Runestone Saga: Children of Ragnarok - by Cinda Williams Chima

Book Synopsis

Sweeping adventure, breathtaking twists of fate, and immersive worlds based in Norse mythology are woven into this first volume of the Runestone Saga, from the New York Times bestselling author of the Seven Realms and Shattered Realms series. Now in paperback!

Since Ragnarok--the great war between the gods and the forces of chaos--the human realm of the Midlands has become a desperate and dangerous place, bereft of magic.

Sixteen-year-old Eiric Halvorsen is among the luckier ones--his family has remained prosperous. But he stands to lose everything when he's wrongly convicted by a rigged jury of murdering his modir and stepfadir. Also at risk is Eiric's half-systir, Liv, who's under suspicion for her interest in seidr, or magic. Then a powerful jarl steps in: He will pay the blood price if Eiric will lead a mission to the fabled Temple at the Grove--the rich stronghold of the wyrdspinners, the last practitioners of sorcery.

Spellsinger, musician, and runecaster Reginn Eiklund has spent her life performing at alehouses for the benefit of her master, Asger, a fire demon she is desperate to escape. After one performance that amazes even herself, two wyrdspinners in the audience make Reginn an irresistible offer: return with them to the Temple to be trained in seidr, forever free of Asger.

Eiric's, Liv's, and Reginn's journeys converge in New Jotunheim, a paradise fueled by magic and the site of the Temple. They soon realize that a great evil lurks beneath the dazzling surface and that old betrayals and long-held grudges may fuel another cataclysmic war. It will require every gift and weapon at their command to prevent it.

Review Quotes

Praise for STORMCASTER: "The third entry in the Shattered Realms Series is even more riveting than the first two." - Kirkus Reviews
Praise for SHADOWCASTER: "Essential for any epic-fantasy collection and catnip for lovers of the genre." - ALA Booklist
Praise for FLAMECASTER: "A welcome return for loyal fans and a splendid jumping-on point for new ones. Both will be panting for the next installment." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Drawing on Norse mythology, this ambitious, original story captivates from beginning to end. The novel is lively and well told, with twists galore. This innovative story...strikes a refreshing note for the genre." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"This sweeping, Norse myth-inspired series opener from Chima... toggles between Eiric's and Reggin's equally electrifying perspectives, and the tension, stakes, and complications mount as their paths intertwine. The vibrantly characterized, racially diverse cast is replete with courageous, resourceful women, imparting feminist undertones. Despite its scope, length, and complexity, Chima's epic never outstays its welcome, stoking anticipation for the sequel." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"[Will] grab epic fantasy fans." - Booklist
"Entirely unexpected and unique." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Enthralling, masterful, glorious, and an unfettered delight. I loved this book."
- Megan Whalen Turner, New York Times bestselling author of the Queen's Thief series