What do you think?
Rate this book
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
71 people are currently reading
2717 people want to read
About the author
David Farland
155 books1,203 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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 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.
January 30, 2026
David Farland has proven that he is a worthy inclusion in the fantasy genre. I had a general sense of the direction of Wizardborn, and wasn't too excited about it, but David Farland did a great job with the plot, characters, and magic in this book.
First off, this is a very balanced book. I had complained that "Brotherhood of the Wolf" was too long and could have been cut down substantially and that it had very bad pacing. Here, Farland had tremendous pacing and he made the book just the right length. The plot was intriguing and he balanced the plotlines fairly well.
Another thing I was worried about was that Farland would add too many new point of view characters that it would be hard to follow and I'd just be wanting to get back to the main plot(Like Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin do). However, while there were a few POVs added, it was very few and served the story well.
Gaborn started a little whiny in this book, but he did a great job making use of his Earth King Powers. Iome had a good plot line, although it didn't add too much and I think it will be paid off more in book 4. The same can be said about Celinor and Erin Connal, who were in this book very little. The best plot went to Myrimma and Borenson, which I thought was brilliantly written and had several "WHAT?!?!" moments from me out loud. I thought I knew where it was going, and it wasn't. I think Farland is at his best when he has a group of characters and he's working on their interlocking relationships/friendships.
If I have to criticize this book for something, its Raj Ahten's plotline. I thought he was an awesome villain in the first two books, and even has made my "best villains of fantasy" list, but here he was just annoying and was just plain boring. I liked the plot lines surrounding him, just not his particular plot line. I'm still kind of confused about his plot's ending, but I'm sure all will be revealed in the next book.
Also, you have this incredible opportunity to use the Frowth Giants(who look so wierd and fantastical on the cover) and they're barely, barely in the book. I was so excited when they showed up, and then they were gone. It's especially sad given that they were referenced a lot in the previous books.
Finally, my last gripe is with the Reavers. I just don't find them interesting as villains. I think they're just gross and I don't find reading the action scenes with them interesting. It's not that Farland is doing a bad job, its just that I don't like reading about them. But I digress.
Overall, I really did love this book. I didn't like it more than book 1(Runelords) and I'm still too close to it to determine if I like it better than book 2(Brotherhood of the Wolf), but I'm inclined to say I liked it better. I'll give it a 8.0 out of 10! Great work David Farland. I can't wait to read the conclusion of this arc.
First off, this is a very balanced book. I had complained that "Brotherhood of the Wolf" was too long and could have been cut down substantially and that it had very bad pacing. Here, Farland had tremendous pacing and he made the book just the right length. The plot was intriguing and he balanced the plotlines fairly well.
Another thing I was worried about was that Farland would add too many new point of view characters that it would be hard to follow and I'd just be wanting to get back to the main plot(Like Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin do). However, while there were a few POVs added, it was very few and served the story well.
Gaborn started a little whiny in this book, but he did a great job making use of his Earth King Powers. Iome had a good plot line, although it didn't add too much and I think it will be paid off more in book 4. The same can be said about Celinor and Erin Connal, who were in this book very little. The best plot went to Myrimma and Borenson, which I thought was brilliantly written and had several "WHAT?!?!" moments from me out loud. I thought I knew where it was going, and it wasn't. I think Farland is at his best when he has a group of characters and he's working on their interlocking relationships/friendships.
If I have to criticize this book for something, its Raj Ahten's plotline. I thought he was an awesome villain in the first two books, and even has made my "best villains of fantasy" list, but here he was just annoying and was just plain boring. I liked the plot lines surrounding him, just not his particular plot line. I'm still kind of confused about his plot's ending, but I'm sure all will be revealed in the next book.
Also, you have this incredible opportunity to use the Frowth Giants(who look so wierd and fantastical on the cover) and they're barely, barely in the book. I was so excited when they showed up, and then they were gone. It's especially sad given that they were referenced a lot in the previous books.
Finally, my last gripe is with the Reavers. I just don't find them interesting as villains. I think they're just gross and I don't find reading the action scenes with them interesting. It's not that Farland is doing a bad job, its just that I don't like reading about them. But I digress.
Overall, I really did love this book. I didn't like it more than book 1(Runelords) and I'm still too close to it to determine if I like it better than book 2(Brotherhood of the Wolf), but I'm inclined to say I liked it better. I'll give it a 8.0 out of 10! Great work David Farland. I can't wait to read the conclusion of this arc.
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.
May 7, 2025
Grinding through.
"Halt! There are yet more reavers to slay here!" A direct quote. More of the same on repeat. Apparently there needs to be a fourth novel. Ergo - nothing gets resolved. Many words have been produced and printed.
The illustrator has given up and dispels any notion of realism by splattering the cover with a child's idea of a troll. Cute stuffed animal on the cover is supposed to be the horrible monster killing and razing in this sterile narrative.
A word on the system, the only interesting aspect of the novel. Different types of endowment. "Forcibles" are I guess forced to give up their attributes. "Vectors" gather a bunch of endowments and then vector or promise these to their lord or lady. "Flameweavers" somehow get a power to throw fire through being endowed. I guess there are symmetrical elemental mages in other traditional orders, but they don't have such cool names. Instead we get a "water wizard". Please.
"Halt! There are yet more reavers to slay here!" A direct quote. More of the same on repeat. Apparently there needs to be a fourth novel. Ergo - nothing gets resolved. Many words have been produced and printed.
The illustrator has given up and dispels any notion of realism by splattering the cover with a child's idea of a troll. Cute stuffed animal on the cover is supposed to be the horrible monster killing and razing in this sterile narrative.
A word on the system, the only interesting aspect of the novel. Different types of endowment. "Forcibles" are I guess forced to give up their attributes. "Vectors" gather a bunch of endowments and then vector or promise these to their lord or lady. "Flameweavers" somehow get a power to throw fire through being endowed. I guess there are symmetrical elemental mages in other traditional orders, but they don't have such cool names. Instead we get a "water wizard". Please.
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.
November 26, 2025
3 Stars★★★☆☆ - Brotherhood of the Wolf epilogue & setup novel for Lair of Bones. This inbetwe-equel doesn't really know what its purpose is.
The Runelords series created by Farland has a VAST world at its disposal to tell a myriad of stories that allows for this 4-book arc to be warranted, but Wizardborn is a setup novel in the most frustrating sense for Lair of Bones, one that loses purpose and drive from the large repercussions of the incredible Brotherhood of the Wolf, and is at its best when it focuses on the tangentially crucial stories of Averan, Myrrima, & weirdly enough, Erin Connal & Prince Celinor.
Unfortunately for the bigger plot, Gaborn, Iome, Raj Ahten, Binnesman, & Spring become tertiary characters who don't do much besides shake their fists at unfortunate circumstances that befall them. David Farland still showcases an ability to write a readable story, but besides a few plot developments that develop for Averan, Myrrima, & the other two, this story really doesn't do anything. I'd even wager that you could skip the POVs entirely. Raj Ahten is being set up for something but by this point, his story feels more like epilogue filler from Brotherhood of the Wolf. Farland writes stories that are VERY readable, but this book just doesn't have the vigor, intentionality, and relevance to be truly satisfying.
As is, I think the beginning & end of this book should've been just added to Lair of Bones with the important middle sections involving the relevant 4 characters could've been a 2.5, 2.6 pair of duologies. Hopefully the next book can complete this arc to make everything conclude with satisfaction that the story warrants and deserves.
The Runelords series created by Farland has a VAST world at its disposal to tell a myriad of stories that allows for this 4-book arc to be warranted, but Wizardborn is a setup novel in the most frustrating sense for Lair of Bones, one that loses purpose and drive from the large repercussions of the incredible Brotherhood of the Wolf, and is at its best when it focuses on the tangentially crucial stories of Averan, Myrrima, & weirdly enough, Erin Connal & Prince Celinor.
Unfortunately for the bigger plot, Gaborn, Iome, Raj Ahten, Binnesman, & Spring become tertiary characters who don't do much besides shake their fists at unfortunate circumstances that befall them. David Farland still showcases an ability to write a readable story, but besides a few plot developments that develop for Averan, Myrrima, & the other two, this story really doesn't do anything. I'd even wager that you could skip the POVs entirely. Raj Ahten is being set up for something but by this point, his story feels more like epilogue filler from Brotherhood of the Wolf. Farland writes stories that are VERY readable, but this book just doesn't have the vigor, intentionality, and relevance to be truly satisfying.
As is, I think the beginning & end of this book should've been just added to Lair of Bones with the important middle sections involving the relevant 4 characters could've been a 2.5, 2.6 pair of duologies. Hopefully the next book can complete this arc to make everything conclude with satisfaction that the story warrants and deserves.
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!
June 13, 2024
This was the least strong of the first three books in the series in my opinion. There was a lot that happened in a very short period of time, but this was for sure a transitional novel between large plot points. I plan to continue on with the series, despite the very 90's cover art on this book with a creature that looks more like a teddy bear thing than it does dangerous.
Overall, still a really good series and one I'd recommend to fans of fantasy.
Overall, still a really good series and one I'd recommend to fans of fantasy.
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.
May 27, 2025
Not a stronger entry in my view. It does a decent job of developing the story and moving things forward, but I found it lacked a bit of drive. I'm also finding it a bit tough to swallow the diminishing of certain characters.
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!
October 23, 2025
0/5
Read in 2022 I think and it came back up in my recommendations to finish the series, and I was reminded how much I hated this shit sandwich. I’m not going to ever finish the series because of this watery dog turd of a 3rd installment where the main characters get their shit rekt over and over by the ever impressive, the long contained, Raj Atten and his 1 billion million voices of a bunch of amazing singers who he stole the voices from.
The whole story so far is basically Raj Atten’s metaphorical dick was so big and long that he could wrap it around the whole world 300000 times and fuck every single person along the way to death and there’s NOTHING you can do about it except just die, miserable and raped to death. The planet’s weather system is probably affected by how much he destroy people without even moving from his favorite chair.
How is this interesting or compelling? Nothing in this book makes me want to root for anyone because as soon as anything good at all happens, here comes the raj with his dick of 1 billion million men all coiled up in a spring loaded fully automatic fuck you machine, and if that doesn’t kill you the he can just use his amazing voice to sing your house down while he’s fucking you to death. Oh and then he’s going to ripe off the “walnuts” of the world, and fuck all your friends to death on top of your corpse. Because he’s got the power of all the men in the world and cannot be harmed by anything at all. He is literally what the internet thought chuck Norris was in 2005. If Raj doesn’t like how fast the suns going down he can just stop the world from spinning. Deal with it.
I love grimdark but this is just everyone is miserable constantly for forever, then they die without any balls. The end. Seriously there are at least three scenes where dudes are just tearing off their enemies balls on the battlefield. Don’t ask about armor because it’s not explained. One page, Borensens in plate armor, the next page his balls are just ripped right the FUCK off. The only thing that I can think of is that in this world, armor must just not cover the balls in any way at all. And that’s only bad because he was going to finally get to consummate his marriage after the battle, apparently.
Every duel or battle that happens, believe it or not, it’s “Straight to jail” except it’s “straight to ripping and tearing” balls off.
If you love reading about heros who never get to do anything except have their literal balls torn off, then buddy have I got a series for you. If you want just enough success to keep you rooting for the main characters… look elsewhere.
Read in 2022 I think and it came back up in my recommendations to finish the series, and I was reminded how much I hated this shit sandwich. I’m not going to ever finish the series because of this watery dog turd of a 3rd installment where the main characters get their shit rekt over and over by the ever impressive, the long contained, Raj Atten and his 1 billion million voices of a bunch of amazing singers who he stole the voices from.
The whole story so far is basically Raj Atten’s metaphorical dick was so big and long that he could wrap it around the whole world 300000 times and fuck every single person along the way to death and there’s NOTHING you can do about it except just die, miserable and raped to death. The planet’s weather system is probably affected by how much he destroy people without even moving from his favorite chair.
How is this interesting or compelling? Nothing in this book makes me want to root for anyone because as soon as anything good at all happens, here comes the raj with his dick of 1 billion million men all coiled up in a spring loaded fully automatic fuck you machine, and if that doesn’t kill you the he can just use his amazing voice to sing your house down while he’s fucking you to death. Oh and then he’s going to ripe off the “walnuts” of the world, and fuck all your friends to death on top of your corpse. Because he’s got the power of all the men in the world and cannot be harmed by anything at all. He is literally what the internet thought chuck Norris was in 2005. If Raj doesn’t like how fast the suns going down he can just stop the world from spinning. Deal with it.
I love grimdark but this is just everyone is miserable constantly for forever, then they die without any balls. The end. Seriously there are at least three scenes where dudes are just tearing off their enemies balls on the battlefield. Don’t ask about armor because it’s not explained. One page, Borensens in plate armor, the next page his balls are just ripped right the FUCK off. The only thing that I can think of is that in this world, armor must just not cover the balls in any way at all. And that’s only bad because he was going to finally get to consummate his marriage after the battle, apparently.
Every duel or battle that happens, believe it or not, it’s “Straight to jail” except it’s “straight to ripping and tearing” balls off.
If you love reading about heros who never get to do anything except have their literal balls torn off, then buddy have I got a series for you. If you want just enough success to keep you rooting for the main characters… look elsewhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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....🔥😁💀🗡
Read
October 23, 2025Book Three of The RunelordsCertain works of fantasy are immediately recognizable as monuments, towering above the rest of the category. Authors of those works, such as Stephen R. Donaldson, J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind, come immediately to mind. Now add David Farland to that list, whose epic fantasy series began with 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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews