Awakened Runes

The Rune Fire Cycle, Book 1

By: Lance VanGundy

Narrated by: Edward James Beesley

Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

“Eyes to the horizon” were the last words the king spoke to his wife before the abrogator channeled dark power and murdered them both. Their deaths activated an enchantment that concealed their two sons’ identity and allowed the king’s brother, Kaellor, to escape from Aarindorn with the heirs to the Southlands.

For 12 years, Kaellor raises the boys in relative anonymity. Without explanation, the barrier concealing their identity frays. The abrogators renew their hunt, and the three begin a journey fraught with otherworldly dangers.

Back in Aarindorn, Karragin, daughter of the Regent, ascends to leadership among the Outriders, but political intrigue threatens her family at every step. She survives one assassination attempt but uncovers something even more sinister threatening the kingdom.

Between them all, Laryn struggles to find her path in the Valley of the Cloudwalkers. Her fate is entwined with the others, but first, she must survive the dangers at the summit of the Korjinth Mountains.

How will the brothers react to the trappings of destiny? What hope do two teenagers and a middle-aged map maker have against those aligned with the forces of the underworld?

When you strip everything from a man not once but twice, what are the limits to his vengeance?

Enter Book 1 of the Rune Fire Cycle.

©2020 Lance VanGundy (P)2020 Lance VanGundy

Can’t Wait for More!

I can’t stop thinking about the story and the characters!! This book has everything a fantasy lover wants - characters that grab you, action, cool powers, good vs evil, and romance. The plot totally has me and I can’t wait for the next book!!

Cool introduction to a new series

This book opens the door to a rich world with fantasy trappings: a magic system with dark and light, swordplay, intelligent creatures, maybe a budding romance, destiny, and more. The world-building is rich and I enjoyed feeling "placed" into different scenes.

The narrator was slightly grandiose at times for my taste but his unique voices, the ease of telling different characters apart - that made up for it and he gets better. Not a lot of narrators place as much energy into varying the cast of characters, so kudos. (I forgot to write this review until after book 2 which is much better).

I found maps and character art on the author's web page - loved that.

Can't wait for the rest of the series!

What is the audio book version of a page turner?

I really enjoyed this book! I'm a Sci-fi guy from way back and rarely step over to the fantasy side of things. Tolkien and Lewis are about it. But VanGundy got me hooked on these characters from the very beginning. He's crafted a rich and vivid universe. Often an author has a good story to tell but needs several outings to fill out the world/universe his stories are set in. Here is a large, complex world I look forward to discovering as the series continues.

The narrator comes off as a little campy for my tastes. He does great voices for the various characters, but the narration of the action is a bit overwrought.

This book is written for adults or late teens and is not for the very young. As a paramedic I can see VanGundy's experience in emergency medicine in several scenes which accurately describe injuries and what they would like in the real world. For me, this adds to the richness of the narration, but I would not read this my kids as I would Lewis.

Bottom line: This is the audio book version of a page turner. Eager for rest of the series!

Fantasy comes to life!

The author wrote this in a way to bring the characters and mythical creatures come to life! The description of their activity is so precise, I could see it. This is a new type book for me I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it. I am now eagerly starting Book ll! This author has an incredible imagination!