The Sum of All Men

The Runelords, Book 1

By: David Farland

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 21 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

David Farland's acclaimed Runelords series introduces a world where the social structure is based upon the magical exchange of "endowments" such as stamina, grace, and wit. The Runelords are those who receive these endowments from their vassals, becoming superhuman in exchange for the responsibility of caring for those they have deprived of strength, or beauty, or sight.

Young Prince Gaborn of Mystarria is traveling in disguise on a journey to ask for the hand of the lovely Princess Iome of Sylvarresta. Armed with his gifts of strength and perception, the prince and his bodyguard stop at a local tavern, where they spot a pair of assassins who have their sights set on Princess Iome's father. As they race to warn the king, they realize that more than the royal family is at risk—the very fate of the Earth is in jeopardy.

©1998 David Farland (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

This should be made as an anime.

Very well written. The narrator spoke very clear. Forceful at first, but completely entertaining through out his performance. I haven't read nor thought of the concept the author had incorporated with the idea of Runes. If you're a Tolkien, or Terry Brooks fan, you'll absolutely love this book. I do wish they make an anime of this.

I almost didn't down load this...

I'm glad I did, it turned out to be a fascinating listen. I really enjoyed it it took a couple chapters to get into it. Once I did it was a great book.

Creative

I rate the quality of the writing as amateur drivel at best, but I give it 3 stars because, while it shares many platitudes of similar writings in this genre, it is otherwise refreshingly creative.
The reader does a good job changing voices throughout to keep the dialogue easy to follow, but his pronunciation is inconsistent which I find mildly irritating.

Nice Book

Where does The Sum of All Men rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not the very best but it was good and enjoyable

Any additional comments?

The beginning was a little slow, but it picked up nicely.

Exceptional concept and fantastic execution!

What an absolute treat. Not only is the endowment system unique and well balanced but i am intrigued by the magics mentioned both blatant and subtle. I am going to devour the next book to find out more. Go Earth King!!!

A good idea but inexpertly executed

So much promise in such an excellent and novel idea. I applaud the world building because the detail and breath of it was superb. The idea behind not only the story, but also the characters and plot was turgid with promise.

What then ailed this potential filled book? Sloppy, inexpert execution by an unproven writer brandishing his novitiate. It's unfortunate because a practiced hand could have carried this book into the archives of fantasy legend, but now the tale is wasted in the dunes of would-be greatness.

Loved it

Little slow at first but an amazing story! Every character has an interesting background and motivations. The story pulled me in the more I listened. Narration is great too!

Pointless Violence

Listening in the evening, I fell asleep while listening. I awoke to a complicated scene, which ended up going no where with the potentially interesting characters dead or lobotomized. I’m returning the book.

amazing story. well written, and eveloping.

This book was very captivating. from the start it is exceptionally detailed pulling you into the world. loved it.

Couldn't Keep the Book in My Hands

What made the experience of listening to The Sum of All Men the most enjoyable?

Interesting facts and details people and animals, i.e., a saddle that smelled of oil, bakers using the foam from the ale for leaven, and characters I cared to see fall in love and survive against impossible odds. I was introduced to magic I'd never imagined before. It was fascinating.

What other book might you compare The Sum of All Men to and why?

First time I've read a fantasy novel, and now I realize what I've been missing. I shared it with my son in-law who reads that genre and he agreed it was compelling.

Have you listened to any of Ray Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Loved the emphasis, the expressions, the accent of his voice. I would read anything he performed.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me shudder, gasp, cry, laugh, even talk aloud, "OMGosh" Yes the full range of emotions and surprise. The last few scenes wrapped up the characters and held every bit as much intrigue and weight as at the first, and the very last line of the book gave me chills.

Any additional comments?

I couldn't keep this book in my hands because everyone else wanted to read it. I bought it three times, two paperback and the last one here on Audible where I could finally finish it. It was worth the wait, and I'm ready to grab the next book!