The first in a historical fantasy series, Runes of the Dokkrsdottir will surprise readers. Packed with surprises and drama, author Leesson weaves a riveting tale from page one that makes this book so hard to put down. Prepare to discover Myrgjol’s story as she grows up in Scandinavia in the 800s and bears witness to the changes throughout history.
Runes of the Dokkrsdottir by Bjorn Leesson draws the eye of readers with a cover in shades of purple. The scene depicted is one of a twilight moment of the night. The moon is out, with clouds scattered across the cover, but the moon is in plain sight. In the distance, land can be seen above the horizon to the right, and shrouded in mist to the left and back. A Viking ship sits in the center of the water giving the appearance that they are sailing away from the land and into the distance.
Runes of the Dokkrsdottir drops readers back in time over 1200 years ago. Back before Myrgjol is even born. Author Leesson gives readers a small amount of background that will spark their intrigue in this book. The first “chapter” of this book sets the stage by giving readers a teasing amount of information about Ander, The Dokkr’s, background.
Now that you’re anticipation has been piqued author Leesson pulls readers deeper into Runes of the Dokkrsdottir. In this first true chapter of the novel readers meet Myrgjol’s parents. Myrgjol is a newborn babe. Author Leesson highlights that her mother, Brigga, still bears the signs of having experienced the strains of childbirth. Readers also get to learn a little more about Ander. But this is also where something mysterious happens to Myrgjol.
This mysterious element that author Leesson inserts into the story is what will set the stage for what happens next in Myrgjol’s life. This particular detail won’t be flashed constantly throughout the story, but it will be something that surfaces at crucial moments. It will be the weight that tips the scale in key moments, but it will also be a cause for heartbreak, too.
Runes of the Dokkrsdottir gives readers of Myrgjol’s life in skips and glances. This novel focuses primarily on her but doesn’t settle into giving readers heavily detailed aspects of each moment of her life. Author Leesson gives readers crucial places in her development where that magic that has become a part of her flares. Unwittingly, her father, Ander, will be the one who helps put her on the path that is most essential for her to take…to be prepared for the biggest fight of her life.
Runes of the Dokkrsdottir is an engaging novel that heavily takes place during the 800s in Scandinavia before shifting to another country in Europe. This shift takes place after Myrgjol suffers repeated heavy losses in her life. The very thing that her mother warned her and her father of has happened, but in reverse. Now, it is Myrgjol who is on the cusp of being alone in this world. She thinks that she’s doing the right thing, by leaving her home for good…but then you will see it for what it is.
Myrgjol is a complicated character. She’s engaging, but even as a youth, you can see the sparks of a flame dancing inside of her. She is on both sides of a coin at the same time – light and dark. Thanks to her quick learning skills, and her father’s dutiful training of her she is a fighter to be reckoned with. This, and her slip-up of getting drunk at The Thing leads her to her first raid at the age of 16.
Author Leesson depicts a situation that is fraught with dangers for Myrgjol and her fellow Vikings in Runes of the Dokkrsdottir. They have successes in battle, but author Leesson never makes it so that the primary characters are resoundingly successful. They are Vikings, so they fight with ferocity and determination. They cheer themselves on with the reminder that to die in battle is honorable. That to die in battle will then find themselves in the halls of Valhalla with Odin. But what of those who don’t believe in the old gods? What then?
Myrgjol is basically forced out of her home, but she finds a new one, and there she makes a new life for herself. But even in this new place author Leesson makes sure that readers understand that Myrgjol will be faced with challenges. Vikings aren’t trusted by their Saxon neighbors. We can all understand that in light of the fact that the Vikings frequently raided the Saxons. Yet, the question is begged – are the Viking transplants supposed to do nothing in response when they themselves are assaulted by the Saxons?
Constantly throughout Runes of the Dokkrsdottir author Leesson showcases Myrgjol’s cleverness and smarts. She plays the game well when she needs to lure someone into a trap. She is a skilled warrior and tracker, so when trouble is looming, she typically knows how to read the signs. Typically, dear reader, but not always.
Runes of the Dokkrsdottir is told from the third person point of view. The majority of this story focuses on Myrgjol. From time to time author Leesson will shift the story to give readers moments with other characters, but these are typically pivotal moments that are meant to tie to a future element of the book. These situations will encourage readers to keep reading to find out what happens next. Will these particular characters reunite at some point? The answers will absolutely surprise you.
When it comes to the fantasy element of Runes of the Dokkrsdottir it is not a critical part of the story. The time period that this story is set in is a turning point for the region. The old ways are still clung to and honored by the Vikings, but there is also the push by the Saxons for the introduction of Christianity. Relax readers, author Leesson doesn’t insert much religion into this story. For both sides, it is mostly mentioned in passing with just enough of an acknowledgment for both.
Despite the lack of a heavy presence of magic in Runes of the Dokkrsdottir, the story remains engaging. The magical aspects make appearances at random moments to remind readers that this is indeed a historical fantasy novel. However, this element never dominates the story; instead, it allows Myrgjol’s talents and cleverness to take center stage. One does begin to wonder how Myrgjol will battle the evil that is rising, especially when one particularly heartbreaking scene unfolds. All we’ll say is…buckle up because this is where a major twist is coming.
Runes of the Dokkrsdottir is an intriguing novel that will draw you in and keep readers engaged to the final page. You might even find yourself yowling when you reach that final page because you’re eager to continue Myrgjol’s story. It’s such an intriguing novel that keeps you on your toes. Author Leesson weaves an engaging story that does an excellent job kicking off this series about this woman Viking’s prophesied quest to thwart evil.
If you’re looking for a book with an engaging storyline, unique and interesting characters, and set in historical Europe then you’ll want to snap up Runes of the Dokkrsdottir. This is a low fantasy novel, but there is just enough of it to remind you that it’s there and to feed your intrigue. One thing is for sure, Myrgjol’s story is one you’ll want to continue.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline
- Character-driven
- Fast-paced
- Well detailed
- Full of drama
Cons:
- None of merit
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