In a land of myth and ice, seventeen-year-old Runa Unnursdóttir is not the runecaster her clan has been hoping for. She spends her days daydreaming of sailing away and exploring the world instead of studying the runes and learning her spells. The villagers consider her odd, in looks and in manner. She’s nothing like her talented sister, Sýr, keeper of the sacred moonstone that ensures the village’s continued survival. But when a rival clan led by an evil witch raids the village and kidnaps her sister, Runa is forced to act. With a fallen Valkyrie by her side, and the help of a gorgeous half-elf Runa is not quite sure she can trust, the apprentice must travel to the site of an ancient runecasting competition to try to win back the magical gem. But the journey will not be easy; the three unlikely companions encounter malevolent and supernatural creatures at every turn. Somehow, Runa must summon the courage and strength to face her destiny, a destiny she never wanted. Or die trying.
Reviews and praise for The Stone of Sorrow:
“This might seem like a traditional quest story, but Carter approaches the material with a bold, subversive, feminist slant. This is a novel focused on female empowerment and self-determination, less concerned with vengeance or triumph than it is with community and family. It’s a fresh, character-focused read with genuinely surprising twists; the fact that it is the first instalment of a series makes it all the more enticing.”
Robert J. Wiersema, Quill & quire
“Readers who enjoy Norse mythology, magic and adventure will find The Stone of Sorrow, with its hints of humor and its complicated characters, a compelling read. Highly Recommended ”
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Spirited…A magical alternate Iceland results in evocative atmospherics…Empathy is a major theme, and a queer relationship and a nonbinary character are inclusive additions to the novel.”
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