Help Identifying Fantasy Novel About Rune Magic

Question

I read a book a long time ago that felt like it was the start of a series. I forget most of the details but it has a very unique magic system based on runes. What I remember is that:

• The main character is female I think
• Magic requires runes, crafted by "rune smiths", but must be cast by a separate person. It might be possible that magic requires 3 people, but I forget what the third person might do.
• People who can create magic are either rune smiths or the people who can actually cast. Each person has only the one or the other talent.
• The main character I believe has some special ability relating to magic, but I'm not sure anymore what it is.

I remember the thing that stood out the most for me was the magic system requiring multiple people for it to work.

I read it some time between 2003-2005. The book was at the local library so I don't know if the time I found it will help with the date of publication. After reading the description of Runelords and the first few pages of the first book I am convinced that the book I am looking for is not Runelords.

Answer 1

This might be "The Last Rune" series by Mark Anthony. The series follows two main characters, Grace Beckett and Travis Wilder.

There are three different ways of using runes in the series: runebinders can bind runes into an object, runespeakers can "cast" a rune and use its power, and runebreakers can break a bound rune. Runelords, who are rare, can do all three.

Also, the Grace Beckett character has a magical power unconnected to runes, based on an earth-magic concept.

More information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Rune and here: https://wyrdwood.net/thelastrune/

Answer 2

Similarly to Carlos' answer, there's the Illumination series, where:

Magic is strongest when cast in threes--scribers, illuminators, and binders. ^(quote)

The main character is female, and especially powerful until her magic deserts her.

From Goodreads:

After a lifetime of training, Liath was proud to have passed her final challenge and become a true mage, ready to journey the land of Eiden Myr and find a Triad to bond with as an Illuminator. But the very night of her triumph, her light fails her: She can no longer see the magical illumination guiders, and thus, despite the mage's badge upon her breast, can no longer call herself Illuminator.

Answer 3

The Runelords series by David Farland seems to fit the description.

From Wikipedia:

In the universe of The Runelords, there exists a unique magical system which relies on the existence of distinct bodily attributes, such as brawn, grace, and wit. These attributes can be transferred from one individual (or animal) to another in a process known as "giving an endowment". Lords who have taken many endowments become extremely powerful, almost superhuman, and are known as Runelords.

Answer 4

It might be Runemarks by Joanne Harris.

Per Wikipedia:

Runemarks follows Maddy, a young loner who has been ostracised from her town for the rust-coloured rune mark she carries on her left hand. Animals born with a rune mark on their bodies are seen as cursed or deformed and are usually quickly slaughtered. Maddy is allowed to live because she is human, but is always viewed with suspicion despite this. Her village does not follow the Norse Gods, as the puritanical regime known as the Order has mandated that no one is to speak or acknowledge any of the old ways, let alone use magic. It is only after she helps rid the local inn's cellar of goblins that Maddy discovers her latent magic, with it quickly becoming something that is occasionally useful to herself and those around her. As the book progresses Maddy flashes back to her childhood where she learned about runes and Norse legends through the old traveller One-Eye, who later reveals himself to Maddy as Odin and involves her in a quest to find a treasure buried beneath Red Horse Hill. As they search, they come across several other Norse gods and are led into a confrontation with the Order and their leader.

Answer 5

I think it might be Enchantress by James Maxwell. It is about a sister and brother. The female learns how to use runes and is the main character of the series. There is magic, love, and war. This is also the first book of a series.