Rune Empire

Runebound Series, Book 1

By: Sandell Wall

Narrated by: Steven Brand

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Four hundred years ago the Alkomian Empire clawed its way from the long dark, uniting the splintered factions of mankind under one banner. Harnessing the mysterious power of runes, the empire of man spread across the land, exploring and inhabiting the ancient fortresses that they plundered for runestones. For centuries humanity has stood unopposed, masters of their own destiny.

Until now.

In the east a darkness stirs. An evil beyond myth and memory sends its agents to plant the seeds of mankind's destruction. From the forgotten wastelands the vanguard of an invasion starts its slow but inexorable march.

On the border of the empire a novice blacksmith, disillusioned with his life, dreams of challenge and adventure.

In the imperial palace a young soldier embarks on her first mission as a member of the most elite fighting force in the empire.

As ruin descends upon the empire, two young heroes will be forged from blood and chaos.

©2017 Sandell Wall (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Good book, a little short

Definitely liked the book, I usually don't get books this short. the downside to short books is not as much history or back story. for this one, the magic system could have used more explanation. with all that said I would recomend and will be purchasing the rest as they come

It could be interesting

The concept is intriguing. The execution feels ok. I have a hard time with one of the MC being a member of the elite guard, yet not that great at fighting....maybe the qualifications are very low???

There is a bit of the undead hordes coming through in the is book...and I will say that its an interesting approach to dark/grey/bright/light....so don't expect everything to be cut and dry in this book. However, as this approach was a plus overall, it wasn't executed well with the male MC. I never felt convinced of decision process. Its kinda sad that I actually felt most of the secondary characters actions/responses were better thought out then the MCs.

The ending is..ugh....hey, come buy more books.

Its a 50/50 shot on a recommendation, part of this is because of the ending. If the second book is good, its probably a good lead in....but somehow I am worried.

Worth it

I generally don’t leave reviews and this is more an answer to another review. I’ve been reading and listening to fantasy fiction for a long time. I’ve run into a situation where it has become difficult to find good stories. If you’re in the same boat I would recommend this series. It’s entertaining, has a good story, and is fairly well written and delivered. If you are concerned about it being leftist propaganda you can rest easy. I almost didn’t get this series due to the wildly misleading review about its politics. There is no way a reasonable person would see this as leftist propaganda or social justice warrior rhetoric. Some people see their politics in everything.

Very good book

I got this book mainly because I really like listening to Steven Brand. I see some reviews where he is criticized and at times it is not quite clear who is talking but despite that, I think he is a great narrator. I had low expectations for the book but within 2 or 3 chapters I was hooked. The story moves along quickly and I always couldn't wait to get back to back to the book to see what was going to happen next.

Awesome

I really enjoyed the story and the presentation. I hope book 2 is released soon.

Even a the excellent Steven Brand couldn't save it

Coming of age stories are not my cup of tea, coming of age stories with leftist crap are less so.

Maybe I am just getting too old but the Social Justice Warrior Princes turned elite fighter with the wisdom of a fly meets disgruntled narcissistic blacksmith is as far as I got. Maybe it gets better maybe not but when a character thinks to herself assassination is just to evil for a power hungry slave owner I lost all interest.

I might be wrong but I just couldn't continue this book.