Kowallis’s first Hexen’s Cross novel is a cleverly articulated portrait of a modern witch. Driven by her Hexen lineage and her father’s murder, Dr. Taran Grim has dedicated her professional life to the study of European occult practices. Taran’s use of her own magic is perfunctory at best, but when a stranger presents her with a rune that bears an etching of two scarred hands, she recognizes the circular marking carved into her own palm. The rune spurs Taran’s discovery of an ancient prophecy, which in turn forces her into the company of Collens Donovan, the owner of the corresponding scar depicted on the rune. Together, they are tasked with finding and protecting the Craniarann, or staff, of Woden—Taran’s ancestor—in order to prevent the end of the Hexen race. Coll’s own family history, however, makes him a less than willing participant, much to Taran’s chagrin. Kowallis’s blend of mythologies is immersive and impressive, and the volatile chemistry between the two protagonists propels this dynamic narrative forward into the series’ next volume. (BookLife)