(The Runebinder Chronicles #1)
Publication
Date: November 14, 2017
Hardcover, 400 pages, Harlequin Teen
Genres:
YA, Fantasy
Magic is risen.
When magic returned to the world,
it could have saved humanity, but greed and thirst for power caused mankind's
downfall instead. Now once-human monsters called Howls prowl abandoned streets,
their hunger guided by corrupt necromancers and the all-powerful Kin. Only
Hunters have the power to fight back in the unending war, using the same magic
that ended civilization in the first place.
But they are losing.
Tenn is a Hunter, resigned to fight
even though hope is nearly lost. When he is singled out by a seductive Kin
named Tomás and the enigmatic Hunter Jarrett, Tenn realizes he's become a pawn
in a bigger game. One that could turn the tides of war. But if his mutinous
magic and wayward heart get in the way, his power might not be used in favor of
mankind.
If Tenn fails to play his part, it
could cost him his friends, his life…and the entire world.
My Review
A post-apocalyptic world caused by magic is something that I
haven’t seen before in YA. But Runebinder
did it, and I’m glad. Magical fantasy elements with a modern-esque world is a pretty
interesting concept.
This book starts off with an action-packed scene narrated by
the main character, Tenn. Tenn is an average character. I feel like he’s got
the typical chosen-one syndrome going on. He’s just trying to survive in a
terrible situation, but everyone else wants him to be a special snowflake.
I do wish there had been more character development for
Tenn. There was no opportunity for the reader to get to know him and his true
personality; however, the same can be said of most of the characters. The
relationships just happened super fast. This includes both romantic
relationships and friendships.
While the characters were just alright, the world-building
for this story was fantastic. It’s such a unique concept. Runebinder mixes elemental magic with rune magic and demonic,
zombielike creatures. It’s kind of like The
Walking Dead mixed with Avatar: The
Last Airbender. I think there could have been more explanation in the
beginning for how the world and magic system worked, but I enjoyed learning what
I could.
All in all, this book is a great addition to the growing
universe of YA fantasy stories. I would suggest going into it knowing that
there’s a complicated magic system, though.
*Note: I purchased
a copy of this book for myself. This in no way affected my opinion/review.
I haven't read anything about this book before, but it sounds super interesting. I love a good fantasy and I love it when the world building is well written.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty good story. I think future books will be better than this one since the world is established now.
DeleteThis sounds really good even if there was some room for improvement with the characters.
ReplyDeleteYep. :)
DeleteThe trailer was just amazing. I am a huge fan of The Avengers and I just can't wait for Infinity War to arrive. Really looking forward to watching it in the Cinema.
ReplyDelete