Runemarks

This book is a hugely fun read for anyone interested in Norse mythology (and for the uninitiated who enjoy a complex story). It feels quite a lot like YA - another reviewer mentioned anachronistic slang and jokes, which I think were meant to convey that tone - but excellent YA. The lead is one of those rare female characters who's fierce, funny, and flawed without being artificial or preachy, and the side characters, particularly Loki, were beautifully fleshed out. The concept is original, too, though anyone who took issue with Phillip Pullman's subtle criticism of Christianity in the Golden Compass books should probably skip this one; still, it's a great book, and a pleasure to read.