The Runes of the Earth

The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant

By: Stephen R. Donaldson

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 27 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Since their publication more than two decades ago, the initial six books in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series have sold more than six million copies and have been published in 10 countries around the world. Now, starting with The Runes of the Earth, Stephen R. Donaldson returns with a quartet of new Covenant novels that are certain to satisfy his millions of fans, and attract countless new followers.

In the original series, a man (living in our world and in our time) is mysteriously struck down with a disease long since believed to have been eradicated. He becomes a pariah in his small town and is abandoned by his wife who departs with their infant son. Alone and despairing, Thomas Covenant falls and, while unconscious, is transported to a fantastic world in which a battle for the soul of the land is being waged. Christened "The Unbeliever", for he is convinced the world is only an illusion, a dream, he finds himself slowly forced to accept the role that seems to be his destiny: savior of the Land.

At the end of the sixth book, Covenant is killed, both in the real world and in the Land, as his companion, Linden Avery, looks on in horror. His death is both the ultimate sacrifice...and his redemption.

At the opening of The Runes of Earth, 10 years have passed. Linden Avery comes home one day to find her child building images of the Land with blocks, and senses a terrible foreboding. She had thought that she would never again be summoned to the Land, nor ever again see her beloved Thomas Covenant. But in the Land, evil is unmaking the very laws of nature.

©2004 Stephen R. Donaldson (P)2004 Penguin Audio and Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A reawakening of a classic fantasy saga.” (Library Journal)

“Startlingly original antiheroic fantasy resonating with echoes of both Tolkien and Philip K. Dick.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Impressive...filled with splendid inventions.” (Booklist)

Classic Stephen R. Donaldson, superior Narration

If you have ever enjoyed one of Donaldson’s Covenant books, you’ve enjoyed an exploration of morality, introspective contemplation and adventure. This book embraces the same approach to exploring issues large and small. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable romp. And, I can’t wait to dive into the next...

The Land Revisted -- 20 Years Later

I am going to make this short and sweet...I decided to reread the the first 6 books about 3 years ago. I had just turned 30 and I wanted to see if those books would hold up to the greatness that my memory gave them. Strangely enough, I found that my least favorite book as a child, The One Tree, became my favorite book as an adult. I feel that this new book has the same tone that The One Tree has, but set in the Land rather than the rest of the world. Back to the short part of the review that I promised: I love it. It is exactly what I hoped it would be...

Great book, well told!

This was a vivid and imaginatively enunciated telling Ave very good story which I enjoyed listening to.

good but flawed

often rambled on, eliciting an oh just do it already" reaction. Main character doesn't grow in confidence or courage....always doubtful.

Donaldson's Best Storyline by His Best Reader!

OK, yes, Donaldson can kind of ramble once in a while, but very few and far between. I've read the Paper Books, listened to the Audio Books, re-read the Paper Books, and am now re-listening to the Audio Books. The stories (all TEN of them) are ALL amazing and Scott Brick is astounding when reading them. Not all of his stuff is great (sorry Scott), but you can just TELL that he loves these stories and loves these characters. He reads it just like my mind sees it. No bigger compliment with me. Great read. (Listen?)

Donaldson as Donaldson.

Well his vocabulary remains sky high. The story is slow, but fine. I missed the Land.

Looking forward to the next one.

Its ok

Would you try another book from Stephen R. Donaldson and/or Scott Brick?

As a reader Scott Brick is awesome. Stephen R. Donaldson has great ideas, but his execution has much to be desired. However, it is worth is for the ideas.

Any additional comments?

The problem here is that for some reason book 2 of this series has not been released in audio. There is no way I will ever get anymore books in this series unless book 2 is released in audio.

My personal favorite book series of all time.

I started with "Lord Foul's Bane" in 1979. This has been my life's chronicle. Thank you, Mr Donaldson!

Glutten for angst

I agree with the first review about the characters, I also agree with the review that was disappointed audible has not got the second book yet and the third will be out in early 2011. I also wish that Audible would get Mordents need on audio ASAP. I love those books and now that I am having more trouble with the eyes I can not read paper books easily. I have been enjoying the books from back in the day like the adept series they have finally gotten. I digress looking forward to reading the last chronicles trying to look past the agnst of the characters. Get a backbone right!

the rhunes of earth

yuk, more of the same from donaldson! i thought he might redeem himself with this book. no such luck. boring