Runelords Reviews
The Runelords: The Sum of All Men Reviews
Orson Scott Card on The Runelords
"David Farland is derivative of no one, yet he writes within a tradition that is as old as storytelling. The tale is set in heroic times, in a land glimpsed only from a distance, but serves only to clarify and magnify tales that are also true for us in our relentlessly unheroic times.
"Now he begins a new series, set in a world of mages and earth wardens, kings and knights equitable, glamours and Voices, endowments and Dedicates, force horses and reavers. Swords flash. Cruelty abounds. Men and women obey their lords and die for it, or worse, do deeds so terrible they cannot bear to live with them.
"Farland explores the very nature of virtue and finds disturbing contradictions at the heart of every moral question. Good men and women find themselves serving evil for good reasons; people who long served evil waken and discover their honor. Love can be noble and self-sacrificing; it can be lusty and filled with pleasure. Life must be cherished except when death must be welcomed.
"And this above all: When Farland tells you that all human beings are of equal worth, he does not mean that kings and queens should be torn down to the level of peasants, but rather that peasants must be seen as bearing within them all the possible virtues of the noblest king or queen.
"When I reached the end of this first volume, The Runelords, and saw grace arise from a devastating battelfield where too many great hearts lay dead, Farland had earned the tears that came to my eyes. It was not sentiment, but epiphany."
About Orson Scott Card Orson Scott Card is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ender's Saga and is one of America's most beloved storytellers. Among his many awards are the John W. Campbell award for best new writer in America, the World Fantasy Award for best fantasy novel. His novel Ender's Game and its sequel Speaker for the Dead both won Hugo and Nebula Awards, making Card the only author to win both of science fiction's top prizes in consecutive years.
Algis Budrys on The Runelords
"David Farland is the single greatest discovery of my professional career!"
About Algis Budrys: Algis Budrys is one of the world's most respected novelists, editors and literary critics. As a critic, he wrote for the Chicago Sun Times and The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction for more than 20 years. In addition, for 25 more years he served as a judge for the world's largest science fiction and fantasy writing contest, where he helped to mentor hundreds of today's bestselling, award-winning authors. For example, in his book On Writing, Stephen King cites Algis Budrys as the first editor to offer him hope and inspiration when he was only a teen.
John Jarrold on The Runelords
"The world of fantasy has a new king. David Farland is already one of the best fantasy writers there has ever been!"
About John Jarrold: John knows fantasy. He hails from England, the home of such fantasy greats as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and J. K. Rowling. There John is considered one of the seminal fantasy critics of our time.
Terry Brooks on The Runelords
"The Runelords is a first-rate tale, an epic fantasy that more than delivers on its promise. Read it soon and treat yourself to an adventure you won't forget."
About Terry Brooks: Terry Brooks is #1 New York Times Bestselling fantasy author and is the first fantasy author to ever hit the New York Times list, where his first novel remained for an astounding 27 weeks!
Kevin J. Anderson on The Runelords
"With The Runelords, David Farland breaks new ground in fantasy fiction and wakes up anyone who thought they'd read everything the genre had to offer. Definitely a great new series to watch!"
About Kevin J. Anderson: Kevin J. Anderson has the distinction of being perhaps the best-selling science fiction working today. Though he is currently noted for his work on the masterful Dune series, Kevin has worked in a wide number of genres and mediums, including science fiction, fantasy, and horror both for young adults and adults, along with comic books and graphic novels. Kevin has either edited or published more than 75 book-length works at this point in his career.
Michael Stackpole on The Runelords
"The Runelords heralds the arrival of a serious contender for the Jordan crown. This massive tale is woven together with the skill of a superior storyteller, making it the start of a series that will thrill readers for years to come."
About Michael Stackpole: Michael Stackpole is a New York Times Bestselling Author, game designer, and fantasy critic with over forty novels published to date.
David Drake on The Runelords
"In The Runelords David Farland has created a vivid, detailed, different world that becomes perfectly believable. The characters are real, the action fast, and the sum a brilliant and engrossing novel."
About David Drake: David Drake is a New York Times best-selling author and editor who has penned an astonishing 80 novels. While he is renowned for his taut military fiction, David is also wildly popular for his Lord of the Isles series.
Robert Sawyer on The Runelords
"David Farland is a consummate stylist, and his characters are so alive they walk right off the page. The Runelords is a wonderful fantasy novel!"
About Robert J. Sawyer: Robert J. Sawyer is one of the most award-winning novelists in the science fiction with an astounding 41 national and international awards, including the Campbell, Hugo, and Nebula awards. With nearly twenty novels to his credit, he is best known for such hard-edged science fiction thrillers as The Terminal Experiment.
Paul Hughes on The Runelords
The Runelords is that rare book that will remind you why you started reading fantasy in the first place. Much of the setting--and even some of the story--is conventional fantasy fare, but David Farland, aside from being a masterful storyteller, has built his world around a complex and thought-provoking social system involving the exchange of "endowments." Attributes such as stamina, grace, and wit are a currency: a vassal may help his lord by endowing him with all of his strength, for instance, and in turn the vassal comes under the lord's care as his "dedicate," too weak to even walk. A Runelord might have hundreds of such endowments, giving him superhuman senses and abilities, but he then must care for the hundreds that he has deprived of strength, or beauty, or sight.
Runelords excels because this novel idea is not mere window dressing—Farland uses it to explore fundamental questions of life and morality. The story's hero, the young Runelord Gaborn, struggles to define his role in this "shameful economy" while keeping his commitments to himself, to his people, to the woman he loves, and to the earth itself. We end up asking ourselves the same questions: Should you choose your friends based on insight or virtue? Is it better to be just or good? Competent fantasy lets you escape to adventure in faraway lands, but exceptional fantasy makes sure you have something to think about when you get back. Runelords accomplishes the latter.
About Paul Hughes: Some reviewers have only limited experience with fantasy. As a result, they may become excited about books that are rather standard in the genre, or may disparage an entire genre based upon a book that is poorly written. As the lead reviewer for Amazon.com, Paul Hughes doesn't read fantasy just as a hobby, he studies virtually everything that gets published.
Romantic Times BOOKreviews on The Runelords
"Imaginative use of magic and detailed world-building. . . . Fans of Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind will enjoy Farland's Runelords."
About The Romantic Times BOOKreviews: The Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine serves all fans of purveyors of romantic literature, including fantasy fans.
Booklist on The Runelords
"Farland gets a prospective series off to a dynamic start with a compelling, action-packed story set in an intricate created world in which magical powers are unusual and convincing."
About Booklist: Booklist is a review column used by the American Library Association to educate librarians about upcoming books.
Publisher's Weekly on The Runelords
"The intriguing hook behind Farland's first novel—and launch of a new fantasy series—is a complex magical technology whereby abilities such as wit, brawn, and stamina are transferable from person to person. The magic is basic to Farland's story, not just painted on, and it and the society in which it plays out are rigorously and imaginatively elaborated."
About Publisher's Weekly: Publishers Weekly is the perhaps the oldest and most respected new magazine for the publishing industry.
The Library Journal on The Runelords
Prince Gaborn's visit to the Kingdom of Heredon becomes a frantic race against time as he seeks to warn Heredon's royal family of the approach of an invincible warlord whose might threatens to consume the world. Farland launches his epic series with a powerful story of a prince's transformation from a Runelord who steals his abilities from others to a ruler dedicated to the preservation of life.
About The Library Journal: The Library Journal provides book reviews for librarians in cities and schools around the world to use in considering what books to purchase.
Locus Magazine on The Runelords
"Farland uses his magic system to great effect, both in terms of its moral ideas and in generating powerful suspense. Even though the novel reaches a satisfying conclusion, Farland leaves enough loose ends to keep me wanting to read the sequel."
About Locus: Locus magazine is the premier magazine for the science fiction, fantasy, and horror industry, containing the latest news in the publishing industry and reviews of most new books that are released.
Kirkus Reviews on The Runelords
"Thoughtfully devised magics . . . a well-turned plot . . . satisfying and involving."
About Kirkus Reviews: Kirkus is an American book review journal founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus (1893-1980). It serves the book and literary trade sector, including libraries, publishers, literary and film agents, film and TV producers and booksellers. It part of Nielsen Business Media's US Music & Literary Group.
Barnes and Noble Preview Magazine on The Runelords
. . . a wonderfully entertaining world filled with some unlikely heroes and truly despicable villains.... If you're into topnotch epic fantasy, get this book!
About Barnes and Noble Preview Magazine: Barnes and Noble Preview Magazine serves customers of America's largest bookstore chain by alerting them to the most exciting new releases in each genre.
The Brotherhood of the Wolf Reviews
KLIATT on The Brotherhood of the Wolf
"Farland creates a fresh and unique world that emphasizes the complex issues of humanity, loyalty, and sacrifice. . . . highly recommended for all fans of fantasy."
About KLIATT: KLIATT is a trusted journal that reviews book for young adults based both upon quality and content. It is used primarily by librarians and schools when making decisions about which books to order.
Booklist on Brotherhood of the Wolf
"Brotherhood of the Wolf, the sequel to The Runelords, is equally as strong in characterization, setting, and action. . . . A surefire read for fans of the first book."
About Booklist: Booklist is a review column used by the American Library Association to educate librarians about upcoming books.
The Library Journal on Brotherhood of the Wolf
"Farland's sequel to The Runelords continues a powerful story of heroism and sacrifice set in a world of grim choices and potent, yet morally costly magic. The author's unique approach to magic and his skill at worldbuilding make this a good selection for most fantasy collections."
About the The Library Journal: The Library Journal is a respected news magazine that provides news and reviews for librarians around the world.
Starlog Magazine on Brotherhood of the Wolf
Brotherhood of the Wolf's most interesting and compelling conflicts are the internal ones Gaborn faces . . . . Sure, Brotherhood has incredible edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting battle scenes--the finale being an exceptional example--but Gaborn's struggle to make a decision and then facing the consequences is equally thrilling. Brotherhood of the Wolf is a welcome sequel."
About Starlog: For over thirty years, Starlog has been one of the most prestigious magazines to deliver news regarding science fiction fantasy in movies, books and games.
The Suffolk County News, Sayville New York, on Brotherhood of the Wolf
"It seems that about once a decade a writer of traditional fantasy arrives on the scene who stands head and shoulders above the competition. Steven Donaldson and Robert Jordan come to mind. Last year, David Farland jointed that elite order with The Runelords. The second volume in his series, Brotherhood of the Wolf will serve to cement his reputation. . . . Both books come to a satisfying conclusion while leaving the reader sorry to be leaving Farland's vividly imagined world, and impatient for the arrival of the next installment."
Wizardborn Reviews
Library Journal on Wizardborn
"The author's imaginative approach to magic, coupled with a richly detailed fantasy world and a cast of memorable heroes and villains, adds depth and variety to this epic tale of war and valor."
About the The Library Journal: The Library Journal is a respected news magazine that provides news and reviews for librarians around the world.
Publishers Weekly on Wizardborn
"David Farland once again proves himself a wizard at storytelling . . . This latest is certain to summon past readers of the series back to bookstores."
About Publisher's Weekly: Publishers Weekly is the perhaps the oldest and most respected new magazine for the publishing industry.
Kirkus Reviews on Wizardborn
"Colorful, inventive magics, vigorous plotting, and gore aplenty . . ."
About Kirkus Reviews: Kirkus is an American book review journal founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus (1893-1980). It serves the book and literary trade sector, including libraries, publishers, literary and film agents, film and TV producers and booksellers. It part of Nielsen Business Media's US Music & Literary Group.
Booklist on Wizardborn
"Farland's massive and compelling saga, which began with The Runelords (1998), continues at a breakneck pace . . . . As in the earlier books, the danger and violence are larger than life, and many die. But any grimness is leavened by the strong theme of love and respect for the earth and its denizens."
About Booklist: Booklist is a review column used by the American Library Association to educate librarians about upcoming books.
The Lair of Bones Reviews
Booklist on The Lair of Bones
"Brings the saga's conflicts to a resounding climax in a three-cornered confrontation. . . . The suspense is real, the action is nonstop, and the characterizations continue to convince. . . . [this is] a series that has put Farland on high-fantasy readers' maps."
About Booklist: Booklist is a review column used by the American Library Association to educate librarians about upcoming books.
Sara Douglass on The Lair of Bones
"Sometimes truly terrifying, sometimes impossibly sweet, The Lair of Bones is a tale sure to entrance any reader. This is a superb story with deeply empathetic characters."-
About Sara Douglass: Sara is a bestselling Australian fantasy writer, critic, and medieval historian who hails from Hobart, Tasmania. She has nearly twenty major fantasy novels to her credit and has won the coveted Aurealis Award for excellence in fantasy.
Kevin J. Anderson on The Lair of Bones
"David Farland's Runelords books are among the best fantasies on the market today. Great characters, a fascinating concept, and some really nasty monsters make each novel a pleasure to read."
About Kevin J. Anderson: Kevin J. Anderson has the distinction of being perhaps the best-selling science fiction working today. Though he is currently noted for his work on the masterful Dune series, Kevin has worked in a wide number of genres and mediums, including science fiction, fantasy, and horror both for young adults and adults, along with comic books and graphic novels. Kevin has either edited or published more than 75 book-length works at this point in his career.
Worldbinder Reviews
SFRevu on Worldbinder
"David Farland has written a series that rivals the best of Terry Brooks, Terry Goodkind and Orson Scott Card. Although there is a follow up to SONS OF THE OAK in terms of time and what previously happened to Fallion and Jaz, Worldbinder can stand alone while appealing to apocalyptic fantasy fans."
About SFRevu: This review was written by Harriet Klausner, a longtime scholar, librarian, and bookstore worker who is widely known for reading "everything in fantasy." About her motivations as a reviewer she says, "I take immense pleasure informing other readers about newcomers or unknown authors who have written superb novels"
The Runelords Series Reviews
Dear Mr. Farland,
I have read many fantasy books and none have brought such a fresh view to the genre as the Runelords series that I read from you. I am rarely as excited for a new book to be released as I am for your newest Runelords book. Your stories are amazing and are considered just the kind of books that re-excite you about Fantasy.
I have recently shared your books with another friend of mine and he absolutely loved the books.
One thing that many people have been wondering about as well as me is the status of a Runelords Movie. There are so many fans anticipating news on this project and we would love to hear when we can expect this to see this movie. There is so much buzz around a movie that when you start typing Runelords in Google one of the main search options is Runelords movie. Your books have the making of truly epic films. There is so much visual material to work with from the books that the movies could be works of art.
I, as a true fan of the movies, could not anticipate another movie as much as I do one based off your books.
Thank you being the author you are,
Your fan,
Jeremiah Gonzales