The Western King (The Rune Blade Trilogy, Book 2) [Mass Market Paperback]

Ann Marston (Author)

Book Description

Series: Rune Blade Trilogy | Publication Date: August 23, 1996

The Rune Blade

The wanderer Red Kian has ruled Skai as Regent, but now it is time for him to step down. War clouds are gathering. Maedun sorcerers have taken the continent, and Saesnesi raiders are pillaging the islands.

But Kian has three sons. One is a prince of Skai blood, one is a wizard touched by Tyadda fire, and one is a dreamer who longs to unite the Celi against their enemies. Which will inherit the rune blade known as Kingmaker? Which will have the power to confront the Black Riders who bring darkness like a cloak to cover the land?

The answer will surprise you. Just as it surprises them.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ann Marston grew up back and forth across most of Canada, and now lives in Edmonton, Alberta. She has worked as a teacher, a flight instructor, an airline pilot and an airport manager and is deeply involved in her local Adult Literacy Project. She has two children, Laura who is a fourth generation pilot, and Daniel, who is a computer genius, and is currently owned by three cats, Pixel, Canrith Backspin, and Friend, who continually try to organize her but haven't quite succeeded. She writes fantasy because everyone knows pilots don't live in the real world anyway.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Harper Voyager (August 23, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061056286
• ISBN-13: 978-0061056284
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,515,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark and captivating, January 16, 2000

By 

Sarah E. Morin - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Western King (The Rune Blade Trilogy, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

After reading Kingmaker's Sword, I was actually reluctant to read the sequel, for the simple reason that I didn't think it would live up to the predecessor. Was I wrong! The Western King succeeds on many levels, though not necessarily in the same ways that Kingmaker's Sword does. The humor here is muted in exchange for a very strong sense of fate and sacrifice. The actions centers around Kian's three sons: Keylan and his younger twin brothers, Tiernyn and Donaugh. I felt immediately drawn to Donaugh, who, as youngest brother, constantly (and willingly) stands in his brother's shadow. Although Donaugh is indeed the main character, his character remains shrouded in mystery even at the end of the book. I approve of this. The combination of his sense of compassion and duty and destiny is compelling. Donaugh, seemingly overlooked by the gods, slowly becomes their tool, the salvation of his people, and the "blood and bone" of Celi. His powers are never fully revealed, even at the end, which makes his silent life of service all the more intriguing. Not every character is so thoughtfully painted. Despite his supposed charisma, I never did become attached to Donaugh's twin brother. Donaugh's love life is unfulfilling, both for him and the reader. Besides having a knack for getting together with the wrong girl, his one true love is unearned and unexplained. The intention was sweet, but undeveloped. I did enjoy wrestling with the prophesy about Donaugh's sons, though, because I could imagine many different ways it could be fulfilled as the plot twisted. Ann Marston handles destiny as does no other. She controls the impending mood of the book well. Overall, the author weaves a web that will draw you in and demand you read more.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare find these days, February 11, 2000

By 

"seaniams" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Western King (The Rune Blade Trilogy, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was great. There was romance, but not overt sexuality, a good PLOT, and realistic characters. I loved the characters especially. I read this book in about a day, so if you buy this one, get book 2 also, otherwise you'll have to run out to get it or wait for it to be delivered.

5.0 out of 5 stars I've read this book three times; it's fabulous!, May 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Western King (The Rune Blade Trilogy, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

Ann Marston is a awesome writer. So far I've read The Western King and Cloudbearers Shadow and I'm eagerly awaiting to read the other two. Once you start this book you can't put it down. It's superbly written, filled with excitment and fasinating characaters in which you will grow to love. I think Ann Marston should be nominated for an award. Believe me if you read this book you won't regret it.