Runes of the Prime

The Rune Fire Cycle, Book 2

By: Lance VanGundy

Narrated by: Edward James Beesley

Length: 14 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

“What kind of home are we returning to that a man has to be able to defend himself with the sword?”

These heavy thoughts preoccupy Bryndor, who is trapped in the Valley of the Cloud Walkers. Violent supernatural storms devastate the summit of the Korjinth Mountains, insulating and isolating any in the valley. He uses the time to train with the sword to understand his wolvryn companion and something of his place in the world.

In Aarindorn, Karragin leads Outriders on missions against grotvonen. But something else lurks among the hordes under the mountains, something that hints at the resurgence of an evil thought long ago vanquished.

Not all challenges rise from the arcane. The regent of Aarindorn struggles to hold together a kingdom threatened by dark forces without and the Lacuna within. His scribe, Ksenia, bears witness to the growing tide of unrest. Despite her desire to remain above the politics in Stone’s Grasp, she finds herself steeped in its controversies.

When all of these forces collide, who will survive the devastation? Can the runes of the prime channel enough zenith to shape the future of Karsk?

©2021 Lance VanGundy (P)2022 Lance VanGundy

Great things await

Wow... just... wow and the ending!!! I'm a listener who likes to be taken along on the ride and this was a fun one.

The first book was a great intro, this one much is more sophisticated in terms of pacing, the complexity of plot lines, and the "full circle" from start to finish. Wow, I just loved it. The chapters ended with driveway moments making me listen longer when I got home.

I loved the expanding world, the character arcs, the action, and even the different obstacles, and monsters. Ksenia is shaping up to be a cool addition, I'm a sucker for animal "familiars" and I love how this story incorporates intelligent creatures. I can't wait to see more of her and 'Nikka.

The narrator really found his voice here, so much better. His pacing was on par with the greats in this genre and I enjoyed this much more than book 1. His unique and varied voices and dialects were great.

Finally, every fantasy book needs a "Savnah". "By the Giver" she better stick around in book three or "The Takers can kiss my salty *&%$!"
I can't wait for the next one! PS I'm stealing some of the swears for my real life haha.

Great story set in a very rich, detailed world.

The first thing I look for in a book is a good story. But I love a world with depth and breadth. To have an author offer such a detailed world is a treat. Never have I seen one offered just two books into a series; an absolute delight. Eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series.

The Captivating Story

I read many types of books, but not recently been in those of fantasy. I find myself enjoying these first two books "Rune" immensely and eager to read the Third. I finished the second book prior to the Third being added to Audible and was extremely disappointed but kept checking and now I'm on to book number three. I love the series!