"One thing about humans is that they let their thoughts wander too freely. They never keep them to themselves."
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Runes by Brianna Marsing Trafford Publishing
book review by Mihir Shahwer
When two teenage girls, Elizabeth and Shaelynn read the tag on a bracelet, they find themselves transported into the land of Partaenia. In the spirit of Christopher Paolini's popular fantasy novel, Eragon, Runes is filled with mythical creatures, a tyrant ruler, Zathos, a unique dragon/warrior bond and a legendary battle that threatens to destroy the line between the magical and real world.
Though many of Marsing's ideas and mythical creatures (e.g., centaurs), have been seen in classics such as Chronicles of Narnia, they are presented and are entrusted with unique, and more challenging roles in Runes. Interestingly, there are few filler characters: each character serves a vital purpose to move the plot along. More than anything, the reader, while expecting a traditional fantasy, will be pleasantly surprised with the number of plot twists and unexpected revelations as the narrative unfolds.
Essentially, the plot builds up to the final battle against the demonic Zathos. Before reaching the ultimate stage, however, Liz and Shaelynn endure numerous mini-battles and discover that they are incomplete. After learning the art of the sword from Geoff the centaur, Liz discovers the fire-breathing dragon, Honoras. The duo forms a powerful and lethal alliance that Zathos had been trying so hard to prevent. On the other side of the story, Shaelynn, who thought her cousin was killed by the dragon, units with a unicorn named Ilian. Together, their abilities to read thoughts and magical powers give them a fighting chance against the sorcerer. Though Liz is allegedly destined to slay Zathos, will she, and at what price?
The author follows the trajectory of Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey to perfection. Borrowing different fantasy elements and creatures from other books, Marsing has created a fantasy that is unique, thrilling, and enjoyable for all ages.