Review by Ian Keogh

Saint Claire’s Orphanage in Little Valley isn’t a pleasant place to be for more sensitive children, and in escaping from bullies Chiri and Dai run deep into the nearby forest to the supposedly haunted ruins, where there’s a life-changing experience. As seen on the sample art, a spirit of adventure takes them into a dark tunnel, and when they emerge things and people are very different.

Transportation to a fantasy world is a staple of children’s fiction, but Carlos Sánchez provides an imaginative example, with his signature character note being Chiri’s deafness. She and Dai communicate via sign language as indicated by yellow dialogue boxes, and they’re integral to Rune as sign language is similar to wizard speak. The wizards, though, are rather on the back foot as their world is being invaded by the Shadow King. Those they meet are surprised Chiri and Dai have survived their journey unharmed.

Although intended as an all-ages fantasy adventure, there’s considerable subtlety about Rune, not least that the frequently seen rune lettering can be translated by the code breaker in the back of the book. Also subtle is that the frankly eccentric limited selection of colours brighten when Chiri and Dai cross from the “real” world into the magical realm. There’s less nuance about the cast, who fall into easily identified stereotypes, but Sánchez plots well, ensuring the warrior, the witch and the dark threat all resonate. Chiri’s plucky personality is always at the forefront in providing an example of how disadvantages don’t have to hold children back. She’s a delightful role model.

Sánchez’s art is incredibly detailed, and as such creates an immersive world for young readers to explore, amplified if they’re inclined to pore over the backgrounds. Having the main characters brightly coloured with limited background shades ensures they stand out. A signature technique is spreads where the cast are seen several times on the same illustration as they make their way through a location.

As seen on the cover, Chiri and Dai gather allies, who believe their appearance presents a good opportunity to rid their world of the Shadow King. The path to doing so involves outsiders from one place being integral to another, which is always a good lesson to pass on.

This is a rollicking good adventure that bears re-reading once everything has finished to note the little clues and pointers Sánchez plants along the way. The good news is that there’s a continuation in The Tale of the Obsidian Maze.