This story was truly magical. Runes to Rain is a thrillingly unique entry into urban fantasy that stands head and shoulders above the rest. It starts by dropping the reader into a world choked by pollution where a once grand conflict between Angels and Demons has devolved into a sort of cold war, slowly suffocating both humanity and the planet as a whole. Thrown into this collapsing reality, the formidable heroine, Chaosta is meant to be a force for change - someone who will tip the balance and perhaps save the world. Before she can do that she must first grapple with the core question of her own identity and purpose.
The book possesses one of the most unique writing styles I've encountered. It flows with a dark, foundational quality, reminiscent of classic adventurous tales that were built around a profound moral scaffold. In spite of its dark tone and subject: a failing world in the midst of collapse and a war between light and dark, it manages to be uniquely hopeful. While the style may feel unfamiliar at first, it gently guides you through the story, building a sense of hard-won hope that prevents the book from ever feeling heavy-handed or brooding. This crucial balance makes it instantly captivating.
More than just a modern urban fantasy novel, Runes to Rain reads like a long-form fable that truly hits home. The writing pulls you deep into the conflict between competing forces then firmly blurs the lines, exploring profound lessons about innocence, family, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
This is a captivating and imaginative fantasy read about creation, purpose, and finding where you belong when everything around you is divided.