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Andrew Condign dreams of a time when mankind can exist without being constantly hunted by dragons. In a world where all the power is held by the secretive Alchemists Guild, Andrew must scrounge for scraps of knowledge as he sets out on the most dangerous quest imaginable.

When dragons fly the skies, the gods hold no sway over the fates of men.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2016

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325 people want to read

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Devin Hanson

29 books52 followers

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5 stars
147 (49%)
4 stars
107 (36%)
3 stars
27 (9%)
2 stars
8 (2%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
13 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2016
Full disclosure: I am the writer's wife. You may feel this review is bias but I can promise you it is an honest review for whatever that is worth to you. :)

i love reading and have read a lot of books. If a book doesn't catch my attention and hold it I will put it down and may or may not pick it up again. Anyone who knows me knows this to be true. Just look at my Goodreads shelf, I have just as many books started as I have read!

With that being said I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It does start off a bit slow but that's because the author is telling the back story for Andrew so you really get to know him. And know him you do. His hopes, his fears and his idyllic teenage dreams which quickly get squashed as the story goes on.

The story doesn't take long (a couple chapters) to take off and once it does it was hard to put it down. I felt like I was on the adventure with Andrew and Jules chasing a dragon. I laughed, I cried, I cheered and it definitely left me with wanting more. It really is a coming of age story and is the beginning of what I hope to be a solid series with many books to come.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy with dragons, a solid magic system and a lot of heart.
Profile Image for Todd Oliver.
697 reviews10 followers
December 27, 2018
Excellent Fantasy set in a world of magic and dragons. Humans survive by using alchemy to protect themselves from dragons. Andrew Condign is just a merchants son. He becomes a gunny on an airship to help protect the people from the dragons. After the airship is destroyed by a dragon, Andrew flees the city and sets off on a very dangerous journey to a new city where he hopes to learn alchemy to help protect against the dragons. His journey takes him dangerously close to dragons and he discovers something about himself he never knew, a special ability. Excellent narration by Rhett Samuel Price! He has the perfect voice for this story! The first few chapters of this story started a little slow but quickly escalated after that. Devin Hanson did a great job with the story and building this fantasy world of dragons and magic. I can't wait to enjoy the rest of this series and I hope the author continues to use the same narrator!
Profile Image for Kevin Potter.
Author 28 books153 followers
April 26, 2019
I really struggled to rate this book. On account of the issues being a matter of taste rather than quality, I'm rating it much higher than my personal enjoyment would suggest. 

As is my wont, let me start with the narrator. 

Rhett Samuel Price has an impressively deep voice that is a pleasure to listen to. He has a good selection of voices and excellent control of vocal inflections. 

Unfortunately, his tempo remains flat throughout and he does suffer from a problem that is almost universal among very deep-voiced men: the inability to create believable feminine voices. 

Now, the story and prose. 

The book is well written, with powerful prose and good descriptions. Apart from skipping through time in the early chapters, the narrative is well presented and mostly free of errors and major plot holes. 

That said, I really couldn't connect with the characters and the voice the book is written in was not to my taste. 

The voice was a little too casual, in my opinion.

And I find myself unable to understand how Andrew's motivations shifted in the directions they did, and the way Andrew and Jules were brought together was a textbook cliche. 

It might not annoy me so much if it wasn't so obvious there will be a future romance there, but as it is it feels like the worst kind of YA cliche. 

Now, the ending. 

The author wrote a good ending that ties many things together and, thankfully, corrects a world building problem that almost made me stop reading (it's not a mistake or error, just a concept that I have serious issues with). 
1 review
July 11, 2016
Completely fantastic book!! I will be watching and waiting for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Ian.
116 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2017
I wasn't fully excited about this book when I bought it. Turns out that it's excellent! I really liked it and have already bought the second one to read soon!
Profile Image for Tabitha Fritz.
135 reviews
October 5, 2023
So when i first got this book I was super pumped exspected great things. But being in the middle of smutty books I put it in my TBR. I then happened to get a discounted or free audio of it (i can't remember cause again I let it sit). purpose behind saying all this... I wish I hadn't let it sit.

I had started the audio while cleaning my pool begining of summer... and again let it sit. Now looking back through the story I do understand why. I would get the audio with caution, I don't feel it gives enough to this book, The Narrator is a deep voiced man, and he does well, but because there are females within it he can't quite get his voice high enough to really give you a difference. And the very calm smooth narration just wasn't super grabbing. Had I gone off narration alone, I probably would have only given it 3 stars.

This is an excellent world building book. That is exactly what it is. I know some other reviews mention there being a slowness to it. They aren't wrong, but the reason is the very indepth world building you are getting. There is even a glossary at the back of the book explaining some of the terms if you find yourself needing more info.

It starts off fast with action.. with dragons. ... The book the dragons are forever present even if they aren't in your face, and the book's ending was great getting some stuff tied up, and presenting the way for the next book to go with YES MORE DRAGONS! I gave this 4 stars because it is a great world building book, and the author did leave plenty for us to question and learn about in the books to come, but due to all the information given in this book it can be slow, and you do kind of have a cliche relationship happening with the main characters. However, I didn't look to harshly on that relationship because to me that relationship is really just a pawn in this world built of magic and dragons. Making that relationship easy and predictable in ways allowed more focus in to the magic system which I was very impressed with. This book took me back to sitting around the table friday nights using the G.U.R.P.S system for our table top adventures.

I am looking forward to getting in to the next book.

** I would like to note for anyone reading this if you notice you can't get paperbacks, this author, I actually found him through his publisher that he parted ways with in march 2023 to become self published. I plan to for now get the digital copies, since the paperbacks are currently still hard to find... because self publishing is a process, and I wish this author a smooth road on getting that done. With that said these are worth owning both digitally and in paperback. **
Profile Image for Kenya Starflight.
1,629 reviews20 followers
June 9, 2022
I admit it, I downloaded this e-book because of the awesome dragon on the cover. Some part of me is still that middle-schooler that would check out any book with a dragon on the cover or the word "dragon" in the title, haha. And yes, this book has dragons in it, though most of it is taken up with explaining the details of the world's magic system... which can get tedious after awhile.

After an attempt to rid the skies of the kingdom from a plague of dragons goes terribly wrong, merchant's-son-turned-soldier Andrew finds himself orphaned and disgraced. He flees to another city to start anew... and finds himself enthralled by the arts of alchemy and runework. His quest to become an alchemist himself will lead him and another student, the sharp-tongued Jules, to climb dragon-infested mountains, flee a power-hungry lordling, and come face-to-face with the monsters who rule the skies...

Be warned -- much of this book is given over to explaining the magic system of the world in great detail. There are long chunks of text given over to the minute details of runes, alchemy, dragongas, proper tools and usage, etc. While a strong magic system is not a bad thing in a book (provided the book then sticks to those rules), I'm not sure we needed it explained so meticulously here. It ends up slowing down the plot, and makes much of the book one big infodump.

The parts of this book that weren't taken up with a lecture on alchemy were decent, though. Andrew is a bit of a bland character, but it's interesting to see where his journey takes him and see his determination to become an alchemist despite so much working against him. Other characters tend to fall into cliche roles -- the kindly teacher, the spoiled and power-hungry rival, the spirited and headstrong love interest, etc. Jules in particular is a grating character -- she constantly belittles the main character, and despite coming across as a "strong female character" she constantly needs rescuing.

"Rune Scale" isn't a bad read, and I enjoyed the journey. It does get a little dry during the lengthy explanations of magic, though, and though entertaining I'm not rushing to pick up the sequel anytime soon.
Profile Image for Royal.
121 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2019
Audibook Disclaimer
Just wanted to give a heads up for those thinking of getting the audiobook. Rhett Samuel Price should not have read this book. He has no vocal range. Any time he tries to enact emotion or higher pitched character voices (which is quite frequently), his voice cracks into an unpleasant rasp. I genuinely thought Rhett was an on old man at death's door doing his final book reading.

A Solid Fantasy Romp
Once I transitioned from the audiobook to the ebook, I read through the story much quicker. The events were more fun and the dialogue was more believable (since I could envision the voices myself). There isn't much to review here, since it is your standard fantasy fair, but if you are looking for a relaxing read then you don't have to look any further.

The plot isn't as focused as I would've liked it to be and seems to meander through different events, unsure of any end goal. However, the characters are memorable (if a bit shallow and morally black and white) and the meandering storyline does let us spend more time with them. Overall, this book is recommended, but keep my warning down below in mind.

Warning: Lackluster Sequel
I couldn't finish (or more accurately start) the sequel: Rune Song. It's an unorganised mess that is in dire need of a complete editorial/authorial run through.
Profile Image for Kristi Cramer.
Author 18 books56 followers
February 19, 2020
I might really call this a 3.5 rating. It's clear a lot of time was spent on developing the magic system, and rather a lot of the narrative is the hero learning about it, which makes for slow plot movement for me. But you have to have the setup and explanation sometime, so I give it some leeway for that.

What bothered me most was near the end, when he's told he can have something (trying not to spoil) and then he just leaves town without any explanation. A reason pops up, but after he's already trying to leave.

I also wondered about the dragons, as for much of the book their motives are a complete mystery, but I'm happy to say by the end I was satisfied. If I read book 2 (still waffling on whether I'll seek it out) I hope to find they play a bigger part.
136 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2019
The primary issue was that I picked this up right after the name of the wind.

This means both good and bad things for my feelings toward it.

The fact that the plot is almost a blow by blow retread with a little bit more excitement was actually a point in its favor until we got to the senseless bully.

BECAUSE OF COURSE THEIR IS A SENSELESS ALL POWERFUL NEVER F****** PUNISHED BULLY!
Gods F****** D******!

That was where the book lost a star.

The rest of the story is pretty good as long as it stays away from that antagonist.
Profile Image for Tim Martin.
45 reviews9 followers
May 31, 2017
Rune Scale is a fantasy novel with a touch of steampunk, following the young Andrew as he watches his plans and dreams shatter upon first contact with the reality of human hubris.

Rune Scale is my first foray into the works of author Devin Hanson, and I'll admit, I am a sucker for the "young man on the hero's journey" formula that he uses. Despite the use of the formula, he tells a good story with engaging characters. He's also clearly put in his time on world building. The magic system is not only well defined but also nicely integrated. A few parts are a bit predictable, but no so much so that they lifted me out of the story and broke the immersion that I enjoy. I recommend Rune Scale.
19 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2018
Great new world, interesting story

Overall I really enjoyed this story and will certainly read the sequel. There were parts that were confusing however, with some flashbacks that confused the storyline. It also felt rushed and half finished in other parts. The premise of the story is so great that these relatively small errors bothered me much more than if the story had not been that good.
Profile Image for Mike Goodman.
1,551 reviews12 followers
April 6, 2018
Scientific Plausible Magical System

Using runes and dragon's physics...Brilliant. This story of a society of people who are hunted relentlessly by dragons has the 15 year old MC joining a failed military campaign to battle the beast. It was sabotage, and he is forced to flee to avoid being a scapegoat. He travels to a city who uses alchemy to battle the dragons and discover that all their magic comes from dragons by- products. Great story.
Profile Image for Yemic.
621 reviews
August 13, 2018
To be honest I was not expecting g much from this book, I was expecting it to be like to that Dragon books. My last Dragon book was Eragon, yeap and since then swore off this genre.
Rune Scale blow me away, from the beginning to the end I was glue to the book. I picked it up every opportunity I got.
The protagonist, Andrew was likeable and quick witted, I really like how he and Jules was grew found of each other. Can't wait to start the second book.
Profile Image for Becca.
160 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2019
Dragons! Villains! Heroes! Oh my!

A great start to the series. Hanson has woven likeable, believable characters with fine world building. The plot moves along at a rollicking clip and reaches a satisfying conclusion rather than the lazy cliffhanger lesser authors use to keep their readers buying. I will read the next in the series happily, looking forward to more from this imaginative writer.
2 reviews
November 20, 2019
Rune Scale grabbed my imagination and ran with it!

Magnificent storyline, and cast of characters to match!
The author created a wonder-filled world, and populated it with opportunities to fight and save the denizens within.
I picked up the book and read it straight through, as my surroundings fell away, and I accompanied Andrew through his adventures.
You owe it to yourself to get swept up in this powerful tale.
Get it. Read it. Tell your friends!
Profile Image for Jemini Willis.
153 reviews2 followers
digital
February 6, 2023

Rune Scale is set in a world ruled by dragons. Humans survive by their wits and through the use of alchemy, a mysterious magic possessively controlled by the secretive Alchemists Guild.


Andrew Condign is an ordinary man with dreams of a better world, where humans can live without the constant fear of dragon attacks. In pursuit of this goal, Andrew finds himself in a race against time as he scrounges for scraps of knowledge and sets out on the most dangerous quest imaginable.

33 reviews
August 2, 2024
Interesting twist on an old formula

Youth with hidden amazing magical powers? Check.
Enemy with overwhelming power and wealth? Check.
Beautiful and talented love interest? Check.
Mysterious benefactors? Check and check.

Add dragons, rune magic, and alchemy. Stirring encounters, death defying situations, and obligatory conflict.

For me, it was the rune magic that tipped the scales from boring into interesting.
Profile Image for Hess.
116 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2021
This surprised me

I don't normally give five stars and it's even more rare for me to actually leave a review however I really enjoyed this book. Some will talk about pacing or any of those other factors but for me the mark of a really good book is if it makes me stay up until 2:00 a.m. because I have to finish it and see what happens and that's what this one did with me
Profile Image for Dustee Shane.
Author 1 book
August 16, 2017
Poorly edited

Poorly edited for grammar and logic. He picks up a second scale in the cave but it doesn't exist later. Uses Deus Ex for the benefit of the bad guys. Bad guys win without any explanation other than wealth and influence. Weird.
33 reviews
October 27, 2017
Rune Magic

I liked the magic system in this novel. It was very well thought out and having started book two I can say it continues to develop. The hero is an archetype, but quite likable.
289 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2018
Wonderful surprises in store

Started the book thinking humdrum -usual evil storyline and was surprised and very happy with the turn of events. Btw, Ava is my new favorite character. Wonderful evening read
Profile Image for Rhett Price.
4 reviews
June 24, 2018
Wow! Just, wow! I couldn't put it down. Devin creates a wonderful imaginative land and starts off with series with interesting characters, friendships, intrigue, adventure, and one helluva big dragon to boot. A good read/listen for all.
Profile Image for Kierra.
13 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2019
Awesome Fantasy Book

This is the fantasy, magic, dragon book I have been waiting for. Great world building, clear magic system, like-able characters and engaging storyline. Amazing!
Profile Image for LUAYNE.
1,943 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2020
4 stars

Love dragon stories. This is pretty good. The technical language is confusing and make understanding difficult. Hope Andrew and Jules stop the war, imprison Trent, and Ava and her dragonettes take a more active part in the story.
475 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2020
Wow

What an exciting story. I love reading about dragons. This story is exactly what the Dr. ordered. I could not put it down. I thought it was interesting to read about a dragon speaker.
Profile Image for sharon bales.
117 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2021
Glad I have it a try

This book came up as a recommendation after reading several fantasy series. Was so glad to give it a try. Excellent beginning to the story looking forward to reading next in series
Profile Image for Laura Crawley.
65 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2021
A great read

Wish it were longer, but that is what those oodles of following books are for. This would be a great series of shows! The story was unexpected with a few good adversaries thrown in!
Dragons, swords, alchemy, and a bad ass female character too…what is not to love!
Profile Image for David Coker.
76 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2021
A great story. Captivating

Dragons, alchemy, evil men, and a champion for dragons and men the likes of which hasn't been seen in two millennium. What's not to like? Definitely hooked. Book two as soon as I can hit submit!
33 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2018
Awesome story!

Never wanted. to put this story down. Adventure, action, friendship when you less expect it. Old legends, most forgotten bought back to be wondered at.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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