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A Path of Darkness and Runes
Debut novel by Marnie L. Norton - A Path of Darkness and Runes, Book 1
New Adult Epic Fantasy - *Trigger warnings below*
The Fallow, a hallowed place and sanctuary for the beasts and creatures of the Continent, has been desecrated. The balance between the human and magical world has been ruptured.
Rhona is haunted by memories and revolts against the natures and traditions to which she has been born into. Marrying her betrothed, Elias, being one of them. She is part of a travellers community known as the 'Unwanted'.
When a night time raid, causes her brethren to flee across the Continent in search of safer dwellings; Rhona, along with her brother, Roman, and Elias, cross paths creatures of the Fallow - which sets them on a course of self discovery, redemption and magic.
Rhona must fight the dark forces at work from the Fallow, as well as battle the dark memories which threaten to break her at every turn. Now a pawn in a potential war between the magical folk and humans, Rhona must look past her own trauma to work at hunting the Lycan. Rhona must now put her life on the line to redeem her soul in a life debt against the Trinity, the Maiden, Mother and Crone.
Trigger warnings
New Adult Epic Fantasy - *Trigger warnings below*
The Fallow, a hallowed place and sanctuary for the beasts and creatures of the Continent, has been desecrated. The balance between the human and magical world has been ruptured.
Rhona is haunted by memories and revolts against the natures and traditions to which she has been born into. Marrying her betrothed, Elias, being one of them. She is part of a travellers community known as the 'Unwanted'.
When a night time raid, causes her brethren to flee across the Continent in search of safer dwellings; Rhona, along with her brother, Roman, and Elias, cross paths creatures of the Fallow - which sets them on a course of self discovery, redemption and magic.
Rhona must fight the dark forces at work from the Fallow, as well as battle the dark memories which threaten to break her at every turn. Now a pawn in a potential war between the magical folk and humans, Rhona must look past her own trauma to work at hunting the Lycan. Rhona must now put her life on the line to redeem her soul in a life debt against the Trinity, the Maiden, Mother and Crone.
Trigger warnings
470 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2021
77 people are currently reading
1550 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 22, 2021
One of the easiest 5 stars I have ever given!
After reading the first chapter of this book I was hooked with vicious resolve. There is a kind of magic within these pages that I can not articulate into words. I was taken on a 286 page journey that devoured every bit of my spare time in a world that I have been searching for in a fantasy book since being a child.
It’s been a few weeks since I read this book and I feel like I love it more now than I did when I first put the book down, it gives me the feeling of nostalgia already, I could absolutely re-read this story a thousand times over and etch the details into my mind so that it feels like my own memories.
This story hits all the right markers with a kick a** MC, atmospheric world building, friends to lovers trope, magical creatures, witches, enchanted forest, But most of all an imbedded narrative, a tale within a tale and Marnie does not disappoint!!
“For the Moon Goddess sacrificed some of her very essence, her very light against the endless night. The Moon gave up her ability to shine her glorious white light, every night. She gave it to Falin, to allow her not to fully fall into shadow. And since the gift of her light, the Moon only shines fully whole every twenty nine days.”
This is a piece of literature that will stick in my mind like I have known it since I was a child, like it is a well known lore that we try to find truth in, a tale that has taken up residence in my soul.
In short this book is to me like reaching for my oldest cosiest jumper, like dark winter nights with candles burning, like drinking coffee on Misty mornings and reading by the window in the pouring rain.
After reading the first chapter of this book I was hooked with vicious resolve. There is a kind of magic within these pages that I can not articulate into words. I was taken on a 286 page journey that devoured every bit of my spare time in a world that I have been searching for in a fantasy book since being a child.
It’s been a few weeks since I read this book and I feel like I love it more now than I did when I first put the book down, it gives me the feeling of nostalgia already, I could absolutely re-read this story a thousand times over and etch the details into my mind so that it feels like my own memories.
This story hits all the right markers with a kick a** MC, atmospheric world building, friends to lovers trope, magical creatures, witches, enchanted forest, But most of all an imbedded narrative, a tale within a tale and Marnie does not disappoint!!
“For the Moon Goddess sacrificed some of her very essence, her very light against the endless night. The Moon gave up her ability to shine her glorious white light, every night. She gave it to Falin, to allow her not to fully fall into shadow. And since the gift of her light, the Moon only shines fully whole every twenty nine days.”
This is a piece of literature that will stick in my mind like I have known it since I was a child, like it is a well known lore that we try to find truth in, a tale that has taken up residence in my soul.
In short this book is to me like reaching for my oldest cosiest jumper, like dark winter nights with candles burning, like drinking coffee on Misty mornings and reading by the window in the pouring rain.
February 12, 2022
Let me start by saying I really did enjoy the overall plot of this book, and I’m really interested to see where it will go! I’m always here for a strong female lead and protective men.
However, I do think there is a level of too much detail, and we’ve passed it. It made the book feel extremely long over describing everything, taking way longer to read than it normally would. I also feel like a love interest in the end felt a bit rushed and I didn’t understand where it was coming from.
However, I do think there is a level of too much detail, and we’ve passed it. It made the book feel extremely long over describing everything, taking way longer to read than it normally would. I also feel like a love interest in the end felt a bit rushed and I didn’t understand where it was coming from.
May 12, 2025
A great fantasy story with well developed characters and interesting world building. Monsters, witchy magic and more. Loved it.
May 5, 2022
Amazing Debut👏
Y’all why don’t I see this book talked about more. I love love loved it. I completely devoured it in 2 days. My mind is still reeling, what the 🤯 I need book 2!
Y’all why don’t I see this book talked about more. I love love loved it. I completely devoured it in 2 days. My mind is still reeling, what the 🤯 I need book 2!
January 8, 2022
3.5/5 stars.
I picked this up after hearing some great things and I was really in the mood for a quick fantasy (with some romance) to start the reading year off.
Firstly I have to say that I did enjoy this. I raced through it and was really impressed by the world, history, people and creatures the author had obviously taken time and care to create. The plot also kept driving me forwards as I needed to know what happened next.
My only criticisms would be that it did feel a little repetitive at times, especially in our MC’s monologues. Particularly how she discussed and mentioned her thoughts around her “betrothed”. Also, (unless I missed something), a couple of things were alluded to many times but I didn’t feel they were wrapped up. And not necessarily in a “because that’s going to be in a future book” kind of way, more in a “I’ve mentioned this so many times surely it’s going to come up” way. The romance also takes a little turn at the end (a sort of triangle?) which I did feel came out of nowhere quite quickly.
I do have to say that this was a strong book, and a debut I believe, so maybe just another couple of rounds of edits would have made it even better. I would definitely pick up the second book!
I picked this up after hearing some great things and I was really in the mood for a quick fantasy (with some romance) to start the reading year off.
Firstly I have to say that I did enjoy this. I raced through it and was really impressed by the world, history, people and creatures the author had obviously taken time and care to create. The plot also kept driving me forwards as I needed to know what happened next.
My only criticisms would be that it did feel a little repetitive at times, especially in our MC’s monologues. Particularly how she discussed and mentioned her thoughts around her “betrothed”. Also, (unless I missed something), a couple of things were alluded to many times but I didn’t feel they were wrapped up. And not necessarily in a “because that’s going to be in a future book” kind of way, more in a “I’ve mentioned this so many times surely it’s going to come up” way. The romance also takes a little turn at the end (a sort of triangle?) which I did feel came out of nowhere quite quickly.
I do have to say that this was a strong book, and a debut I believe, so maybe just another couple of rounds of edits would have made it even better. I would definitely pick up the second book!
July 6, 2023
I cannot breathe.
The ending? The plot twists? Eli? Finn?
WHAT IS GOING ON?
PLEASE, go read this book. It's free on KU. The sequel is due to be released this summer and I am SCREAMINGGG. I cannot believe this is a debut novel for this author. I'm shook. I love everything about this and I'm foaming a the month waiting for book 2.
The ending? The plot twists? Eli? Finn?
WHAT IS GOING ON?
PLEASE, go read this book. It's free on KU. The sequel is due to be released this summer and I am SCREAMINGGG. I cannot believe this is a debut novel for this author. I'm shook. I love everything about this and I'm foaming a the month waiting for book 2.
April 22, 2022
Overall the plot is great and I think the series has potential! I just got bogged down in the details a bit and it took me out of the story a lot (a bit difficult to finish).
September 7, 2021
𝟒.𝟓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 ✨
I honestly can’t remember the last time I read a book and was in tears afterwards — but something about this book held onto me. You know an author has talent when you finish one of their books and feel as if you’ve been a part of a journey, and that’s how I felt reading A Path of Darkness and Runes. It’s kind of indescribable and something you know the feeling of if you’ve experienced it, but I’m overwhelmed in a good way. I read this book slower than I usually do, and I think it’s just because I was completely immersed in the story and wanted to keep myself etched into this world as long as I could. The world building is absolutely phenomenal, Norton has talent, pure talent, and I’m just still completely blown away and trying to conceptualise everything.
A Path of Darkness and Runes has so much to offer; lore, love interests, magic and the supernatural, family, found family later in the book and just so much more. The characters are so well crafted and I absolutely adored so many of them. Rhona, Roman, Elias, Asta, Jax, Finian — I can’t wait to see how all of their stories develop and we only got a very small time with Jax, so I can’t wait to (hopefully) see more of him in book two!
I adored so many of the relationships in this book. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a good old strong sibling relationship, and Rhona and Roman are definitely an iconic sibling duo. I’m really hoping that they’ll manage to work through things in book two, considering I wasn’t the happiest with Roman’s behaviour towards the end, even if his grief was understandable.
I didn’t KNOW that I needed Rhona and Asta’s friendship until we got it, and both their interactions in Asta’s wagon and back in Neath Briar were ones that I really enjoyed. I can’t wait to see their friendship develop and I really hope that we get to see some fan art of them at some point because, they’re definitely lingering in my favourites of literary besties.
I think this is the first book ever where I’ve adored both of the love interests, too? Elias, oh my gosh. Elias, my poor boy. My heart absolutely wept for him, and still weeps for him, I think this may be my only time where I’ve actually wanted a childhood friends to lovers ship? Yet, I ALSO adore Finian at the same time. He had some damn courage in those final chapter’s and I’m really looking forward to seeing where him and Rhona go from here, because I have a feeling they’re not over.
I love Finian, I love Elias! May the Mother save me!
Oh, right, my girl Rhona killed her. Never mind.
But the one thing I CANNOT EMPHASISE ENOUGH with this book is the sheer talent of the world building, there’s a lot of it throughout the whole of the novel, but I loved how Norton took her time in the first hundred pages or so to introduce Rhona’s life with her brethren and the traditions of a traveller. A lot of books in this fashion tend to only briefly touch upon the main character’s life before everything goes up in flames so I really loved the time spent exploring the depths of Rhona’s life in A Path of Darkness and Runes and I think that’s definitely what helped me to feel as if I was going on the journey with her.
I definitely can’t wait to see how Rhona continues to grow in book two and I am hoping that we do see her path explored further as the mysteries that still lie regarding her past with the death of her mother.
This book deserves so much attention and recognition and I truly hope that it gets it, because you can see how much thought has gone into it and the talent truly does just radiate off of the pages. I can’t believe I have to wait for book two now! This review cannot do justice on how much I adored it and I cannot wait to see what Norton does next!
It deserves all the hype. ALL ✨ THE ✨ HYPE ✨
I honestly can’t remember the last time I read a book and was in tears afterwards — but something about this book held onto me. You know an author has talent when you finish one of their books and feel as if you’ve been a part of a journey, and that’s how I felt reading A Path of Darkness and Runes. It’s kind of indescribable and something you know the feeling of if you’ve experienced it, but I’m overwhelmed in a good way. I read this book slower than I usually do, and I think it’s just because I was completely immersed in the story and wanted to keep myself etched into this world as long as I could. The world building is absolutely phenomenal, Norton has talent, pure talent, and I’m just still completely blown away and trying to conceptualise everything.
A Path of Darkness and Runes has so much to offer; lore, love interests, magic and the supernatural, family, found family later in the book and just so much more. The characters are so well crafted and I absolutely adored so many of them. Rhona, Roman, Elias, Asta, Jax, Finian — I can’t wait to see how all of their stories develop and we only got a very small time with Jax, so I can’t wait to (hopefully) see more of him in book two!
I adored so many of the relationships in this book. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a good old strong sibling relationship, and Rhona and Roman are definitely an iconic sibling duo. I’m really hoping that they’ll manage to work through things in book two, considering I wasn’t the happiest with Roman’s behaviour towards the end, even if his grief was understandable.
I didn’t KNOW that I needed Rhona and Asta’s friendship until we got it, and both their interactions in Asta’s wagon and back in Neath Briar were ones that I really enjoyed. I can’t wait to see their friendship develop and I really hope that we get to see some fan art of them at some point because, they’re definitely lingering in my favourites of literary besties.
I think this is the first book ever where I’ve adored both of the love interests, too? Elias, oh my gosh. Elias, my poor boy. My heart absolutely wept for him, and still weeps for him, I think this may be my only time where I’ve actually wanted a childhood friends to lovers ship? Yet, I ALSO adore Finian at the same time. He had some damn courage in those final chapter’s and I’m really looking forward to seeing where him and Rhona go from here, because I have a feeling they’re not over.
I love Finian, I love Elias! May the Mother save me!
Oh, right, my girl Rhona killed her. Never mind.
But the one thing I CANNOT EMPHASISE ENOUGH with this book is the sheer talent of the world building, there’s a lot of it throughout the whole of the novel, but I loved how Norton took her time in the first hundred pages or so to introduce Rhona’s life with her brethren and the traditions of a traveller. A lot of books in this fashion tend to only briefly touch upon the main character’s life before everything goes up in flames so I really loved the time spent exploring the depths of Rhona’s life in A Path of Darkness and Runes and I think that’s definitely what helped me to feel as if I was going on the journey with her.
I definitely can’t wait to see how Rhona continues to grow in book two and I am hoping that we do see her path explored further as the mysteries that still lie regarding her past with the death of her mother.
This book deserves so much attention and recognition and I truly hope that it gets it, because you can see how much thought has gone into it and the talent truly does just radiate off of the pages. I can’t believe I have to wait for book two now! This review cannot do justice on how much I adored it and I cannot wait to see what Norton does next!
It deserves all the hype. ALL ✨ THE ✨ HYPE ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2022
More like 3.5 ⭐
Overall the book was great! The concept is really cool! It's a good length for a first book, and the storytelling was done okay.
Things I didn't really like about the book...there was a lot of inner monologue and baaaarely any dialogue between the characters to really get a feel for them. Rhona's brother just felt like he's there just to be there, same with Eli, but when Rhona and Eli have their moments you can feel the connection.
Rhona has some childhood trauma that is constantly brought up in the book, and her feelings towards it are unresolved, and only two people know about it making it really hard for Rhona to think further than her trauma. It makes her weak and somewhat useless, even when she isn't useless or weak, so that was annoying. She's working through her trauma, and you go girl, but it just felt like that's all who Rhona is. You don't really get much more from her.
**************SPOILERS****************
Someone said the second love interest felt very forced and it came out of nowhere and I totally don't agree! I think bringing in the second love interest is going to be so good for Rhona, really help her over come alot of stuff she's still suffering with.
Another reviewer also said that Rhona and Eli felt forced and that Rhona make it seem like something had happened between the two but Rhona never mentioned what it was (this was before their lil spice scene) and I agree. It felt like Rhona and Eli had a dirty secret and neither of them talked about it.
But that was just the way the author wrote, I could tell Rhona had feelings for him, but because of her trauma she closed herself off to Eli but still pinned after him because she did want him. So once they did come together it felt like a relief cuz she's been bugging about him for like 300+ pages.
***********END SPOILERS**************
The writing is good there's aloooootttt of bad grammar and some sentences that are not using the correct word. Like they used "the" when it should have been "they" in the sentence. Normally I'm not picky like that but it kinda took me out of the book
What I loved about the book was the story behind the travelers, and all their myths. It felt very firsthand knowledge and not just something they had half a thought about. I love that Rhona got a girl friend, cuz all fantasy books loooove giving the FMC a million dudes as friends and the one girl friend they have she's either super catty, not even the FMCs real friend, ooor mentioned in a few chapters and dropped of the face of the planet. So Asta and Rhona are great.
But for a first book and indie published the book is good, I can feeeel the next book will be amazing.
Overall the book was great! The concept is really cool! It's a good length for a first book, and the storytelling was done okay.
Things I didn't really like about the book...there was a lot of inner monologue and baaaarely any dialogue between the characters to really get a feel for them. Rhona's brother just felt like he's there just to be there, same with Eli, but when Rhona and Eli have their moments you can feel the connection.
Rhona has some childhood trauma that is constantly brought up in the book, and her feelings towards it are unresolved, and only two people know about it making it really hard for Rhona to think further than her trauma. It makes her weak and somewhat useless, even when she isn't useless or weak, so that was annoying. She's working through her trauma, and you go girl, but it just felt like that's all who Rhona is. You don't really get much more from her.
**************SPOILERS****************
Someone said the second love interest felt very forced and it came out of nowhere and I totally don't agree! I think bringing in the second love interest is going to be so good for Rhona, really help her over come alot of stuff she's still suffering with.
Another reviewer also said that Rhona and Eli felt forced and that Rhona make it seem like something had happened between the two but Rhona never mentioned what it was (this was before their lil spice scene) and I agree. It felt like Rhona and Eli had a dirty secret and neither of them talked about it.
But that was just the way the author wrote, I could tell Rhona had feelings for him, but because of her trauma she closed herself off to Eli but still pinned after him because she did want him. So once they did come together it felt like a relief cuz she's been bugging about him for like 300+ pages.
***********END SPOILERS**************
The writing is good there's aloooootttt of bad grammar and some sentences that are not using the correct word. Like they used "the" when it should have been "they" in the sentence. Normally I'm not picky like that but it kinda took me out of the book
What I loved about the book was the story behind the travelers, and all their myths. It felt very firsthand knowledge and not just something they had half a thought about. I love that Rhona got a girl friend, cuz all fantasy books loooove giving the FMC a million dudes as friends and the one girl friend they have she's either super catty, not even the FMCs real friend, ooor mentioned in a few chapters and dropped of the face of the planet. So Asta and Rhona are great.
But for a first book and indie published the book is good, I can feeeel the next book will be amazing.
June 20, 2022
Nice
I enjoyed this little gem.
Story about Rhona, who essentially embarks in a journey of self discovery whilst trying to save the world from demons, and conquer her own personal demons.
The good:
Beautiful, rich delicious prose. She's a natural writer. Gave rich descriptions and detail within the scenes.
Eli ---I'm embarrassed to say a 24 year old is my new favourite book boyfriend.
The world and magic system--whilst the setting is not exactly novel, it's rarely used in the books I've come across. I absolutely loved the Travellers community and finding out about their way of life. I enjoyed finding out about the lore and mythology of this world as it was different from the usual elemental/swords and cape stuff.
The cons:
YA vibes. The book description is that it's new age (more university age), and whilst I'm grateful. I absolutely hated the angst from the main female character. There was not the level of maturity required to be insightful about what's easily apparent to the reader. This just leads to frustration and resentment towards main characters like this.
There was also a lot left unsaid, I know we need tension in the plot...but I get frustrated when 'secrets' that are obvious to the reader are skirted around
Chose one trope-MFC has untold power that she's yet to master. Has her brother and betrothed willing to lay down lives for her, other males want her etc etc🙄
Ambivalent(spoilers):
The issue of sexual trauma in characters and how that's explored can be very difficult to navigate. Understandably, there was a lot of angst, shame and jumping to conclusions by our main character...
However, I did not get a sense of progression or development in this. Yes the character would say they were stronger and draw parallels with their younger version ...but the biggest area of maturity is often displayed in interpersonal relationships. The personality traits borne from trauma persisted
SPOILER
Getting a glimpse of Eli's POV towards the end was disappointing for me. Especially when told in first person--firstly, it blurs the lines between characters' identities when multiple characters all have first person narrative. No matter how much distinction the author tries to draw, it just ends up sounding like the same voice without clear transition.
Secondly --the whole allure and swoon factor with Eli and Rhona's romance is that Eli is silent. The mystery remains whilst his love languages speak volumes. I know some people will want to know what he was thinking, but I preferred to not know and leave his thoughts unsaid
I enjoyed this little gem.
Story about Rhona, who essentially embarks in a journey of self discovery whilst trying to save the world from demons, and conquer her own personal demons.
The good:
Beautiful, rich delicious prose. She's a natural writer. Gave rich descriptions and detail within the scenes.
Eli ---I'm embarrassed to say a 24 year old is my new favourite book boyfriend.
The world and magic system--whilst the setting is not exactly novel, it's rarely used in the books I've come across. I absolutely loved the Travellers community and finding out about their way of life. I enjoyed finding out about the lore and mythology of this world as it was different from the usual elemental/swords and cape stuff.
The cons:
YA vibes. The book description is that it's new age (more university age), and whilst I'm grateful. I absolutely hated the angst from the main female character. There was not the level of maturity required to be insightful about what's easily apparent to the reader. This just leads to frustration and resentment towards main characters like this.
There was also a lot left unsaid, I know we need tension in the plot...but I get frustrated when 'secrets' that are obvious to the reader are skirted around
Chose one trope-MFC has untold power that she's yet to master. Has her brother and betrothed willing to lay down lives for her, other males want her etc etc🙄
Ambivalent(spoilers):
The issue of sexual trauma in characters and how that's explored can be very difficult to navigate. Understandably, there was a lot of angst, shame and jumping to conclusions by our main character...
However, I did not get a sense of progression or development in this. Yes the character would say they were stronger and draw parallels with their younger version ...but the biggest area of maturity is often displayed in interpersonal relationships. The personality traits borne from trauma persisted
SPOILER
Getting a glimpse of Eli's POV towards the end was disappointing for me. Especially when told in first person--firstly, it blurs the lines between characters' identities when multiple characters all have first person narrative. No matter how much distinction the author tries to draw, it just ends up sounding like the same voice without clear transition.
Secondly --the whole allure and swoon factor with Eli and Rhona's romance is that Eli is silent. The mystery remains whilst his love languages speak volumes. I know some people will want to know what he was thinking, but I preferred to not know and leave his thoughts unsaid
September 22, 2021
First things first, I need to acknowledge the writing of this novel. The style, the cadence, the voice — it’s gorgeous. So much so that, I, someone who loudly and vehemently dislikes first-person perspectives, enjoyed myself. Immensely. The storytelling was stunning, giving the reader so much to sink their teeth into.
I will admit that the first few chapters were a bit difficult for me to trudge through. The pacing was almost excruciatingly slow. I was afraid that this lovely book was going to wind up on my DNF list before I could get past a quarter of the way through. I’m happy that I stuck with it. Once I passed that threshold, the story took off!
From there, the pacing was immaculate. It had an action-packed plot that managed to give me something new to look forward to every page without making me feel overwhelmed/fatigued.
The characters are beautifully written and delightfully developed. I fell in love with Rhona — I pined for Eli. I wanted to throw back a few drinks with Roman. And later, I wanted to learn more about Asta and the-ever-mystifying Finian.
I am immensely looking forward to a follow-up from Norton. I am desperate to know what happened to the characters I fell in love with.
All in all, I’d give “A Path of Darkness and Runes” five stars!
I will admit that the first few chapters were a bit difficult for me to trudge through. The pacing was almost excruciatingly slow. I was afraid that this lovely book was going to wind up on my DNF list before I could get past a quarter of the way through. I’m happy that I stuck with it. Once I passed that threshold, the story took off!
From there, the pacing was immaculate. It had an action-packed plot that managed to give me something new to look forward to every page without making me feel overwhelmed/fatigued.
The characters are beautifully written and delightfully developed. I fell in love with Rhona — I pined for Eli. I wanted to throw back a few drinks with Roman. And later, I wanted to learn more about Asta and the-ever-mystifying Finian.
I am immensely looking forward to a follow-up from Norton. I am desperate to know what happened to the characters I fell in love with.
All in all, I’d give “A Path of Darkness and Runes” five stars!
May 5, 2022
I would give this somewhere between a 2 and 2.5.
Overall, I thought the magic system, lore, and characters were interesting. I feel like there is so much potential with this author and magical world. I don’t think the book was paced well. I feel like our main characters spent too much time with the travelers (in my opinion) and not enough time adventuring or building upon the magic/creatures/lore that were mentioned throughout the story.
Spoiler review section:
I feel like magic was just thrown at Rhona without the full background being given - I wish her “gift” was explained better and mastered maybe half way to 75% through the book rather than her stumbling about towards the end trying to figure things out. I also don’t understand why the witches would condemn her to the life debt also helping her along the way.
I feel like there was a lot of internal dialogue and descriptions when I think the world and relationships would have been built better with dialogue between characters themselves . I would have loved to see more conversation and signing between Eli and the crew as this is the first book I’ve read that included a mute character that uses sign language. I feel like his character could be so, so much more.
I also would have loved to see Rhona find self acceptance/love and heal a bit through the book but I feel as the story went on, she only hated herself more and more which didn’t sit right against the strong woman who can do the same things as her brother and their friend image we got in the beginning. Instead of self love, I feel like we had an almost love triangle with Finian forced on us. I thought that was a weird element- him forcing himself on her and us- when she was surviving from being molested. I don’t know how to feel about all of that as a survivor myself.
Lots of potential! I joke Rhona becomes a further strong bad biiish as the story goes on.
Overall, I thought the magic system, lore, and characters were interesting. I feel like there is so much potential with this author and magical world. I don’t think the book was paced well. I feel like our main characters spent too much time with the travelers (in my opinion) and not enough time adventuring or building upon the magic/creatures/lore that were mentioned throughout the story.
Spoiler review section:
I feel like magic was just thrown at Rhona without the full background being given - I wish her “gift” was explained better and mastered maybe half way to 75% through the book rather than her stumbling about towards the end trying to figure things out. I also don’t understand why the witches would condemn her to the life debt also helping her along the way.
I feel like there was a lot of internal dialogue and descriptions when I think the world and relationships would have been built better with dialogue between characters themselves . I would have loved to see more conversation and signing between Eli and the crew as this is the first book I’ve read that included a mute character that uses sign language. I feel like his character could be so, so much more.
I also would have loved to see Rhona find self acceptance/love and heal a bit through the book but I feel as the story went on, she only hated herself more and more which didn’t sit right against the strong woman who can do the same things as her brother and their friend image we got in the beginning. Instead of self love, I feel like we had an almost love triangle with Finian forced on us. I thought that was a weird element- him forcing himself on her and us- when she was surviving from being molested. I don’t know how to feel about all of that as a survivor myself.
Lots of potential! I joke Rhona becomes a further strong bad biiish as the story goes on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2022
A Good Start, but needs some work
I really enjoyed the world and cultures that were being built, but I ultimately feel like the characters are lacking each one consistently followed a repetitive behavioral pattern.
I would consider this book in general to be slow burner with predictable twists. It did take me a while to fully get into it, but I am looking forward to a sequel.
I wanted more of a villain. The old tales mentioned a darkness that we weren’t even introduced to and the Lycan itself was underwhelming. With how slow it was in the beginning I felt like the last 15% was stuffed with so much action. The book really needed a better balance.
Normally I don’t notice typos but this one had enough that I couldn’t just overlook. There were some words misspelled and wrong word choices used ex. You wring water out not ring, your voice can become hoarse not horse, etc.
I really enjoyed the world and cultures that were being built, but I ultimately feel like the characters are lacking each one consistently followed a repetitive behavioral pattern.
I would consider this book in general to be slow burner with predictable twists. It did take me a while to fully get into it, but I am looking forward to a sequel.
I wanted more of a villain. The old tales mentioned a darkness that we weren’t even introduced to and the Lycan itself was underwhelming. With how slow it was in the beginning I felt like the last 15% was stuffed with so much action. The book really needed a better balance.
Normally I don’t notice typos but this one had enough that I couldn’t just overlook. There were some words misspelled and wrong word choices used ex. You wring water out not ring, your voice can become hoarse not horse, etc.
January 15, 2022
3.75 ⭐️
I thought this was a great debut novel. I love all the characters and they each played an important role with great diversity. I thought the author did a great job world building throughout the book and you can see that they really took their time build in this world. I didn’t like that at the beginning was slow so it was hard to get into and the main character has a lot of inner monologue that was often repetitive.
SPOILERS AHEAD
SPOILERS AHEAD
I thought they introduced a second love interest too late in the book right as we were wrapping up the story and Finnian emotions it did not feel genuine to me because their relationship was so short and they had just met for him to be declaring his allegiance “forever”. I also thought there was a scene that did not feel too consensual with him and that made me uncomfortable so I hope he’s better in the second book.
MY ELI 😭😭😭
I thought this was a great debut novel. I love all the characters and they each played an important role with great diversity. I thought the author did a great job world building throughout the book and you can see that they really took their time build in this world. I didn’t like that at the beginning was slow so it was hard to get into and the main character has a lot of inner monologue that was often repetitive.
SPOILERS AHEAD
SPOILERS AHEAD
I thought they introduced a second love interest too late in the book right as we were wrapping up the story and Finnian emotions it did not feel genuine to me because their relationship was so short and they had just met for him to be declaring his allegiance “forever”. I also thought there was a scene that did not feel too consensual with him and that made me uncomfortable so I hope he’s better in the second book.
MY ELI 😭😭😭
April 26, 2022
I enjoyed the overall plot and storyline of the book. I think this is very different from other fantasy books that are popular right now. However, it was very slow. It took a while for something interesting to happen and then longer for more after that. The story line can be confusing at times: there is so much going on but at the same time nothing at all. Difficult to finish
I really enjoyed the characters and how they interact. The main heroine, Rhoma, was very strong and didn’t fall into her culture Norms and allow them to change her. Eli is my absolute favorite: strong and silent type 🥵🥵. Roman is Rhomas brother and very protective of her and Eli so I am curious as to where his character goes in the future.
I really enjoyed the characters and how they interact. The main heroine, Rhoma, was very strong and didn’t fall into her culture Norms and allow them to change her. Eli is my absolute favorite: strong and silent type 🥵🥵. Roman is Rhomas brother and very protective of her and Eli so I am curious as to where his character goes in the future.
October 5, 2022
This review contains no spoilers!!!
Wow.
That was my first thought as soon as I finished the final page.
Marnie has an incredible talent when it comes to storytelling. From the beginning, you become immersed in the world she has created. The description is balanced perfectly with the dialogue, the characters are well developed, and the plot is consistent with no noticeable errors. I was hooked from beginning to end.
Many reviews have implied that for a 'debut' novel, this is a great book. However, I think that undervalues the true excellence of this story as — debut or not — this book is outstanding.
If you love fantasy and (more generally) if you love READING, then this book is perfect for you.
Wow.
That was my first thought as soon as I finished the final page.
Marnie has an incredible talent when it comes to storytelling. From the beginning, you become immersed in the world she has created. The description is balanced perfectly with the dialogue, the characters are well developed, and the plot is consistent with no noticeable errors. I was hooked from beginning to end.
Many reviews have implied that for a 'debut' novel, this is a great book. However, I think that undervalues the true excellence of this story as — debut or not — this book is outstanding.
If you love fantasy and (more generally) if you love READING, then this book is perfect for you.
dnf
July 25, 2023DNF @ 55%
No rating because though I was unable to connect with or like any of the characters, and found this altogether boring, this is the authors debut novel. Which is shocking, because it’s almost pretty good. Not for me - but the writing is solid and if there was a bit more romance and if the pacing didn’t lag so much I would have probably enjoyed this. Our FMC is so hard for me to like and is somehow so grating. I have no idea why, but she comes off as annoying and I didn’t get to know her even with this being entirely her POV.
I liked the world building enough (though it was missing some interest? It was okay, but a bit lackluster since it wasn't described well?) and the traveler group was lovely, but the plot started to lose me around 30%.
No rating because though I was unable to connect with or like any of the characters, and found this altogether boring, this is the authors debut novel. Which is shocking, because it’s almost pretty good. Not for me - but the writing is solid and if there was a bit more romance and if the pacing didn’t lag so much I would have probably enjoyed this. Our FMC is so hard for me to like and is somehow so grating. I have no idea why, but she comes off as annoying and I didn’t get to know her even with this being entirely her POV.
I liked the world building enough (though it was missing some interest? It was okay, but a bit lackluster since it wasn't described well?) and the traveler group was lovely, but the plot started to lose me around 30%.
May 10, 2022
Great first book for this author. I enjoyed this book and managed to finish it in 2 days. She has great world build and makes you feel for the character. Read TW if necessary, she never outright states stuff but it is heavily implied and somewhat pictured in the main characters mind. I did find it took a while to get to the main conflict but the time spent getting to the conflict is about building the world, characters, and future plot. I imagine the next book in this series will have more action. This is a slow burn book and sometimes I just want to choke the characters for being so blind. They need to grow some balls for sure.
January 26, 2022
The writing in this book blew me away, the style, the dialogue and story telling is superb!!!!!
The characters have amazing, although tragic, backstorys that bring depth to this book. I love when a character has an in depth backstory that we are privy to.
The romances in the book made my heart sing and I wanted more scenes of just the romance. I laughed and cried.
The entire plot itself is very well written. Along with the plot; the magic system, world building and scenery depicted in this story is *chefs kiss*.
An amazing debut novel and I cannot wait for the second!
The characters have amazing, although tragic, backstorys that bring depth to this book. I love when a character has an in depth backstory that we are privy to.
The romances in the book made my heart sing and I wanted more scenes of just the romance. I laughed and cried.
The entire plot itself is very well written. Along with the plot; the magic system, world building and scenery depicted in this story is *chefs kiss*.
An amazing debut novel and I cannot wait for the second!
September 7, 2021
Words cannot express how in love with this story I am. I am desperate for a sequel!
If you're looking for a read that will keep you on your toes, pull at your heartstrings and keep you enthralled, this is it.
I wasn't anticipating liking "A Path of Darkness and Runes" as much as I did, initially. The beginning was a bit slow (in my opinion). But it was worth it to stick it out and see where the story took me! I will be recommending this to all of my friends who love fantasy.
If you're looking for a read that will keep you on your toes, pull at your heartstrings and keep you enthralled, this is it.
I wasn't anticipating liking "A Path of Darkness and Runes" as much as I did, initially. The beginning was a bit slow (in my opinion). But it was worth it to stick it out and see where the story took me! I will be recommending this to all of my friends who love fantasy.
October 1, 2021
Read this book originally as a BETA read and easily rated it 4���️. And now that it’s been edited ect definitely 5⭐️
I always loved the mental health rep in this book! It’s so hard to find! And I have never read a book where a character uses sign language before!
I absolutely love the characters and I cannot wait for the second one because I need to know my baby boy Eli is okay!
Check tw for this book but this is the perfect book for autumn and amazing first read for October!
I always loved the mental health rep in this book! It’s so hard to find! And I have never read a book where a character uses sign language before!
I absolutely love the characters and I cannot wait for the second one because I need to know my baby boy Eli is okay!
Check tw for this book but this is the perfect book for autumn and amazing first read for October!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
I need book 2 pronto!!
What a beautiful and captivating tale Marnie has woven. Relatable characters who are whitty, loving, sassy, earnest, protective, the list goes on. Witchcraft, mythical creatures (or are they), love, laughter, heartache, deception, self doubt and everything inbetween. This book requires your undivided attention. Part of me wants to say I hated this book because of the ending, but I just can't do it, I loved it!
What a beautiful and captivating tale Marnie has woven. Relatable characters who are whitty, loving, sassy, earnest, protective, the list goes on. Witchcraft, mythical creatures (or are they), love, laughter, heartache, deception, self doubt and everything inbetween. This book requires your undivided attention. Part of me wants to say I hated this book because of the ending, but I just can't do it, I loved it!
February 8, 2022
I’ve abandoned this book. There was the most astonishing malapropism on page 15 (or thereabouts) followed by a non sequitur on page 44 and a gross spelling mistake on the opposite page. I write a bit myself and I know how much effort goes into pushing out - at a rough guess - 150,000 words. A malapropism is almost forgivable if you don’t have an editor but mistakes in the age of spelling and grammar checkers are unforgivable.
Beyond that, this is YA fantasy and we are currently awash with it.
Beyond that, this is YA fantasy and we are currently awash with it.
April 30, 2022
This book, oh this book. It has become my sole obsession for the better part of a week. Every chance I could I read to dive into Rhona’s world to travel through the fallow. I was utterly and completely in love with this world.
From the pace of the story to the amazing writing, you get sucked in on the first chapter! This is one of those books I will forever wish I could read for the first time again just to feel what I felt.
For Eli! 🫣
From the pace of the story to the amazing writing, you get sucked in on the first chapter! This is one of those books I will forever wish I could read for the first time again just to feel what I felt.
For Eli! 🫣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2022
I can’t even begin to tell you how much a I loved this book. One of the easiest 5⭐️ reads of the year. Absolutely brilliant debut novel. I love the characters, the story and the world building. It’s full of creatures and magic and beautifully written. I found this author on TikTok and just loved her content I’m so glad I did. I can not wait for book 2 as I had so many emotions running by the end of this one.
October 9, 2021
Beautifully written, amazing representation of mental health and an amazing world that you can sink your teeth into! A perfect autumnal read which has such lovely characters that I want to protect! 😭 The world building was so detailed, I felt fully immersed at every moment. Rhona was fantastic and I am SO invested in the world, the lore and the characters. Can’t wait for book two!
December 17, 2021
Such an enjoyable book. The first few chapters are a bit slower but as the story progresses, I couldn’t put it down. The writing and imagery were great. The story and the tension was palpable. I loved the energy and dynamic between the little trio and then later with the others.. great chemistry. I can’t wait to see what happens to this group of hooligans.
March 31, 2023
I only finished this book because I hate leaving books unread once I start. The idea behind this book is good, but there are so many mistakes through it and they immediately pulled me out of the story. I spent a month avoiding reading this after I had started because of those mistakes. I doubt I’ll be able to make myself read the rest if they get published.
May 24, 2023
This is the vibe!!
I adored this book; it gave me the feeling I had reading Throne of glass/Threadneedle and it hit the spot I have been craving for a while!
I loved that Eli was mute, it made his character's communication so interesting and it has made me want to find more books with the representation.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!!!
I adored this book; it gave me the feeling I had reading Throne of glass/Threadneedle and it hit the spot I have been craving for a while!
I loved that Eli was mute, it made his character's communication so interesting and it has made me want to find more books with the representation.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!!!
September 19, 2021
I fell in love with the characters in this book! The world building is great, especially the history and magic within.
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader and I binged the book in one day on my phone. I was sat at my boyfriends ignoring him because you know priorities. This book deserves all the hype and I cannot wait for the second one!
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader and I binged the book in one day on my phone. I was sat at my boyfriends ignoring him because you know priorities. This book deserves all the hype and I cannot wait for the second one!
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