Four days before Hostenfest, the young Prince Gaborn Val Orden enters the city of Bannisferre incognito. He is expected to marry the Crown Princess, Iome, to cement their lands alliance, but soon events overtake such plans.

Raj Ahten, Wolf Lord of the Southern Lands, is invading the Northern kingdoms of Rofehaven to increase his power bas as a prelude to facing the barbarian hordes of Inkarra. To the northerners there seems little difference between the two enemies. Before there is time for old alliances to be reforged – or for a new alliances to be born – Raj Ahten has taken an entire kingdom and is moving northward... thanks to the "endowments" of wit, brawn and glamour he has drawn vampire-lile, from the conquered masses.

Gaborn and Iome are amongst those who continue to oppose Raj Ahten's seemingly unstoppable conquest as a world goes to war and the powers of the Earth King are woken...

Published
1998
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The Runelords

The series

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In the epic Runelords series, a world on the brink of collapse is shaped by a unique and perilous magic—one where the power of individuals can be stolen, traded, or stolen away. At the heart of this universe lies a system of “runelords,” individuals who hold unimaginable power by bearing marks, or runes, that grant them extraordinary abilities. But this power comes with a cost: the ability to capture the essence of others, to borrow their strength, intellect, and even their very life force. In this fragile balance of domination and survival, every decision has profound consequences, and every alliance may come at a dire price.

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Following the journey of courageous heroes and calculating villains, the series weaves a tale of sacrifice, betrayal, and the consequences of wielding power. As multiple factions vie for control, the Runelords introduces readers to a richly textured world where political intrigue and deep-seated mysteries unfold against a backdrop of epic battles and complex relationships. Themes of morality, what it means to be human, and the ways in which we define strength and leadership echo throughout the series.

Farland’s world-building is intricate, allowing readers to lose themselves in a world both familiar and strange. The characters—whether seeking power or redemption—are compelling and human, with motivations that are as layered and complex as the world they inhabit. With its rich mythology, sweeping narrative, and unforgettable characters, The Runelords series offers a breathtaking exploration of the cost of power and the price of loyalty in a high-stakes world.

As the story unfolds across multiple books, readers will find themselves drawn into an unforgettable adventure where alliances are tested, ancient forces awaken, and nothing is ever truly as it seems. With magic, tragedy, and unrelenting tension, The Runelords keeps readers on the edge of their seats, challenging their perceptions of good, evil, and the price of ambition.

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4/10

David Farland's The Sum of All Men is the first book of the long running The Runelords saga.

I know that this book is anything but perfect, but it was nice to read a bit different kind of epic fantasy for a change. The world and the plot is interesting, but the writing is a bit weak and it's easy to see that Farland isn't used to writing high fantasy.

The Sum of All Men is a readable (but not enjoyable) fantasy book and the events move forward with a fast pace. In my opinion Farland could've spent more time writing about the world and the characters, because it seemed to me that he hadn't thought about certain things at all.

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