Runes & Relics
Taryn L Wagner
Tellwell Talent (2024)
ISBN: 978-0228808411
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (09/2025)
Taryn L. Wagner’s Runes & Relics is the second book in the Mallard Pond series. It follows Welcome to Mallard Pond. It takes place in a small valley that is hidden by magic. It is protected by the Darkvale warriors, which is a brotherhood dedicated to protecting magic. They help keep the witches of the Darkvale Brotherhood safe.
The story follows Everleigh, a descendant of witches, as she finds herself hunted by a dangerous creature who survives in the shadows. A mysterious old book provides information that sets Everleigh and her partner, Jack, on a quest to find answers about this creature in the elusive Darkvale Hall of Rorenth. Jack is a Darkvale warrior. Combining Everleigh’s magical talent with his abilities makes them a very powerful couple. When they set off on their journey to seek answers, they have no clue what they will find. What they discover is shocking. They must survive so that they can return to Mallard Pond to complete their mission and destroy the creature.
I enjoyed the close-knit relationships between the protagonists and supporting characters. The chemistry between Everleigh and Jack feels authentic and heartfelt. This special relationship makes their dangerous quest seem even more perilous because we want them both to survive and be able to stay together. Mallard Pond is rich with history and magic. I appreciate that the backstory of the witches and their warriors was described in the history of these mysterious magical places. The author seamlessly weaves this information into the plot. This helps add meaning and depth to the narrative.
The creature evokes a strong sense of fear and despair that radiates through the pages. His evil presence kept me on the edge of my seat! The vivid descriptions of the settings really bring this place to life and add to the atmospheric tension.
Wagner’s Runes & Relics quickly captured my attention so that I found it hard to put down. While I would like to go back and read the first installment in the series, I feel that it does stand on its own. I think that most readers will agree, and that they will also want to immerse themselves in the whole series, including future installments. I look forward to continuing to follow the Mallard Pond series.