Runemarks Joanne Harris – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Runemarks Joanne Harris

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book

74%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Norse gods go underground in a post-apocalyptic world where a scrappy teen with a runic birthmark might be the key to everything.

Runemarks Joanne Harris

book

74%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Norse gods go underground in a post-apocalyptic world where a scrappy teen with a runic birthmark might be the key to everything.

4.2

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Screenwise Verdict

This is solid YA fantasy with actual imagination behind it - not just another chosen-one-goes-to-magic-school retread. Harris takes Norse mythology seriously enough to capture its weirdness and violence, but makes it accessible and fun for modern teens.

The violence and language mean it's not for sensitive younger readers, but for kids ready for darker fantasy (think later Harry Potter books), this delivers. The mythology education is a genuine bonus - your kid will actually learn about Odin, Loki, and the Nine Worlds while enjoying a fast-paced adventure.

The main knock: it's from 2007 and while not ancient, it doesn't have the cultural momentum of newer series. Some kids will bounce off the dense worldbuilding. But if your teen is into mythology or looking for fantasy with actual literary merit, this is a strong pick that won't rot their brain.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-16, particularly kids who love fantasy worldbuilding and aren't fazed by mythology-style violence. Younger readers who devour Percy Jackson might be ready, but the tone is darker and more complex. Not really an adult crossover despite Harris's literary cred.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The book has solid emotional grounding with themes of identity, friendship, and finding your place, but includes grim Norse-mythology-style violence, swearing, and references to drinking and pipe smoking. Not inappropriate for the target age but not squeaky clean either.

Imaginative

A creative reimagining of Norse mythology set 500 years post-apocalypse with banned magic, a new religious Order, and a protagonist discovering her Chaos blood powers. The worldbuilding is sprawling and original, blending fantasy adventure with mythological reinvention in a fresh way.

Safe

Common Sense Media notes 'rather grim violence' consistent with Norse mythology source material, plus swearing and substance references. No sexual content, but the violence may surprise younger or more sensitive readers. For a YA fantasy, this is fairly standard but not completely benign.

Enriching

Introduces Norse mythology in an engaging, accessible format while exploring themes of prejudice, religious control, identity, and found family. Fast-paced and entertaining enough to hold attention while teaching mythology and encouraging critical thinking about power structures.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely creative take on Norse mythology - not just Thor and Loki fan service, but a full reimagining with banned magic and religious oppression
Fast-paced adventure that reviewers say never gets boring, with humor and irreverence mixed into the epic fantasy
Great entry point for kids interested in mythology without needing to read the actual sagas
Strong themes about being an outcast, questioning authority, and discovering your own power
Joanne Harris (Chocolat author) brings literary chops to YA fantasy

⚠

What to Watch For

Violence can get grim in the Norse tradition - think battles, betrayals, and gods behaving badly
Some swearing and references to drinking/pipe smoking throughout
Complex mythology with lots of characters - might be confusing for younger or reluctant readers
The pacing is fast but the worldbuilding is dense; not a light beach read

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about a world where magic and old stories are banned? Why would people want to control what others believe?"
"Maddy is shunned for her ruinmark - have you ever felt judged for something you can't control?"
"The Norse gods in this are pretty flawed and chaotic. How is that different from other god or superhero stories you know?"
"If you could have a runic power, what would you want it to be and why?"

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