Raised by an old fortune-teller within the dark veil of the Bavarian Black Forest, Rune has learned two valuable lessons: only take from the forest that which you can use, and never, never look anyone in the eye in the village. For something terrible happened in the forest long ago... and now, the whispers of a long-dead mother with a vengeful secret have come haunting.
Forced to flee all she has ever known, Rune soon learns of a legacy she is bound to--one that is drenched in fear, witchcraft and murder--a birthright that stretches beyond the grave to the trees where Rune is no longer safe.
My Review:
I loved the time period of this book. It is set in the 1600's in Germany. All of the geographical information actually exists in Germany which I thought was insanely cool. People here are scared of what they don't understand or what could be consider "evil". Rune lives in the black forest with an old fortune teller who is the only mother she has ever known. Her Mother died when she was born. she has many questions about her past and her mother. Living in the Black Forest has its dangers. People in the city are protected from it's dangers by a hedge that is suppose to keep witches out. This area has a bad history with witch craft. One day when the fortune teller is with a client and Rune is out collecting herbs in the forest she starts to hear a voice. A voice telling her to do things. A voice that claims to be her mother. How can this be? Will Rune get the answers she seeks?
Rune is a great character. She starts out as a girl who doesn't know who she is. She is very strong willed and has good morals. Despite what her mother encourages her to do, she stands her ground. Even when her guardian is captured and accused of witch craft she holds her ground. Which is insanely hard to do given the circumstances. She learns how to adjust to her circumstances and over come some pretty big obstacles. She has to go through things that no teen should ever have to go through. Her life is in danger numerous times and she still remains strong and refuses to use her gifts for evil.
There is a potential love interest too! Laurentz is the son of an Electorate of a near by castle. He stumbles upon Rune by accident as his horse almost stomps on her. He is instantly drawn to this beautiful strange girl. A girl who could heal a wound with weeds??? Despite the attraction that these two share they never talk about it. It simply is there. Laurentz tries to help Rune throughout this dangerous time for her. He does like her but, there are some other reasons behind it. I was so drawn to these two. Their relationship felt real. Not instalove. It wasn't like, hey you were almost burned alive lets make out! I loved it. Getting to hear from both of their POV was great.
I really enjoyed this read. It was an easy read. I loved the time period and the world building. It drew me in quickly. I also love books about witches. This one is different too. Not what you typically read about powerful witches. I will be anxiously awaiting book 2!
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