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Silver and Salt
Aran always had his secrets, things he didn't feel like sharing until his younger brother finally got up the nerve to ask about the past he never mentioned. At least until mid a few days in mid September after an early morning swimming lesson. Until asked, he never spoke of the family had before being adopted by their parents or some of his own past. It was his own until Tristan's curiosity made him finally tell the story. Alternating between the present day and the years prior to his time in Seattle.
183 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 20, 2022
First published on amorinacarlton.com
Everything seems to have its moment. From a wave of vampires to hoards of zombies filling our screens and bookshelves, those who are looking for a particular brand of entertainment can find it. It seems like “retellings” are having their heyday now, and I’m about it. Mythos, folktales, and fairy tales with new dressings and flavors are flooding the market, and for the most part, it’s welcome.
“Silver and Salt: A Mythos Novella” by Mark Jonathan Runte is one such welcome novel. The mythos he explores is one I’m only vaguely familiar with, having briefly touched on it at some point in school but not delving deeper on my own time. But it’s clear he’s blending many different myths, legends, folktales, and more to create a rich, vibrant alternative reality to our own. It is so entangled in our own, that it makes you wonder if the person standing next to you at the grocery store or the gas station could just turn into a horse or a wolf at any moment. More so, it makes you wonder if the ancient gods do, in fact, still wander among us.
All of his works are at least slightly interconnected. At the risk of a slight spoiler, I was delighted to see a character from another book of his I read “Ash” (read my thoughts on that here) make a brief appearance. This reminds me of how small the world really is, and how interconnected we all are. The beautiful interweaving of various cultures, mythos, and characters, serves as a beautiful tapestry for a haunting and action-packed tale.
Silver and Salt
“Silver and Salt” follows the tale of Aran, an ancient soldier of Poseidon. Aran recounts his life story to his “little brother,” another shapeshifter child in the family that has adopted him for many years. But though Aran looks like a young man, he is a centuries old, immortal, god-like creature, and has a harrowing, human-like tale of loss, love, and suffering to share.
Expertly interweaving ancient timelines and today, Runte shares Aran’s story in stages slowly revealing how he came to live so far from his original home. He also slowly reveals how it’s harming him – both physically and mentally, and beautifully explores the human emotions around grief, loss, and difficult choices.
Runte is still a young writer, and this story could have used another pass from a copy editor. There were a few passages that repeated and several typos, all of which admittedly were enough to pull me out of the narrative temporarily. So if you are sensitive to that, be forewarned. But what Runte lacks in composition, he makes up for beautifully in storytelling.
If you enjoy mythology, action-packed scenes, and exploration of the human condition, Runte’s work is absolutely for you.
Everything seems to have its moment. From a wave of vampires to hoards of zombies filling our screens and bookshelves, those who are looking for a particular brand of entertainment can find it. It seems like “retellings” are having their heyday now, and I’m about it. Mythos, folktales, and fairy tales with new dressings and flavors are flooding the market, and for the most part, it’s welcome.
“Silver and Salt: A Mythos Novella” by Mark Jonathan Runte is one such welcome novel. The mythos he explores is one I’m only vaguely familiar with, having briefly touched on it at some point in school but not delving deeper on my own time. But it’s clear he’s blending many different myths, legends, folktales, and more to create a rich, vibrant alternative reality to our own. It is so entangled in our own, that it makes you wonder if the person standing next to you at the grocery store or the gas station could just turn into a horse or a wolf at any moment. More so, it makes you wonder if the ancient gods do, in fact, still wander among us.
All of his works are at least slightly interconnected. At the risk of a slight spoiler, I was delighted to see a character from another book of his I read “Ash” (read my thoughts on that here) make a brief appearance. This reminds me of how small the world really is, and how interconnected we all are. The beautiful interweaving of various cultures, mythos, and characters, serves as a beautiful tapestry for a haunting and action-packed tale.
Silver and Salt
“Silver and Salt” follows the tale of Aran, an ancient soldier of Poseidon. Aran recounts his life story to his “little brother,” another shapeshifter child in the family that has adopted him for many years. But though Aran looks like a young man, he is a centuries old, immortal, god-like creature, and has a harrowing, human-like tale of loss, love, and suffering to share.
Expertly interweaving ancient timelines and today, Runte shares Aran’s story in stages slowly revealing how he came to live so far from his original home. He also slowly reveals how it’s harming him – both physically and mentally, and beautifully explores the human emotions around grief, loss, and difficult choices.
Runte is still a young writer, and this story could have used another pass from a copy editor. There were a few passages that repeated and several typos, all of which admittedly were enough to pull me out of the narrative temporarily. So if you are sensitive to that, be forewarned. But what Runte lacks in composition, he makes up for beautifully in storytelling.
If you enjoy mythology, action-packed scenes, and exploration of the human condition, Runte’s work is absolutely for you.
September 20, 2022
Aran is a kelpie/water horse shapeshifter and originally a servant to Poseidon, who has a new found family that he's torn about eventually leaving. Half of the story takes place in the present, and the other half is as reflections on past events, told in tales to his young sibling. Narrative style is that type of back and forth between present-ish and past, which is far better than an ugly prologue dump at the front but also not a narrative style I'm particularly fond of. Some like it, some don't. Reader preference there. I media res my own work, so take that note with a grain of salt.
In terms of items that will be liked: YA novella with Greek gods, shapeshifting ponies. Its length is low commitment, and the past portions cover the start to end in terms of plot/narrative pretty well. On the other hand: Present Aran is an 8000-year-old demi god who looks like he's 17, who is adopted by another shapeshifting family whose Mom is probably way younger than him, and Dad even more so. He sometimes gets into "territory" disputes for no real explained reason, especially since his territory was never the Pacific. And yeah, present has a bit too many plotholes. But he can become a pretty pony, gets wet and naked a lot, and... Don't get me started on the thing about the boat. Interesting angle but, it also created more holes.
Runte was very devoted and clear on the backstory, and that part is fleshed out well. The present is lacking, and almost exists as padding. I'd have liked to have seen that part built out, where it's a two to three chapters of present, then a juicy backstory chapter chunk, repeat. Makes the book longer, but the present needed the length, and a bit more plothole bulletproofing.
In terms of items that will be liked: YA novella with Greek gods, shapeshifting ponies. Its length is low commitment, and the past portions cover the start to end in terms of plot/narrative pretty well. On the other hand: Present Aran is an 8000-year-old demi god who looks like he's 17, who is adopted by another shapeshifting family whose Mom is probably way younger than him, and Dad even more so. He sometimes gets into "territory" disputes for no real explained reason, especially since his territory was never the Pacific. And yeah, present has a bit too many plotholes. But he can become a pretty pony, gets wet and naked a lot, and... Don't get me started on the thing about the boat. Interesting angle but, it also created more holes.
Runte was very devoted and clear on the backstory, and that part is fleshed out well. The present is lacking, and almost exists as padding. I'd have liked to have seen that part built out, where it's a two to three chapters of present, then a juicy backstory chapter chunk, repeat. Makes the book longer, but the present needed the length, and a bit more plothole bulletproofing.
March 10, 2025
This is set in a world akin to that of American Gods in which all gods and mythological creatures exist, so if mythological modernization is your thing, jump on in--just come with a decent background.
For the first entry in the series, this left me with more questions than answers. Aran, an ancient horse shapeshifter/kelpie created by Poseidon, decided to leave his master's service...with the expected consequences of angering a Greek god. That narrative alternates with the present, in which Aran has somehow been adopted by a kitsune and lives with her family in Washington state. Over the course of several days--and in between run-ins with figures like Coyote and a mysterious woman from his past--he tells his adopted little brother his tragic story.
A quick and interesting read, but I could have used a better bridge between the distant past and the present.
For the first entry in the series, this left me with more questions than answers. Aran, an ancient horse shapeshifter/kelpie created by Poseidon, decided to leave his master's service...with the expected consequences of angering a Greek god. That narrative alternates with the present, in which Aran has somehow been adopted by a kitsune and lives with her family in Washington state. Over the course of several days--and in between run-ins with figures like Coyote and a mysterious woman from his past--he tells his adopted little brother his tragic story.
A quick and interesting read, but I could have used a better bridge between the distant past and the present.
May 17, 2024
A wonderful short story
This short story was fun to read with the dual timelines. I really enjoyed going back and forth between the two. Aran explains his story to his younger adoptive brother about his life before he found his freedom. His 5-y/o brother Tristan is adorable and just wants to know more about his big brother who has all these powers. I’m curious to see how the next book goes. If Tristan will continue to be around or will it have all new characters? I love the Titanic nod at the very end too! It’s a fun read and I’m anxious to start the next book!
This short story was fun to read with the dual timelines. I really enjoyed going back and forth between the two. Aran explains his story to his younger adoptive brother about his life before he found his freedom. His 5-y/o brother Tristan is adorable and just wants to know more about his big brother who has all these powers. I’m curious to see how the next book goes. If Tristan will continue to be around or will it have all new characters? I love the Titanic nod at the very end too! It’s a fun read and I’m anxious to start the next book!
July 1, 2024
This shorter edition of the Mythos series deepens the Mythologic aspect and the already fabulous worldbuilding of this universe. Here, we get the tale behind shapeshifters, kelpies and their connections to the Gods and Goddesses of the ancient pantheons. Dramatic and beautifully expressed, this tale is nevertheless kept light and easy to follow through the instantly loveable narrators of Aran and his little brother Tristian. An easy but exciting mix of fantasy, mythical and epic adventure that everyone should read!
February 24, 2025
Silver and Salt is a complex story with multitudes of characters either active or mentioned. There are also several themes and references to aspects of history. So much is included I sometimes found it hard to follow the storyline. The story employs Greek mythology along with hints from other cultures. I found the relationship between the main character and his brother touching. Especially intriguing was a section removed from the main body but included at the end...the story about Titania. 4⭐️
April 28, 2025
A Bewildering yet entrancing mix of myths
A Bewildering yet entrancing mix of myths and stories about the sea. I never really worked out who the main character was and what were his motivations but it didn't seem to interfere with the enjoyment of this story. I loved the reference to the Gods and ancient myths but I felt I would have to study them more so I could get more out of this story but still an entertaining read.
A Bewildering yet entrancing mix of myths and stories about the sea. I never really worked out who the main character was and what were his motivations but it didn't seem to interfere with the enjoyment of this story. I loved the reference to the Gods and ancient myths but I felt I would have to study them more so I could get more out of this story but still an entertaining read.
November 16, 2022
Interesting story!
June 19, 2023
Mark Jonathan Runte is a prolific author, between his Mythos series and Midwinter Nights duology. After reading Bound in Blood, I realised I had to read this novella. And I’m glad I did.
While Mythos doesn’t simply chronicle the adventures of one set of characters, Bound in Blood features the return of Aran and Tristan,Silver and Salt's lead characters. As much as that book stands alone, so too does this. There’s connective tissue with Ash, with referenced characters appearing here, but neither book suffers for it; instead, these connections add vibrancy to the world.
Silver and Salt is a short read, but it's packed with story. One thing I often find with novellas—and shorter works in general—is authors not writing for the format, with a story spread too thinly, or too much story thrown in. The is an expert at writing for the book’s length.
That the author has included the right amount of story for the book’s length is made all the more impressive by it not telling one story, but two. Instead of it feeling overstuffed, the two tales form a whole. This is a book you can easily read in a single sitting, with the two intertwined tales juxtaposing with each other nicely. The stories flow together well, feeding into each without overstaying their welcome.
The novella revolves around Tristan, the younger brother, curious about Aran’s past. The primary story, set in 1993, tells a tale about Aran and Tristan. The secondary story is set circa 2100 BC; featuring the Greek god of the seas, Poseidon. While going into the book, I was aware of how Greek myth plays into Aran and Tristan’s story (not to mention the larger Mythos world), if you read this before Bound in Blood, you’ll be better off knowing as little as possible, so I won't spoil it.
Not only do the two stories tie in with each other narratively, they connect on a thematic level. This is a story about familial relationships and how we connect with those closest to us. The stories demonstrate that family—whether functional or dysfunctional—is about those we’re raised with. The relationships are honest, as are the issues the characters experience. Like the previous Mythos books, this is an urban fantasy featuring mythological figures, but at its heart are the characters’ relationships.
Fictional relationships are only as strong as the characters involved in them, and Silver and Salt’s characters are all thoroughly engaging. I was already a big fan of the major characters, and it was great catching up with them again. Aran is a strong protagonist, and Tristan is a wonderful supporting character, and the two play off each other well. Tristan, in particular, is entertaining to read about this time—an adult in Bound in Blood, he is just five in this entry. The author has presented a five-year-old who reads exactly as his age, rather than overly precocious.
The prose is clear and concise, without overloading it with unnecessary detail; something that suits the shorter format well. The writing gives the reader all the information they need to know without overloading it with unnecessary detail. The style is welcoming to readers of most ages, ensuring they can make their way through it easily. While I wouldn’t classify it as a YA book, the prose takes a similar approach.
If you haven’t read any of the Mythos series, Silver and Salt is a great introduction to the world that doesn’t require much investment. In its short space, it weaves an entertaining tale split across two periods.
My full review will be available on my website from 26 June, 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
While Mythos doesn’t simply chronicle the adventures of one set of characters, Bound in Blood features the return of Aran and Tristan,Silver and Salt's lead characters. As much as that book stands alone, so too does this. There’s connective tissue with Ash, with referenced characters appearing here, but neither book suffers for it; instead, these connections add vibrancy to the world.
Silver and Salt is a short read, but it's packed with story. One thing I often find with novellas—and shorter works in general—is authors not writing for the format, with a story spread too thinly, or too much story thrown in. The is an expert at writing for the book’s length.
That the author has included the right amount of story for the book’s length is made all the more impressive by it not telling one story, but two. Instead of it feeling overstuffed, the two tales form a whole. This is a book you can easily read in a single sitting, with the two intertwined tales juxtaposing with each other nicely. The stories flow together well, feeding into each without overstaying their welcome.
The novella revolves around Tristan, the younger brother, curious about Aran’s past. The primary story, set in 1993, tells a tale about Aran and Tristan. The secondary story is set circa 2100 BC; featuring the Greek god of the seas, Poseidon. While going into the book, I was aware of how Greek myth plays into Aran and Tristan’s story (not to mention the larger Mythos world), if you read this before Bound in Blood, you’ll be better off knowing as little as possible, so I won't spoil it.
Not only do the two stories tie in with each other narratively, they connect on a thematic level. This is a story about familial relationships and how we connect with those closest to us. The stories demonstrate that family—whether functional or dysfunctional—is about those we’re raised with. The relationships are honest, as are the issues the characters experience. Like the previous Mythos books, this is an urban fantasy featuring mythological figures, but at its heart are the characters’ relationships.
Fictional relationships are only as strong as the characters involved in them, and Silver and Salt’s characters are all thoroughly engaging. I was already a big fan of the major characters, and it was great catching up with them again. Aran is a strong protagonist, and Tristan is a wonderful supporting character, and the two play off each other well. Tristan, in particular, is entertaining to read about this time—an adult in Bound in Blood, he is just five in this entry. The author has presented a five-year-old who reads exactly as his age, rather than overly precocious.
The prose is clear and concise, without overloading it with unnecessary detail; something that suits the shorter format well. The writing gives the reader all the information they need to know without overloading it with unnecessary detail. The style is welcoming to readers of most ages, ensuring they can make their way through it easily. While I wouldn’t classify it as a YA book, the prose takes a similar approach.
If you haven’t read any of the Mythos series, Silver and Salt is a great introduction to the world that doesn’t require much investment. In its short space, it weaves an entertaining tale split across two periods.
My full review will be available on my website from 26 June, 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews