I was surprised this is the debut novel from this author as it is exceptionally well-written and does an excellent job of mixing Norse mythology with gothic tropes.
I enjoyed the characters very much - the two main characters have been 'othered' by society - one being a girl with a disfigurement, the other a boy who is old beyond his years, rather intelligent and who dresses goth. Their dialogue, as they wait in an isolated space and gain each other's trust, made me want to keep reading.
Burge has also used an original angle in making the female protagonist able to detect people's memories or emotions through a unique magical power. I liked this idea very much - it was executed so well and the author has beautiful descriptive skills.
I'm aware this book is intended for a teen audience but as an adult reader, I didn't feel patronised by it. Burge has done a great job in writing a book which can appeal to a broad audience. Beautiful cover art too which made me buy the book in the first place. I look forward to her next book!
I enjoyed the characters very much - the two main characters have been 'othered' by society - one being a girl with a disfigurement, the other a boy who is old beyond his years, rather intelligent and who dresses goth. Their dialogue, as they wait in an isolated space and gain each other's trust, made me want to keep reading.
Burge has also used an original angle in making the female protagonist able to detect people's memories or emotions through a unique magical power. I liked this idea very much - it was executed so well and the author has beautiful descriptive skills.
I'm aware this book is intended for a teen audience but as an adult reader, I didn't feel patronised by it. Burge has done a great job in writing a book which can appeal to a broad audience. Beautiful cover art too which made me buy the book in the first place. I look forward to her next book!