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The Runelords #3
Wizardborn
Book Three of The Runelords
Wizardborn continues the story of the struggle of Gaborn, now the Earth King, who has lost his powers but continues to lead his people. He must contend with the threat of the huge, inhuman Reavers, whose myriads Gaborn and his forces must now pursue across the nation. It has become Gaborn's fate to follow, even into the depths.
Raj Ahten, the great warlord endowed with the strength and qualities of thousands of men, once the primary threat to Gaborn, now struggles to retain his own empire. His war of conquest thwarted, his very life is now threatened by the Reaver thousands.
And a young girl, Averan, who has eaten a Reaver and absorbed some of its memories, becomes a keystone in the search for the dark Reaver lair.
Wizardborn continues the story of the struggle of Gaborn, now the Earth King, who has lost his powers but continues to lead his people. He must contend with the threat of the huge, inhuman Reavers, whose myriads Gaborn and his forces must now pursue across the nation. It has become Gaborn's fate to follow, even into the depths.
Raj Ahten, the great warlord endowed with the strength and qualities of thousands of men, once the primary threat to Gaborn, now struggles to retain his own empire. His war of conquest thwarted, his very life is now threatened by the Reaver thousands.
And a young girl, Averan, who has eaten a Reaver and absorbed some of its memories, becomes a keystone in the search for the dark Reaver lair.
502 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
David Farland
170 books1,176 followersDavid Farland is the author of the bestselling Runelords series, including Chaosbound, The Wyrmling Horde and Worldbinder. He also writes science-fiction as David Wolverton. He won the 1987 Writers of the Future contest, and has been nominated for a Nebula Award and a Hugo Award. Farland also works as a video game designer, and has taught writing seminars around the U.S. and Canada. He lives in Saint George, Utah. He passed away on January 14, 2022.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidf...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidf...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
September 24, 2019
I like the hints of new directions going on in this one. The different kinds of wizards, in particular. I can do without the walnuts, but the whole learning-depth about reavers, about fire, and about water seems very promising.
Oh! And let's not forget about our fair observers who are so preoccupied with time! :)
I say this is a promising series. Epic in the sense that it is epic fantasy, yes, and not as grandiose as some, but much bigger in a few ways than most. Many, many shadow worlds? I likey. Worlds out of kilter? You bet! Ravening hoards pouring out of the earth, destroying whole cities overnight? Yep!
Most interestingly is the magic system in general. The attribute-based one. Metabolism additions make people live faster. They die faster, too, but the whole world slows down around them while they become super fast to everyone else. Giving that to horses is very funny... horses who run as fast as cars on a highway. :) The whole thing is pretty awesome as long as I don't think about the one little snag. (That's a pretty huge snag.)
Anyone who gives an attribute like Wit or Stamina or Metabolism then LOSES all but a tiny tiny portion. That means there need to be gigantic institutions set up for idiots, the energy-less, and the peeps who sleep for 20 years. Each addition comes with a subtraction, and most of those are severely glossed over in these books. Because if the givers die, the person currently enjoying 2 times normal strength will lose that addition. If the person has a thousand additions, that means there has to be a welfare state of a thousand taking care of the victims or the recipient will lose it all. If there's an army with an average of 20 or so additions per warrior and a hundred per captain and thousands in the army, then there ought to be a vast ocean of idiots and weaklings and sleepers left at home. Who is taking care of them? WHO???
Okay. So let's ignore that and enjoy the fantasy for what it is.
It's fun! Comfortable! It stretches some interesting boundaries in fantasy! It makes me interested in the rules and how to break them! I want to break them! Or at least write some stories about the seedy underside of patient management. :)
Oh! And let's not forget about our fair observers who are so preoccupied with time! :)
I say this is a promising series. Epic in the sense that it is epic fantasy, yes, and not as grandiose as some, but much bigger in a few ways than most. Many, many shadow worlds? I likey. Worlds out of kilter? You bet! Ravening hoards pouring out of the earth, destroying whole cities overnight? Yep!
Most interestingly is the magic system in general. The attribute-based one. Metabolism additions make people live faster. They die faster, too, but the whole world slows down around them while they become super fast to everyone else. Giving that to horses is very funny... horses who run as fast as cars on a highway. :) The whole thing is pretty awesome as long as I don't think about the one little snag. (That's a pretty huge snag.)
Anyone who gives an attribute like Wit or Stamina or Metabolism then LOSES all but a tiny tiny portion. That means there need to be gigantic institutions set up for idiots, the energy-less, and the peeps who sleep for 20 years. Each addition comes with a subtraction, and most of those are severely glossed over in these books. Because if the givers die, the person currently enjoying 2 times normal strength will lose that addition. If the person has a thousand additions, that means there has to be a welfare state of a thousand taking care of the victims or the recipient will lose it all. If there's an army with an average of 20 or so additions per warrior and a hundred per captain and thousands in the army, then there ought to be a vast ocean of idiots and weaklings and sleepers left at home. Who is taking care of them? WHO???
Okay. So let's ignore that and enjoy the fantasy for what it is.
It's fun! Comfortable! It stretches some interesting boundaries in fantasy! It makes me interested in the rules and how to break them! I want to break them! Or at least write some stories about the seedy underside of patient management. :)
February 28, 2020
To start this books writing was an improvement from the 1st and 2nd books, but it still just doesn’t pull a 4 star rating out of me.
I want to applaud whoever suggested the chapters be restructured, this was such a nice change from the first two books where chapters just ran into each other.
The biggest change that I appreciated was that the author was no longer constantly repeating information to me over and over again. The 2nd book was full of repeating information about the magic system and it just ruined it for me, it made me feel like the author thought I, the reader, was too dumb to remember. Well this was changed for book 3, and I am so glad for it.
There was also less usage of the word endowments which was wonderful, but now I hate the word Philia and I can never look at walnuts the same.
As for the story there was more action in it this time but the action is written in such a matter of fact manner that it’s boring. It just feels like someone is giving me facts instead of just having the action happen, it’s not interesting.
We did learn more about the world itself and the creatures who live in, such as the reavers, so much information about the reavers and that’s great considering they are the main issue. We also finally learned how wizards are created.
The story also told of other events happening that wasn’t answered and I’m fine with that because now I want to read book 4 and find out what is going on with those issues.
I am so hit and miss with this series, only bits and pieces of the overall story really pull me in, I’m not heavily invested in any of the characters (expect for random one shot characters who tend to die at the end of the book lol). But the small random bits are what’s making it worth continuing since there are portions I want to know about it. I’m hoping with the improvements I saw in this one that the next might have more.
Also the audiobook is honestly so boring to listen to, this narrator has ZERO emotion while he reads which might be part of what’s not selling the battle scenes.
I want to applaud whoever suggested the chapters be restructured, this was such a nice change from the first two books where chapters just ran into each other.
The biggest change that I appreciated was that the author was no longer constantly repeating information to me over and over again. The 2nd book was full of repeating information about the magic system and it just ruined it for me, it made me feel like the author thought I, the reader, was too dumb to remember. Well this was changed for book 3, and I am so glad for it.
There was also less usage of the word endowments which was wonderful, but now I hate the word Philia and I can never look at walnuts the same.
As for the story there was more action in it this time but the action is written in such a matter of fact manner that it’s boring. It just feels like someone is giving me facts instead of just having the action happen, it’s not interesting.
We did learn more about the world itself and the creatures who live in, such as the reavers, so much information about the reavers and that’s great considering they are the main issue. We also finally learned how wizards are created.
The story also told of other events happening that wasn’t answered and I’m fine with that because now I want to read book 4 and find out what is going on with those issues.
I am so hit and miss with this series, only bits and pieces of the overall story really pull me in, I’m not heavily invested in any of the characters (expect for random one shot characters who tend to die at the end of the book lol). But the small random bits are what’s making it worth continuing since there are portions I want to know about it. I’m hoping with the improvements I saw in this one that the next might have more.
Also the audiobook is honestly so boring to listen to, this narrator has ZERO emotion while he reads which might be part of what’s not selling the battle scenes.
February 1, 2016
This book was better than the 2nd one. It still bothers me that it takes so freakin' long for everything to happen in such a short amount of time. It just seems a bit unrealistic to have the entire world change in the course of a week.
I am impressed with the way Farland is able to characterize Averan. She is one of the most real characters to me—nothing about her seems made up or fake. Her journey is the most unpredictable, and therefore the most exciting, for me. I hope she doesn't have to eat any more reavers, because my stomach just doesn't like all this talk about eating reaver brains.
Overall, I was quite satisfied with this book, though there is definitely room for improvement. For some reason, every time I read about Raj Ahten I would get extremely bored, and the pacing of the novel is hard to keep up with (or rather, slow down with). However, the storyline is good. I think Farland will end the first part of the series with a great lesson for all of us.
I am impressed with the way Farland is able to characterize Averan. She is one of the most real characters to me—nothing about her seems made up or fake. Her journey is the most unpredictable, and therefore the most exciting, for me. I hope she doesn't have to eat any more reavers, because my stomach just doesn't like all this talk about eating reaver brains.
Overall, I was quite satisfied with this book, though there is definitely room for improvement. For some reason, every time I read about Raj Ahten I would get extremely bored, and the pacing of the novel is hard to keep up with (or rather, slow down with). However, the storyline is good. I think Farland will end the first part of the series with a great lesson for all of us.
June 29, 2021
Farland continues his wild romp in the third installment of The Runelords; maybe he has a better editor, or maybe his is just getting better, but this had an improved pacing and if possible, even more action than the last two. We left the last volume after Gaborn and friends defeated the reaver hoard at Carris, despite the machinations of Raj. Gaborn, however, lost some of his earth power as Earth King, and can no longer Choose people, or warn them telepathically of danger...
Farland has several plot threads moving at the same time, and like the previous volumes, Wizardborn only encompasses about a week of real time, but again, it is a very busy week! Raj, knowing that another reaver hoard (huge, crab-like monsters from the underworld) erupted in Kartish, the source of 'blood metal' used for transferring endowments, and he races to the scene. Meanwhile, Gaborn must deal with the political intrigue at home (several kings have disputed his title as Earth King) and divides his followers and sends then on various missions-- to forge an alliance with the kingdom of Inkarra, to placate the restless nobles back at home, and to get his wife to safety before she bears their child. Averan, the young girl who discovered the wylde as a skyrider, discovers that she is actually Wizardborn (hence the title) and in the rush, begins her instruction as a new Earth Warden. Whew!
Farland continually swaps POVs here, following the various characters on their missions/travels as dire events continue to unfold in the land, while the Earth itself issues warnings that indeed, the end is near for humanity. While Farland does come to some sort of closure here, Wizardborn definitely has the feel of a place-holder in the series-- given short time-frame of each of the previous volumes, I assume the next will be similar, but hopefully moving the plot a little further than this one.
Gaborn is an interesting character-- torn by his love of humanity, but continually forced to make choices where people will die, hopefully for 'the greater good'. Averan is lovely and is starting to emerge as a lead; the little girl eating reaver brains is something else! Borenson, after losing his 'walnuts' in the last volume, is healed (somewhat) by the earth wizard and heads off with his new wife to Inkarra, facing various trials and tribulations. I am not sure where Farland is going with this series, but he earned my 'buy-in' with this one. Nonetheless, I need to give this series a little break. 4 smok'in stars!!
Farland has several plot threads moving at the same time, and like the previous volumes, Wizardborn only encompasses about a week of real time, but again, it is a very busy week! Raj, knowing that another reaver hoard (huge, crab-like monsters from the underworld) erupted in Kartish, the source of 'blood metal' used for transferring endowments, and he races to the scene. Meanwhile, Gaborn must deal with the political intrigue at home (several kings have disputed his title as Earth King) and divides his followers and sends then on various missions-- to forge an alliance with the kingdom of Inkarra, to placate the restless nobles back at home, and to get his wife to safety before she bears their child. Averan, the young girl who discovered the wylde as a skyrider, discovers that she is actually Wizardborn (hence the title) and in the rush, begins her instruction as a new Earth Warden. Whew!
Farland continually swaps POVs here, following the various characters on their missions/travels as dire events continue to unfold in the land, while the Earth itself issues warnings that indeed, the end is near for humanity. While Farland does come to some sort of closure here, Wizardborn definitely has the feel of a place-holder in the series-- given short time-frame of each of the previous volumes, I assume the next will be similar, but hopefully moving the plot a little further than this one.
Gaborn is an interesting character-- torn by his love of humanity, but continually forced to make choices where people will die, hopefully for 'the greater good'. Averan is lovely and is starting to emerge as a lead; the little girl eating reaver brains is something else! Borenson, after losing his 'walnuts' in the last volume, is healed (somewhat) by the earth wizard and heads off with his new wife to Inkarra, facing various trials and tribulations. I am not sure where Farland is going with this series, but he earned my 'buy-in' with this one. Nonetheless, I need to give this series a little break. 4 smok'in stars!!
June 10, 2019
I felt that Farland really got his sea legs under him with this 3rd installment of the Runelords series. The A story was everyone versus the Reavers, a giant centipede from hell-like army of creatures that weave a path of death and destruction in their wake.
But you also had plenty of B stories and character development involving just about every other character with the major exception of our hero Gaborn who was pretty flat throughout the book especially compared to all the other characters such as Raj Ahten, Myrrima, Borenson, etc...
It was a page turner and the book had some amazing quotable lines in it like page 32 when Gaborn was thinking about Raj Ahten "When you look upon the face of pure evil, it will be beautiful." And on page 56 Jerimas says "But I fear in war, a man's conscience must be the first casualty." Farland has a quote under each new chapter heading which helps fill out the world building and my favorite one was this: "True friends must be cherished beyond all worldly measure, for in our memory they shine brighter than gold and last longer than diamonds. - Jorlis, Hearthmaster from the Room of the Heart
Easily the best of the first three novels in the Runelords series in my opinion. The battle scenes are fraught with danger and excitement and good people die. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
But you also had plenty of B stories and character development involving just about every other character with the major exception of our hero Gaborn who was pretty flat throughout the book especially compared to all the other characters such as Raj Ahten, Myrrima, Borenson, etc...
It was a page turner and the book had some amazing quotable lines in it like page 32 when Gaborn was thinking about Raj Ahten "When you look upon the face of pure evil, it will be beautiful." And on page 56 Jerimas says "But I fear in war, a man's conscience must be the first casualty." Farland has a quote under each new chapter heading which helps fill out the world building and my favorite one was this: "True friends must be cherished beyond all worldly measure, for in our memory they shine brighter than gold and last longer than diamonds. - Jorlis, Hearthmaster from the Room of the Heart
Easily the best of the first three novels in the Runelords series in my opinion. The battle scenes are fraught with danger and excitement and good people die. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 19, 2010
I enjoyed this installment even more than the second book.
I liked the dichotomy of Raj Ahtan and his desire to help his people versus his absolute greed. I also enjoyed the little girl's lessons in being a wizard, and the twist at the end with yet another wizard.
It made me want to go out and read the next book in the series right away so I can know what happens to these characters, and how they overcome the incredible odds that Dave has set up here.
I liked the dichotomy of Raj Ahtan and his desire to help his people versus his absolute greed. I also enjoyed the little girl's lessons in being a wizard, and the twist at the end with yet another wizard.
It made me want to go out and read the next book in the series right away so I can know what happens to these characters, and how they overcome the incredible odds that Dave has set up here.
November 10, 2016
a grand fantasy! full of complex quirky detailed work that makes Farland's worlds fascinating & memorable places to visit... and this book is no exception.
book 3 continues a well-written, colorfully characterized and sensational adventure.
book 3 continues a well-written, colorfully characterized and sensational adventure.
September 23, 2021
The Battle of Carris is over. The forces of Raj Ahten had come to conquer but the rising of the vast horde of Reavers soon makes mortal enemies become uneasy allies, for the Reavers do not simply want to vanquish, they want to destroy anything and everything human. Only through the power of the Earth King what could have been the fall of humanity becomes the hope of life. Now, with the horde defeated, the plan to end their threat forever soon is put into play. But the success or failure of that plan rests on the the abilities of a child and the hope of a return of powers that have been taken.
Meanwhile, the schemes of a defeated warlord are thrown to the winds as those who had worshipped him now rise-up to cast him down.
Author David Farland's epic fantasy series surges into its third entry and sees the premises and world building of the first two books begins to fulfill their promise. Farland has created characters of great depth that are shown to be both courageous and failing. The "good guys" are never simply altruistic while the "bad guys" have depths that can be seen as self-sacrificing.
Of ongoing note is Farland's system of magic. With the exception of a few characters whose powers are rooted in elemental forces, the use of magic conduits called 'forcibles' to transfer physical and mental abilities from those who serve to those who rule - also known as Runelords. Quite unique and well-thought out and crafted.
Meanwhile, the schemes of a defeated warlord are thrown to the winds as those who had worshipped him now rise-up to cast him down.
Author David Farland's epic fantasy series surges into its third entry and sees the premises and world building of the first two books begins to fulfill their promise. Farland has created characters of great depth that are shown to be both courageous and failing. The "good guys" are never simply altruistic while the "bad guys" have depths that can be seen as self-sacrificing.
Of ongoing note is Farland's system of magic. With the exception of a few characters whose powers are rooted in elemental forces, the use of magic conduits called 'forcibles' to transfer physical and mental abilities from those who serve to those who rule - also known as Runelords. Quite unique and well-thought out and crafted.
May 16, 2022
Formless characters battle formless enemies. With an EXTENDED sequence about regrowing a man's testicles...
"Wizardborn" is the third of Farland's increasingly complicated "Runelords" epic fantasy series. As before, the action takes please over two days and picks up immediately where the previous novel ended (i.e. with a major battle). Last time, the emergence of the demonic "Reavers" forced earth King Gaborn and Wolflord Raj Ahten to put aside their differences somewhat and face the common enemy. It felt like an improvement. The central premise of this novel is the attempt to locate a path to the underworld home of the Reavers to take the battle to them.
Again as before, we have way too many characters too thinly drawn and not enough narrative time to develop anyone. So armies march to and fro searching for their various Maguffins, but mostly it's Proper Name facing Proper Name on repeat. Too many disparate elements that are technically connected by never coalesce.
"Wizardborn" is the third of Farland's increasingly complicated "Runelords" epic fantasy series. As before, the action takes please over two days and picks up immediately where the previous novel ended (i.e. with a major battle). Last time, the emergence of the demonic "Reavers" forced earth King Gaborn and Wolflord Raj Ahten to put aside their differences somewhat and face the common enemy. It felt like an improvement. The central premise of this novel is the attempt to locate a path to the underworld home of the Reavers to take the battle to them.
Again as before, we have way too many characters too thinly drawn and not enough narrative time to develop anyone. So armies march to and fro searching for their various Maguffins, but mostly it's Proper Name facing Proper Name on repeat. Too many disparate elements that are technically connected by never coalesce.
September 17, 2022
I'm not sure if I'll be continuing with this series. Don't get me wrong, it's a good story, and great writing. It's just not my type of fantasy. Maybe I'll revisit it in a year or two, considering I own almost the entire series. We shall see.
December 19, 2022
This is another series that I started on audible and couldn't walk away from. I enjoyed it a lot.
Bulk Input Day.
Bulk Input Day.
June 5, 2008
Good books find a muse and follow it. The muse may take many forms, a theme, a style, a character, or other. Whatever the form, if the book is true to its muse you can always respect the book, even if you don't necessarily like it.
Sigh.
As you've probably guessed, this third entry in the seven-part Runelord trilogy has lost its muse and wandered back into the well-worn ruts of high fantasy. The heart of the first book was moral choices about sacrificing people for power, made very concrete by the magic system where a lord can take away a person's best attribute (strength, stamina, sight, etc) and add it to themselves. None of that in this book. In fact it is almost entirely "ride to point A, fight, ride furiously to point B, fight, repeat until end".
Also the book brings a characters back from the dead. Again. Just because Tolkien did it doesn't mean you should.
Also the book (and the whole series I think) weirdly compresses action. The action of this particular book spans less than two days. But because the author wants to have so much happen he fights multiple battles per day, leading to the afore mentioned furious riding from one battle to the next.
Also because of the time compression the author has many characters riding furiously around at night time. Imagine my increasing disbelief as it is revealed there are a couple of scouts riding around...in the dark...on an overcast night...in a snow storm...watching individual enemies...1/4 mile away.
Also the author adds concrete measurements when he really should have blurred them a bit - so someone like me is going to run calculations in his head and say "Wait a minute, this horse is running at 200 miles per hour? Oh, yeah, it is a magic horsie that is twice as fast as others -- so the author thinks normal horsies run at 100mph."
Finally, I have to mention there is an important subplot that revolves around one man's testicles. I Kid You Not.
Sigh.
As you've probably guessed, this third entry in the seven-part Runelord trilogy has lost its muse and wandered back into the well-worn ruts of high fantasy. The heart of the first book was moral choices about sacrificing people for power, made very concrete by the magic system where a lord can take away a person's best attribute (strength, stamina, sight, etc) and add it to themselves. None of that in this book. In fact it is almost entirely "ride to point A, fight, ride furiously to point B, fight, repeat until end".
Also the book brings a characters back from the dead. Again. Just because Tolkien did it doesn't mean you should.
Also the book (and the whole series I think) weirdly compresses action. The action of this particular book spans less than two days. But because the author wants to have so much happen he fights multiple battles per day, leading to the afore mentioned furious riding from one battle to the next.
Also because of the time compression the author has many characters riding furiously around at night time. Imagine my increasing disbelief as it is revealed there are a couple of scouts riding around...in the dark...on an overcast night...in a snow storm...watching individual enemies...1/4 mile away.
Also the author adds concrete measurements when he really should have blurred them a bit - so someone like me is going to run calculations in his head and say "Wait a minute, this horse is running at 200 miles per hour? Oh, yeah, it is a magic horsie that is twice as fast as others -- so the author thinks normal horsies run at 100mph."
Finally, I have to mention there is an important subplot that revolves around one man's testicles. I Kid You Not.
September 9, 2016
Дейвид Фарланд е много добър писател и поредицата Повелители на Руните определено е интересна и си заслужава четенето, но ми се иска да беше обърнал повече внимание на някои неща, които след неколкодневно заплесване в създадения от него свят почват лекичко да ми лазят по нервите.
Като цяло, тези неща са характерни за целия фентъзи жанр и неговата епика, като почнем даже още с Толкин - увлечени в огромния размах на събитията, които описват, авторите се съсредоточават върху героите и действието и забравят реалните измерения на случващото се за света и за хората, които го населяват.
Специално в тази поредица пък, още нещо доста се набива в очи - авторът определено има проблеми с осмислянето на времевия фактор в действията на хората и държавите. В случай, че сте пропуснали да забележите, цялото действие от трите книги в поредицата до сега се развива в общо 10 дни - от техния празник Хостенфест, когато започва всичко. Да, всичките нападения, войни, няколко мобилизации на армии, битки, пътувания, държавни решения и т.н. стават за десет дни общо. Да, разбирам, че има бързоходци и т.н., само че за мобилизацията на готова за бой стохилядна армия и опълчение е нужен мааааааааалко повече от един ден (и това малко повече е по-скоро по един месец за всяко "а" в мааааааааалко).
Като цяло, тези неща са характерни за целия фентъзи жанр и неговата епика, като почнем даже още с Толкин - увлечени в огромния размах на събитията, които описват, авторите се съсредоточават върху героите и действието и забравят реалните измерения на случващото се за света и за хората, които го населяват.
Специално в тази поредица пък, още нещо доста се набива в очи - авторът определено има проблеми с осмислянето на времевия фактор в действията на хората и държавите. В случай, че сте пропуснали да забележите, цялото действие от трите книги в поредицата до сега се развива в общо 10 дни - от техния празник Хостенфест, когато започва всичко. Да, всичките нападения, войни, няколко мобилизации на армии, битки, пътувания, държавни решения и т.н. стават за десет дни общо. Да, разбирам, че има бързоходци и т.н., само че за мобилизацията на готова за бой стохилядна армия и опълчение е нужен мааааааааалко повече от един ден (и това малко повече е по-скоро по един месец за всяко "а" в мааааааааалко).
January 3, 2011
I didn't remember much from reading this book previously, but in this third book of the Runelords series, I am struck by how good a writer David Farland is. The characters are well-established at this point, but they never seem to act in order to further advance the plot only; they act as they should as established by the other books. Also, this book is breathlessly plotted, happening over the course of just a few days. But, due to Farland's system of attributes, this makes sense as men and horses are gifted with extra metabolism, allowing them to travel further and sleep less than regular men.
Finally, I am struck by how much history Farland has built his world upon. Each chapter begins with a quote or excerpt from some historical figure or text that does not appear elsewhere in the novel, but each seems true to the spirit of the world, and, I suspect Farland would be able to explain its origins if pressed.
There are a lot of plot threads that need to be wrapped up in the fourth novel, and I approach it with a little trepidation about how this will all end. There is a second series of four novels that seem to take at least one thread from the first series and revolve around it (the introduction of the "loci" and the One True World. The revelation of "shadow" worlds remind me a lot of the Amber series by Roger Zelazny, so I'm interested to see what Farland will do with this.
All in all, I would say this is a great book, and I'm really looking forward to its conclusion.
Finally, I am struck by how much history Farland has built his world upon. Each chapter begins with a quote or excerpt from some historical figure or text that does not appear elsewhere in the novel, but each seems true to the spirit of the world, and, I suspect Farland would be able to explain its origins if pressed.
There are a lot of plot threads that need to be wrapped up in the fourth novel, and I approach it with a little trepidation about how this will all end. There is a second series of four novels that seem to take at least one thread from the first series and revolve around it (the introduction of the "loci" and the One True World. The revelation of "shadow" worlds remind me a lot of the Amber series by Roger Zelazny, so I'm interested to see what Farland will do with this.
All in all, I would say this is a great book, and I'm really looking forward to its conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2011
This book clears the bad taste the previous one, Brotherhood of the Wolf, left in my mouth. It actually manages to avoid the curse of epic almost entirely: when it seems the story will begin to drag, the narrative starts its climb towards the climax.
Another staple of this series is back: caring characters that become important to the reader so quickly that the heart aches when something bad happens to them. Not that this is a tragic story, it's very uplifting as a matter of fact, but the tragic moments indeed brought a tear to my dulled, hardened eyes.
The only downside that I can point out is the apparent changes in description that David Farland does. I might be mistaken, but it seems that he described the Reavers differently in the previous two books, as he did the Green Woman (I was sure she was eight or nine feet tall in Brotherhood of the Wolf).
Perhaps Wizardborn is not better than the first book, The Sum of All Men, but as it doesn't have to explain the world to the reader, it has more "goodness" packed in its pages. I can barely wait to read the next one, The Lair of Bones, and see how this story ends!
Another staple of this series is back: caring characters that become important to the reader so quickly that the heart aches when something bad happens to them. Not that this is a tragic story, it's very uplifting as a matter of fact, but the tragic moments indeed brought a tear to my dulled, hardened eyes.
The only downside that I can point out is the apparent changes in description that David Farland does. I might be mistaken, but it seems that he described the Reavers differently in the previous two books, as he did the Green Woman (I was sure she was eight or nine feet tall in Brotherhood of the Wolf).
Perhaps Wizardborn is not better than the first book, The Sum of All Men, but as it doesn't have to explain the world to the reader, it has more "goodness" packed in its pages. I can barely wait to read the next one, The Lair of Bones, and see how this story ends!
January 20, 2014
This is the best book of the this series underrated series, at least so far. I give this book 3.5 stars and will round up to 4 stars. Too bad it's the last one my library has, so I may have to break down and get the 4th book as this one is very open ended.
July 23, 2018
4.5. Still really liking the series. Got the audiobook for this one. It's amazing how little time is span in especially this book for how much detail is put into every perspective and event. It's very well done in my opinion.
February 23, 2019
An excellent continuation of the Runelord's saga! The moral choices faced by the characters is excellent, and really makes one think! Who among us could knowingly order men to their deaths? Moreso, who could order a 9-year-old girl to do the things Gaborn to do the things he asked of Averan to do? Or order a retreat from a battle, knowing that defenseless civilians would be slaughtered as a result?
I like the way Gaborn's powers are still diminished. Originally his Earth King Powers basically cast him as almost omnipotent, and it almost seemed as if he could do anything, so a needed check on that power stepped in.
It was interesting to see Raj Ahten's final transformation and the loss of his humanity. Farland tried through the series, particularly through book 2 I feel, to somewhat humanize him, but as we saw, to no avail. Unfortunately, it was almost a given that this would happen given his massive hubris right after slaying the fell mage. He was so focused on people worshipping him for it, that it was to the point of being a trope that he was going to fall almost immediately.
Myrimma and Borenson have an interesting story, with her going from a peasant girl to a Runelord, to seemingly powerful wizard, and also watching her heal Borenson from his seemingly horrible childhood. On the one hand, it's straying into trope territory for someone from a peasant background to have great power and possibly lineage. On the other, it's refreshing to see a marriage where the woman is clearly the stronger half in almost every manner of speaking. You also see this with Erin of Fleeds and in fact the entire land of Fleeds. This is especially noteworthy given that this series was started 20 years ago!
The final part that intrigues me the most is the sudden shift for Averan. Up to this point, she hasn't shown any malice or ill will in her personality, even when we got an italic view inside her thoughts. Yet Binnsman immediately regarded her with suspicion as soon as she picked out her staff. Is it possible that eating from reavers has had more adverse effects on her than what we've seen? I'm probably the most curious about where her story goes in the upcoming book(s).
One thing that really bothers me is...the numbers. 100,000 artillery pieces, 1 million soldiers on the battlefield, another 2 million on the way, a million refugees...these would be staggering numbers today, and only the largest countries could do it by dedicating their entire society to the war, and this society is preindustrial. I can suspend disbelief for some things, but this is a bit much, and for no purpose. Yeah, they have magic, but nothing like this has been shown in the power of magic.
All in all, an excellent book that I can't wait to continue!
I like the way Gaborn's powers are still diminished. Originally his Earth King Powers basically cast him as almost omnipotent, and it almost seemed as if he could do anything, so a needed check on that power stepped in.
It was interesting to see Raj Ahten's final transformation and the loss of his humanity. Farland tried through the series, particularly through book 2 I feel, to somewhat humanize him, but as we saw, to no avail. Unfortunately, it was almost a given that this would happen given his massive hubris right after slaying the fell mage. He was so focused on people worshipping him for it, that it was to the point of being a trope that he was going to fall almost immediately.
Myrimma and Borenson have an interesting story, with her going from a peasant girl to a Runelord, to seemingly powerful wizard, and also watching her heal Borenson from his seemingly horrible childhood. On the one hand, it's straying into trope territory for someone from a peasant background to have great power and possibly lineage. On the other, it's refreshing to see a marriage where the woman is clearly the stronger half in almost every manner of speaking. You also see this with Erin of Fleeds and in fact the entire land of Fleeds. This is especially noteworthy given that this series was started 20 years ago!
The final part that intrigues me the most is the sudden shift for Averan. Up to this point, she hasn't shown any malice or ill will in her personality, even when we got an italic view inside her thoughts. Yet Binnsman immediately regarded her with suspicion as soon as she picked out her staff. Is it possible that eating from reavers has had more adverse effects on her than what we've seen? I'm probably the most curious about where her story goes in the upcoming book(s).
One thing that really bothers me is...the numbers. 100,000 artillery pieces, 1 million soldiers on the battlefield, another 2 million on the way, a million refugees...these would be staggering numbers today, and only the largest countries could do it by dedicating their entire society to the war, and this society is preindustrial. I can suspend disbelief for some things, but this is a bit much, and for no purpose. Yeah, they have magic, but nothing like this has been shown in the power of magic.
All in all, an excellent book that I can't wait to continue!
September 23, 2021
Man these stories keep escalating. It's really kind of impressive. From the story of a powerful invading lord to bugs from the depths of the Earth to dark magic, super powerful evil beings from another world, and perhaps even worse... Man there's a lot here.
On top of that, we're digging a lot more into the various magic systems of this universe. Averan is , which gives us a much better idea of how the Revears work internally. We're seeing a lot more about the Air powers, along with the continued Earth (Gaborn) and Fire (Raj Ahten). Even Water, although that's a bit more subtle thus far (which fits).
Craziest of all... the end of the world is coming in five days (according to Gaborn's feelings). And this story doesn't even cover all that yet. It's a hefty book, for how little time it covers. It just keeps escalating!
One of the best stories we get... Borenson and Myrrima. I could most definiately do without the near constant mentions of 'walnuts' (seriously... it feels like half the story at times), but the way they grow (both individually and together) is pretty cool.
Looking forward to where the story goes next!
On top of that, we're digging a lot more into the various magic systems of this universe. Averan is , which gives us a much better idea of how the Revears work internally. We're seeing a lot more about the Air powers, along with the continued Earth (Gaborn) and Fire (Raj Ahten). Even Water, although that's a bit more subtle thus far (which fits).
Craziest of all... the end of the world is coming in five days (according to Gaborn's feelings). And this story doesn't even cover all that yet. It's a hefty book, for how little time it covers. It just keeps escalating!
“Milady,” he said, “what do you know of the stars?”
“They’re pretty,” Iome said dryly.
“Yes,” Jennaise said. “And you may also know that as the seasons progress, the constellations rotate about the sky. At the first of the year, Elwind rides over the mountains of the north. But at high summer he is almost straight overhead.”
“I know,” Iome said.
“Then it is with great...bewilderment that I must report that the stars are wrong.”
“What?” Iome asked.
“The stars are wrong tonight. It is all very baffling. Tonight is the third of the month of Leaves. But by our charts, the stars read as if it were the twentieth of the month of Harvest--off by two weeks.”
“How can that be?” Iome asked. “Could the charts be wrong? Perhaps--“
“The charts are not wrong. I’ve been over them a hundred times. I can think of only one explanation,” Jennaise answered. “The world is taking some new path through the heavens. Even the moon--by my preliminary measurements--“
One of the best stories we get... Borenson and Myrrima. I could most definiately do without the near constant mentions of 'walnuts' (seriously... it feels like half the story at times), but the way they grow (both individually and together) is pretty cool.
Looking forward to where the story goes next!
December 29, 2016
With WIZARDBORN, the Runelords series slows down a bit. Loosing some of the epic feel, this book takes place over only two days (where the previous two books covered four days each). I think this is mostly the unfortunate consequence of having too many distinct plot threads, all experiencing major changes at the same time. While I have enjoyed each of them, I feel like Farland has overreached a bit in trying to make this story bigger than it should be. With so much focus on Averan's development as an Earth Warden, the emergence of Baron Waggit, Raj Ahten's conflict with his Invincibles, Borenson and Myrimma's quest to find Dylan Hammer, Iome's fretting about whatever, Mad King Anders' plottings against Gaborn, Celinor and Erin traveling to Crowthen and experiencing dream-world troubles, and of course Gaborn's fight with the Reavers and his attempts to become a good Earth King, there is just too much happening for Farland to progress the story enough to make a completely satisfying read. It seems like the series will go on forever if this expansion of the story keeps happening. Actually, considering how big the story has gotten, Farland is doing a remarkably good job of keeping the pace up and keeping each distinct story moving. Its just that I think the book could be better with a little less complexity and more focus on the primary plot.
Indeed, after the first three quarters of this book, all of which was taken up by the rather lackluster Day 9 "The Calm Between the Storms", I was discouraged about the progress of the book thus far. Fortunately, the next "Day" of the story progressed the plot nicely and contained the exciting and complex battle scenes that Farland is so good at describing. Raj Ahten's battle against the Reavers in Indhopal was simply awesome. I still have high hopes for the future of the series, but its going to take some serious skill for Farland to pull it off in a pleasing way. Here's hoping.
Indeed, after the first three quarters of this book, all of which was taken up by the rather lackluster Day 9 "The Calm Between the Storms", I was discouraged about the progress of the book thus far. Fortunately, the next "Day" of the story progressed the plot nicely and contained the exciting and complex battle scenes that Farland is so good at describing. Raj Ahten's battle against the Reavers in Indhopal was simply awesome. I still have high hopes for the future of the series, but its going to take some serious skill for Farland to pull it off in a pleasing way. Here's hoping.
November 29, 2022
A worthy addition to the Runelords universe and a definite step up from the previous novel in the series, Wizardborn is a little slow to start but immerses you all over again about a hundred pages in. Gaborn has lost his Earth powers but is still King and commands and protects his people. Borenson is on the mend from his savage wounds from the climax of the previous book. Averan, the young dragon rider, is learning who she is, and Raj Ahten is merely struggling to survive. The bulk of Wizardborn follows Gaborn and company as they follow and attack retreating Reavers, in an attempt to locate a particular reaver that can lead them to the queen in the underworld so the war against humanity can be ended. As the band breaks off, we also see from Celinor and Erin's perspective, as well as Iome and Myrrima. As soon as the story gets going, we're swept along in the race to stop the Reavers and save mankind. I became heavily invested in Averan's character and abilities (which is odd because I don't normally care for kids in fantasy stories) and Borenson and Myrrima's relationship. I also really enjoyed Baron Waggitt, and I'm rooting for him to make it to the end of the next novel. I didn't care much for the parts told from Raj Ahten's perspective, and tended to zone out during those parts. It was quite obvious the decision he would make by the end as soon as the option was offered to him, so it just became a waiting game until he did the deed.
Besides some pacing and a few too many descriptions in parts, this was a solid, enjoyable installment of the Runelords. If you read the second and weren't sure about continuing, I'd give this one at least the first hundred pages and see what you think. I'm really glad I read this one- and I'm truly excited for the next.
Besides some pacing and a few too many descriptions in parts, this was a solid, enjoyable installment of the Runelords. If you read the second and weren't sure about continuing, I'd give this one at least the first hundred pages and see what you think. I'm really glad I read this one- and I'm truly excited for the next.
October 11, 2020
The third entry of David Farland’s Runelords series opens on the second day in the month of leaves, beginning with a prologue where King Anders entertains guests in South Crowthen, and wants to kill Gaborn’s queen. Meanwhile, Gaborn and Raj Ahten are at each other’s throats, and Myrrima receives training as a sorceress. The Domains of Man diagram present in previous installment plays some role in the third book, with several battles occurring through the text. The enigmatic reavers also return and serve as antagonists, the book ending with Gaborn wanting to break sacred seals.
All in all, the third book of Farland’s series is moderately enjoyable, although a list of dramatis personae, descriptions of the various characters, and plot synopses for prior novels would have certainly been welcome, given the relative complexity of the plotline. Even so, the battles are well-described, and there is fairly decent mythos, and while there are maps prior to the text, more throughout the story, maybe a few illustrations of the action, would have been nice as well. Ultimately, only those who earnestly think well of the book’s predecessors will definitely enjoy the third installment.
All in all, the third book of Farland’s series is moderately enjoyable, although a list of dramatis personae, descriptions of the various characters, and plot synopses for prior novels would have certainly been welcome, given the relative complexity of the plotline. Even so, the battles are well-described, and there is fairly decent mythos, and while there are maps prior to the text, more throughout the story, maybe a few illustrations of the action, would have been nice as well. Ultimately, only those who earnestly think well of the book’s predecessors will definitely enjoy the third installment.
July 2, 2023
Damn, this series is absolutely epic. Reminds of the first time I read The Wheel of Time series, totally engaging, hooked from the first page, and the storytelling is so compelling.
Wizardborn is the third book in the RuneLords series, its fast-paced, ingenious magical concepts, and great characterisation. I love every book in this series so far, heroes, and heroen's who you will believe in to save humanity.
After the devastating battle at Carris against the Reaver horde and the loss of so many people, but this is only the beginning as the young Earth king Gaborn Val Orden finds that he has lost the powers that let him protect his people. He must travel to the underworld to battle the Reaver Lord.
The Earth wizard Binnesman has found himself a new apprentice in the girl Averan, who may be key to defeating these monsters, whose sole purpose is rid the world of their number one enemy, humans.
Sacrifices must be made if there is any chance for survival.
RuneLords has a very old fantasy feel to it, beautifully written, tons of action, and just one hell of an adventure, I highly recommend for all fantasy readers out there....🔥😁💀🗡
Wizardborn is the third book in the RuneLords series, its fast-paced, ingenious magical concepts, and great characterisation. I love every book in this series so far, heroes, and heroen's who you will believe in to save humanity.
After the devastating battle at Carris against the Reaver horde and the loss of so many people, but this is only the beginning as the young Earth king Gaborn Val Orden finds that he has lost the powers that let him protect his people. He must travel to the underworld to battle the Reaver Lord.
The Earth wizard Binnesman has found himself a new apprentice in the girl Averan, who may be key to defeating these monsters, whose sole purpose is rid the world of their number one enemy, humans.
Sacrifices must be made if there is any chance for survival.
RuneLords has a very old fantasy feel to it, beautifully written, tons of action, and just one hell of an adventure, I highly recommend for all fantasy readers out there....🔥😁💀🗡
December 6, 2022
3.5 stars
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This book IS enjoyable, though it feels a bit like an Empire Strikes Back moment in the larger storyline...Only Empire Strikes Back is arguably the BEST film of that trilogy whereas this book isn't the standout by any stretch.
There is some nice character development, a build in the scope and intensity of the threats faced by our hero's, and the very real race against time, but the book suffers SOME from a bit of a "Travel-Chase-Battle-Despair" rinse and repeat cycle feel that drags it down a little. Without spoiling anything, the impact of this book won't be felt until the end of the next book in the series, which doesn't help this book shine on its own, but this one is still fun and worth journeying through as part of the series.
Get subscribed to the Storyphoria podcast where you can hear my full thoughts, SPOILER FREE, on this and many others! Or subscribe to the newsletter if you prefer to read them!
https://solo.to/storyphoria
This book IS enjoyable, though it feels a bit like an Empire Strikes Back moment in the larger storyline...Only Empire Strikes Back is arguably the BEST film of that trilogy whereas this book isn't the standout by any stretch.
There is some nice character development, a build in the scope and intensity of the threats faced by our hero's, and the very real race against time, but the book suffers SOME from a bit of a "Travel-Chase-Battle-Despair" rinse and repeat cycle feel that drags it down a little. Without spoiling anything, the impact of this book won't be felt until the end of the next book in the series, which doesn't help this book shine on its own, but this one is still fun and worth journeying through as part of the series.
December 23, 2019
I read the first two books in this series about ten years ago. I wasn't overly impressed at the time and the rest of the series ended up on the eternal back burner. A decade later I've read far deeper into the genre and coming back to the series I have a new respect for Farland and the Runelords. Not only was I able to fall back into the world almost seamlessly despite my hiatus, but I really appreciate more what Farland has done with this series. It stands out against older and newer fantasy I've read and it is very well written and always exciting. I couldn't quite bring myself to give it 5 Stars because there were a few things that I personally couldn't take seriously, mainly the use (over use) of bungholes and walnuts, but with this book, the Runelords series has jumped from eternal back burner to must read ASAP. Very impressed!
August 16, 2021
The third book in the saga of the Runelords is a beautifully woven and wonderfully written epic that delivers.
The author continues exploring different aspects of the world he has created. I especially enjoy the economic and socio-political consequences of the different types of magic and the social organization that results from them.
The characters are deeply crafted, have strong and credible motivations, a varied range of personalities, beliefs, gender, age,... this makes for a rich story and added on top are revelations about the powers that govern this world.
The Reavers in particular are becoming more and more interesting as an exploration of alien mentality.
This series is one of the best, most original and interesting works of fantasy that I have read from the last decades, and I strongly recommend it to anyone
The author continues exploring different aspects of the world he has created. I especially enjoy the economic and socio-political consequences of the different types of magic and the social organization that results from them.
The characters are deeply crafted, have strong and credible motivations, a varied range of personalities, beliefs, gender, age,... this makes for a rich story and added on top are revelations about the powers that govern this world.
The Reavers in particular are becoming more and more interesting as an exploration of alien mentality.
This series is one of the best, most original and interesting works of fantasy that I have read from the last decades, and I strongly recommend it to anyone
September 28, 2023
The wizardborn series has always been a "good enough" background series for me, mostly because it's free on audible and the concept is cool (even if I agree with the general sentiment the author couldn't live up to the hype of the runelord concept)
In wizardborn, what was initially a fairly typical fantasy world starts to crack at the seems, and there are greater hints about the fate of humanity than the first two books, and ominous universe whisperings happening everywhere (wtf is the thing with the owl)
also there's much more pain/torture themes from the pov of the reavers, the thing with the little girl and the brain memories get's progressively more fucked up, I feel for her situation, and hope she finds closure in a future role as a reaver wizard or something (also the smell of garlic will now forever be ominous to me)
In wizardborn, what was initially a fairly typical fantasy world starts to crack at the seems, and there are greater hints about the fate of humanity than the first two books, and ominous universe whisperings happening everywhere (wtf is the thing with the owl)
also there's much more pain/torture themes from the pov of the reavers, the thing with the little girl and the brain memories get's progressively more fucked up, I feel for her situation, and hope she finds closure in a future role as a reaver wizard or something (also the smell of garlic will now forever be ominous to me)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2022
1. Endless info dumps. I wouldn't have a problem with this if it was book 1 or a bit of a reminder in book 2. By book three? Simple word padding at this point.
2. Gaborn is insufferable. And the endless loopholes to allow him to act while not directly taking a life is ridiculous. The hand and the hand that orders the action is one and the same.
3. Dues Ex Machina. Things that weren't an issue to Reavers in Book 2 are a sudden problem in Book 3.
4. Zero character or plot development in Book 3. If you like wall to wall action, this book is for you. However, the constant fighting, perfect shots into reaver sweet spots, and endless monologues from Gaborn about 'his people' reduces any potential tension or anxiety to simple background noise.
2. Gaborn is insufferable. And the endless loopholes to allow him to act while not directly taking a life is ridiculous. The hand and the hand that orders the action is one and the same.
3. Dues Ex Machina. Things that weren't an issue to Reavers in Book 2 are a sudden problem in Book 3.
4. Zero character or plot development in Book 3. If you like wall to wall action, this book is for you. However, the constant fighting, perfect shots into reaver sweet spots, and endless monologues from Gaborn about 'his people' reduces any potential tension or anxiety to simple background noise.
March 4, 2024
Focuses heavily on Reavers, there anatomy, their culture, etc.
Develops the magic system a lot more.
Doesn't move the plot forward a whole lot more beyond this however.
Wizardborn carries the story forward only another day or so more, but feels like it is jam packed with intense moments as the characters all scramble to find a way to save the world. There is very little humor and pleasantry in this book as the story is one of dire consequence and portents of doom coming ahead. The story could use a bit more character range as Farland seems to drag all of his more innocent and hopeful characters straight into the muck of despair and agony.
Still quite interesting and unique for a fantasy series.
Develops the magic system a lot more.
Doesn't move the plot forward a whole lot more beyond this however.
Wizardborn carries the story forward only another day or so more, but feels like it is jam packed with intense moments as the characters all scramble to find a way to save the world. There is very little humor and pleasantry in this book as the story is one of dire consequence and portents of doom coming ahead. The story could use a bit more character range as Farland seems to drag all of his more innocent and hopeful characters straight into the muck of despair and agony.
Still quite interesting and unique for a fantasy series.
July 23, 2020
I found it a little slow to get started, but I suppose that's to be expected for the third book in the series. It isn't until we discover why the book is called Wizardborn that things start to pick up, and when it does, it's thrilling. This book introduced some of my favourite characters in the series so far.
This book gets a lot more into the psychology of the reavers, and it is almost anthropological in nature. In the previous books, reavers were simply the "bad guys", but in this book, you're left wondering whether you're rooting for the right side... just a little. Just enough to keep you reading the next book, too!
This book gets a lot more into the psychology of the reavers, and it is almost anthropological in nature. In the previous books, reavers were simply the "bad guys", but in this book, you're left wondering whether you're rooting for the right side... just a little. Just enough to keep you reading the next book, too!
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