Riddle of the Runes

This book has a great story to it. Great book for children to read or parents to read to, as the language used in the book is simple, which helps to encourage your child to read independently. The book is mystery Viking book, so it is great to introduce children to the genre. I personally enjoyed this book, considering I'm not a child but I would recommend this book to any parent that is looking for a book to read for your children, as I am going to keep this book if I have children one day. I got this book because I haven't read a mystery genre before and the fact it has Vikings in it is the selling points to me. Janina Ramirez knows her Medieval history, as she provided insight in a educational and entertainment ways for anyone that is reading this book of the story and Viking life.

Janina Ramirez is a goddess and all around awesome human being. You should consume all of her documentary materials as well. Way of the waves is another story of Alva you should read!

Riddle of the Runes is a thoughtful and exciting adventure quest for junior-age children (and anyone who knows one) set in the cold north of the Viking era. And with crisp snow underfoot and fur-lined hoods, a cosy hearth and the promise of treasure, a talking raven and a coded message to unravel, everything a good adventurer requires is packed within the pages of the book.I loved how, before the story starts, there’s a picture gallery of the main characters to pore over, and a dramatic map of Kilsgard to set the scene. And then we meet flame-haired Alva. It was love at first page – her energy and strength are clear from the crisp punchy sentences of the very first paragraph. I was hooked.Alva is the pint-sized heroine I desperately wanted to be at age 9 (and 19, 29 and 39). She’s bright and full of beans, and she’s alive with enviable bravery and absolute integrity. With a tamed wolf at her side she bounds through life her braids flying, like a feisty Pippi-Longstocking (with manners) for the twenty-first century. She’s a marvel.In beautifully-written prose underpinned by accurate historical details, we follow Alva, her Uncle Magnus and her mother Brianna through the pages on the trail of something invaluable as they work together to unravel the riddle written in runes unearthed during an investigation of an unexpected event in the opening chapter. These runes are genuine symbols used by the Norse men and it is fascinating to follow their interpretation. I also enjoyed getting a gentle understanding of Viking society, from their daily lives to their superstitions and their Gods, which provided the back drop for Alva’s adventure.The story flows beautifully with evocative illustrations, and woven into the solving of the Runes are the additional threads of the importance of family, of duty and of kindness which soften the breathless pace of discovery and give the reader a well-rounded view of the main characters.This book is a masterpiece and I can’t wait for a sequel!

Now I have read a LOT of Viking historical fiction. Some of it aimed at children but the majority for teenagers and adults.Most such books involve lone warriors or longship crews, exploring new lands, battles and wars, slaves and treasure hoards. A few and only a few feature women or girls.This story features 2... A daughter and mother.This story involves a pair of strangers from a foreign land, a talking raven, a pet wolf and a set of runes that only certain people can read the meaning behind. Also kidnapping, a small fight, religious sacrifices, fear, family history and memories.It is a brilliant unique down to earth insight into the Viking world the way the Vikings saw themselves without the tint of Christianity or Anglo-Saxon heritage.It shows the pride they had for themselves in apparance, possessions, wealth, status, success in exploration and raiding and trading and craftsmanship...It has a real sense of danger, drama, fear but also of bravery, love, trust and gutsyness.The illustrations that accompany the story are superb and really bring the whole adventure to life and a lot of the objects, including the key piece of the rune puzzle are in fact real life artefacts found during excavations and can be seen in various local or national museums.It is an excellent book for children (age 10+) especially if parents read it to them for some scenes amongst the family are great at helping children understand the protectiveness of parents but equally help parents understand the children's need to do things, within reason, for themselves.I think the theme of family is what really won the book a place on my favourites shelf. Many Vikingy stories involve family usually revolving around revenge or the desire to improve a families reputation and often through the means of earning fame and glory away from home. This book really shines a light on the family of those who go a-Viking and most significantly that there is adventure to be had without crossing the seas.I adored every chapter and illustration and Alva is now my favourite Viking girl and I am delighted that we will get to follow at least two more of her adventures in new books.A stellar debut from my favourite TV historian. Bravo Janina Bravo!

Review by the 9 year old who read the book:I found it was a very very good book, I really enjoyed it because it was about an investigation in Viking times and I am very interested in that. The main characters are Alva, Fenir her pet wolf, uncle Magnus and her mum Brianna. This story brings them closer as a family because they solve the mystery together.This book taught me alot about the Vikings which I was doing at school and I learned about how they lived, and runes, and how girls were treated in Viking times.I am very much looking forward to reading the next book!