The Runes She Sang

Her path is written in runes, her fate yet untold…

About the story

A tragic accident. A cursed mark. A sanctuary steeped in secrets and magic as old as the gods.
In The Runes She Sang, Thorun seeks refuge among outcast witches, only to find herself drawn into the ancient power of runes, inspired by myth and alive with peril. Within the castle’s shadowed halls, allies and adversaries emerge—each harboring their own scars and ambitions. As darkness rises, Thorun must wield this dangerous magic to protect those she loves. But will her growing strength come at the cost of her soul?


Inspired by the timeless mystique of Norse mythology, The Runes She Sang is a dark fantasy tale of resilience, forbidden power, and the thin line between destruction and redemption.

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.
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 Viking mythology and rune magic. Inspired by ancient symbols and 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.

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’ll enjoy The runes she sang if you love:

  • The atmospheric, folklore-inspired fantasy like The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden.
  • Personal journeys with magical elements and introspection like The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
  • Dark, magical tone and morally complex characters of The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski.
  • The Nordic-inspired worlds of Skyrim, God of War or Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.
  • The atmospheric tension and haunting elegance of Crimson Peak.
  • Folklore-laced tales like Uprooted by Naomi Novik.

Behind the RUNES

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