Reviews

The Runelords by David Farland

calbowen's review

2.0

I read this because this comes up on many search Engines for High Fantasy and Heroic Fantasy - and, in the end, I was disappointed - I feel that in comparison to the great wealth of bad fiction out there from this time period that this would be a 5 star novel against the maelstrom of poorly realized fiction, but if this is the top of the heap, then writers and readers need to aspire for more.

I have a problem with cut-out characters that have very linear actions and their course is planned out and no matter what happens, they are unflappable and continue on the course to destruction or self-destruction. Evil to be evil is old hat and boring. Betrothal though real has to have more resistance than this had. I can't love a man that I don't know - five minutes pass - I love this man that I have never met before today. Seriously? I have had horse pill size medication that is easier to swallow than this lackluster attempt at Fantasy Fiction. Actually, this is FF, but it holds nothing solid for the reader to grab a hold of and care about beyond 20 pages. I finished this with a week gone in my life, and nothing that sparks my imagination and creative juices.

If you like this style and genre, then good on you, because I have read better and I cannot regress to the point of old and unemotional flat fantasy fiction.

bfpierce's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

brantp's review

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

hawkeyegough's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book was really enjoyable in the same vein as classic fantasy from the '90s. It had some really interesting elements to the magic system the author introduced that kept me engaged throughout. The scope and overall tone felt similar to George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire, as well as Farland's willingness to brutalize and kill any character at any time (something Martin is known for). I got exactly what I expected from this book and will be picking up the next installment sometime soon. This book was quite dark, but the author had enough interesting details and unique ideas to keep me engaged.

stevetw's review

4.0

An excellent new take on fantasy! Farland doesn't just recycle Tolkien's/Gygax's creatures, but instead comes up with his own. His take on magic is new and interesting as well. The examination of the moral quandary of taking these endowments from people, even willingly, is cause for pause. Even more of note is the examination of the morality of killing dedicates, who often were unwilling, in order to harm your enemy. This isn't unlike the question of bombing factories with slave workers to stop enemy tank production. The writing style isn't quite as good as Tolkien or Martin, and I couldn't help but imagine cartoon characters in my mind as I read the book. That, of course, might be because it's hard to imagine people more beautiful than beautiful, or running at 100 miles per hour. While I like Lord of the Rings better and suspect there are other series I'll like better, I fully plan on continuing to read the series! While it doesn't feel quite as epic in scope as some other series, I'm just getting started! The map at the front of the book left plenty of space unfilled! I fully recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new fantasy series!

lfsalden's review

3.0

Good writing, intricate, new ideas on magic and vassalage and dedication - I really do love that! I listened to it on audiobook and my only let-down is... it suffers from the Dan Brown thing - everything seems to be the very greatest, swiftest, most powerful,... nothing really to build up to afterwards. It could be the melodramatic voice of the reader. Then again, stories about slightly daydreamish people who tend sheep don't turn into novels. Eh, Maybe the problem is me.

blockonthenewkid's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Compelling magic system and worldbuilding. Unfortunately character voices were not distinct enough and left parts of the story a bit flat, but more than made up for with the moral questions and the fantastic finale.

tsolron's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

From about halfway through the book to chapter 59 I felt it was more of a 3.0 star book, but the last 5% or so was much better. The world felt interesting throughout, but I didn't like all the characters. The conclusion to the story improved my opinions towards some of those characters and I felt like the magic / world was expanded upon in a satisfactory way. I'm mixed on if I'll continue the series, but by the end a decent book.

rose_celeste's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

spejamchr's review against another edition

I couldn't get into it. I couldn't suspend my disbelief for things like stealing "glamour" and "voice" from others to become irresponsible. And I couldn't take it seriously when the main character used micro-expressions and slight voice modulations to suss out significant meaning in a random encounter. And the clearly-written-by-a-dude descriptions of women annoyed me.