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The Runners Revelation
Chry Esolious is a youth in the Wastelands, destined to forever tend to a farmhouse his forefathers have maintained for centuries. However, when a series of events upheaves his mundane life, the young farmer is thrust into a mercenary group named the Runners, a cast of characters struggling with the past and forced to uncover how their tragedies have created their present selves.
Onvi Esolious, once known to be the best thief in Isadora's Guild and once known to be the heartiest lover to a fire-blooded widow, Maaria Cross.
Ambia Spaeth, a fervent healer plagued with the memories of her once festive and loving hometown of Pulchrit presently succumbing to the blight of the Black Rings.
Vion, the Runners' vigorous warrior, the leader to all the Lanke clans but now no more than a mercenary detested for his brutish appearance and excessive temper.
Cavas, an indifferent and enigmatic mage who follows but does not speak.
And, finally, Barloc, leader of the Runners, a sociopath secretly pursuing three, powerful artifacts scattered across the land of Admah known as the gems of the Walker.
The Runners Revelation is the first book of a journey that explores the complexities and themes of courage, grief, and found family. Join the Runners as they confront not only their mission to locate the gems of the Walker but also themselves.
Onvi Esolious, once known to be the best thief in Isadora's Guild and once known to be the heartiest lover to a fire-blooded widow, Maaria Cross.
Ambia Spaeth, a fervent healer plagued with the memories of her once festive and loving hometown of Pulchrit presently succumbing to the blight of the Black Rings.
Vion, the Runners' vigorous warrior, the leader to all the Lanke clans but now no more than a mercenary detested for his brutish appearance and excessive temper.
Cavas, an indifferent and enigmatic mage who follows but does not speak.
And, finally, Barloc, leader of the Runners, a sociopath secretly pursuing three, powerful artifacts scattered across the land of Admah known as the gems of the Walker.
The Runners Revelation is the first book of a journey that explores the complexities and themes of courage, grief, and found family. Join the Runners as they confront not only their mission to locate the gems of the Walker but also themselves.
490 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2023
15 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 13, 2023
”I know the Runners don't always act like a family," she said. "We fight more often than we reconcile, and we bicker more often than we confer, but this means nothing to how much we care for each other. Or for you."
Thank you to the author for sending me a physical copy in exchange for a review!
A farm burning down sees Chry, a young boy with dreams of travelling but fear holding him back, falling in with a mercenary gang called the Runners, who perform jobs for the Council in exchange for mox (money).
But there’s tension brewing as gems able to release the Walker (an unspeakable evil) are being gathered up by enemies.
What a cast of characters! We learn of their back stories through flashbacks, shared stories, emotional outbursts…
"The word 'mercenary' implies an immorality which is, in of itself, a defamation to the Runners' name. A more honest description would be that of a haven or, better yet, as a family. We eat together. We travel, survive, and commune together, cross rivers, valleys, and nations alike. We suffer, then we mend."
Whilst it was interesting to learn the backgrounds and motivations of the five runners - leader with a murderous inner voice, thief, beastly ex-clan leader, physician, mage - it was jarring when taking you out of the current story to reveal history years prior.
There’s a lot of mystery and secrecy as readers try to puzzle out what is going on alongside Chry with epic world-building, characters, and stakes, but little explanation.
One thing that really put me off: the sexual content. It wasn’t there to be arousing or ‘spicy’, it was used for gruesomeness and horror with such blasé. Especially in sexual assault contexts, which offered nothing to the plot. An adult friend forcing a prostitute on Chry to get over his grief is not okay, and I couldn’t work out why it was included. Especially as we’re supposed to like both characters. And it’s just never brought up again.
Also, the treatment and writing of women…. Every women is a goddess, a seductress, beautiful, voluptuous, boner-inducing. Even a young 16-year old girl. It gave me the icks.
More attention could be paid to the plot, but I am a character driven reader, so I did like the attention paid to each individual, even if they had a sudden limelight and then tended to disappear and diminish.
The ending left me confused. I had no idea what was going on and neither did the characters. And the book just ended in the middle of a scene. There was no wrap up, no sense of accomplishment, moving on, or growth.
Sadly, this detracted my enjoyment from the book, which is saddening as the prose was beautiful at times and Normad has an addictive style.
I think with some fine tuning, this has the capability to be an amazing epic fantasy debut with great, interesting, morally grey characters in a grimdark setting.
Bookstagram
Thank you to the author for sending me a physical copy in exchange for a review!
A farm burning down sees Chry, a young boy with dreams of travelling but fear holding him back, falling in with a mercenary gang called the Runners, who perform jobs for the Council in exchange for mox (money).
But there’s tension brewing as gems able to release the Walker (an unspeakable evil) are being gathered up by enemies.
What a cast of characters! We learn of their back stories through flashbacks, shared stories, emotional outbursts…
"The word 'mercenary' implies an immorality which is, in of itself, a defamation to the Runners' name. A more honest description would be that of a haven or, better yet, as a family. We eat together. We travel, survive, and commune together, cross rivers, valleys, and nations alike. We suffer, then we mend."
Whilst it was interesting to learn the backgrounds and motivations of the five runners - leader with a murderous inner voice, thief, beastly ex-clan leader, physician, mage - it was jarring when taking you out of the current story to reveal history years prior.
There’s a lot of mystery and secrecy as readers try to puzzle out what is going on alongside Chry with epic world-building, characters, and stakes, but little explanation.
One thing that really put me off: the sexual content. It wasn’t there to be arousing or ‘spicy’, it was used for gruesomeness and horror with such blasé. Especially in sexual assault contexts, which offered nothing to the plot. An adult friend forcing a prostitute on Chry to get over his grief is not okay, and I couldn’t work out why it was included. Especially as we’re supposed to like both characters. And it’s just never brought up again.
Also, the treatment and writing of women…. Every women is a goddess, a seductress, beautiful, voluptuous, boner-inducing. Even a young 16-year old girl. It gave me the icks.
More attention could be paid to the plot, but I am a character driven reader, so I did like the attention paid to each individual, even if they had a sudden limelight and then tended to disappear and diminish.
The ending left me confused. I had no idea what was going on and neither did the characters. And the book just ended in the middle of a scene. There was no wrap up, no sense of accomplishment, moving on, or growth.
Sadly, this detracted my enjoyment from the book, which is saddening as the prose was beautiful at times and Normad has an addictive style.
I think with some fine tuning, this has the capability to be an amazing epic fantasy debut with great, interesting, morally grey characters in a grimdark setting.
Bookstagram
September 21, 2023
Firstly I would like to say that the cover photo of this book is gorgeous and it instantly took me to an imaginary world. The storyline is also quite interesting.
The author with his flawless writing skills has managed to keep the readers captivated in his fantasy world which has been written in a very beautiful way. The author with his vivid imaginations has described the fantasy world very nicely. The storytelling is great and the book is quite engaging. I didn't get the time to be bored haha.
I will definitely recommend this book to all the fantasy lovers. Grab your copy today. You will definitely enjoy reading it.
The author with his flawless writing skills has managed to keep the readers captivated in his fantasy world which has been written in a very beautiful way. The author with his vivid imaginations has described the fantasy world very nicely. The storytelling is great and the book is quite engaging. I didn't get the time to be bored haha.
I will definitely recommend this book to all the fantasy lovers. Grab your copy today. You will definitely enjoy reading it.
September 25, 2023
First off I was really drawn to the cover of this and the blurb sounded intriguing.
It was interesting how each of the characters were explored separately including their backstory, which some of them being a bit “morally grey”. I think Chry would still have to be my personal favourite though!
There’s a lot of talk I’ve noticed about it ending abruptly and I would have to agree. Was this done intentionally so we’re all extra eager for the continuation of book 2?
It was interesting how each of the characters were explored separately including their backstory, which some of them being a bit “morally grey”. I think Chry would still have to be my personal favourite though!
There’s a lot of talk I’ve noticed about it ending abruptly and I would have to agree. Was this done intentionally so we’re all extra eager for the continuation of book 2?
September 12, 2023
A copy of the book was supplied by Love Books Tours and the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was quite a slow-paced book, more slice of life style in a new world full of intrigue as it builds up to the mission of searching for the gems (which doesn't get mentioned until midway through the book). It heavily focused on characters rather than plot, serving backstory to support key character traits and motivations.
The characters are well-defined, clearly unique individuals with their own personalities and flaws, which I enjoyed. It'll be a great journey to see their development, individually and as a group. They don't mesh well together, but their mission forces them to join, adding to the conflict.
I would've liked to see a glossary to support the world building, and I don't know why, but the use of "heretofore" kept tripping me up. I don't think I've ever seen the word used much, and then it was used quite a lot here. There was lots of potential, but phrases like "hissing eyes" and "fluttering breasts" didn't quite work for me.
The last few pages of the book move quite quickly, ramping up the tension and setting up the narrative for a sequel, which I would read ☺️
This was quite a slow-paced book, more slice of life style in a new world full of intrigue as it builds up to the mission of searching for the gems (which doesn't get mentioned until midway through the book). It heavily focused on characters rather than plot, serving backstory to support key character traits and motivations.
The characters are well-defined, clearly unique individuals with their own personalities and flaws, which I enjoyed. It'll be a great journey to see their development, individually and as a group. They don't mesh well together, but their mission forces them to join, adding to the conflict.
I would've liked to see a glossary to support the world building, and I don't know why, but the use of "heretofore" kept tripping me up. I don't think I've ever seen the word used much, and then it was used quite a lot here. There was lots of potential, but phrases like "hissing eyes" and "fluttering breasts" didn't quite work for me.
The last few pages of the book move quite quickly, ramping up the tension and setting up the narrative for a sequel, which I would read ☺️
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September 13, 2023The book as a really good descriptive storyline. Also the world building is so descriptive you feel like you could be there. I did struggle with the book at times but i was glad I pushed through. Each Runner has their own unique personality and a backstory is given for them all. My favourite stories would have to be Onvi's and Ambia's. There is some violence and sometimes gory parts throughout the book. Chry is quite a unique character and leaving you rooting for the little guy and he does surprise you at the end. Also there is a question that I kept asking throughout the book (spoiler) is the necklace Chry have one of the gems they are looking for or is this coincidence. The book really amped up towards the end and is left on a cliffhanger.
September 12, 2023
The prologue quickly left me wondering how these Runners were going to find such mysterious gems! The characters have such very in-depth stories and background. It’s great to learn so much about them and who they are. The story goes back and forth between the present timeline and the past to tell their stories. Such an amazing attention to each character. The ending is left open to be continued into the future books. There are definitely a lot questions that need to be answered. It leaves you wanting to find them and continue along their journey. Gives different fantasy world vibes with tons of mystery.
September 19, 2023
The first thing I want to say about this book is how stunning the front cover is, it instantly piqued my interest, whoever designed it did an amazing job.
This book had some parts that I liked and some parts that I struggled with, but overall the parts that I liked won over the parts that were not so much to my tastes.
This is not an easy read by any stretch of the imagination, it is quite a chunky read and it is one that you have to pay attention to, every step of the way, because, if you don't you will miss something that you need later in the book. I also found it quite slow at times and like I couldn't get into it, but, then something would happen that piqued my interests and i found myself in the flow.
Now for the things that I liked about the book 😊😊😊. The world building in this book was fantastic with vivid descriptions and rich imagery making me feel like I could see the world being described almost like I was looking at it through a window.
The characters were also really well developed and there was so much backstory in this book that I felt like I personally knew every single character. Every character is unique and flawed in their own way and when I first realised they would have to work together, I thought there is no way this is going to work, but, of course, it did, but that just made it more relatable as I am sure we have all been in situations we have had to work with someone who has very differing styles to us, so much so that we shouldn't work well together, but then it all just fits and works. That is what happened in the book.
This is definitely a book that not everyone will like but if stuck with it provides a good opener for the series.
This book had some parts that I liked and some parts that I struggled with, but overall the parts that I liked won over the parts that were not so much to my tastes.
This is not an easy read by any stretch of the imagination, it is quite a chunky read and it is one that you have to pay attention to, every step of the way, because, if you don't you will miss something that you need later in the book. I also found it quite slow at times and like I couldn't get into it, but, then something would happen that piqued my interests and i found myself in the flow.
Now for the things that I liked about the book 😊😊😊. The world building in this book was fantastic with vivid descriptions and rich imagery making me feel like I could see the world being described almost like I was looking at it through a window.
The characters were also really well developed and there was so much backstory in this book that I felt like I personally knew every single character. Every character is unique and flawed in their own way and when I first realised they would have to work together, I thought there is no way this is going to work, but, of course, it did, but that just made it more relatable as I am sure we have all been in situations we have had to work with someone who has very differing styles to us, so much so that we shouldn't work well together, but then it all just fits and works. That is what happened in the book.
This is definitely a book that not everyone will like but if stuck with it provides a good opener for the series.
September 24, 2023
This is the first book in an exciting new fantasy series - The Runners.
It's another one that sacred me - as you know I'm a bit hit and miss with fantasy and this is a chunky old book - I shouldn't be surprised though as this is the way with high fantasy books where there has to be a fair amount of book given over to world building.
I have to say though, that I was pleasantly surprised by the larger size book and larger and clear font. This made it super easy on the eyes and I found I was getting through at a fairly decent pace.
The world building and descriptions here are amazing. With such a vivid imagery, it was easy to visualise the world we were entering and also to have a clear view of our characters.
The characters were many and varied, each with their own flaws and unique personalities. They were brilliantly thought out and developed throughout this book and I can't wait to see how this continues. I honestly wasn't sure that they'd work well together but somehow they gel and this does make it all the more relatable.
I do have to say though, that this isn't one to read before bed. I did find that I struggled to keep up with the plot in some sections, which if I was tired, needed to be re-read. Definitely one to have full focus on at all times so that you don't miss anything.
Lastly, just look at this stunning cover! This one really caught my eye and intrigued me - I was just sucked right into it. Can't wait to see book 2 - both the cover and what adventures await.
It's another one that sacred me - as you know I'm a bit hit and miss with fantasy and this is a chunky old book - I shouldn't be surprised though as this is the way with high fantasy books where there has to be a fair amount of book given over to world building.
I have to say though, that I was pleasantly surprised by the larger size book and larger and clear font. This made it super easy on the eyes and I found I was getting through at a fairly decent pace.
The world building and descriptions here are amazing. With such a vivid imagery, it was easy to visualise the world we were entering and also to have a clear view of our characters.
The characters were many and varied, each with their own flaws and unique personalities. They were brilliantly thought out and developed throughout this book and I can't wait to see how this continues. I honestly wasn't sure that they'd work well together but somehow they gel and this does make it all the more relatable.
I do have to say though, that this isn't one to read before bed. I did find that I struggled to keep up with the plot in some sections, which if I was tired, needed to be re-read. Definitely one to have full focus on at all times so that you don't miss anything.
Lastly, just look at this stunning cover! This one really caught my eye and intrigued me - I was just sucked right into it. Can't wait to see book 2 - both the cover and what adventures await.
September 23, 2023
📚𝓑𝓞𝓞𝓚 𝓣𝓞𝓤𝓡 𝓡𝓔𝓥𝓘𝓔W📚
💎 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀💎
(𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀)
𝗕𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱
𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗕:
Chry Esolious is a youth in the Wastelands, destined to forever tend to a farmhouse his forefathers have maintained for centuries. However, when a series of events upheaves his mundane life, the young farmer is thrust into a mercenary group named the Runners, a cast of characters struggling with the past and forced to uncover how their tragedies have created their present selves.
Onvi Esolious, once known to be the best thief in Isadora's Guild and once known to be the heartiest lover to a fire-blooded widow, Maaria Cross.
Ambia Spaeth, a fervent healer plagued with the memories of her once festive and loving hometown of Pulchrit presently succumbing to the blight of the Black Rings.
Vion, the Runners' vigorous warrior, the leader to all the Lanke clans but now no more than a mercenary detested for his brutish appearance and excessive temper. Cavas, an indifferent and enigmatic mage who follows but does not speak.
And, finally, Barloc, leader of the Runners, a sociopath secretly pursuing three, powerful artifacts scattered across the land of Admah known as the gems of the Walker.
The Runners Revelation is the first book of a journey that explores the complexities and themes of courage, grief, and found family. Join the Runners as they confront not only their mission to locate the gems of the Walker but also themselves.
𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: 💭
The Runners is the first book in a new series. This is a novel you must pay attention to every event that occurs. The introduction instantly got my attention. It is written with a vivid description of where Chry lives in a small town, a farmhouse. It was interesting to learn about all the characters and their back stories. I really feel for Chry, he's been through hardships in life and caring for his grandmother. I liked the world-building. It teleport me to a fantasy journey craving more for book two!!
✨ Thank you! ✨
@raw_fiction_pub
@lovebookstours
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #Giftedcopy #review
💎 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀💎
(𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀)
𝗕𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱
𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗕:
Chry Esolious is a youth in the Wastelands, destined to forever tend to a farmhouse his forefathers have maintained for centuries. However, when a series of events upheaves his mundane life, the young farmer is thrust into a mercenary group named the Runners, a cast of characters struggling with the past and forced to uncover how their tragedies have created their present selves.
Onvi Esolious, once known to be the best thief in Isadora's Guild and once known to be the heartiest lover to a fire-blooded widow, Maaria Cross.
Ambia Spaeth, a fervent healer plagued with the memories of her once festive and loving hometown of Pulchrit presently succumbing to the blight of the Black Rings.
Vion, the Runners' vigorous warrior, the leader to all the Lanke clans but now no more than a mercenary detested for his brutish appearance and excessive temper. Cavas, an indifferent and enigmatic mage who follows but does not speak.
And, finally, Barloc, leader of the Runners, a sociopath secretly pursuing three, powerful artifacts scattered across the land of Admah known as the gems of the Walker.
The Runners Revelation is the first book of a journey that explores the complexities and themes of courage, grief, and found family. Join the Runners as they confront not only their mission to locate the gems of the Walker but also themselves.
𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: 💭
The Runners is the first book in a new series. This is a novel you must pay attention to every event that occurs. The introduction instantly got my attention. It is written with a vivid description of where Chry lives in a small town, a farmhouse. It was interesting to learn about all the characters and their back stories. I really feel for Chry, he's been through hardships in life and caring for his grandmother. I liked the world-building. It teleport me to a fantasy journey craving more for book two!!
✨ Thank you! ✨
@raw_fiction_pub
@lovebookstours
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #Giftedcopy #review
Read
September 29, 2023This book feels like the very start of a long journey. Chry is a small town farm boy and has accepted his life is to remain there and tend the farm like his father and his father before him. Tragedy strikes one night as he finds his farmhouse burnt to the ground and his only family lost to the fire. The runners are mercenaries and they come across an injured Chry and take pity on him, helping him heal up and begrudgingly letting him join their group. Travelling throughout the lands we uncover each of the runners backstory, each tragic and hanging over them. Ambia is definitely my favourite character in this, she’s a healer and plagued with guilt over not being able to heal her hometown of a dreadful disease but puts herself out to help anyone she can, including an accurately named Chry.
September 7, 2023
The Runners is the first book in a new series and I enjoyed the epic world building and the detailed descriptions of the main characters. The five main characters are really interesting and well written, I like that they are morally grey in some situations which make them seem more real and relatable.
I found the story to be full of suspense and I couldn’t guess what was going to happen. I thought the ending was a little abrupt but it has left me wanting more and wondering when book two will be available.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I found the story to be full of suspense and I couldn’t guess what was going to happen. I thought the ending was a little abrupt but it has left me wanting more and wondering when book two will be available.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
September 19, 2023
This is the first in a seven book series and is
Matthew Normandy's debut novel.
In 'The Runners' we are transported to a dystopian, medieval world where we find Chry Esolious living in the Wastelands, as he searches for the long-lost gems of the Walker. As all protagonists find on their journey however, the path ahead won't be an easy one.
Overall, this book is a fantasy novel, which found me becoming completely absorbed in Chry and his friend Aimee's world, it also had me rooting for their love story. The book is packed with action and kept me wanting to read more.
The author also shows real skill in world-building and as a fantasy fiction writer. I can't wait for book two.
Matthew Normandy's debut novel.
In 'The Runners' we are transported to a dystopian, medieval world where we find Chry Esolious living in the Wastelands, as he searches for the long-lost gems of the Walker. As all protagonists find on their journey however, the path ahead won't be an easy one.
Overall, this book is a fantasy novel, which found me becoming completely absorbed in Chry and his friend Aimee's world, it also had me rooting for their love story. The book is packed with action and kept me wanting to read more.
The author also shows real skill in world-building and as a fantasy fiction writer. I can't wait for book two.
October 4, 2023
To start with, the cover is amazing and totally drew me in. Fantasy just happens to be my favourite genre now – and if it’s yours then this is the book for you!!!
The storyline is quite intense and unfolds quickly where you will need to concentrate quite a bit to keep up. It has a multitude and diverse set of characters where you won’t be able to stop at just ‘one more chapter’. As the first of a new series, The Runners lays the groundwork for the next instalment very effectively.
The storyline is quite intense and unfolds quickly where you will need to concentrate quite a bit to keep up. It has a multitude and diverse set of characters where you won’t be able to stop at just ‘one more chapter’. As the first of a new series, The Runners lays the groundwork for the next instalment very effectively.
October 16, 2023
So off the bat let me just say that fantasy is not my favourite genre by any stretch. The cover is a beaut though isn’t it? Anyway, the story. It’s very full on. There are a lot of characters and the plot and world building moves at quite the pace. So it requires vast amounts of concentration. It’s the beginning of a series and this has definitely laid the foundations for what’s to come. It’s an intense read but that’s by design I think. If fantasy is your thing then this book is for you.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews