kept rather mysterious, so you don't know exactly what magic can and can't do, but that allows the story to flow fast and never loose steam. It got the book really neatly!
The characters are the usual cast for most YA books, so we have the stubborn girl, the drop down gorgeous boy, as well as the fighter best friend and the good hearted "conscious" of the group.
Despite these roles that felt a bit stereotypical, I liked spending my time with them, and was nicely surprised with little twists and turns every so often.
The plot was not new, but did hold up well enough to keep me breezing through.
The main strength of the book however was definitely the writing. It's both easy to comprehend and devour, and yet manages to really settle you into the world and scene.
June 6, 2019
Here we have an interesting, engaging young adult fantasy drama with flawed characters who make some pretty bad decisions for pretty bad reasons.
This was my first exposure to narrator Amanda Dolan and I have to admit she did quite well. Her selection of voices is not extensive and a few sound similar. There are a couple of times in the book that she seemed to mix up which voice was supposed to be speaking. But her tempo changes and vocal inflections were skillfully done. She has a lot of potential.
This is definitely a tale that would have enthralled me when I was fifteen. The interactions between Starling and Raven feel quite natural, if a touch more immature than the characters' ages would suggest.
The self-denial, games, reversals, and heavy focus on physical attraction and Fantasies are absolutely accurate to how life was when I was 13-14, so apart from the age disparity it definitely rings true.
That said, this was a strong reminder about why I typically avoid YA. I hated the "romantic games" when I was that age and my tolerance for it has only diminished over time. Also, a number of the plot points and character moments are a little too on the nose for me.
I won't go so far as to say the romance is the point of the novel, but there are definitely a number of points in the story where it feels like it is.
Now, I really only have two real critique points.
First, the opening is very back story heavy.
I feel like the same information could have been given or inferred through action and dialogue throughout the novel instead of being told about it right at the start (much of which I don't remember now as it didn't seem relevant at the time).
And second, the POV.
Okay, anyone who's read more than a couple of my reviews should understand that I'm really not a fan of first person narratives. I find it very hard to connect with most first person narrators because I just can't relate to them. The combination of the pronoun "I" in conjunction with thoughts, feelings and actions I would absolutely never do/have just kills the immersion for me.
To exacerbate this problem, a short way into the novel we break to third person for a second character's POV.
Let me be clear, I have seen alternating first and third person POVs done well all of one time (The Madness Season, by CS Friedman. READ IT!). In every other case, it just doesn't work. It throws me out of the story every single time the POV changes.
If they're compelling, I can handle multiple first person narrators. It was done well in James Patterson's Witch & Wizard series. I can definitely handle multiple third person POVs. Tons of fantasy novels use this to great effect.
But in this case, the changes just didn't work.
All that being said, this is still a relatively compelling teen drama. I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the "hatchlings," particularly how each of them had a bird species nickname. It really added to the flavor of each character. It was fulfilling to see the growth of certain characters throughout the narrative.
I don't really feel that I have a firm grasp of the magic system, (for example, why does one need the "carver" to use magic? And on that note, what exactly is a "carver?" based on the text, it could be anything from a palm knife to an arming sword) but I'm assuming that's more properly explained in the main Uncommon World series (which I have not read).
There were several false endings leading up to the actual climax, and each was mostly satisfying in its own right. Unfortunately, the battle with the enemy mage, the "protector," was very short and seemed too easy, and we led with the strongest climax, then the weakest, and finally ended with the mediocre one.
I can't help feeling that with the final climax being what it is, there should have been more buildup to it. More hype. As it is, we barely know its coming before its there, which takes away quite a bit of its potential power.
In the end, if YA fantasy is your thing then this is definitely a book to add to your list. Particularly if you like your YA fantasy heavily flavored with romance.
This was my first exposure to narrator Amanda Dolan and I have to admit she did quite well. Her selection of voices is not extensive and a few sound similar. There are a couple of times in the book that she seemed to mix up which voice was supposed to be speaking. But her tempo changes and vocal inflections were skillfully done. She has a lot of potential.
This is definitely a tale that would have enthralled me when I was fifteen. The interactions between Starling and Raven feel quite natural, if a touch more immature than the characters' ages would suggest.
The self-denial, games, reversals, and heavy focus on physical attraction and Fantasies are absolutely accurate to how life was when I was 13-14, so apart from the age disparity it definitely rings true.
That said, this was a strong reminder about why I typically avoid YA. I hated the "romantic games" when I was that age and my tolerance for it has only diminished over time. Also, a number of the plot points and character moments are a little too on the nose for me.
I won't go so far as to say the romance is the point of the novel, but there are definitely a number of points in the story where it feels like it is.
Now, I really only have two real critique points.
First, the opening is very back story heavy.
I feel like the same information could have been given or inferred through action and dialogue throughout the novel instead of being told about it right at the start (much of which I don't remember now as it didn't seem relevant at the time).
And second, the POV.
Okay, anyone who's read more than a couple of my reviews should understand that I'm really not a fan of first person narratives. I find it very hard to connect with most first person narrators because I just can't relate to them. The combination of the pronoun "I" in conjunction with thoughts, feelings and actions I would absolutely never do/have just kills the immersion for me.
To exacerbate this problem, a short way into the novel we break to third person for a second character's POV.
Let me be clear, I have seen alternating first and third person POVs done well all of one time (The Madness Season, by CS Friedman. READ IT!). In every other case, it just doesn't work. It throws me out of the story every single time the POV changes.
If they're compelling, I can handle multiple first person narrators. It was done well in James Patterson's Witch & Wizard series. I can definitely handle multiple third person POVs. Tons of fantasy novels use this to great effect.
But in this case, the changes just didn't work.
All that being said, this is still a relatively compelling teen drama. I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the "hatchlings," particularly how each of them had a bird species nickname. It really added to the flavor of each character. It was fulfilling to see the growth of certain characters throughout the narrative.
I don't really feel that I have a firm grasp of the magic system, (for example, why does one need the "carver" to use magic? And on that note, what exactly is a "carver?" based on the text, it could be anything from a palm knife to an arming sword) but I'm assuming that's more properly explained in the main Uncommon World series (which I have not read).
There were several false endings leading up to the actual climax, and each was mostly satisfying in its own right. Unfortunately, the battle with the enemy mage, the "protector," was very short and seemed too easy, and we led with the strongest climax, then the weakest, and finally ended with the mediocre one.
I can't help feeling that with the final climax being what it is, there should have been more buildup to it. More hype. As it is, we barely know its coming before its there, which takes away quite a bit of its potential power.
In the end, if YA fantasy is your thing then this is definitely a book to add to your list. Particularly if you like your YA fantasy heavily flavored with romance.
April 3, 2019
This was interesting and well thought out. The characters are described adequately and the world building is intriguing. I realize that this is written around younger adults and that shows in their maturity level. I can't find fault in that. The plot is pretty heavy and the reader needs a few light hearted moments. I'm just not a fan in particular of reading about the heroes when they just leave me feeling like I wanted more, so that is why I'm rating this a 4 star read.
October 4, 2018
Alicia Klapheke has quite the talent to get you absorbed in the setting she creates so descriptively and artfully...Also using magical lore.., such as runes, and herbal medecine used naturally ...such as lavender and beeswax for the skin..hawthorn for writing honey and poppy seed for pain..we experience village life..and in this story..so many lessons to be had...using fear to control...for example..and many more surprising lessons the children learn on their quests and adventures..and mostly the courage to pierce the truth..lessons here for all ages..and as an adult reading this story...it opened up my own pioneering spirit..
September 26, 2018
Wow! Loved it! Captivated from the first page I couldn’t put this book down. The author has an amazing ability to weave these new original fantasy worlds that pull you in. Not to mention the unique strong will characters who you can’t help but root for. I really enjoyed them.
The story itself was fast paced full of twists and turns that leave me guessing. I definitely look forward to more!
The story itself was fast paced full of twists and turns that leave me guessing. I definitely look forward to more!
November 6, 2018
A good fantasy novel full of magic, wonder, action and growth. I loved the Nordic influence on the magic and culture of this society. It is very clear they love the land they live in and see the beauty in it even if it is a difficult place to survive.
Bryn has the courage to question the way things are done and believes there is a better way that would not cost the village the live of their citizens and the best of their produce. However, her arrogant belief that is she who should be the one to challenge the present protector and disdain for those who are not as willing to use magic or do not have it could be disastrous if she succeeds. How long would it be, if she succeeded, before her attitude lead to prejudice and reprisals against those who were different? Bryn does not know everything about the runes and her ignorance could have grave consequences as she rides off to confront the protector and afterwards...
Bryn does change from reckless youth to more mature adult after adventure and suffering. She is not the only one who pays the price. On the other hand, there is value in asking questions and even confronting a system or people you believe are harmful to your society. How else will people get rid of corruption and favoritism. But that doesn't mean you throw out the baby with the bath water.
A fun and enjoyable read. I look forward to more in this series.
Bryn has the courage to question the way things are done and believes there is a better way that would not cost the village the live of their citizens and the best of their produce. However, her arrogant belief that is she who should be the one to challenge the present protector and disdain for those who are not as willing to use magic or do not have it could be disastrous if she succeeds. How long would it be, if she succeeded, before her attitude lead to prejudice and reprisals against those who were different? Bryn does not know everything about the runes and her ignorance could have grave consequences as she rides off to confront the protector and afterwards...
Bryn does change from reckless youth to more mature adult after adventure and suffering. She is not the only one who pays the price. On the other hand, there is value in asking questions and even confronting a system or people you believe are harmful to your society. How else will people get rid of corruption and favoritism. But that doesn't mean you throw out the baby with the bath water.
A fun and enjoyable read. I look forward to more in this series.
November 30, 2019
I got to listen to this at the courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book of hers I have gotten to enjoy and I’m already picking out others!
Amanda Dolan is an excellent narrator, and she makes this well worth your audible credits.
The world building in this story is really enthralling. It reminds me of the richness of the Wheel of Time series from Robert Jordan. I love the almost Viking like culture that is imbued with magic, and the power struggle that runs throughout the story.
Bryn is an interesting character to follow. She is complex and doesn’t fully understand herself and her own motives until the very end. The growth of her character is very engaging, and the dynamic she has with her friends as they try to both support and ground her is intense.
This story felt very real despite the obvious fantasy of it. Bryan’s desire to protect the people she loves, while gaining power, and fighting injustice is relatable, and tangible. While the magic is fantastic, it somehow feels rooted in something realistic, that there is a steep price to pay when you have great power only enforces the feeling.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to picking up more from this author!
Amanda Dolan is an excellent narrator, and she makes this well worth your audible credits.
The world building in this story is really enthralling. It reminds me of the richness of the Wheel of Time series from Robert Jordan. I love the almost Viking like culture that is imbued with magic, and the power struggle that runs throughout the story.
Bryn is an interesting character to follow. She is complex and doesn’t fully understand herself and her own motives until the very end. The growth of her character is very engaging, and the dynamic she has with her friends as they try to both support and ground her is intense.
This story felt very real despite the obvious fantasy of it. Bryan’s desire to protect the people she loves, while gaining power, and fighting injustice is relatable, and tangible. While the magic is fantastic, it somehow feels rooted in something realistic, that there is a steep price to pay when you have great power only enforces the feeling.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to picking up more from this author!
October 6, 2018
I love Alisha Klapheke’s Uncommon World and Edinburgh series. Both are highly imaginative, beautifully done and just plain fun. The same is true of he latest, Rune Kingdom, which is great standalone novel set in the author’s Uncommon World story universe and hopefully the start of what I want to be yet another long lasting series, Northern Isles. Read the publisher’s blurb to get a sense of what this story is about. It does a good job without spoiling anything important. This book really does benefit from a superb (and extremely well written) plot and an equally superb (and perfectly cast of characters. Most importantly, however, is that it’s just plain fun - and lots of it. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
October 8, 2018
In this standalone tale we get to reunite with a character that we got a brief glimpse of in the Forest of Silver and Secrets. She had a mystery about her that made me want to read more of her story. In this book we get to do just that. Bryn is a young woman struggling to understand her world, her powers, and the blind faith others have in someone she sees a darkness in. Set in a nordic world where runes hold the magic of this world and the next, Bryn sets out to save someone she loves and become the amazing young woman she is. Not only does Bryn mature during this book, but I feel the authors work does as well. I have been a fan of this authors works for quite a while, but in this book I think she has hit her stride. Her story telling has matured and this story is my favorite by far. If you liked the Uncommon World series- you will enjoy this book, but even if you haven't read the others- this story carries itself and brings you into a world I hope we get more of.
November 23, 2019
3.75 overall. The story was a solid YA fantasy with an interesting world of rune magic. The MC was at times annoyingly arrogant, but that seemed to be by design. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator had an almost robotic intonation most of the time, with not a lot of variation between character voices, which I think distracted from the story some. Overall a good story, but I wonder if I would’ve enjoyed it more if I had just read it.
*I received the audiobook for free in exchange for my honest review.
*I received the audiobook for free in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2021
Rune Kingdom, by Alisha Klapheke, is a truly epic adventure! The storyline is fast-paced and well written, filled with magic and mayhem, a power hungry villain, a truth seeking young mage, adventure, intrigue, subterfuge, politics, danger and subtle romance. The characters are well developed and engaging. Bryn is everything a strong, young, female protagonist should be. You'll laugh, cheer and cry right along with her. Follow her on her journey to right the wrongs of the past and to carve a new future for the inhabitants of Snowfallen.
October 7, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. This is an edition that belongs in the Uncommon World collection, but I found I was able to read it as a standalone novel just fine. It has plenty of adventure in a wonderfully described setting, and the characters are all well thought out as well. I would recommend this story to those that enjoy fantasy novels with adventurous edge that highlight the importance of family.
October 13, 2018
An impressive saga darker than the previous books in the uncommon World. Once again we meet intriguing characters with their qualities and their faults in a quest of balance between powers and traditions. They have their own goals and feelings, and we cfolow them along difficult times or every-day life moments with their tears, their jokes and their secrets along rituals, festivals and works. The story really brings out the bitting wind of the Nothern Isles to life.
October 16, 2018
An epic extravaganza!
An epic extravaganza filled with lots of action, magic, romance, heartbreak. Very well written. Each character fully developed, excellent world building. Adventurous, original, unique, unlike any fantasy book I have ever read. I highly recommend reading this book. You won’t go wrong and you certainly won’t want to miss out on a great epic fantasy. I loved it!
An epic extravaganza filled with lots of action, magic, romance, heartbreak. Very well written. Each character fully developed, excellent world building. Adventurous, original, unique, unlike any fantasy book I have ever read. I highly recommend reading this book. You won’t go wrong and you certainly won’t want to miss out on a great epic fantasy. I loved it!
November 22, 2021
Summary: Interesting little story, a bit tied up in the premise that didn't really work for me, strong characters and by the way power corrupts
Plotline: Interesting plot, about faith and power
Premise: Not for me, just inconsistent and not thought through
Writing: Pretty good, great descriptions the characters are powerful and alive
Ending: Yes pretty good
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Interesting plot, about faith and power
Premise: Not for me, just inconsistent and not thought through
Writing: Pretty good, great descriptions the characters are powerful and alive
Ending: Yes pretty good
Pace: Never a dull moment!
February 26, 2022
This is a stand alone book in the Uncommon World series.
Power demands sacrifice. It's an action-packed adventure filled with magic and mayhem, controlling one's fear, desire to make things better, and a little wanderlust thrown in the mix. The book is filled with lessons learned along the way to becoming the person meant to be.
Power demands sacrifice. It's an action-packed adventure filled with magic and mayhem, controlling one's fear, desire to make things better, and a little wanderlust thrown in the mix. The book is filled with lessons learned along the way to becoming the person meant to be.
October 14, 2018
Seriously worth reading
Once again Alisha Klapheke took me out of this mundane existence to a land with magic, heros and villains and with some romance thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended.
Once again Alisha Klapheke took me out of this mundane existence to a land with magic, heros and villains and with some romance thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2019
Very entrancing
A very different wold than the rest in the Uncommon World series. Everything in this book seemed to happen at a fast and furious pace and I can honestly say there was never a dull moment.
A very different wold than the rest in the Uncommon World series. Everything in this book seemed to happen at a fast and furious pace and I can honestly say there was never a dull moment.
February 22, 2021
Honestly, this book is a solid 3 star for me. I wasn't super enjoying it, but it wasn't a bad read. Bryn is kind of annoying to follow with how prideful and stubborn she is, but I think that's the point of the story and the moral it's trying to tell. Unlike Kinneret though, I just found it annoying as opposed to endearing. Rafn wasn't a great romantic lead either, but I did like Ulla and Liv and the ending for Liv especially was satisfying.
If you want a quick read that ticks all the boxes for a solid one, read this. It just didn't grip me, far more of a popcorn read then it is a jaw dropping experience. The world and magic are interesting, it just feels like the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more.
If you want a quick read that ticks all the boxes for a solid one, read this. It just didn't grip me, far more of a popcorn read then it is a jaw dropping experience. The world and magic are interesting, it just feels like the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more.
July 6, 2022
Alisha Klapheke books never disappoint!
The slow burn romance is just right. Sometimes the best and maybe right intentions are done for the wrong reasons. Strong friendships are tested. Not everything is as it seems.
The slow burn romance is just right. Sometimes the best and maybe right intentions are done for the wrong reasons. Strong friendships are tested. Not everything is as it seems.
October 17, 2018
Island magic
The island had a magical protector,but he demanded blood sacrifice one young processor ants to prove that no one needs todie
The island had a magical protector,but he demanded blood sacrifice one young processor ants to prove that no one needs todie
October 18, 2018
Very cool
A very interesting story with a moral. I enjoyed reading it. Loved the magic running through the story. Great imagination.
A very interesting story with a moral. I enjoyed reading it. Loved the magic running through the story. Great imagination.
November 27, 2018
At last, decent grammar
Good coming-of-age story. It will appeal to girls 16 through early twenties. The sex is toned down and The book can stand alone without it.
Good coming-of-age story. It will appeal to girls 16 through early twenties. The sex is toned down and The book can stand alone without it.
December 3, 2018
It's not a bad book, but it was difficult to get into and far too easy to put down. The characters were ok but the plot was a bit predictable.
January 29, 2019
Ok
NOT bad except for the spelling mistakes .A bit obvious. Could have been shorter and better,but it is not too w
NOT bad except for the spelling mistakes .A bit obvious. Could have been shorter and better,but it is not too w
June 25, 2019
Brill
Another great read from this author, I started this book yesterday and finished today, fab story great twists
Looking forward to the next book by this author
Another great read from this author, I started this book yesterday and finished today, fab story great twists
Looking forward to the next book by this author
February 27, 2023
Always an adventure
Great YA novel that has love of family, friends, and community at heart. The magic makes for a true adventure!
Great YA novel that has love of family, friends, and community at heart. The magic makes for a true adventure!
September 28, 2018
This is an uncommon world series novel, however this time we are embarking on an adventure in the Northern Isles and we get to know new characters. Namely we meet Bryn and her friends Ulla, Liv and Rafn, known as the hatchlings. Bryn comes from a well off and powerful family and is a siethr as is Liv whilst Rafn is a deadsinger and Ulla a powerful warrior. The people of Snowfallen however, are dominated by a ruthless and evil siethr called Fellriki and he demands a human sacrifice every year at the end of the Winterskvold festival. The people give up one of their own willingly as they believe that Fellriki protects them and they have turned him into a Demi-God but Bryn is not convinced and after he took her dear grandfather she became adamant that she would do everything in her power to expose this evil fraud. She embarks on a path which endangers both her and her supporting and loyal friends but she is very headstrong and would not be deterred from her path of revenge! Can the path she took end up turning her into an evil siethr as the one she had set out to expose? A wondrous novel full of magic and magic lore which kept me completely enthralled and wanting to read on till the last line. The world building in this Uncommon World Series is highly imaginative and very clearly portrayed down to the last detail!
October 6, 2018
I love Alisha Klapheke’s Uncommon World and Edinburgh series. Both are highly imaginative, beautifully done and just plain fun. The same is true of he latest, Rune Kingdom, which is great standalone novel set in the author’s Uncommon World story universe and hopefully the start of what I want to be yet another long lasting series, Northern Isles. Read the publisher’s blurb to get a sense of what this story is about. It does a good job without spoiling anything important. This book really does benefit from a superb (and extremely well written) plot and an equally superb (and perfectly cast of characters. Most importantly, however, is that it’s just plain fun - and lots of it. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
October 8, 2018
In this standalone tale we get to reunite with a character that we got a brief glimpse of in the Forest of Silver and Secrets. She had a mystery about her that made me want to read more of her story. In this book we get to do just that. Bryn is a young woman struggling to understand her world, her powers, and the blind faith others have in someone she sees a darkness in. Set in a nordic world where runes hold the magic of this world and the next, Bryn sets out to save someone she loves and become the amazing young woman she is. Not only does Bryn mature during this book, but I feel the authors work does as well. I have been a fan of this authors works for quite a while, but in this book I think she has hit her stride. Her story telling has matured and this story is my favorite by far. If you liked the Uncommon World series- you will enjoy this book, but even if you haven't read the others- this story carries itself and brings you into a world I hope we get more of.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews