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The Runelords #8
Chaosbound
The world of the Runelords has been combined by magic with another parallel world to form a new one, the beginning of a process that may unify all worlds into the one true world.
This story picks up after the events of The Wyrmling Horde and follows two of Farland’s well-known heroes, Borenson and Myrrima, on a quest to save their devastated land and the people of the new world from certain destruction. But the land is not the only thing that has been altered in the change, Borenson has merged with a mighty and monstrous creature from the other world, Aaath Ulber.
He begins to be a different person, a berserker warrior, as well as having a huge new body because of the transformation of worlds. Thousands have died, lands have sunk below the sea and, elsewhere, risen from it. The supernatural rulers of the world are part of a universal evil, yet play a Byzantine game of dark power politics among themselves. And Aaath Ulber is now the most significant pawn in that game.
This story picks up after the events of The Wyrmling Horde and follows two of Farland’s well-known heroes, Borenson and Myrrima, on a quest to save their devastated land and the people of the new world from certain destruction. But the land is not the only thing that has been altered in the change, Borenson has merged with a mighty and monstrous creature from the other world, Aaath Ulber.
He begins to be a different person, a berserker warrior, as well as having a huge new body because of the transformation of worlds. Thousands have died, lands have sunk below the sea and, elsewhere, risen from it. The supernatural rulers of the world are part of a universal evil, yet play a Byzantine game of dark power politics among themselves. And Aaath Ulber is now the most significant pawn in that game.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2009
36 people are currently reading
1842 people want to read
About the author
David Farland
155 books1,199 followersDavid Farland is the author of the bestselling Runelords series, including Chaosbound, The Wyrmling Horde and Worldbinder. He also writes science-fiction as David Wolverton. He won the 1987 Writers of the Future contest, and has been nominated for a Nebula Award and a Hugo Award. Farland also works as a video game designer, and has taught writing seminars around the U.S. and Canada. He lives in Saint George, Utah. He passed away on January 14, 2022.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidf...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidf...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 2, 2019
I honestly don't know what to think. On the one hand, I'm expecting a blow-out bash and an end to the whole series because, let's face, nothing else has come out since 2009. Instead, I come to realize that the only real main character in the series is Borenson.
Yeah, the guy who lost his walnuts. Got stripped of all his powers. Repeatedly. The one who fell for a glamour, the one who got distanced from his family, the one who was repeatedly shat upon throughout the series.
Don't get me wrong. If the story, or rather, ALL the stories are about him, rather than him just being a solid but minor thread of plot throughout the series, then he gets one hell of a send-off.
Sort of.
Or rather... scratch that. This is no end to any book. It's fine as an average fantasy title as long as I don't prop it up against the ongoing story of the new nightmare presented in the last four books.
But as an end to the full nightmare besetting humanity and all the multiple worlds? THERE IS NO END.
Maybe there's a slight, hasty write-off. A half-hearted nod that makes us think that this whole series is not what we think it is... or what it should have been.
But let's face it: the fourth book gave us the full payoff in action and heroic action and enemies dying. A small fraction of what is needed, assuming that was the author's goal, occurs in this one.
Borenson goes wild. Great. Fun, even. But the end is not so much a plot hole as a plot chasm.
What do I think would fix this?
No less than two more books, at least one Hail Mary, and at least two requisite Deus Ex Machinas. At the very least, I expected a real payoff in the form of the complete and utter defeat of the enemy, not just a northern subsidiary.
Hmmm. *grumble grumble* I was invested enough to read the whole thing. It's not like I didn't have fun. *sigh*
Yeah, the guy who lost his walnuts. Got stripped of all his powers. Repeatedly. The one who fell for a glamour, the one who got distanced from his family, the one who was repeatedly shat upon throughout the series.
Don't get me wrong. If the story, or rather, ALL the stories are about him, rather than him just being a solid but minor thread of plot throughout the series, then he gets one hell of a send-off.
Sort of.
Or rather... scratch that. This is no end to any book. It's fine as an average fantasy title as long as I don't prop it up against the ongoing story of the new nightmare presented in the last four books.
But as an end to the full nightmare besetting humanity and all the multiple worlds? THERE IS NO END.
Maybe there's a slight, hasty write-off. A half-hearted nod that makes us think that this whole series is not what we think it is... or what it should have been.
But let's face it: the fourth book gave us the full payoff in action and heroic action and enemies dying. A small fraction of what is needed, assuming that was the author's goal, occurs in this one.
Borenson goes wild. Great. Fun, even. But the end is not so much a plot hole as a plot chasm.
What do I think would fix this?
No less than two more books, at least one Hail Mary, and at least two requisite Deus Ex Machinas. At the very least, I expected a real payoff in the form of the complete and utter defeat of the enemy, not just a northern subsidiary.
Hmmm. *grumble grumble* I was invested enough to read the whole thing. It's not like I didn't have fun. *sigh*
January 25, 2012
This book made me realize that Sir Borrenson is basically the main character of the entire series. While reading this I felt pained at the fact that after the binding of the worlds his own family began to distance themselves from him. In the previous book his daughter Talon had the same effects cast upon her, While she was accepted and welcomed by her companions (Fillion,Jax,and Kirissa) while her father was considered to have become a monster by his own wife and children. It made me sad to read about one of my favorite characters being disowned by his family.
May 23, 2022
The beginning of the end. Slightly more focused. Slightly.
The penultimate Runelords book (the final doesn't release until Dec 22) doesn't feature Fallion at all except by reference and instead focuses on Gaborn's major Lieutenant Borenson and his wide, Myrrima. The binding of the worlds from the previous novels results in a massive flood but also the merging of Borenson with his shadow world/alt reality self, a massive ogre/ giant beserker named Aath Ulber
As the Borenson that she knew is forever changed (outwardly) Myrrima withdraws - though it feels somewhat shallow since by all other accounts this is still the man she loves.
That Farland's focused on only two main characters this time instead of 6-8 is a decent attempt, but their motivations and characterizations still feel thin.
Naturally they're pursued by wyrmlings who see the opportunity to take over not just these two patched together worlds but ALL worlds. Decent stakes, I'm here for it. Hacking and slashing ensue and there's a decent callback to an earlier character moment/ moral dilemma for human Borenson that is regrettably dropped/ ignored involving the moral dilemma of killing wyrmling child dedicants (children who have gifted their endowments but are otherwise innocent).
But alas, as before, some truly scattershot plotting prevents this from being more than it could be.
The penultimate Runelords book (the final doesn't release until Dec 22) doesn't feature Fallion at all except by reference and instead focuses on Gaborn's major Lieutenant Borenson and his wide, Myrrima. The binding of the worlds from the previous novels results in a massive flood but also the merging of Borenson with his shadow world/alt reality self, a massive ogre/ giant beserker named Aath Ulber
As the Borenson that she knew is forever changed (outwardly) Myrrima withdraws - though it feels somewhat shallow since by all other accounts this is still the man she loves.
That Farland's focused on only two main characters this time instead of 6-8 is a decent attempt, but their motivations and characterizations still feel thin.
Naturally they're pursued by wyrmlings who see the opportunity to take over not just these two patched together worlds but ALL worlds. Decent stakes, I'm here for it. Hacking and slashing ensue and there's a decent callback to an earlier character moment/ moral dilemma for human Borenson that is regrettably dropped/ ignored involving the moral dilemma of killing wyrmling child dedicants (children who have gifted their endowments but are otherwise innocent).
But alas, as before, some truly scattershot plotting prevents this from being more than it could be.
February 21, 2023
It's not great when you have to keep pushing yourself to finish something, is it?
This was the last in a series (the final ninth book is unfinished, the author died a little over a year ago in an accident). I can't help but wonder about the giant story he would have had to write for the ninth one.
I took this man's writing courses without having read him. He had well over a dozen books under his name, had taught the likes of Brandon Sanderson and Stephanie Meyer, and was really super approachable. I read this as a way to grieve a person I never met (other than a few email exchanges over my homework, which were always constructive and kind).
I wish the story was as great as the guy who taught me. This is written from a distant third. The character arcs are tiny, almost non-existent. The world building is immense and in depth. The magic system would work well in a video game.
But if it weren't for the homage I was doing reading these, I would have quit at book one or two. Like James Cameron's Avatar, world building just isn't enough to keep me coming back.
But hey, if you're a writer, his courses are still available online in a big bundle. I highly recommend them, no matter what genre you write. Some of his rules are no longer used, like the old manuscript format, but he was pretty good at what he did.
Here's hoping that last book gets written. I'll even pick up a copy when it comes out.
Here's to you, Dave.
This was the last in a series (the final ninth book is unfinished, the author died a little over a year ago in an accident). I can't help but wonder about the giant story he would have had to write for the ninth one.
I took this man's writing courses without having read him. He had well over a dozen books under his name, had taught the likes of Brandon Sanderson and Stephanie Meyer, and was really super approachable. I read this as a way to grieve a person I never met (other than a few email exchanges over my homework, which were always constructive and kind).
I wish the story was as great as the guy who taught me. This is written from a distant third. The character arcs are tiny, almost non-existent. The world building is immense and in depth. The magic system would work well in a video game.
But if it weren't for the homage I was doing reading these, I would have quit at book one or two. Like James Cameron's Avatar, world building just isn't enough to keep me coming back.
But hey, if you're a writer, his courses are still available online in a big bundle. I highly recommend them, no matter what genre you write. Some of his rules are no longer used, like the old manuscript format, but he was pretty good at what he did.
Here's hoping that last book gets written. I'll even pick up a copy when it comes out.
Here's to you, Dave.
December 19, 2022
I almost rated down for the ending of this one. It was altogether too hook-like.
April 21, 2010
This book should have been feathered into the previous title, The Wyrmling Horde, which is what Farland usually does. While the Wyrmling Horde was one of the three best books I read in 2008, this book ranks up with Brotherhood of the Wolf as the weakest of the series.
This story follows Sir Borenson, now merged with someone on the new world, and his wife Myrrima. They are called back into the battles they thought they had left behind.
This is long on action and moves swiftly, but the rich philosophical meat that fleshed out Horde is missing. Additionally, he completely ignores to major storylines he left hanging at the end of Horde. Very frustrating indeed.
In tone this is stark, gritty, and brutal.
I'm just hoping this is a bridge novel and things will get better with the next one. I have to find out what happens to everyone, but Farland/Wolverton is much better than this.
This story follows Sir Borenson, now merged with someone on the new world, and his wife Myrrima. They are called back into the battles they thought they had left behind.
This is long on action and moves swiftly, but the rich philosophical meat that fleshed out Horde is missing. Additionally, he completely ignores to major storylines he left hanging at the end of Horde. Very frustrating indeed.
In tone this is stark, gritty, and brutal.
I'm just hoping this is a bridge novel and things will get better with the next one. I have to find out what happens to everyone, but Farland/Wolverton is much better than this.
September 30, 2010
* Possible Spoiler *
I definitely enjoy the Runelords series, it is a different kind of fantasy to be sure. I do find myself often questioning whether or not this series will have any kind of pleasant conclusion. Things just have never seem to get better, its like the protagonists take two steps forward and they kill their dog. None of our heros will be able to enjoy anything they save, which makes these books a bit depressing. Still, I will read through. Good Story.
I definitely enjoy the Runelords series, it is a different kind of fantasy to be sure. I do find myself often questioning whether or not this series will have any kind of pleasant conclusion. Things just have never seem to get better, its like the protagonists take two steps forward and they kill their dog. None of our heros will be able to enjoy anything they save, which makes these books a bit depressing. Still, I will read through. Good Story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2021
Did you wonder where Borenson and Myrrima were during the events of "Worldbinder" and "The Wyrmling Horde"? Well, this book tells their story.
This whole book felt like a "Side quest". Don't get me wrong, it was an excellent book and expands the story, but it is a side quest none the less. The main plot of Fallion, Jaz, Talon, and Rhianna doesn't even happen during this book. There are references throughout to let you know how the books are connected, but it only follows Borenson and his remaining family on their journey from Landsfallen to Mystarria.
One of the best things about this book is it's return to normalcy. This book really leaned on the "Runelord" and "Endowment" magic systems. It's been so long since that was a focus of the series, and it's always welcome.
This book starts with the effects of "Worldbinder" in Landsfallen. It felt kind of like "The Snap" from Infinity War and was really done excellently. The rest of the story is essentially following Borenson(now Aaath Ulber) as he goes on a journey to find and destory the Wyrmlings and get his revenge while also freeing the people. It kind of mixes the story of the Avengers from Endgame with Hawkeye's story from the beginning of Endgame.
Sadly, this book has such a dark and depressing tone. The first three books, particularly Wizardborn, which has similar plots/events to this one, occasionally had sad moments, but were almost entirely enfused with hope, especially the end of the book. This books ending, while similar to Wizardborn's, is just too depressing. I need to know what happens, but I hope that this is the darkest the series gets.
This book finally explores the repercussions of Borenson's mistakes and he tries to either rectify or ignore them. Farland does explore many deep themes, such as redemption, forgiveness, consequences of choices, and moral questions surrounding war. Some of the answers I agree with, some of them I don't. But Farland does explore them in this short book, which I really appreciate.
This book wouldn't be as frustrating if the final book was out. Unfortunately, since Farland hasn't finished it, this book serves as our currently final book and leaves the audience not only on a cliffhanger with this B-plot but also on a cliffhanger with the A-plot from the other books. This will all be fixed if/when Farland finishes A Tale of Tales.
If I can add some more praise, the action in this book and the pacing was fantastic. I think that Farland learned from his earlier books and has nailed pacing again.
Overall, I certainly enjoyed this book, and as a book itself it is very good. However, as a part of the series, it is frustrating reading a "side quest" and as such creates a sense of frustration that maybe the book doesn't rightly deserve because of its amazing plot, action, pacing, and themes. Still, I enjoyed it and cannot wait for the final book. But for now, 7.3 out of 10!
Your fans are here David Farland, and we are waiting. We cannot wait to see what you have in store.
This whole book felt like a "Side quest". Don't get me wrong, it was an excellent book and expands the story, but it is a side quest none the less. The main plot of Fallion, Jaz, Talon, and Rhianna doesn't even happen during this book. There are references throughout to let you know how the books are connected, but it only follows Borenson and his remaining family on their journey from Landsfallen to Mystarria.
One of the best things about this book is it's return to normalcy. This book really leaned on the "Runelord" and "Endowment" magic systems. It's been so long since that was a focus of the series, and it's always welcome.
This book starts with the effects of "Worldbinder" in Landsfallen. It felt kind of like "The Snap" from Infinity War and was really done excellently. The rest of the story is essentially following Borenson(now Aaath Ulber) as he goes on a journey to find and destory the Wyrmlings and get his revenge while also freeing the people. It kind of mixes the story of the Avengers from Endgame with Hawkeye's story from the beginning of Endgame.
Sadly, this book has such a dark and depressing tone. The first three books, particularly Wizardborn, which has similar plots/events to this one, occasionally had sad moments, but were almost entirely enfused with hope, especially the end of the book. This books ending, while similar to Wizardborn's, is just too depressing. I need to know what happens, but I hope that this is the darkest the series gets.
This book finally explores the repercussions of Borenson's mistakes and he tries to either rectify or ignore them. Farland does explore many deep themes, such as redemption, forgiveness, consequences of choices, and moral questions surrounding war. Some of the answers I agree with, some of them I don't. But Farland does explore them in this short book, which I really appreciate.
This book wouldn't be as frustrating if the final book was out. Unfortunately, since Farland hasn't finished it, this book serves as our currently final book and leaves the audience not only on a cliffhanger with this B-plot but also on a cliffhanger with the A-plot from the other books. This will all be fixed if/when Farland finishes A Tale of Tales.
If I can add some more praise, the action in this book and the pacing was fantastic. I think that Farland learned from his earlier books and has nailed pacing again.
Overall, I certainly enjoyed this book, and as a book itself it is very good. However, as a part of the series, it is frustrating reading a "side quest" and as such creates a sense of frustration that maybe the book doesn't rightly deserve because of its amazing plot, action, pacing, and themes. Still, I enjoyed it and cannot wait for the final book. But for now, 7.3 out of 10!
Your fans are here David Farland, and we are waiting. We cannot wait to see what you have in store.
October 13, 2019
So, this is as of right now, the last book released in the series, ironically exactly a decade ago as of when I post this. Farland has stated that he is still working on the sequel, but it's been a decade, so we'll see. He clearly isn't intending this to be the last book, but we'll see what happens.
So, I definitely enjoyed this book a lot. Definitely more than Worldbinder, and after seeing the whirlwind of characters in some of the recent books, it was nice to see familiar characters returning. I had missed Borenson, and so it was nice to pick his story up again. I liked reading what happened in other parts of the world, and seeing a wider impact of the binding.I ALMOST feel sorry for the wyrmlings being manipulated by the larger forces around them, but they appear to be quite happy to be manipulated. Another sticking point for me is the huge numbers again. The numbers of warriors and speed of production would be impressive in an industrial society, and this is clearly not that, so it strains credulity. The battle scenes are good, and I do like the political infighting among the followers of Lord Dispair. I do like the examination of the morality of killing those who aren't yet a threat, but who you know will become a threat if allowed to live. And, I do enjoy the set up for an even larger battle, but then that goes back to the numbers problem I already mentioned. and regarding the fact that we're still waiting on the next book for a decade, I definitely hope to see the next book completed. I'm hoping we're not left with an uncompleted series, with the conclusion of this epic battle left unwritten. Farland has had some health issues from what I've read, so we'll see what happens, and given the scale he describes, this is only the very beginning of the war to come.
I highly recommend this book, and look forward to its sequel.
So, I definitely enjoyed this book a lot. Definitely more than Worldbinder, and after seeing the whirlwind of characters in some of the recent books, it was nice to see familiar characters returning. I had missed Borenson, and so it was nice to pick his story up again. I liked reading what happened in other parts of the world, and seeing a wider impact of the binding.I ALMOST feel sorry for the wyrmlings being manipulated by the larger forces around them, but they appear to be quite happy to be manipulated. Another sticking point for me is the huge numbers again. The numbers of warriors and speed of production would be impressive in an industrial society, and this is clearly not that, so it strains credulity. The battle scenes are good, and I do like the political infighting among the followers of Lord Dispair. I do like the examination of the morality of killing those who aren't yet a threat, but who you know will become a threat if allowed to live. And, I do enjoy the set up for an even larger battle, but then that goes back to the numbers problem I already mentioned. and regarding the fact that we're still waiting on the next book for a decade, I definitely hope to see the next book completed. I'm hoping we're not left with an uncompleted series, with the conclusion of this epic battle left unwritten. Farland has had some health issues from what I've read, so we'll see what happens, and given the scale he describes, this is only the very beginning of the war to come.
I highly recommend this book, and look forward to its sequel.
November 26, 2020
The eighth installment of David Farland’s Runelords series opens with a sunrise at the ruins of Barrensfort, with Sir Borenson taking solace in watching his daughters. In the meantime, a new character, Crull-maldor, is able to use the mind of creatures such as crow to see things towards which she is otherwise blind. Rain labors amidst recent disaster, with wizardry sapping her family’s vitality, and Sir Borenson and his companions salvaging a shipwreck. Crull-maldor ultimately finds herself in the wyrmling’s citadel at the Fortress of the Northern Wastes, observing their actions.
The Borensons continue to get the ship, eventually termed the Borrowbird, free from being stuck, whilst they also throw freeloading squatters out of their camp. They eventually begin a voyage on the ship, with Draken taking occasional turns navigating it and encountering occasional stormy weather and wyrmling fleets. Draken questions his father Aaath Ulber about specific strategies in attacking the wyrmlings, with their empire in the balance towards the book’s end, and Myrrima thinking of herself as the Water Warrior. Wulfgaard also seeks his beloved, with tragedy in the final chapter as well.
All in all, I enjoyed this installment of the Runelords series, given plenty of fantastical action and creatures, and while the collection I had purchased on Amazon doesn’t mark both the beginning or the end of the series, I probably wouldn’t yearn to go through the books again, with this particular entry having a satisfactory ending on its own. There’s also occasional lack of clarity as to what species the various characters are, although I would imagine that the wyrmlings are dragon-like. Regardless of its flaws, I would recommend this book to those who thoroughly enjoyed its precursors.
The Borensons continue to get the ship, eventually termed the Borrowbird, free from being stuck, whilst they also throw freeloading squatters out of their camp. They eventually begin a voyage on the ship, with Draken taking occasional turns navigating it and encountering occasional stormy weather and wyrmling fleets. Draken questions his father Aaath Ulber about specific strategies in attacking the wyrmlings, with their empire in the balance towards the book’s end, and Myrrima thinking of herself as the Water Warrior. Wulfgaard also seeks his beloved, with tragedy in the final chapter as well.
All in all, I enjoyed this installment of the Runelords series, given plenty of fantastical action and creatures, and while the collection I had purchased on Amazon doesn’t mark both the beginning or the end of the series, I probably wouldn’t yearn to go through the books again, with this particular entry having a satisfactory ending on its own. There’s also occasional lack of clarity as to what species the various characters are, although I would imagine that the wyrmlings are dragon-like. Regardless of its flaws, I would recommend this book to those who thoroughly enjoyed its precursors.
December 14, 2022
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With the wyrmlings all but crowned the victors, this book jumps POV over to Borenson and family on the other side of the world. Giving us a look at what they were up to as the events of the previous 3 books unfolded on the other side of the world. In keeping with the second half of this series I bet you can guess what's coming... things aren't going so great. Every victory feels like a defeat and sadly I can only guess that Farland was leading us down deeper and deeper into despair in order to deliver a whopper of a grand finale in book nine. Sadly, we may never see that, which makes the second half of this series feel not only incomplete, but incredibly one sided or one note in tone as hopeless despair feels like the only focus here.
Farland has created a wonderfully epic world in the Runelords Saga, though as it sits I can only recommend reading the first 4 books in the series and letting that be your ending. It's much more satisfying than the final 4 books in this series have been - not that I hated them, but they just didn't click for me.
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With the wyrmlings all but crowned the victors, this book jumps POV over to Borenson and family on the other side of the world. Giving us a look at what they were up to as the events of the previous 3 books unfolded on the other side of the world. In keeping with the second half of this series I bet you can guess what's coming... things aren't going so great. Every victory feels like a defeat and sadly I can only guess that Farland was leading us down deeper and deeper into despair in order to deliver a whopper of a grand finale in book nine. Sadly, we may never see that, which makes the second half of this series feel not only incomplete, but incredibly one sided or one note in tone as hopeless despair feels like the only focus here.
Farland has created a wonderfully epic world in the Runelords Saga, though as it sits I can only recommend reading the first 4 books in the series and letting that be your ending. It's much more satisfying than the final 4 books in this series have been - not that I hated them, but they just didn't click for me.
September 25, 2021
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Another good addition to the series this one certainly has a middle book syndrome it was just about preparing for what is going to happen in the next novel and due to it's size it could have just been part of the next one. The series overall is fun to read and I am enjoying it but the books seem to be shorter and shorter and for a fantasy novel I like them to be long and complex. Other than that no big complaints.
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Another good addition to the series this one certainly has a middle book syndrome it was just about preparing for what is going to happen in the next novel and due to it's size it could have just been part of the next one. The series overall is fun to read and I am enjoying it but the books seem to be shorter and shorter and for a fantasy novel I like them to be long and complex. Other than that no big complaints.
December 21, 2021
In long series I love when the focus can switch between main characters. Being eight books in I'm all in on all the mains, and I think Myrrima is one of my favorites, even though the focus is mostly on Borenson. Something I've really enjoyed with the books since Gaborn's children, mainly Fallion, took over as the main character is the villains. This book revealed a wonderful villain in Crull Maldor. I'm always interested in creatures like wyrmling's and I feel like Crull Maldor has an interesting motivation. I've really enjoyed this series so far and I will surely plan on continuing.
June 8, 2022
A little irritated and a little pleased. Borensen's story is more interesting than the main plot, tbh. But the lack of any real conclusion (the end feels very rushed) and . I was about to be done with the Runelords, but I guess Farland accomplished something by getting me to admit I'll want to read book 9 -- though the goodreads description of the book sounds like it might anger me. I've no interest in the prequels, so my Runelords journey is almost done.
July 9, 2025
3.0/5
The best of the Scions of the Earth bunch by far, definitely in terms of character work and depth.
Not sure if there was ever a desire to finish this, or if Farland just wanted to keep writing darker 'no-hope' stories in an ongoing universe? In either case these last four books in particular are plagued with dropped plot threads and more guns on the mantlepiece than a Chekhov's arsenal. No sense of satisfaction at all in this continuation, with the exception of a good Borenson continuation.
The best of the Scions of the Earth bunch by far, definitely in terms of character work and depth.
Not sure if there was ever a desire to finish this, or if Farland just wanted to keep writing darker 'no-hope' stories in an ongoing universe? In either case these last four books in particular are plagued with dropped plot threads and more guns on the mantlepiece than a Chekhov's arsenal. No sense of satisfaction at all in this continuation, with the exception of a good Borenson continuation.
March 25, 2021
I was hoping for things to wrap up so if the cliffhangers from the last book but we get a completely new plot line. That being said, the plot line is really good and the characters are familiar so after the initial disappointment of things not getting resolved, I sat back and enjoyed the story.
August 17, 2022
Enjoying the story but like many of these franchises what starts like a trilogy morphs into several books and you complete a read with the plot effectively at the same place you left it when the book started.
April 18, 2023
I will miss this series. The author died before completing it. I downloaded what I thought was the last book in the series only to get an unrelated short story. Had fun reading all the previous books.
February 25, 2024
Such a great continuation of the Runelords series. This book had me invested and interested the whole time. I can’t believe the ending. My jaw literally dropped and I froze. A great series and super excited to read the next!!!!!!
March 22, 2018
enjoyed this book,keep me wanting to keep reading
December 11, 2018
My favorite character in the series got shafted, once again. And my second favorite acted nothing like herself...excited for the final installment though, whenever it comes out.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
June 4, 2022
Strong book. I really liked it. The finish was a bit weak to me.
October 16, 2022
I just wasn't ready for all the heartbreak💔. Fantastic book and I'm praying the final book David wrote wraps everything up because there is quite a bit to cover. Love this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 18, 2024I never finished it, the story kinda drifted to dimensions and I just didn't find that fascinating at all.
October 10, 2025
I'm not getting the character development and details that usually fill out the individuals so it just doesn't leave me feeling like I've had a decent "meal" of a book.
March 16, 2011
(Repost from http://drying-ink.blogspot.com/2010/1... )
Yes, it's taken a while! But before my review, a quick apology - Chaosbound is not the last book in the Runelords series, which I had previously thought it was. Unfortunately, I won't be reading further into this series - a pity, since I loved the first four books and would highly recommend them to anybody in search of an epic fantasy with some morally grey areas as well.
Chaosbound backtracks from the plot of the previous novels of the Runelords' second arc. Abandoning Fallion and Talon, we return to Myrrima and Borenson, two characters from the first arc changed considerably by time - and now the impact of the binding of two worlds into one. Borenson merges with Aath Ulber, a beserker and a giant among men. Borenson's son, Draken, has also fallen in love with the daughter of some ex-noble squatters on the Borenson estate. However, within a few pages of the two fathers' agreement to co-operate, Walkin is completely decharacterised into a designated antagonist, as he attempts to murder Borenson and his family for salvage. This gives Borenson an excuse to show off his new beserker rage, and for pretty much every other character to become terrified of him, and now even Walkins' daughter regards him as "petty and mean". I particularly dislike this approach to characterisation, especially as the two characters could have presented a more ethically gray argument by co-operating with their different attitudes. Instead, any difficulty is resolved by one attempting to murder the other. As Borenson leaves "Landesfallen" for the mainland, he becomes engaged in humanity's land stand against the wyrmlings.
Compared to the first books, focusing on some definite threats, but also the reactions of humanity, Chaosbound is a book painting in black and white, and little else. The wyrmlins have eyes that are "soulless and cruel". In the viewpoint of one of them, they actually aim to do evil. I mean, just how black can you get? The world/s have also become a little overmagical for my taste. Now, I like both high- and low-magic worlds, but the Runelords really only worked well with a few magical abilities and creatures: rather than the sort of extreme spells that have characterised the recent novels. I loved the forcibles - irons that could transfer an attribute from one person into another, leaving the first wholly bereft. It was an excellent, simple system that really worked in context. Aath Ulber's use of it - to create a "super-warrior" - is completely contrary to the first series, as even Raj Ahten, with thousands of times Borenson's endowments (transfers of attributes) failed. Furthermore, even the ending seems tacked-on.
Ultimately, for me, it's a disappointment. However, some may enjoy the high, slightly mixed-up magic setting, and Aath Ulber's journey through the changed world, but for me, it's a step down from books 1-4. It's still readable and some parts do work well, but overall, it's not a great book for me. :(
4.25/10
Yes, it's taken a while! But before my review, a quick apology - Chaosbound is not the last book in the Runelords series, which I had previously thought it was. Unfortunately, I won't be reading further into this series - a pity, since I loved the first four books and would highly recommend them to anybody in search of an epic fantasy with some morally grey areas as well.
Chaosbound backtracks from the plot of the previous novels of the Runelords' second arc. Abandoning Fallion and Talon, we return to Myrrima and Borenson, two characters from the first arc changed considerably by time - and now the impact of the binding of two worlds into one. Borenson merges with Aath Ulber, a beserker and a giant among men. Borenson's son, Draken, has also fallen in love with the daughter of some ex-noble squatters on the Borenson estate. However, within a few pages of the two fathers' agreement to co-operate, Walkin is completely decharacterised into a designated antagonist, as he attempts to murder Borenson and his family for salvage. This gives Borenson an excuse to show off his new beserker rage, and for pretty much every other character to become terrified of him, and now even Walkins' daughter regards him as "petty and mean". I particularly dislike this approach to characterisation, especially as the two characters could have presented a more ethically gray argument by co-operating with their different attitudes. Instead, any difficulty is resolved by one attempting to murder the other. As Borenson leaves "Landesfallen" for the mainland, he becomes engaged in humanity's land stand against the wyrmlings.
Compared to the first books, focusing on some definite threats, but also the reactions of humanity, Chaosbound is a book painting in black and white, and little else. The wyrmlins have eyes that are "soulless and cruel". In the viewpoint of one of them, they actually aim to do evil. I mean, just how black can you get? The world/s have also become a little overmagical for my taste. Now, I like both high- and low-magic worlds, but the Runelords really only worked well with a few magical abilities and creatures: rather than the sort of extreme spells that have characterised the recent novels. I loved the forcibles - irons that could transfer an attribute from one person into another, leaving the first wholly bereft. It was an excellent, simple system that really worked in context. Aath Ulber's use of it - to create a "super-warrior" - is completely contrary to the first series, as even Raj Ahten, with thousands of times Borenson's endowments (transfers of attributes) failed. Furthermore, even the ending seems tacked-on.
Ultimately, for me, it's a disappointment. However, some may enjoy the high, slightly mixed-up magic setting, and Aath Ulber's journey through the changed world, but for me, it's a step down from books 1-4. It's still readable and some parts do work well, but overall, it's not a great book for me. :(
4.25/10
December 22, 2010
I was excited to hear that this book would star my favorite warrior, Borenson and his wife. It was great seeing him enjoy the retired life. He was content and finally at peace. Then that crappy world collided with ours and he merged with a "true human", turning him into a monster.
He became the warrior of old and so much more. My problem was when the two merged, I had hoped that Borenson would remain dominant. Nope, not so much as a whimper. One positive is this guy reminds me of Wolverine in beserker mode. If you love Wolverine, this new character is for you.
I'll continue reading the series for two reasons: 1. my friend recommended it to me and 2. it has many elements that I like. I'll stick through it. It's just not my favorite series.
You decide.
He became the warrior of old and so much more. My problem was when the two merged, I had hoped that Borenson would remain dominant. Nope, not so much as a whimper. One positive is this guy reminds me of Wolverine in beserker mode. If you love Wolverine, this new character is for you.
I'll continue reading the series for two reasons: 1. my friend recommended it to me and 2. it has many elements that I like. I'll stick through it. It's just not my favorite series.
You decide.
August 6, 2011
Overall I was very disappointed in this book. A slow moving read, that leaves you wishing you'd started a different series. This book felt like it could have been two or three long chapters in a great book as opposed to the entire piece of a mediocre novel. I gave this book 3 stars because I do enjoy the concept of the entire series, and the characters, while flat in this book are exciting throughout the entire series... I guess in the end I gave the book 3 stars in part because of the author's past performance. I'd only read this if your a dedicated fan of the series... Me? I'm just hoping that the author picks it up in the coming books and regains some of the glory that grabbed me early on.
December 25, 2014
I really enjoyed the story, the author seems to have his groove back and of course the narrator is fantastic.
However, I'm left feeling quite cheated....such is the way of life though. I understand there is or was a Book 9 but it's been pulled from publication and the story can't have ended where it did, but it has; I believe there is enough left hanging in the story for 2 more books which would allow for an epic ending similar to that in the first 4 books. I have a feeling we will be left in chaos just as the story is due to the death of the author's wife and his son's illness both of which I'm truly sorry to hear about.
With the possible exception of book 5 this has been a great series, but alas, appears to end without ending.
However, I'm left feeling quite cheated....such is the way of life though. I understand there is or was a Book 9 but it's been pulled from publication and the story can't have ended where it did, but it has; I believe there is enough left hanging in the story for 2 more books which would allow for an epic ending similar to that in the first 4 books. I have a feeling we will be left in chaos just as the story is due to the death of the author's wife and his son's illness both of which I'm truly sorry to hear about.
With the possible exception of book 5 this has been a great series, but alas, appears to end without ending.
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