Product Description

In the first book of The Runelords, Raj Ahten, the Wolf Lord of Indhopal, uses magic to transform himself into the ultimate warrior: The Sum of All Men. He seeks to bring all of humanity under his rule - destroying anything and anyone in his path. Standing in his way is Prince Gaborn Val Orden, who must fulfil a 2,000-year-old prophecy and become the Earth King, a mythic figure who can unleash the forces of the earth itself. Only then will humanity have a chance to survive...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #85396 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 624 pages

Review
'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.' Terry Brooks

About the Author
David Farland has worked as a prison guard, missionary, business manager, technical writer and pie maker, but now writes full-time. He lives in Utah with his wife and five children.

Customer Reviews

marvel meets fantasy
It is very rare to read a fantasy book with such a fresh and unique concept thrown into the mix. In this tale king's and nobility, as well as others in their courts, are granted 'endowments' from their subjects - that is - abilities, such as strength or hearing, beauty, stamina, speed etc which in effect creates a type of 'superbeing.'The use and abuse of this is cleverly explored, with some characters opting to only accept endowments from the willing, whilst others take the powers from those weaker than them a little more ruthlessly.
This concept is thrown into a fairly standard fantasy-type world, with a loose confederation of city-states resembling medieval europe, plus an aggressive dictator attacking from the south, bearing an eastern/arabic flavour (something of an overused concept in fantasy - 'goodies' European, 'baddies' Arabic).
A 'magic' element is also there, although quite understated, certaily not in the mold of Errickson, with its 'grounding' in 'earth power.' This is also interestingly written, with, you feel, a lot more to explore in further books.
The writing is nice, with believable dialogue and characterisation, although it can in places feel a little self-indulgent and long-winded.
Overall an interesting read, a little slow in places, but I am certainly intrigued enough to buy the next installment and see where the author takes his ideas.

Sum of All Men
I saw this book and thought "I'll try it", and I was very pleasantly surprised. A bit slow to start off with, but lots of excellent new ideas.

The characters were interesting and the plot very involving. Generally an excellent read. I found it hard to put down, and hated Raj Ahten!

Great new ideas too, like the endowments and the Earth Warden Binnesman. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Very good start for a new Author
I quite enjoyed the book. Theres quite a few new ideas, and he's created his own creatures rather have, elves, Dwarfs and what nots. A Good change. I like the Wit, Stamina, Metabolism, grace etc. I've just received book 2 of the series today.