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The Runebinder Chronicles #3
Runemaker
The end is here.
Tenn thought the spirits wanted him to find his fellow Hunter, Aidan, to win the war against the undead. But with Aidan on the brink of self-destruction and Tenn reeling from his lover’s spite, their fated convergence seems far from promising.
Especially because Aidan no longer appears to be fighting for the living.
With the Dark Lady whispering commands and Tom‡s guiding his hand, Aidan slips deeper into darkness. And while the world rallies for its final battle against the Dark Lady’s minions, Tenn finds himself torn between saving the boy who’s slipping away and fulfilling a prophecy he can’t understand—one that will require him to harness the most powerful magic the world has ever seen: the Sphere of Maya.
And depending on who unleashes its power, that magic could either save humanity…or erase it.
Tenn thought the spirits wanted him to find his fellow Hunter, Aidan, to win the war against the undead. But with Aidan on the brink of self-destruction and Tenn reeling from his lover’s spite, their fated convergence seems far from promising.
Especially because Aidan no longer appears to be fighting for the living.
With the Dark Lady whispering commands and Tom‡s guiding his hand, Aidan slips deeper into darkness. And while the world rallies for its final battle against the Dark Lady’s minions, Tenn finds himself torn between saving the boy who’s slipping away and fulfilling a prophecy he can’t understand—one that will require him to harness the most powerful magic the world has ever seen: the Sphere of Maya.
And depending on who unleashes its power, that magic could either save humanity…or erase it.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
17 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Alex R. Kahler
8 books157 followersAlex (A.R.) Kahler is the nomadic author of quite a few books and series, including THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS and RAVENBORN. When not writing or on the road, he can be founding climbing things and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Although born in Iowa, his heart resides in Scotland. And about a dozen other places scattered across the globe. Including, currently, SoCal. Track his travels on Instagram @arkahler
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 2, 2020
2 Stars.
I was disappointed. I loved the first book and the second was great too. But this one was a rushed ending of a series that could have been great, because the story was different and had so much potential.
I have to say that the plot was good. It's a nice change to have Chosen Ones, but in the end they're are just a part of the solution. I liked that.
It all felt a little rushed. There was this big story building up and now it finally happened and ended just shortly after. I missed some action/suspense. Something. For some reason I never doubted that the book would have a happy ending.
The one thing that got me angry and confused me was the breakup. Tenn and Jarrett. I loved them as a couple and I was excited to see them again. But suddenly everything was different.
I think the author wanted to create a situation where Jarrett was supposed to get near Tenn, maybe make him fall in love with him, but at least trust him. But in the end he himself fell in love. But with Aiden in the picture he realized he still had to do his duty. I don't know, that's just my interpretation. Whatever it was, it was poorly executed and in the end I don't now for sure what the intention was, except for making me angry.
Runemaker is my least favourite in the series and I rushed through the last 20% of the book, because I just wanted it to end.
I was disappointed. I loved the first book and the second was great too. But this one was a rushed ending of a series that could have been great, because the story was different and had so much potential.
I have to say that the plot was good. It's a nice change to have Chosen Ones, but in the end they're are just a part of the solution. I liked that.
It all felt a little rushed. There was this big story building up and now it finally happened and ended just shortly after. I missed some action/suspense. Something. For some reason I never doubted that the book would have a happy ending.
The one thing that got me angry and confused me was the breakup. Tenn and Jarrett. I loved them as a couple and I was excited to see them again. But suddenly everything was different.
I think the author wanted to create a situation where Jarrett was supposed to get near Tenn, maybe make him fall in love with him, but at least trust him. But in the end he himself fell in love. But with Aiden in the picture he realized he still had to do his duty. I don't know, that's just my interpretation. Whatever it was, it was poorly executed and in the end I don't now for sure what the intention was, except for making me angry.
Runemaker is my least favourite in the series and I rushed through the last 20% of the book, because I just wanted it to end.
December 5, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
actual rating: 3.5
“This is how the world ends. Not with a whimper or bang, not in fire or ice. Our world ends in greed. Our world will always end in greed.”
There was nothing really wrong with this book but I did often find my attention wandering while reading it. Still, I think it's more of a problem with me than with the book and there were still a lot of scenes that I really enjoyed so I decided to round up. I think the problem is really that I never read the first book and I am really only interested in Aidan and don't care that much about Tenn at all. Also, while I KNEW that the series was probably going to end that way it was disappointing to me on a personal level. I'm sure it's a really great conclusion to the series to people who care about all the over-arching plots, but in much the same way that my lasting opinion of The Raven Cycle is "it's so weird that The Dream Thieves was a standalone novel" I really loved Runebreaker all on its own.
actual rating: 3.5
“This is how the world ends. Not with a whimper or bang, not in fire or ice. Our world ends in greed. Our world will always end in greed.”
There was nothing really wrong with this book but I did often find my attention wandering while reading it. Still, I think it's more of a problem with me than with the book and there were still a lot of scenes that I really enjoyed so I decided to round up. I think the problem is really that I never read the first book and I am really only interested in Aidan and don't care that much about Tenn at all. Also, while I KNEW that the series was probably going to end that way it was disappointing to me on a personal level. I'm sure it's a really great conclusion to the series to people who care about all the over-arching plots, but in much the same way that my lasting opinion of The Raven Cycle is "it's so weird that The Dream Thieves was a standalone novel" I really loved Runebreaker all on its own.
February 18, 2020
Edit update: read the short story and realised I was fucking mad about the main couple being broken up for like, 90%of this book so it has lost its full marks.
It gets full 5 because queers everywhere but it's my least favourite of the trilogy and there's a couple of places the plot went I didn't like so much but a good end to the series still!
It gets full 5 because queers everywhere but it's my least favourite of the trilogy and there's a couple of places the plot went I didn't like so much but a good end to the series still!
Want to read
June 18, 2019Any way I'm not ready for the end or how beautiful that cover is 😍
January 21, 2020
5 💖💖💖💖💖 Hearts Reviewed by Shorty for MM Good Book Reviews
Oh my goodness, what an awesome climatic ending. The entire book was entrancing. Numerous POV's are throughout as all sides are set to stop the other. Not everyone makes it out unscathed.
I do not want to give anything away in this review. But I will say I was hooked from start to finish. The Dark Lady was a piece of work who never should have been in any sort of power. The Violet Sage was sweet but at the same time I had to ask why she allowed things to get so far.
Aidan and Tenn along with the others were awesome. I really have no words to express how impressed I am with this series. It culminates in a beautifully told story of good versus evil and the lengths those people will go to stop the other. Brilliant and breathtaking this story was everything I could hope for and more.
The battle scenes, kidnappings, and explanations surrounding different events were off the charts. I loved it.
On a side note these books must be read in order to enjoy the full journey as each book picks up where the last leaves off.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
Oh my goodness, what an awesome climatic ending. The entire book was entrancing. Numerous POV's are throughout as all sides are set to stop the other. Not everyone makes it out unscathed.
I do not want to give anything away in this review. But I will say I was hooked from start to finish. The Dark Lady was a piece of work who never should have been in any sort of power. The Violet Sage was sweet but at the same time I had to ask why she allowed things to get so far.
Aidan and Tenn along with the others were awesome. I really have no words to express how impressed I am with this series. It culminates in a beautifully told story of good versus evil and the lengths those people will go to stop the other. Brilliant and breathtaking this story was everything I could hope for and more.
The battle scenes, kidnappings, and explanations surrounding different events were off the charts. I loved it.
On a side note these books must be read in order to enjoy the full journey as each book picks up where the last leaves off.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
February 4, 2020
I absolutely LOVED the first book in The Runebinder Chronicles. There was magic, creepy creatures, a love triangle, and a queer MC. Even though I didn't like the second book as much I was still very keen for this third and final book in the series. Unfortunately, it fell quite flat for me. One of the main character's love interest changed so much and with no reason behind it, and I found a lot of the story repetitive. For a showdown that took three books to build up to I felt like the final fight between all the characters and the villain was short and resolved far too easily. All in all, I was somewhat disappointed in this book as I went in with expectations that just weren't met.
May 29, 2020
Amazing way to end a series no words could explain how invested you become in the characters let alone the world.
February 15, 2021
...
...
I don't know. I mean, I really don't know what my thoughts on this book even are. Let's see.
1. As someone that got to listen to some of the audiobook as well as read it, the audiobook is better. Maybe a whole star better. (As I read the ebook mostly, I rated it for the ebook.)
2. I wonder if I liked the second book as much as I did because it was an audiobook. It was either that or because I like and find the character of Aiden more interesting than Tenn.
3. I really dislike Tenn. A lot. I wonder why I ever thought I liked him in the first book.
4. I'm not a fan of the resolution.
5. Nor am I really a fan of the writing style, I've realized.
6. Behind the typical teen drama, there is an interesting story. Pity it's concealed by concern over who is sleeping with whom and hyperbolic, sweeping declarations akin to 'I will love you my entire life as I have loved you since we first met - all of ten days ago' and 'I thought I would always hate you as I have since we first met - three days ago.'
7. The entire trilogy, apparently, takes place in, like a month. Maybe. At the most.
8. There were several 'events' that could have/should have had longer lasting effects and they didn't. Example: Aiden lost part of more than one finger. It never effected anything he did. Ever. How about the whole magic thing with Kianna?
I just...the whole series was up and down, back and forth with me and this book...was somewhat disappointing.
...
I don't know. I mean, I really don't know what my thoughts on this book even are. Let's see.
1. As someone that got to listen to some of the audiobook as well as read it, the audiobook is better. Maybe a whole star better. (As I read the ebook mostly, I rated it for the ebook.)
2. I wonder if I liked the second book as much as I did because it was an audiobook. It was either that or because I like and find the character of Aiden more interesting than Tenn.
3. I really dislike Tenn. A lot. I wonder why I ever thought I liked him in the first book.
4. I'm not a fan of the resolution.
5. Nor am I really a fan of the writing style, I've realized.
6. Behind the typical teen drama, there is an interesting story. Pity it's concealed by concern over who is sleeping with whom and hyperbolic, sweeping declarations akin to 'I will love you my entire life as I have loved you since we first met - all of ten days ago' and 'I thought I would always hate you as I have since we first met - three days ago.'
7. The entire trilogy, apparently, takes place in, like a month. Maybe. At the most.
8. There were several 'events' that could have/should have had longer lasting effects and they didn't. Example: Aiden lost part of more than one finger. It never effected anything he did. Ever. How about the whole magic thing with Kianna?
I just...the whole series was up and down, back and forth with me and this book...was somewhat disappointing.
February 11, 2023
This book. Gave me feelings. and none of them were positive to be honest.
This installment of the series felt very stereotypically YA. And that's fine, but I really felt that the characters deserved better.
I did love that the day was not saved by the Chosen Ones, I loved that it wasn't Tenn or Aidan who dealt with the villain. I actually really appreciated that, but it made me wish that Devon had had more time devoted to developing him as a character. It felt... icky, to shove so much of who he is into such a short span of time.
Jarrett is despicable. Like, I knew something was up about him pretty early on in the trilogy, and this book just reaffirmed everything that I felt about him. It kinda agitated me, tbh, that he and Tenn? kinda presumably get back together at the end. No thanks. Not into it. But maybe I'm just an unforgiving person.
My sweet shirtless son, Tomás? I was pissed when he was killed. I'm still pissed, to be honest. Do I think he deserved a redemption arc? I have no idea. But he was a really compelling character, I felt, who didn't always fit into neat little boxes of good or evil, and when he was just. killed like it didn't matter? Ouch.
This book felt rushed. It felt like the "solutions" to all these problems the main characters had been facing happened in a really short span of time, and I was thoroughly confused for the last? 40% or so of this book.
RIP Tomás. You live eternally in my heart.
This installment of the series felt very stereotypically YA. And that's fine, but I really felt that the characters deserved better.
I did love that the day was not saved by the Chosen Ones, I loved that it wasn't Tenn or Aidan who dealt with the villain. I actually really appreciated that, but it made me wish that Devon had had more time devoted to developing him as a character. It felt... icky, to shove so much of who he is into such a short span of time.
Jarrett is despicable. Like, I knew something was up about him pretty early on in the trilogy, and this book just reaffirmed everything that I felt about him. It kinda agitated me, tbh, that he and Tenn? kinda presumably get back together at the end. No thanks. Not into it. But maybe I'm just an unforgiving person.
My sweet shirtless son, Tomás? I was pissed when he was killed. I'm still pissed, to be honest. Do I think he deserved a redemption arc? I have no idea. But he was a really compelling character, I felt, who didn't always fit into neat little boxes of good or evil, and when he was just. killed like it didn't matter? Ouch.
This book felt rushed. It felt like the "solutions" to all these problems the main characters had been facing happened in a really short span of time, and I was thoroughly confused for the last? 40% or so of this book.
RIP Tomás. You live eternally in my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2021
Like reading a soap opera.
January 6, 2025
"Runemaker," is the third and final novel in "The Runebinder Chronicles," by Mr. Alex R. Kahler, also known as A R Kahler.
Fun fact: I received all three novels as a Birthday gift, and, if memory serves, it was in 2020. Last month/year, December, 2024, I decided to finish this novel and this trilogy before my next Birthday. And I did.
My hardcover copy has 368 pages, including end pages.
So, Tenn, who was introduced in "Runebinder," first in the series, and Aidan, who was introduced in "Runebreaker" second in the series, finally meet. And no, it is NOT a meet cute. Frankly, Tenn needs to keep reminding himself that Aidan cannot be killed, least of all by him, and Aidan simply wants everyone to die.
Nevertheless, both Tenn and Aidan have a shared enemy: the Dark Lady." And she wants to rid the world of humans and RuneCasters.
So, Tenn and Aidan, along with Dreya, her twin brother, Devon, Aidan's best mate, Kianna, and a few others, do what they need to do to bring forth the final vanquishing of the Dark Lady.
This Fantasy novel brought me back into a world with characters who are attuned to various Elements, such as Earth, Air, Wind, Fire, Maya (what my fellow Magickal Practitioners would call Spirit or Akasha), and a world where intense emotions are the feature, not the bug. In addition, there are so many hidden allies and not-so-hidden enemies, and so much grief that lingers, long after loved ones die.
Did I cry? No. Did I feel a lot of different emotions? You bet I did!!
All three of these novels are quite a journey. And since I own all three hardcover copies of these books, a journey I can take, all over again, sometime in the future.
Fun fact: I received all three novels as a Birthday gift, and, if memory serves, it was in 2020. Last month/year, December, 2024, I decided to finish this novel and this trilogy before my next Birthday. And I did.
My hardcover copy has 368 pages, including end pages.
So, Tenn, who was introduced in "Runebinder," first in the series, and Aidan, who was introduced in "Runebreaker" second in the series, finally meet. And no, it is NOT a meet cute. Frankly, Tenn needs to keep reminding himself that Aidan cannot be killed, least of all by him, and Aidan simply wants everyone to die.
Nevertheless, both Tenn and Aidan have a shared enemy: the Dark Lady." And she wants to rid the world of humans and RuneCasters.
So, Tenn and Aidan, along with Dreya, her twin brother, Devon, Aidan's best mate, Kianna, and a few others, do what they need to do to bring forth the final vanquishing of the Dark Lady.
This Fantasy novel brought me back into a world with characters who are attuned to various Elements, such as Earth, Air, Wind, Fire, Maya (what my fellow Magickal Practitioners would call Spirit or Akasha), and a world where intense emotions are the feature, not the bug. In addition, there are so many hidden allies and not-so-hidden enemies, and so much grief that lingers, long after loved ones die.
Did I cry? No. Did I feel a lot of different emotions? You bet I did!!
All three of these novels are quite a journey. And since I own all three hardcover copies of these books, a journey I can take, all over again, sometime in the future.
December 27, 2019
DNF at 56%
Arc Received From NetGalley In Exchange For An Honest Review
Arc Received From NetGalley In Exchange For An Honest Review
I really did not like this, and I'm so disappointed. I couldn't even finish it, I was so uninterested. I don't necessarily think this book is bad I just think everything in my opinion sucked. The characters were downplayed in this, I already didn't like Tenn and his crew from the first novel because their only character traits are their tragic past. But in the second one, I liked Aidan and Kianna so much and was hoping that they would carry this story. But then Kianna got attuned and it felt like he gave up everything she stood for, just like that. And all of Aidan's character traits were gone right from the beginning, and the Dark Lady possessing him just seemed like an excuses to why he had none.
And the plot. . . Its the weakest I've ever read. They just hopped from one place to another in attack after attack and then Aidan was just killing Kin after Kin. And it's not just that, I have to admit, this is the finale and I still don't know certain things. Like the Prophets, what are they? They just kept saying the Prophets told us to get you and stuff and they never explained what they were or who. And the Kin I believe the explained in this book but I was so uninterested I couldn't even comprehend.
Now to the part why I don't think this was that bad. I believe firstly, it could it better. I only made it 50% in and I just couldn't because I wasn't even comprehending what I was reading very well at that point. I had to move on to other things and not push myself though this. That's also why I DNFed it. Because I just couldn't connect, so maybe someone did or has and really enjoyed this. That person just wasn't me.
July 14, 2021
(3.5 stars)
Overall, I did enjoy this book. The plot was unique and it kept me guessing and engaged, I really was not sure what would happen next. I was slightly disappointed with the characters actions though, it felt like their motivations behind the things they did weren’t that authentic and it didn’t match with how they’ve acted in the previous two books. And characters are allowed to change, but there wasn’t too much buildup for that change to feel authentic here. Like the tension between Tenn and Jarret felt so unlike Jarret, and so sudden. And with Aiden too, I felt like he would’ve seen through the dark lady’s manipulation and lies a lot sooner. But those actions did really influence the plot in interesting ways, so even though it was a bit frustrating, it ended up working out for the most part. And I’m glad it was a happy ending.
I also did like the fact that it broke the archetype about the chose one(s) where the supposed ones were just normal people, but it was a little annoying because it felt like all the buildup just led to nothing. Which is probably intended, and is well done, but I guess personally it wasn’t my favorite part.
But overall, the uniqueness of the plot and the absolute end of the world battle really do make this story stand out. I’ve never read a story before where it really felt like this was the last stand of humanity, it was really well done. I also enjoyed the multitudes of having the church intertwined throughout the plot as well; again, the storyline was so intricately webbed, keeping readers surprised as more unfolded, it was a good read.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. The plot was unique and it kept me guessing and engaged, I really was not sure what would happen next. I was slightly disappointed with the characters actions though, it felt like their motivations behind the things they did weren’t that authentic and it didn’t match with how they’ve acted in the previous two books. And characters are allowed to change, but there wasn’t too much buildup for that change to feel authentic here. Like the tension between Tenn and Jarret felt so unlike Jarret, and so sudden. And with Aiden too, I felt like he would’ve seen through the dark lady’s manipulation and lies a lot sooner. But those actions did really influence the plot in interesting ways, so even though it was a bit frustrating, it ended up working out for the most part. And I’m glad it was a happy ending.
I also did like the fact that it broke the archetype about the chose one(s) where the supposed ones were just normal people, but it was a little annoying because it felt like all the buildup just led to nothing. Which is probably intended, and is well done, but I guess personally it wasn’t my favorite part.
But overall, the uniqueness of the plot and the absolute end of the world battle really do make this story stand out. I’ve never read a story before where it really felt like this was the last stand of humanity, it was really well done. I also enjoyed the multitudes of having the church intertwined throughout the plot as well; again, the storyline was so intricately webbed, keeping readers surprised as more unfolded, it was a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2020
Runemaker is the third and final book in The Runebinder Chronicles series written by Alex R. Kahler. It centers on Tenn and Aidan, hunters, living in a post-apocalyptic world gone mad.
Tenn and Aidan finally meet in this conclusion. However, they seem to be on the opposite side of the conflict with Tenn trying to save humanity and Aidan falling deeper into the dark side. One of them is fated to use the most powerful magic – the Sphere of Maya and depends on who uses it would determine the fate of humanity.
Runemaker is written somewhat well. The narrative feels rather rushed. Told in multiple points of view, Aidan's perspective is balanced nicely with Tenn's perspective. The narrative is not as confusing as the previous installments as the readers already acquainted with the two main characters and the world rather well. However, the pacing of the narrative is rather uneven and didn't keep my attention for parts of the book.
Overall, The Runebinder Chronicles is written mediocrity well. In a post apocalyptic world, magic has return and the few who can wield it is called hunters. The series celebrates diversity as the main characters are gay. However, the pacing of the series is rather uneven and at time repetitive. It is filled with graphic details in both gore and sexualization.
All in all, Runemaker is written rather moderately well and is a somewhat good, albeit rushed conclusion to an equally moderate series.
Tenn and Aidan finally meet in this conclusion. However, they seem to be on the opposite side of the conflict with Tenn trying to save humanity and Aidan falling deeper into the dark side. One of them is fated to use the most powerful magic – the Sphere of Maya and depends on who uses it would determine the fate of humanity.
Runemaker is written somewhat well. The narrative feels rather rushed. Told in multiple points of view, Aidan's perspective is balanced nicely with Tenn's perspective. The narrative is not as confusing as the previous installments as the readers already acquainted with the two main characters and the world rather well. However, the pacing of the narrative is rather uneven and didn't keep my attention for parts of the book.
Overall, The Runebinder Chronicles is written mediocrity well. In a post apocalyptic world, magic has return and the few who can wield it is called hunters. The series celebrates diversity as the main characters are gay. However, the pacing of the series is rather uneven and at time repetitive. It is filled with graphic details in both gore and sexualization.
All in all, Runemaker is written rather moderately well and is a somewhat good, albeit rushed conclusion to an equally moderate series.
November 9, 2020
...and the trilogy is complete! There's something so satisfying in being able to binge read a whole series and tick it off your list without worrying about when the next book is coming out, or whether you'll have moved on by then. But what wasn't as satisfying was the ending of this book...it was good, but there were things that weren't addressed. And my dear Tomas- tell me that anticlimactic end wasn't it for you? You had so much potential to wreak more angst and drama!
But overall, I enjoyed it. The characters coming together, the countries, the goals. It felt like a finale, and I loved the point which was firmly made by the author at the end: you don't need to be a chosen one to save the world. did it this time, not the hero, and whether or not that was to free the hero for a happy ever after is beside the point. Right?
The author writes female characters well, in a way which makes you respect and admire them without making them cold and unfeeling. It was nice to get Dreya's POV this time around, almost out of necessity as there were so many events happening at once.
I enjoyed the series, but book 1 was hands down the best for me. Unfortunately I've found that with far too many series, which is why I'm reluctant to progress with them, yet this one carried me to the very end of the trilogy (and an extra novella).
But overall, I enjoyed it. The characters coming together, the countries, the goals. It felt like a finale, and I loved the point which was firmly made by the author at the end: you don't need to be a chosen one to save the world. did it this time, not the hero, and whether or not that was to free the hero for a happy ever after is beside the point. Right?
The author writes female characters well, in a way which makes you respect and admire them without making them cold and unfeeling. It was nice to get Dreya's POV this time around, almost out of necessity as there were so many events happening at once.
I enjoyed the series, but book 1 was hands down the best for me. Unfortunately I've found that with far too many series, which is why I'm reluctant to progress with them, yet this one carried me to the very end of the trilogy (and an extra novella).
February 19, 2022
I liked this book all the way up till the ending. It seemed almost rushed and unfished. I was sadden that Tenn and Aidan didn't get together and that Aidan just leaves because it's kinda obvious that Tenn doesn't know if he still truly loves Jarrett after what he did to him. I had also thought Tenn was going to attune to Maya and that if it cost a life to take one that all of them would band together and give a part of themselves to kill her, but all live. That of course did not happen, instead Devon did it alone and died which broke my heart because I really wanted to learn more about him. Throughout the whole series he was this mysterious intriguing character and just as you start to learn more about him and here him talk more he dies. I liked how it was implied that Dreya and Kianna stayed together, Kianna being one of my favorite characters. Overall I liked the book just not that the ending was not only sad in multiple ways but also open-ended and left to interpretation on a few things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Harlequin TEEN - Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was waiting for an intense YFantasy novel and boy did I get it. This was edge of your seat excitement to the max just like you were transported into the kingdom and joining Aidan on his quest to defeat the dark lady and her minions and retrieve the sphere of maya and either save humanity or have it end up in the dark lady's hands and destroy humanity. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets for each page that I have read. I really hope all of the young readers take a hold of this book and have the same out of body experience like I have and I know our teen book club will have similar reactions and will be dying to talk about it.
We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I was waiting for an intense YFantasy novel and boy did I get it. This was edge of your seat excitement to the max just like you were transported into the kingdom and joining Aidan on his quest to defeat the dark lady and her minions and retrieve the sphere of maya and either save humanity or have it end up in the dark lady's hands and destroy humanity. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets for each page that I have read. I really hope all of the young readers take a hold of this book and have the same out of body experience like I have and I know our teen book club will have similar reactions and will be dying to talk about it.
We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
December 24, 2019
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was good, but it wasn’t a book that could really hold my attention. I found myself getting distracted easily and it took me wayyyy longer than usual to finish. The writing style seemed kind of slow.. I almost would figure out what would happen prior to it actually happening in the story.
I love the idea of this story. It has a great story line, but I do not think it was executed as well as it could have been. I get frustrated with the “chosen one” kind of books. So the fact that this one was more “deciding to take action” really had me hopeful.
I think I might have just been too old to enjoy this book. It definitely was not targeted towards people my age as it is a YA novel. All things considered it was a good book and I enjoyed it.
Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
This book was good, but it wasn’t a book that could really hold my attention. I found myself getting distracted easily and it took me wayyyy longer than usual to finish. The writing style seemed kind of slow.. I almost would figure out what would happen prior to it actually happening in the story.
I love the idea of this story. It has a great story line, but I do not think it was executed as well as it could have been. I get frustrated with the “chosen one” kind of books. So the fact that this one was more “deciding to take action” really had me hopeful.
I think I might have just been too old to enjoy this book. It definitely was not targeted towards people my age as it is a YA novel. All things considered it was a good book and I enjoyed it.
Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
March 31, 2020
Any book that makes me feel strong emotions on purpose, whether it’s love for a character that I’m cheering for or hate for a character that I downright want to strangle, is worth the read. I didn’t like Aiden in Runebreaker, book 2 of The Runebinder Chronicles, he annoyed me so much that I wanted to put the book down. In Runemaker though, he is still as annoying, arrogant, and stupid but Tenn and the others counter balance his bouts of idiocy that are eye rolling.
Detestable character aside Runemaker is a bit of a slow burn that tip toes to the edge of boring before picking up so fast that it sort of feels rushed toward the end.
The plot is quite entertaining but the readers are made to feel so many strong emotions that are not so masterfully handled, it makes the general flow of the story a bit wanky. There are big emotional highs followed by deep pitfalls of gloom and angst that would make this nauseating if it was a rollercoaster ride. However it does give a sense of Ying and Yang to Aiden and Tenn, since the first usually annoy and enrage while the second gets depressing at times.
Review also posted on Worn out Spines
Runemaker is one of those one-time reads, you read it, sort of liked it but would definitely not revisit it. If I didn’t feel like it was the intention of the author to make Aiden the way he is I would have been harder on this book.
Detestable character aside Runemaker is a bit of a slow burn that tip toes to the edge of boring before picking up so fast that it sort of feels rushed toward the end.
The plot is quite entertaining but the readers are made to feel so many strong emotions that are not so masterfully handled, it makes the general flow of the story a bit wanky. There are big emotional highs followed by deep pitfalls of gloom and angst that would make this nauseating if it was a rollercoaster ride. However it does give a sense of Ying and Yang to Aiden and Tenn, since the first usually annoy and enrage while the second gets depressing at times.
Review also posted on Worn out Spines
Runemaker is one of those one-time reads, you read it, sort of liked it but would definitely not revisit it. If I didn’t feel like it was the intention of the author to make Aiden the way he is I would have been harder on this book.
January 29, 2021
This novel, which is the third in the series might have been a bit easier to understand if I had read the first and second one, but this is the one I found. It involved the supposed heroes, Tenn, Jarret (Tenn's lover), Devon, and his twin sister, Derya. There were also the anti-heroes or villains if you will, Tomas and Aiden. But above and beyond all of those is the Dark Lady, who is the Queen of death.
However, everything is not what it seems. The heroes aren't always heroes, and sometimes the villains aren't complete villains. But the goal is to save the human race and the question is what will it take to do so.
The Church is involved, Resurrection is involved but neither of those things are what one would normally think they are either.
Needless to say, it was an interesting and somewhat disturbing ride. Well enough written, but read on the computer instead of with a print, it was at times somewhat frustrating to follow.
However, everything is not what it seems. The heroes aren't always heroes, and sometimes the villains aren't complete villains. But the goal is to save the human race and the question is what will it take to do so.
The Church is involved, Resurrection is involved but neither of those things are what one would normally think they are either.
Needless to say, it was an interesting and somewhat disturbing ride. Well enough written, but read on the computer instead of with a print, it was at times somewhat frustrating to follow.
March 24, 2022
After burning through book 1 and 2 in the span of a few days, starting book 3 had me chomping at the bit to have a weekend to read the whole thing in one sitting.
For 99% of the series, I was drawn in, I felt the high hopes, I felt the defeat, I felt the good v. evil, I felt the emotion and passion.
For my LGBTQ+ Friends, I hope this book opens up for a lot more books to be written that are diverse in orientation. It doesn't have to be male/female to be a great love story, and this series proves that point in multiple ways.
the 1% of the book that had me SO FUCKING PISSED OFF.... was the ending. This had the same shit ending as "The Perfect Storm". I left the theatre asking for a refund. The ending to this book had my creative brain writing about 2 different endings that could have played out better.
All things considered, while the ending was horrible and rushed and incomplete, the series and 3rd book as a whole were well written and quite a pleasure to read.
For 99% of the series, I was drawn in, I felt the high hopes, I felt the defeat, I felt the good v. evil, I felt the emotion and passion.
For my LGBTQ+ Friends, I hope this book opens up for a lot more books to be written that are diverse in orientation. It doesn't have to be male/female to be a great love story, and this series proves that point in multiple ways.
the 1% of the book that had me SO FUCKING PISSED OFF.... was the ending. This had the same shit ending as "The Perfect Storm". I left the theatre asking for a refund. The ending to this book had my creative brain writing about 2 different endings that could have played out better.
All things considered, while the ending was horrible and rushed and incomplete, the series and 3rd book as a whole were well written and quite a pleasure to read.
October 4, 2022
my issue with this one is similar to my issue with the second. aiden. an extremely unlikeable character. the fact that he releases the big bad and kills tons of people is swept under the rug and hes just allowed to leave at the end. as if one good deed can right all the wrongs hed committed. it doesnt seem right. and the introduction of characters that felt important or that they were made to feel important were just left to the wind. the fact that he just nonchalantly kills the incubus came out of no where. he is a sociopath and idk if the "doing it all for my mom" is supposed to justify all the bad behavior? the big bad didnt feel climactic either. there were loose ends left untouched. I loved tenn. he felt more authentic. the series had such a strong start and felt like the books got slightly weaker as they progressed. I liked them ok, I love that this was a queer fantasy setting with a fun uniquely built world I think the execution could have been better. I wanted more from it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2021
I would say this is a satisfying conclusion, bringing together plot threads from both the 1st and the 2nd book and tying it up.
I liked most scenes (honestly like, read it in 5 days so it definitely kept me hooked). The only thing I really would've liked was more of an extended ending, especially concerning
Other than that, the trilogy as a whole felt good, although I wouldn't have minded a fourth part (or another short story like Tenn) that dealt with the aftermath of what happened.
I liked most scenes (honestly like, read it in 5 days so it definitely kept me hooked). The only thing I really would've liked was more of an extended ending, especially concerning
Other than that, the trilogy as a whole felt good, although I wouldn't have minded a fourth part (or another short story like Tenn) that dealt with the aftermath of what happened.
October 26, 2021
This series was well worth the read, it definitely was perfect but very much enjoyed it. I think I have found I do enjoy elemental magic because of this book and I really could picture the grim world it painted. I also cannot state how much I loved the character Tomás, he is exactly the kind of character that complemented this series. As Tenn so perfectly put it, "There would always be a part of him in love with Tomás. Or, at least, in lust. Tomás was the embodiment of all his darkest desires..." and god is that kinda true for myself about Tomás just from reading about him.
Also can we just appreciate this line from the book, "They sat in silence, listening to each other's breath, letting the future unfold on its own. For once, that was enough. That was enough." like god damn it made my heart swell.
Also can we just appreciate this line from the book, "They sat in silence, listening to each other's breath, letting the future unfold on its own. For once, that was enough. That was enough." like god damn it made my heart swell.
July 18, 2025
I'm...not really sure how I feel about this book. I didn't have fun reading this book. The whole Jarrett thing came out of nowhere and honestly? It was...not a good choice. **Spoiler** And Kianna deciding to attune although she hates magic with every fiber of her being was for what? Just to travel? That felt like a slap to me. I did find that I enjoyed Aiden more in this book and liking Tenn a bit less but it doesn't change anything. There was so much build up to the fight with The Dark Lady and it was over in a snap. And what was that Romance with Kianna and Dreya? I don't mind women loving women but that just seemed to happen out of thin air? (Pun not intended.) *End Spoiler* Over all, not my kind of book but I did finish it (even though I wanted to DNF multiple times) so that's something I guess.
December 11, 2019
So here's the deal. I want to support LGBTQ writers who do non-traditional fantasy. I really want to read things that are not Chosen One tropes that rehash the same concept. I really wanted to like this series. I finished with the attitude that at least I didn't hate it. I really can't rate it higher or lower when my takeaway is that I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. I did not like main characters. They felt like angst-ridden hipsters who really needed to meet people outside the world described in the author bio on the book jacket. I didn't like most of the sidekicks who put up with toxic behavior from the mains. The redeeming quality was the world building for me. I liked the concepts and themes presented even if I had to tolerate the characters presenting them.
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February 11, 2020I liked book 1. I liked book 2. I liked most of this book. My problem was the ending. Two parts:
1. It seemed like the one chosen to make the biggest sacrifice was chosen b/c they were the least fleshed out and least attached (i.e., not a "chosen one" or in a relationship).
2. The bigger issue I had was Aidan's ending. Literally, he's been responsible for so. much. death and misery. he's killed so MANY people who didn't deserve it. And it's handwaved off because well, he'd killed the Howls? He just wanted his mother reincarnated? I mean, great motive, still murder. He walks off into the sunset with no consequences, absolved and at peace with himself because... in his mind it all balances or whatever. Bah
1. It seemed like the one chosen to make the biggest sacrifice was chosen b/c they were the least fleshed out and least attached (i.e., not a "chosen one" or in a relationship).
2. The bigger issue I had was Aidan's ending. Literally, he's been responsible for so. much. death and misery. he's killed so MANY people who didn't deserve it. And it's handwaved off because well, he'd killed the Howls? He just wanted his mother reincarnated? I mean, great motive, still murder. He walks off into the sunset with no consequences, absolved and at peace with himself because... in his mind it all balances or whatever. Bah
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
How this book was handled was going to inform how I felt about the whole series, and while I don't think that it was exactly perfect, I think it did get handled well. I actually like some of the imperfections of it I kind of like that, since it makes it less predictable, if perhaps less satisfying in some ways.
It did feel open for further books, I will happily read them if the story continues, but if this was the conclusion I think it was a satisfying wrap up to the existing threads of story.
It did feel open for further books, I will happily read them if the story continues, but if this was the conclusion I think it was a satisfying wrap up to the existing threads of story.
November 11, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. This was the epic finale I was waiting for for this trilogy. All the characters from both the dark and the light have come together to face the final standoff in their magic war.
I loved the central idea of this series - that it wasn't about being the chosen one, but about making the choice to take up the call. And I love that all the characters are flawed, but they continually choose to carry on - whether it was Tenn's self-doubt or Aidan's angry vulnerability, they all battled with something internally, but made the choice to continue the external battle.
I loved the central idea of this series - that it wasn't about being the chosen one, but about making the choice to take up the call. And I love that all the characters are flawed, but they continually choose to carry on - whether it was Tenn's self-doubt or Aidan's angry vulnerability, they all battled with something internally, but made the choice to continue the external battle.
December 8, 2019
This is the conclusion to that rare creature-a dark fantasy trilogy with gay characters at its center. In the week I spent listening to the audiobook I didn't want to stop listening. I could have easily binged this book in a day. I was captivated by this novel and I could not predict the ending. I have been reading fantasy novels since Shannara was new. I have never read anything quite like the Rune books. Sure they are violent and bleak, but the world is a better place now that these three books are a part of it, and I love the elemental magic in these chronicles. Open to air and send this review into cyberspace.
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