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Children of Ragnarok: The Runestone Saga

#1 of 2 in Runestone Saga Series

4.02
on Goodreads (1,863)

What’s inside...

Sweeping adventure, breathtaking twists of fate, and immersive worlds based in Norse mythology are woven into this first volume of the Runestone Saga, from the New York Times bestselling author of the Seven Realms and Shattered Realms series. Ever since Ragnarok—the great war between the gods and the forces of chaos–the human realm of the Midlands has become a dangerous place, bereft of magic, where most lead lives of desperation. Sixteen-year-old Eiric Halvorsen is among the luckier ones. Between fishing, going vikingr, and working his modir’s farm, the family has remained prosperous. But Eiric stands to lose everything when he’s convicted by a rigged jury of murdering his modir and stepfadir. Also at risk is his half-systir, Liv, whose interest in seidr, or magic, has made her a figure of suspicion. Then a powerful jarl steps in: He will pay the blood price if Eiric will lead a mission to the fabled Temple at the Grove—the rich stronghold of the wyrdspinners, the last practitioners of sorcery. Spellsinger, musician, and runecaster Reggin Eiklund has spent her life traveling from town to town, performing at alehouses all for the benefit of her master, Asger, the fire demon she is desperate to escape. Then after one performance that amazes even Reggin herself, two wyrdspinners in the audience make her an irresistible offer: return with them to the temple to be trained in seidr, forever free of Asger. Eiric, Liv, and Reggin’s journeys converge in New Jotunheim, the site of the Temple at the Grove, a paradise fueled by magic. They soon realize that a great evil lurks beneath the dazzling surface, and that old betrayals and long-held grudges may fuel another cataclysmic war. It will require every gift and weapon at their command to prevent it.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

13-17

Length

17 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think motivated the main characters to go on their adventure?
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges?
What would you have done differently if you were in the story?
How do the friendships in the book compare to your own friendships?
What did you learn about Norse mythology from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters' emotions and decisions to their own experiences. Discuss the cultural aspects of the story to broaden their understanding of different histories and mythologies. Utilize the adventurous elements of the book to foster imagination and creative thinking in your conversations.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Children of Ragnarok: The Runestone Saga', characters frequently face daunting challenges and threats. Their bravery despite fear encourages young readers to be resilient.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by standing up for themselves or others in difficult situations, such as during conflicts at school or in new environments.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the saga, characters must work together to overcome obstacles and defeat foes, highlighting the strength found in unity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate with peers during group projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to greater success.
Example Lesson: Respect for diverse cultures
Explanation: The story explores various mythologies and cultures, teaching respect and appreciation for different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and respectful towards classmates and people from various cultural backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in the book often learn important lessons from their errors, which aids in their growth and development.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures, fostering a growth mindset in their academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Persistence in achieving goals
Explanation: The protagonists’ relentless pursuit of their objectives, despite numerous setbacks, serves as a powerful model for perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to keep trying in their pursuits, be it learning a new skill, or improving in a subject at school.

Children of Ragnarok: The Runestone Saga by Cinda Williams Chima