by Victoria McCombs
publisher’s synopsis
Rune wants only one thing from the gods: the heart of a boy who already claims to love her. She wants it enough that she’s willing to make a deal with a god to keep it.
The deal is simple: the heart of the boy, and in return, Rune will make this god revered among the clan.
Then, out of nowhere, the boy proposes to Rune’s sister instead.
In her anger, she renounces the gods. But the gods have plans of their own. They snatch Rune from earth and throw her in Asgard, claiming her as their lost goddess and drowning her in a world of dangerous power. It’s clear a god is pulling the strings here, but Rune can’t guess who, or what her role is in their games. Desperate, she strikes a second deal with a god—one who might be as broken and twisted as she, and quite possibly more capable of breaking her heart than anyone. As her Viking past finds a way into Asgard, it’s clear that someone’s heart will be slaughtered. She can only hope to be long gone before it all crashes down.
A standalone fantasy for lovers of the fake engagement trope, shields and axes, or poison in teacups.
What I Liked
I enjoyed McCombs’s spin on Norse mythology. I do wish that a little more of Asgard could have been explored, but I love worldbuilding. 🙂
What I Struggled With
I had a hard time keeping track of how long Rune was in Asgard. It felt like a pretty long time, but I think it took place in only a couple of weeks. I think it might have worked a little better if it took place over a longer period of time.
The ending also felt a little weak. There’s a certain plot element at the climax that felt too predictable and should have been somewhat obvious to the characters. That coupled with the abruptness of the ending left the ending feeling a little rocky.
Overall
An enjoyable read from McCombs.
Cautions: Fifteen kisses; moderate romance; non-graphic heavy violence
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Rune releases in April 2025.)
Hailey Huntington 
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