[Warewolf]

Hey guys,

There are three series out right now that I'm kinda interested in, but I'd like to know if you all think they're worth reading. I haven't really seen any comments about them on the boards:

David Farland's Runelords
Harry Turtledove's World at War
David Drake's Lord of the Isles

Any opinions? HA! Maybe I should ask, "Any comments?" since there seem to be a profusion of opinions on this board http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Brendan]

the runelords series is well worth reading tis unique in certain aspects especially the process of endowments also its a darn good story and the first three books are available now. at the moment there is no definate release date for book #4 of runelords its not on tors release schedule up to august and there have been mutterings about them not really focusing on his work the runelords forum can be found at www.malazan.com (http://www.malazan.com) if you want to ask more people who know as for the other series i dont have a clue

[This message has been edited by Brendan (edited January 03, 2002).]

[JohnH]

Runelords -- rather dull and uninspiring dreck. The whole endowment thing could be interesting except for the fact that 'Farland' is rather a bad writer.

I have not read Turtledove's series. I did read his Videssos cycle which had promise but ended up being rather plodding by the end.

Same for Drake. Though Drake is clearly the best of the three. His series has turned from a WoT clone (with some clever and interesting original bits that could have redeemed the whole thing) into an endless and rather typical 'companions get separated only to find each other at the end' cycle that has gotten almost mind-numbing in its repetition.

[Cadfael]

I like Runelords, granted... the 1st book, The Sum Of All Men is a bit weak in its narrative, but the other two books published so far... The Brotherhood of The Wolf and Wizardborn show a vast improvement with Farland's writing.

[Iceman]

I found the Runelords series quite fascinating. However I thought the first and third installments were excellent however the second was a bit shabby.

[estranghero]

I would like to agree with JohnH's assessment on David Drake's series, "Lord of the Isles".

However, having said that, I continue to read the series as a *gulp!* guilty pleasure.

"Runelords", on the other hand, is a mixed review for me.

It had potential but the scale of the number of deaths, bonded(?) people, and armies seemed to be unbelievable for me. Though I'm curious on how the series resolves itself, I'm not going to hunt for the books seriously.

I know, I'm weird... http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Qin]

Tried reading Runelords; but I couldn't maintain interest. It read like generic "safe" fantasy. Very bland and derivative. The writing style was forgettable as was the typical high fantasy pseudo-medieval setting.

I think I can safely say that it's skippable fluff.

[Alucard]

What didn't sit well with me about runelords was the whole endowments thing. I just don't really but it. Why would anyone give up their metabolism or any of the other vital functions? I know there were explanations, but even still, it seemed a little far-fecthed. (I've only read half of the first novel as of now, so this could be subject to change).

As for drake, didn't like him at all. Couldn't get through the first book. Didn't like the writing and none of the characters were all that interesting. I've heard his sci-fi stuff is better.

Never read turtledove.

[Bardos]

I've read all the Runelord novels so far. They kept me entertained enought. Not something great, but good, nonetheless, I think. Though, I, too, like Alucard, cannot buy that endowments thing. Why would anyone give endowments?? He must be an utter fool, at least the way I see it.
Also, Farland's numbers are kind of scary. How many times can someone draw hundreds of thousands with a wave of his hand?
But all in all, an enjoyable series.

[jiels]

Hmmmmm

Farland's Runelords
I've read the first 2 and it's....fair, imo. Not great but not horrible either. The series has a lot of potential but I have my doubts as to if Farland can realize that. If your a fan of unending epics (ala WoT and ASoI&F) you may like it. It's nowhere near as good(writing wise) as WoT and ASoI&F, but there are some interesting ideas being presented. It could turn into something great yet.....


Turtledove: Is the World at War his take on WW 1 and 2? The one based in a fantasy world? If it is then I read that. I didn't really enjoy it that much as you know the story as soon as you figure out which country represents our worlds real life counterpart. Turtledove's version of magical warfare is intriguing but doesn't carry the story past the first book. I would suggest his Videssos Cycle and Tales of Krispos. I have fond memories of them. Of course my memories are often wrong when it comes to books. My tastes have matured since when I was young. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

Drake's Island series: I haven't read the newest one yet. These really aren't that good. They can be considered bubblegum fantasy. Very light reading, imo. The good thing is the world Drake has built. If only there was a better storyline and characters. Of course light reading can be good, especially when you just want to kill a few hours, and that's why I read them. (I think http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif)