Readers who enjoy historical fantasy novels will not want to miss out on Rune of Destiny as author Bjorn Leesson continues the Outside the Thalsparr series. Rune of Destiny continues the Dokkrsdottir’s story, but author Leesson will make a point of letting us readers know this – this will be the final chapter in Myrgjol’s story. Will it be a fitting end to this great warrior woman’s story? Well, you’ll have to read to find out.
Rune of Destiny follows in the steps of the rest of the Outside the Thalsparr series with its color-specific cover. This book’s cover is done in shades of green, with the night sky setting the stage for the background. The moon is bright, full, and almost appears to be looming over the naval battleship floating in the water in front of it.
Clouds bloom puffy and large across the night sky as the ship in the foreground surges across the water. Rune of Destiny’s cover gives readers the impression that the characters are still in the WWII era, and that at some point in this book, they will be heading back into an epic fight. Prepare for drama, suspense, and twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Author Leesson begins Rune of Destiny with Myrgjol still being beyond the veil. This is a rather unexpected twist, as in Rune of Renewal (review here), she is brought back into the land of the living. So, the question of “Why is she still dead?” is one that will stand prevalent in readers’ minds as they delve into this book from the very beginning.
The fact that Rune of Destiny picks up right where Rune of Renewal (review here) ends is quite interesting. Usually, some time has passed since the previous book ended, and things have moved on, but that’s not the case with this book. Right from the beginning, author Leesson lets readers know the impact that Myrgjol’s death has had on Elring. While all who knew her have been impacted by her sacrifice, Elring is depicted as taking her death the hardest.
With the death of Myrgjol, her descendants have been “gifted” her powers, but the powers that they receive are just a shadow of what Myrgjol herself wielded. It is interesting to “watch” so to speak, the characters learn to adapt to this unexpected change in their bodies. Apparently, though, Margaret is the one who has to go through the more “delicate” adjustment period.
Rune of Destiny continues the fight against the Dark as it seeks a foothold in the world. The MMC continues to search the world for the gates to stop the Thule from being allowed through. It’s interesting how author Leesson takes this story in a unique direction. The characters are still in a race against time, but now they must take time to decipher codes and adjust to their new realities.
This story is still set in the WWII era that Rune of Renewal (review here) was also set in. While hunting the Thule, author Leesson introduces readers to a new character. This new character, for a time, is someone wrapped in mystery. You never know when they are going to make an appearance until bullets begin to rain down around them. Not at our characters, but at the evil beings that they are hunting…and the evil individuals looking to unleash hell on earth.
Told from the third-person POV, Rune of Destiny follows a dynamic cast of characters on both sides of the veil. The majority of the story focuses on those who remain behind after Myrgjol’s death. With the introduction of a new character, the drama is allowed to ramp up as questions begin to swirl around this new character. Are they good, bad, or just morally gray?
While Rune of Destiny is an intense novel with dark elements and violence, author Leesson writes in a healthy dose of humor to keep things from becoming too dark and intense. The humor really hits readers in the most unexpected moments and ways. It’s truly fun because the characters are reflected as knowing that any moment could be their last. For many, this book will be their last. So prepare yourself for anything at any time.
Author Leesson introduces a new character in Rune of Destiny. In this book, readers meet Maeve. She’s a talented character, but author Leesson has some surprises up his sleeve concerning Maeve. Her story is not one that is straightforward. In fact, it is shrouded in darkness, revenge, and pain. Maeve is quite the complex character who showcases quite a lot of growth as the story progresses.
Rune of Destiny doesn’t stay on the living side of the veil for the entirety of the book. Author Leesson alternates the story back and forth between the world of the living and the other side of the veil, where Myrgjol and those who have gone on before her linger. While Myrgjol’s descendants are battling the evil in the world we all know and are familiar with, she is battling the evil entities on the other side.
Rune of Destiny will see readers saying goodbye to a character or two. The only warning that we will give you is this – no character is safe. Author Leesson keeps readers on their toes about characters that have become favorites. The reality of Rune of Destiny is that this story is set during wartime, and the situation is that they are in a fight for the world. Death is inevitable, but it doesn’t mean that you will not be absolutely shocked when certain characters are taken from you.
As Rune of Destiny draws to a close, the storyline will really ramp up. For the most part of the story, there will be spurts of action and drama before things settle down. But the final chapters? It’s a race to an epic conclusion that will be fitting the Dokkrsdottir. There will still be questions, but as this is not the end of the series overall, there is still time for answers to be discovered. We know for sure that we’re looking forward to what comes next.
Readers who enjoy historical fantasy novels and who have enjoyed the Outside the Thalsparr series up to this point will not want to miss out on the final chapter of Myrgjol’s story. You can expect new characters, tons of drama, tension, suspense, and surprises as Rune of Destiny plays out. It is not what you will expect, but it will be a fitting goodbye to such a strong and fierce character.
Pros:
- Dynamic cast of characters
- A healthy amount of humor throughout to keep the story from becoming too dark.
- Page-turner
- Good attention to detail and story flow.
- Fitting ending for the main character, who was the original focus, Myrgjol.
Cons:
- None of merit
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