The Stone of Sorrow by Brooke Carter

Book one of Runecaster series

Publisher : Orca Book Publishers

Publication date : April 7th, 2020

Source : Paperback

Rating : 5 hearts

Synopsis

In a land of myth and ice, seventeen-year-old Runa Unnursdottir is not the runecaster her clan has been hoping for. She spends her days daydreaming of sailing away and exploring the world instead of studying the runes and learning her spells. The villagers consider her odd, in looks and in manner. She’s nothing like her talented sister, Syr, keeper of the sacred moonstone that ensures the village’s continued survival. But when a rival clan led by an evil witch raids the village and kidnaps her sister, Runa is forced to act. With a fallen Valkyrie by her side, and the help of a gorgeous half-elf Runa is not quite sure she can trust, the apprentice must travel to the site of an ancient runecasting competition to try to win back the magical gem. But the journey will not be easy; the three unlikely companions encounter malevolent and supernatural creatures at every turn. Somehow, Runa must summon the courage and strength to face her destiny, a destiny she never wanted. Or die trying.

Review

Runa and Syr are two young sisters, Syr is the guardian of the sacred stone that ensures the security of the village. With her runes and spells she protects and helps the people. Runa has to learn how to cast spells with her runes but she is more interested in the sea and her desire to travel. When Syr is kidnapped by an enemy clan, she will do anything to go and save her, including traveling with a Valkyrie and the enemy’s son.

Runa is an interesting character, she has absolutely no self-confidence, either in her looks or in her abilities with the runes. Yet her destiny is all mapped out.

I love Runa because despite her lack of self-confidence, she knows that she must save her sister, even if it frightens her. She doesn’t want the witch to kill her sister and take power.

I loved Oski, I loved his humor, his frankness and his murderous side worthy of a valkyrie.

I liked Einar too, he wants to save his people at all costs, but not at the expense of Runa, he will become attached to her.

I have to admit that I’m a little afraid of what will happen in the next book because the end gives clues that intrigue me.

Anyway I liked the story, the characters and I can’t wait to see where Runa is going to take us and if she’s really going to get her revenge.

Quick word: A very nice story in a Nordic mythology.

Chronique

Runa et Syr sont deux jeunes sœurs, Syr est la gardienne de la pierre sacrée qui assure la sécurité du village. Avec ses runes et ses sorts elle protège le peuple et lui vient en aide. Runa doit apprendre à jeter des sorts avec ses runes mais elle est plus intéressée par la mer et son envie de voyage. Lorsque Syr est kidnappée par un clan ennemi, elle va tout faire pour aller la sauver, y compris voyager avec une Valkyrie et le fils de l’ennemi.

Runa est un personnage intéressant, elle n’a pas absolument pas confiance en elle, que ce soit dans son physique ou dans ses capacités avec les runes. Pourtant son destin est tout tracé.

J’aime Runa parce que malgré son manque de confiance en elle, elle sait qu’elle doit sauver sa sœur, même si cela lui fait peur. Elle ne veut pas que la sorcière tue sa sœur et prenne le pouvoir.

J’ai adoré Oski, j’ai aimé son humour, sa franchise et son côté meurtrier digne d’une valkyrie.

J’ai apprécié Einar aussi, il veut à tout prix sauver son peuple mais pas au dépend de Runa, il va s’attacher à elle.

Je dois vous avouer que j’ai un peu peur de ce qui va se passer dans le prochain tome parce que la fin donne des indices qui m’intrigue.

En tout cas j’ai aimé l’histoire, les personnages et j’ai hâte de voir où Runa va nous emmener et si elle va réellement se venger.

En bref : Une histoire très sympa dans un mythologie nordique.

About the author

Brooke Carter is the author of several young adult novels.

Links

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55626536-the-stone-of-sorrow