Title: The Runelords
Author: David Farland
First published June 1, 1998
613 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780812541625 (ISBN10: 0812541626)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
In the kingdom of Mystarria, Prince Aric has been tasked with a crucial mission: to escort a group of ambassadors from a neighboring kingdom safely to the capital city. But along the way, Aric and his companions discover a sinister plot to overthrow the ruling council and plunge the land into chaos.
With time running out, Aric must use all of his wits and strength to protect not only the ambassadors but the fate of the kingdom itself.
About the Author
David Farland was a renowned author who wrote the popular Runelords series, which includes Chaosbound, The Wyrmling Horde, and Worldbinder. He was also known for his work in science-fiction under the pen name David Wolverton.
Farland won the Writers of the Future contest in 1987 and earned nominations for the prestigious Nebula Award and Hugo Award. Apart from writing, he also worked as a video game designer and conducted writing seminars across the United States and Canada.
Farland made his home in Saint George, Utah until his passing on January 14, 2022.
Editoral Review
The Runelords by David Farland is a classic fantasy novel that is sure to leave readers spellbound. Farland, an American author who has written for several major franchises such as Star Wars, The Mummy, and X-Men, first published The Runelords in June 1998.
The book is the first in a five-part series that has since amassed a loyal following. The fantasy novel is set in a world where magic is a part of everyday life, and there are kings, wizards, and mythical creatures.
The Seven Kingdoms of the world face an imminent threat from the Morslaw, a powerful race of beings that are determined to wipe out all other life forms. The protagonist of the story is Prince Gaborn Val Orden, the Earth King who must use the magic of the Runelords to protect his people.
Farland’s writing style is sublime, and his vivid descriptions transport readers to the magical world of The Runelords. The pacing of the story is excellent, and while it is a lengthy read, it never feels drawn out or dull.
The character development is excellent, and readers will be able to relate to the different choices made by each of the characters. The themes explored in The Runelords are universal, including love, sacrifice, friendship, and morality.
The central theme of the story is the concept of ‘endowments,’ a magical power that can be used to enhance natural human abilities such as strength, sight, hearing, and memory. This thematic exploration of power, and its consequences, is insightful and thought-provoking and is sure to resonate with any reader.
The world-building in The Runelords is superb, and Farland has created a richly detailed and intricate fantasy world. The intricate political system, mythology, and different races and creatures all add to the richness of the story.
It would be fair to state that The Runelords can be compared to classic fantasy works such as The Lord of the Rings and The Wheel of Time. One of the drawbacks of the book is that the world-building can at times be overwhelming, making it challenging for readers to keep up with the numerous characters and locations.
While the central characters are well-developed, some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more comprehensively. Overall, The Runelords is a magnificent fantasy novel and a must-read for any lover of the genre.
Its characters are memorable, its themes are thought-provoking, its world is enchanting, and the writing is exceptional. The book deserves a rating of 4.5 out of five stars, and its author, David Farland, deserves credit for crafting a magical world that will enchant readers.
The book would be ideal for young adults and adult audiences alike who enjoy a good fantasy adventure to escape into.
