Volume Two of The Runelords
Raj Ahtan, ruler of Indhopal, has used enough forcibles to transform himself into the ultimate warrior: The Sum of All Men. Ahtan seeks to bring all of humanity under his rule – destroying anything and anyone that stood in his path, including many friends and allies of young Prince Gaborn Val Orden. But Gaborn has fulfilled a two-thousand-year-old prophecy, becoming the Earth King – a mythic figure who can unleash the forces of the Earth itself.
And now the struggle continues. Gaborn has managed to drive off Raj Ahtan, but Ahtan is far from defeated. Striking at far-flung cities and fortresses and killing dedicates, Ahtan seeks to draw out the Earth King from his seat of power, to crush him. But as they weaken each other's forces in battle, the armies of an ancient and implacable inhuman enemy issue forth from the very bowels of the Earth.
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.
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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What Risingshadow readers think about this book
In my opinion Brotherhood of the Wolf is better and more enjoyable than The Sum of All Men, which was readable, but not very good. I'm not saying that this book is great, but it's a readable fantasy book.
Farland's writing style has become better, but he's not a perfect writer. The characters aren't as interesting as they could be and they're a bit shallow.
I can recommend Brotherhood of the Wolf to all readers, who are just beginning to read epic fantasy, because this book is easy to read.
