Review of Grimnirs (Runes #3) by Ednah Walters

[Barbara Ann RS]

I’m already a fan of this creative YA series where Norse mythology, the magic of runes, and teen romance have been carefully crafted into a fantastical plot of intrigue, mystery, and suspense.  The series does need to be read from the beginning in order to understand and follow the continuous storyline. While the first two books have featured Raine and Torin, in Grimnirs, the focus shifts to Raine’s best friend, Cora.

 Since I enjoyed the romance between Raine and Torin so much, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Cora, who until this point didn’t really interest me as much as some of the other main characters. Although Cora has stood by and supported Raine in difficult times, she still seemed a bit shallow and superficial. Unlike Raine, Cora has always been more of a social butterfly, concerned with fashion, boys, and the latest high school gossip.  In all fairness, though, her character has always been in the periphery and under-developed. Now, readers get to know the real Cora, a loving, compassionate young woman who is unwavering in her loyalty to her family, friends, and especially to one exceptional Grimnir who is in servitude to Hel, goddess of the Underworld.

Cora’s life has drastically changed six weeks after the tragic swim meet where she witnessed a horrific scene of death and destruction. The emotional trauma she experienced led to a brief stint in a mental institute where she could recover.  Now, she’s back at home feeling alone and abandoned by her closest friends, Raine and Eirik. To make matters worse, she has an unexplainable ability to see ghosts or souls who haven’t departed from Earth yet.  Her newfound gift or curse, as she sees it, gradually pulls her into the world of Echo, a Grimnir whose purpose on Earth is to escort the souls of the recently departed to Hel, underworld of the dead.

Through a case of mistaken identity, Cora literally falls into Echo’s arms and is shocked to discover she doesn’t want to let him go despite the fact they come from two different worlds where Mortals and Immortals just don’t mix. Echo is a refreshing addition to the plot, and just as Torin did with Raine, he tries to fight his growing but forbidden attraction to this feisty, stubborn blonde who becomes a target of goddess Hel. When Hel begins to send Grimnirs to fetch Cora, Echo’s loyalties become split over his need to protect Cora and still follow his goddess’s directives.

Cora and Echo’s love story is beautiful, and I was touched by the depth of their feelings for each other and the sacrifices they are willing to make to stay together. Cora is the light that brightens Echo’s dark heart and tortured soul. Her loyalty and belief in him is amazing and inspiring. Even though this is a YA novel, the love scenes between the two do become intimate but are tastefully written.

Raine, Torin and the rest of the Valkyries continue to play major roles in the story and the overall plot becomes much more elaborate. I’m impressed with how Walters is able to keep all of the ongoing story threads unified as the series progresses. I also like that she creates characters whose motives aren’t always clear.  Just when I think I know how a character will respond, she creates complications that make me uncertain of just what that character will actually do. In this book, Eirik is a prime example. He has been making plans to be with Cora unaware of her involvement with Echo. When their worlds collide toward the end of the book, I really don’t know how Eirik will direct his anger. The climax is suspenseful and the conclusion left me satisfied for now. I can’t wait to see whose story will be featured next. All of the main characters have interesting stories just waiting to be told.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Link to Review

http://sunmountainreviews.wordpress.com/2013/12/07/release-event-gi...