Runemarks

Rating; 3.5.

This book is a hugely fun read for anyone interested in Norse mythology (and for the uninitiated who enjoy a complex story). It feels quite a lot like YA - another reviewer mentioned anachronistic slang and jokes, which I think were meant to convey that tone - but excellent YA. The lead is one of those rare female characters who's fierce, funny, and flawed without being artificial or preachy, and the side characters, particularly Loki, were beautifully fleshed out. The concept is original, too, though anyone who took issue with Phillip Pullman's subtle criticism of Christianity in the Golden Compass books should probably skip this one; still, it's a great book, and a pleasure to read.

I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, and once I got used to a few vocal quirks on the part of the narrator it was quite enjoyable. Sile Bermingham gives all the characters more or less distinct voices, and she's a steady reader.

The story was enjoyable, but I think certain aspects would have been easier to follow had I been holding a paper copy of the book. There's a lot of crossing and double-crossing going on amongst the characters, and it would have been nice to be able to flip back and forth to check things.