Rating: Summary: NEW AND THRILLING Review: David Farland has created a vast, magical world that drew me in and left me panting for more. His style of writing lets you stand next to the characters, hear the clashes of battle, smell the smells and taste the tastes. His endowment invention was probably the most original idea for magic I have ever read, let alone heard of. Brotherhood of the Wolf will let you off amazed and satisfied, more riveting than any of the books I have read. A great sequal. Treat yourself to this adventure!
Rating: Summary: I loved it... it built to a great ending! Review: When I picked up this second book in Farland's Runelord's series, I wasn't sure what to expect--would it be as good as his last book in the series? Well, as I quickly discovered, it was... and it perhaps even surpassed the first book. The action is heartpounding and unpredictable; I found myself holding my breath in the battle with the Darkling Glory, and unable to put the book down during the reaver attack at Carris and the battle for the Seal. However, Farland also manages to focus on interesting character development, such as Gaborn's attempts at understanding what he must do with his power and Myrrima's much greater role in this book than the last. Raj Ahten continues to develop in interesting ways as well... I am curious as to what Farland will do with him in the future. And I must say I especially like the idea of reavers--they are certainly some of the most interesting creatures I have encountered in fantasy in a long time. The ending was fantastic--the last 150 pages were incredible. I find that I enjoy the Runelords books more now than I enjoy much of Robert Jordan's work... it remains to be seen if Farland can continue this level of fantasy. An excellent read.
Rating: Summary: Exciting yet redundant Review: Brotherhood, as I stated, was exciting and yet redundant. If I had to see the definition of "vector" one more time . . .also, the reiteration of Borenson's quest over and over grated. In agreement with other reviews, Farland tended to introduce plot twists that he did nothing with, such as the world worm and the Inkarran mage. A little more focus on the other two powers (Air and Water) would also be nice. Of course, both of these may be in a sequel, so I could be psychic. The book is a great read though, especially the battle with the Glory and the fight for the Seal. All in all, a good read with a few (minor) flaws.
Rating: Summary: A Fresh New Style Review: This book draws on some the qualities of a new fantasy style, such as that shown by Robin Hobb. The style uses well defined characters, a subtle use of suspense and revelation that drives the reader onward AND Most prominent of this style is the political theme. This was something that lacked depth in other fantasy styles along with the creation of well defined characters.The book is consistent with the previous book by diving straight into the story without reference to anything in the past, letting the story reveal bits about the past and clarifying aspects that are not immediately apparent. I think David has taken endowments of metabolism, as this book, like the last, seems to only cover four or five days. All in all this makes for an interesting read for the "old die hard bored of reading fantasy books" type of person.
Rating: Summary: Good Book Review: A good read, but the author seems not to have developed some of the ideas that become major points in this second novel of the series. Hopefully he will correct these inconsistencies for the next book in the series, and hopefully the author will not drag out this series as other authors have, (Goodkind, Jordan). Good read though, I highly reccomend it.
Rating: Summary: Repetitive and boring Review: While I find the magic system in this series to be intriguing, the author's repetitive explanation of its function and effects are distracting and boring. I also found the relative strength of Fire to the other three elements to be skewed. Although there are times when the elements can be out of blaance, the ineffectual workings of the other wizards compared to the sheer might of the Fire wizards left much to be desired.
Rating: Summary: The Sum of all Fantasy? No, but yes a very good read. Review: When Farland's Runelords came out last year I was really impressed by the original ideas and gripping story. Sure it wasn't great, but it was definetely good. With Brotherhood of the Wolf he has managed to write another really good novel. In my opinion it's actually better than the first book because of the expanded cast of characters and changing scenery. Farland's biggest strength though as a writer is that he knows how to end a chapter and leave you hanging. His weakness though is that he has a tendacy to ramble at times which detracts from the flow of the story. The last 150 pages caused me to lose sleep. During the end there is a huge battle scene that ends vividly and memorable. Once again I'm left hanging. Can't wait for the next book.
Rating: Summary: A good read but not a great one. Review: I think this runelord series is the prefect saga to read while waiting for Wheel of Time, Sword of Truth, and A song of Ice and Fire. I don't think it stands up to those, but it is probabally one of the more consistant fantasy I have read in a while, this sequel is just as good as the 1st, if not better, useally authors loose a little something with the sequel, but Farland keeps a consistant pace with his writing, and story line.
Rating: Summary: it is great Review: this is one of the best books I've read in a while. I might even compare david fariland to JRR tolkien
Rating: Summary: Awesome Fantasy World Review: Yes it is based on Medieval Europe, like just about every other epic fantasy series ever written, but that's where the similarity ends. The world of the Runelords has magical systems that are not only unique and interesting, but truly drive the plot and define the characters. The characters must make tough moral decisions about taking these magical endowments that handicap others but make themselves into superhumans. This world is still just as fascinating to read about as it was in the first book. Oh and add to that a plot that relentlessly builds to a final battle scene that I found impossible to put down.
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