Technically, The Runes should be on Wood blocks or sticks, but this Rune Stone set works very well and is very easy to work-with.
I could do without some of the Christian overtones of the Booklet that accompanies the set--because it is out of place, and not important to the subject--but, I think the author was trying to explain that the Runes work well when you are in-tune with Whatever God(dess) that you work with, and that a "Spiritual Path" (of some kind) is conducive and beneficial to tapping-into the Power of The Runes.
This is certainly a great starter kit!
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent metaphysical tool for personal growth
Review: I have used an older version of this set for about 10 years and have given 10th anniversary sets to each of my two sons.
I have done other sorts of readings in the past 15 or so years - tarot, color, aura, and energy / subconscious states. (The last three are systems I developed myself.) I consult the runes on a regular basis and find Ralph Blum's interpretations to be insightful, practical and very helpful.
Personally, I am not interested in historical continuity. I want answers, guidance, to know and understand myself better. Blum's interpretations are excellent for personal exploration and growth. They are very metaphysical and spiritual.
My sons find Blum's book to be an invaluable tool in resolving difficult emotional states / mental blocks. As a mother trying to raise responsible, well-balanced and open-minded individuals, I appreciate the relief they offer me. When I have talked myself blue and still not gotten through to one my sons about an issue I'll say, "Go pick a rune." Invariably, he'll come back to me laughing because he gave himself the same message through the runes! It's wonderful that they have this tool with which they can access their own inner wisdom.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Rune Stone Set and Starter Book
Review: I love this Rune Stone Set. The Runes are in Red--which is appropriate--and they are easy to work with. The book is a great Reference Guide, for Beginners.
I Also suggest : <ASIN: 0877286671>
Technically, The Runes should be on Wood blocks or sticks, but this Rune Stone set works very well and is very easy to work-with.
I could do without some of the Christian overtones of the Booklet that accompanies the set--because it is out of place, and not important to the subject--but, I think the author was trying to explain that the Runes work well when you are in-tune with Whatever God(dess) that you work with, and that a "Spiritual Path" (of some kind) is conducive and beneficial to tapping-into the Power of The Runes.
This is certainly a great starter kit!
Rating:
Summary: I will not continue looking for any other books
Review: I have limited experience with rune casting. But for all I know, it surprisingly works. I like the book because of its looks and the concise information. I don't want to know everything about the history and lore. If so, I would have looked at some other books. I have tried the tarot before, and it took me some time to finally get the books that I am comfortable to use. It's different with this The Book or Runes. I will look no more for any other books. I've got what works well for me. The only thing I don't like about the book set is the quality of the rune tiles. They were not carefully made, and they won't last long. So, I won't look for another book, but I will definitely look for another set of runes. I may have to create one set on my own. The bottomline is you will have to see for yourself if it is the right book for you...
Rating: 
Summary: Save your time and money
Review: One of the worst things you could get about runes. Runes are serious business and should be studied seriously from a material from someone who knows what they are talking about and not from someone who is a goofy new-ager who is just out for money writing with minimal research. It is full of errors, which btw could get you into serious problems if you try casting and could really backfire. Rune set itself is also incorrect. First of...it's 24 runes, blank runes has not been used in divination nor in casting, let him go check the lore. For effective reading, set must be made by hand, with each piece as closely identical as possible so cheating could not happen. Runes should be carved on them by hand while chanting or meditating, and for the most powerful set blooded. TO be able to read runes, you must know all 24 very well, their traditional meaning, bright and murk meanings. None of this can be achieved from this "thing". So save your money and time and go for something that is decent, my recommendation is Thorsson
Rating:
Summary: SILLY AND INACCURATE
Review: I cannot recommend this text to anyone. It is rife with errors and idle speculation. Furthermore, the ceramic "rune stones" are of inferior quality (I've heard them disparagingly refered to as "Blum's mud cookies"). Do yourself a favor and pass this one by.
Rating:
Summary: Not too Shabby, but not Traditional either
Review: I have to agree with the author who wrote the "There's a lesson in these runes that no one's commented on" review. While the book falls more onto his belief rather than the traditional, it's a "too each their own" basis. And, like him/her, I think the runes that came with the book are great.
Personally speaking, I don't believe in Blum's interpetations, why I gave it the 4 stars, though I do like the idea of the "Blank" rune, known as "Wyrd." The best set of interpetations I had found for my runes were on a website that went down long ago. I have never been able to find a mirror site since. I wish I had contacted the author.
Any case, it's not a piece of junk, but it's not Top Dog in the Runic world either. Most would shoot me down for the use of "Wyrd", the blank rune. But to them, and to others, I calmly say, "To each their own."
Rating:
Summary: The Book of Runes
Review: This book on the meaning and uses of runes is an excellent book to learn the meaning of runes and the use of the various spreads. Blum goes beyond simple meanings to explain the interpretations of runes in how they can be used within context of questions or issues. This is an important step in beginning to understand the power of runes.
