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The Runelords: The Sum of All Men (The Runelords, Book One)

The Runelords: The Sum of All Men (The Runelords, Book One)

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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 1 stars
Summary: "The Sum of All Men is Zero"
Review: This overblown, overlong, over-praised fantasy is nothing short of amazing in its lack of logic. Even given "endowments", how, pray tell, does a horse run 80 miles an hour without ripping all its muscles to shreds? And if the rulers are getting extra endowments of "wit", why can't they manage to have boiling oil boiled in the right place at the right time -- just for starters? (The right place is not in the courtyard, then to be hauled up to the battlements, and the right time is not afternoon when you're expecting a night attack...of course it cooled!) If Raj Ahten has so much endowed "wit", why does he leave 40,000 irreplaceable magic branding irons in someone else's care? And why, oh WHY is the worst thing the author can think of to happen to a woman to lose her "grace" -- that is, her good looks? The "endowment" scenes, by the way, are almost pornographically embarrassing.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: This book is alright.
Review: The plot within this book,Runelords, is quite original comparing it to other books that I have read. There were morals, too, within the story. The only problem with this book is that it's like a video game. Remember playing a RPG game where you can increase your HP, MP, strength, etc. when you level up? I would say that alot teenagers have. So, why read a book that is like a video game when we can just play the game?

Rating: 0 stars
Summary: Response to charges of being "racist."
Review: akagalwalla@hotmail.com from Naperville, IL, states that since my villain is dark-skinned, I'm obviously a racist. As a person who has laid my life on the line in the fight against racism, I'm deeply offended by that comment. Please note that there are many fine people of color in this novel. Iome, the heroine, for example, is Raj Ahten's cousin, and is also dark of skin. The Emir Owatt of Tuulistan, who tutors our hero on the nature of good and evil from afar, is also a countryman of Raj Ahten. Jureem, who becomes Gaborn's counselor, is also from Inhdopal--an so on. Indeed, Raj Ahten, as many readers have noted, is not purely evil. It seems that there is a movement afoot which insists that all villains nowadays must be white and male. I would hope that my readers recognize that good people, and evil, come in all colors and sexes.

Best Wishes,

David Farland

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Cheap and cheesy...
Review: I must begin by saying that there are several parts of this book I enjoyed...mainly the idea of the endowments. That is the most original idea I have read about i the last coupl of years. However, I am disgusted by the blatant racism of this book. Once again people of color have been portrayed as inferior warriors and evil (Raj=King in several Indian tongues). Any idiot can figure out where Farland derived "Raj" and "Indophal" from. In this age where we recognize the equality of the races and colors. Read Modesitt (reverse view on black&white magic) or the other GOOD authors. The only reason I gave this book a star was because of the idea of endowments. Complaints? Mail me and I'll be happy to argue with you...or reccomend better books.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: four and-a-half book with outstanding writing
Review: I thought this one one of the better books I've read in quite some time. It's good to see fantasy using the literary techniques that make reading fun. Most of the drivel today is all action, and that's not bad, but this character driven book uses symbolism and foreshadowing, and some revelations about humanity and social interactions that are rare in any books today, not to mention the fantasy field, where it seems the main goal is to catch peoples' eyes with flashy displays. This book manages both. Well worth the read, and a good part of anyone's permenant collection (and it's good to see some German-based names for once!)

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Masterful and thoughtful
Review: I was caught up in the first few paragraphs. The thought behind the novel was inspiring. I have read the Jordan books and was left wanting (to end the story) this author makes me want for the next story. I have stayed up late waiting for a break but they seldom come. Farland is an author that I am looking forward to follow. Read this and enjoy, but it does make you think also. Just one pause, I think at 1000 endowments one would go mad and end their life, just a thought.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: What a ride, I'm still catching my breath!
Review: Wow! With so many hacks writing fantasy these days, I was almost reluctant to pick this one up, until I saw the comments in the back from authors I love and respect. Then a friend began extolling the book, and I bought it.

This book is indeed a pleasure. Jordan better watch his backside. I like Jordan's books, but lately his books have slowed down the pace and take longer to pull you into the action. Farland pulls you in quickly and doesn't let up on the tension for the entire book. He deals with big issues without preaching or getting heavy-handed. The villain does have some redeeming qualities, and the hero doesn't have all the answers....I'm looking forward to the next book.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The best new fantasy written in years
Review: I have read fantasy for 20 years. i thought it had all been done before. Farlane came up with a whole new way of looking at things. I loved it! My daughter is reading it now and can't put it down.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great reading.....ith a different spin
Review: Finally something other than the ordinary Fantasy book. David Farlands "The Runelords" was captivating. Can't wait for the next!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Well Done!!!
Review: I had to get used to this completely different fantasy world and its characters. The names and places of Farland's world often sound queer and strange. However Mr Farland has got a brilliant writing style and I am certainly going to buy the sequel.


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