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planreadrepeat's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Runelords was listed as a "classic" in fantasy novels so has been on my TBR list for a long time. David Farland influenced (and taught) many other fantasy authors, including Stephanie Meyers and Brandon Sanderson.
The book starts with our fateful hero, Prince Gaborn, traipsing through the woods on the way to meet his soon-to-be betrothed, Princess Iome. But he quickly discovers that southern invaders, Raj Ahten, is planning an invasion. Like a typical sword-and-sorcery, there is a huge hero's journey with lots of traveling by horse. Prince Gaborn learns he has a lot to learn but his idealogy is refreshing in a land where most seem to just take as much power as they can.
The Runelords have the most unique magic system I've seen in a fantasy novel. It's very well thought out. Essentially rullers/soldiers can gain attributes from people willing to give them up. A person can give up strength to their King but in exchange, loses their strength. The scientific-ness of it reminds me of Sanderson.
Overall, I recommend this to readers who like sword-and-sorcery book or other Dungeon and Dragons styles of adventures. The prose is a little dense at times but there isn't anything that would be inappropriate for teens. No romance beyond a few kisses. Most deaths are not deeply graphic or gruesome.
The book starts with our fateful hero, Prince Gaborn, traipsing through the woods on the way to meet his soon-to-be betrothed, Princess Iome. But he quickly discovers that southern invaders, Raj Ahten, is planning an invasion. Like a typical sword-and-sorcery, there is a huge hero's journey with lots of traveling by horse. Prince Gaborn learns he has a lot to learn but his idealogy is refreshing in a land where most seem to just take as much power as they can.
The Runelords have the most unique magic system I've seen in a fantasy novel. It's very well thought out. Essentially rullers/soldiers can gain attributes from people willing to give them up. A person can give up strength to their King but in exchange, loses their strength. The scientific-ness of it reminds me of Sanderson.
Overall, I recommend this to readers who like sword-and-sorcery book or other Dungeon and Dragons styles of adventures. The prose is a little dense at times but there isn't anything that would be inappropriate for teens. No romance beyond a few kisses. Most deaths are not deeply graphic or gruesome.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Child death
iono's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Suicide, Body shaming, Death, Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Murder
Minor: Sexism, Slavery, Pregnancy, Grief, Rape, and Sexual content
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