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The Runes of the Earth cover art

The Runes of the Earth

By: Stephen Donaldson
Narrated by: Anton Lesser
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Summary

In 1977, Stephen Donaldson changed the face of epic fantasy with the publication of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever. Thomas Covenant is struck down with a disease believed eradicated; he is abandoned by his wife and son and becomes a pariah. Alone and despairing, Covenant falls, and is drawn into a mysterious new world, where gentle people work magic and the earth itself brings healing. He is welcomed as the reincarnation of a legendary saviour, but Covenant refuses to believe. At the end of the sixth book, as Covenant battles to save the world, he is killed, in both worlds, as Dr. Linden Avery, his horrified companion, looks on.

Now comes the book every fantasy reader has been waiting for. It's 10 years later, and Linden Avery thought she would never see the Land, or Covenant, again. But Lord Foul has stolen her adopted son, and is unmaking the very laws of nature. And though she believes Covenant dead, he keeps sending Linden messages: "Find me", and "Don't trust me". The Land is in turmoil, and Lord Foul has plans for them all.

©2004 Stephen Donaldson (P)2005 Orion Publishing Group Ltd.

What listeners say about The Runes of the Earth

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

I can't take any more!

I enjoyed Donaldson's previous two books - despite having to make a determined effort to wade through to the end of the second one - and left it a while before considering him again. Seeing the audiobook I thought I might give it a try but by 30 minutes in I discovered I'd had all I could take of this series. The relentless doom and gloom, crises and trauma noooo!

I'm sure it's a good narration though!

Thomas Covenant could never just have a cold could he? 'Covenants nose streamed like a ceaseless tide of weeping pestilence, racking each breath with a thousand knives piercing his living tissue to the core and making each step a living nighmarish hell.' etc etc

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31 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Runes of the Earth

I enjoyed this greatly. The reader did an excellent job and wasn't intrusive or quirky. I want the next in the series as quickly as possible.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Depressing hard work - gave up

What disappointed you about The Runes of the Earth?

As reflected in other reviews, Linden Avery is just so depressing. Maybe an ok read for others - I didn't need the pathos!

What about Anton Lesser’s performance did you like?

Narrator is fine

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Nothing like the 1st Chronicles of Thomas Covenant

Maybe it's because I decided to listen to as an audio book. Doesn't touch 1st trilogy, ofwhich I couldn't put the first Trilogy of the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.
It's exciting but is a pale comparison to the first Trilogy.. Such a shame.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Runes of Earth

This story continues a series I first read some twenty years ago in the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. The story of Thomas's girlfriend / partner, Linden Avery trying to fins her son is every bit as gripping as the first two series about Thomas and Linden. If anything the narration enhances the story Donaldson so enthralling wrote.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Donalson s triumph

loved it, amazing so good to be back in tbe "land" with all the familiar characters still there, cant wait for the next book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Tough wading at times, but definitely worth it!

The Land is an extraordinary place, and Anton Lesser does a grand job. Excellent story

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing book

Great performance by Anton very gripping and he makes it seem very real like you where part of the the land 👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Well read gripping story capturing the essential values of the book look forward to the next book to complete this excellent series


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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Epic!

I have always loved the writing of Donaldson and in the eighties - last century - eagerly awaited their publication. I am not sure he should have continued but I will wait to see what the last one of the trilogy of trilogies is like. Why are there no movies!!!

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