The Sum of All Men cover art

The Sum of All Men

The Runelords, Book 1

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The Sum of All Men

By: David Farland
Narrated by: Ray Porter
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About this listen

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. Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Royalty

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All stars
Most relevant
that's a nice surprise, i really love that first book, wonders how it'll turns out in the next books, but for now, I'm onboard!

I'm in!

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A friend told me that I would enjoy these books. He was not wrong I cant wait to get into book 2, I did not think I could find a book like this something fresh after the hundreds of books I have read it can be hard to find new fresh ideas. However with the Runelords I have found a fresh and interesting store

The Runelords

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To steal the "attributes" of a fellow human being to better yourself is a frankly disgusting concept that I can't get past - there's no way to make that into an enjoyable story! Even the "good guys" are Hitlers!

Perhaps this is an allegory - but I missed it

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Entertaining and gripping story but I find the main character selfish, stupid and annoying

Can't get along with main character

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Where to start with this, overall the story just does enough to keep you engaged. Its not for te lack of plot or effort put into the writing more so quite the opposite. Its the over population of characters in the important early stages of the book that kept throwing me off. It was simply down to the Mc's side characters that i finally got who was with who and where. character names don't help they are for the most part not names that stick in your mind either. With all this in mind the overwhelming amount of detail written in to the book at times is needed others its not.
It really is one of those either love it or not sort of books.
The narrator is pretty good considering the size of the task he had in front of him.

Probably the most odd review ill write.

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While the plot jumped around somewhat the overall story was interesting and kept my attention. Typically numbers were exaggerated beyond belief giving the book a low level of credence. The principle characters were not well fleshed out and it therefore lacked any real depth. Yet, it kept me interested so as long as you don’t expect too much from it it’s worth a listed. A good ‘actor’ helped a lot, very well voiced.

Decent story

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It took me a little while to get into this book but it really was worth it !!

Surprisingly good

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wonderfully written, and performed superbly. these adventures were a joy to be drawn into.
the only downside was that it ended rather too quickly; I feel there should have been so much more.

Totally absorbing

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After reading the good reviews I decided to add this to my library. The narrator was good and defined each character well There's nothing wrong with the story it's just not what I find entertaining I prefer a lot more magic than tales of knights, Kingdoms and wars. I did listen until the end but it became more of background noise as I found myself losing my concentration. If you like knights with tales of chivalry and fair maidens you'll probably enjoy it

sadly not for me

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An amazing book, a fantastic writer and well delivered by the reader. loved every minute of it. David Farland really draws in the reader with his detailed descriptions of his locations and unique magic system, I've never seen anything quite like it. A very immersive book to listen to and I found myself getting through hours upon hours of the book at a time. A very big thank you to Farland for writing it and to Porter for his reading and effort he made to bring the characters to life.

An all time favourite book of mine

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