Unbelievably captivating, thrilling, and everything I wanted.
This was one of those books I didn’t know I had needed all these years. I adore anything Norse related, and this book perfectly brought those stories to the real world. What was so much more magical was that for me, the setting was unfamiliar and mystical.
Firstly can we just appreciate this cover. Having read the book I definitely appreciate this design more now, but upon first glance; that gold foil, the lettering, it’s just stunning!
Throughout this book, Rachel brings the darker side of the Norse myths to life, but in a modern day setting. From the beginning this book has a creepy air to it; enhanced by the creeping darkness and cold as winter approaches in Norway. There were some points I was actually really pleased to be reading during daylight hours because it certainly set me on edge. The atmosphere Rachel creates is chilling, and the way certain creatures of the Norse-night are brought to life is remarkable. The visual I was able to create in my minds eye from these descriptions were vivid, and to be honest a little bit terrifying.
This book is exactly what I needed as an autumn/ winter read. It has a perfect setting; as a reader I felt the cold, i felt the darkness, and I felt the danger approaching. The narrative in this book is truly remarkable.
I loved the relationships created between characters in this book (including Gandalf – Mormor’s dog). Martha seems to have a bit of a strained relationship with her mother, and a very close one with her grandmother. Though we don’t get to see the latter first hand, the arc the relationship with her mother takes is one to be remembered. And then there’s the mysterious boy who she finds in her grandmother’s house; it clearly takes Martha some time to trust new people, and seeing him at home in her grandmother’s house is naturally quite overwhelming. The way Martha’s feelings are explored is realistic and lifelike, and just enhances the vibrancy of the characters in this story.
Pace-wise, again, this book is PERFECT. I was hooked from the first pages and as the story delved more deeply into the myths I could barely put it down. I think I read it in about 24 hours. Granted this is not a long book but the urge to keep reading (unfortunately I I’d to go to work) was overwhelming. And once I’d finished I just wanted to tell everyone all about this magnificent book.
Though this is marketed as YA, I’d still recommend this to people who generally just enjoy a good thrilling story with a touch of fantasy and mythology.
Overall I’m awarding this book the full 5 stars. It’s pace is fantastic, I adored the characters, their development and their relationships, and most importantly; it delivers on its promise of; part ghost story, part Nordic thriller – this is a twisty, tense and spooky YA debut.
Firstly can we just appreciate this cover. Having read the book I definitely appreciate this design more now, but upon first glance; that gold foil, the lettering, it’s just stunning!
Throughout this book, Rachel brings the darker side of the Norse myths to life, but in a modern day setting. From the beginning this book has a creepy air to it; enhanced by the creeping darkness and cold as winter approaches in Norway. There were some points I was actually really pleased to be reading during daylight hours because it certainly set me on edge. The atmosphere Rachel creates is chilling, and the way certain creatures of the Norse-night are brought to life is remarkable. The visual I was able to create in my minds eye from these descriptions were vivid, and to be honest a little bit terrifying.
This book is exactly what I needed as an autumn/ winter read. It has a perfect setting; as a reader I felt the cold, i felt the darkness, and I felt the danger approaching. The narrative in this book is truly remarkable.
I loved the relationships created between characters in this book (including Gandalf – Mormor’s dog). Martha seems to have a bit of a strained relationship with her mother, and a very close one with her grandmother. Though we don’t get to see the latter first hand, the arc the relationship with her mother takes is one to be remembered. And then there’s the mysterious boy who she finds in her grandmother’s house; it clearly takes Martha some time to trust new people, and seeing him at home in her grandmother’s house is naturally quite overwhelming. The way Martha’s feelings are explored is realistic and lifelike, and just enhances the vibrancy of the characters in this story.
Pace-wise, again, this book is PERFECT. I was hooked from the first pages and as the story delved more deeply into the myths I could barely put it down. I think I read it in about 24 hours. Granted this is not a long book but the urge to keep reading (unfortunately I I’d to go to work) was overwhelming. And once I’d finished I just wanted to tell everyone all about this magnificent book.
Though this is marketed as YA, I’d still recommend this to people who generally just enjoy a good thrilling story with a touch of fantasy and mythology.
Overall I’m awarding this book the full 5 stars. It’s pace is fantastic, I adored the characters, their development and their relationships, and most importantly; it delivers on its promise of; part ghost story, part Nordic thriller – this is a twisty, tense and spooky YA debut.