The Runes She Sang

A SONG FORGOTTEN, A POWER MISUNDERSTOOD…

About the story

After a ritual ends in fire, Thorun is exiled as a witch and murderer, left with a black mark spreading beneath her skin and no way back to the life she knew. Her only refuge is Danford Castle—a sanctuary for outcast witches, where old runes, waking magic, and secrets seem woven into the very walls.
But the mark is changing her. Strange dreams pull at her memory, runes answer in ways they shouldn’t, and the guarded man watching over her seems to know more than he is willing to say. As Thorun searches for the truth of what happened that night, she is drawn toward a power she does not understand—and a past that may not be finished with her.
The Runes She Sang is a gothic fantasy of resilience, soul-deep transformation, and slow-burn romantic tension, where power misunderstood can destroy a life—or remake it.

key highlights

  • A blend of dark fantasy with deeply personal stakes.
  • A richly woven magic system inspired by Old Norse traditions and runes, offering a fresh and immersive take on magical power.
  • Slow-burn romance and complex character dynamics.
  • A journey of redemption, courage, and transformation.
  • Themes of resilience, self-discovery and the battle between light and darkness.
  • Haunting gothic aesthetic and subtle layers of mystery.
Only I decided what I wanted to be; I shaped myself, and in doing so, changed everything around me.
A Portrait of Denna ValravenDenna Valraven

inspiration

project runes inspiration runic symbols
Elder Futhark. Photo by Carla Santiago on Unsplash
Denna Valraven book inspiration raven
Raven. Photo by Kevin Mueller on Unsplash
project runes inspiration eltz castle upclose
Burg Eltz. Photo by Cederic Vandenberghe on Unsplash
project runes inspiration library
Library. Photo by Clarisse Meyer on Unsplash
project runes visual rune carving
Rune carving and dyeing. Created with DALL-E
River. Photo by Jt Cattelan on Unsplash

The Runes She Sang began as a personal journey into the mysticism of Norse mythology, runic traditions and rune-singing. Inspired by ancient symbols and Scandinavian folklore, the story evolved over years of writing and research, creating a world steeped in Norse traditions and gothic allure.

Music played a powerful role in shaping this tale, with haunting tracks from Eivør, Wardruna and many film and video game scores. They brought the story’s raw tension and ethereal moments to life.

Listen on spotify

Visually, the warmth of libraries, towering castles, forgotten gardens, and misty forests of Nordic landscapes inspired the setting’s striking mood. Each scene was crafted to immerse readers in a world where magic and myth converge, honoring the timeless power of storytelling.

You may love The runes she sang if you love:

  • The gothic atmosphere, mysterious magic, and slow-building romantic tension of One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig.
  • Stories inspired by Norse mythology and old runic traditions.
  • The haunting vocals and Nordic folk sound of Eivør, Heilung and Wardruna.
  • Dark, magical tone and the haunting beauty of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.
  • The beautiful unease and elegance of Crimson Peak.
  • Midsummer forests, old castles, ritual fires, and magic that feels ancient rather than polished.
  • Fantasy where romance matters deeply without becoming the only story being told.

STEP INTO THE STORY

The Runes She Sang Released SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.

If Thorun’s world has drawn you in, the gates of Danford Castle are open.

buy THE RUNES SHE SANG →

For behind-the-scenes notes, worldbuilding, and glimpses into my writing life, visit Denna’s Quiet Study on Substack.

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