Customer Reviews

Worldbinder (The Runelords, Book 6)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

With his father, the Earth-King dead, Fallion refuses to take forces of others, but he's intent on healing the shattered worlds and thinks that his fire magery can do the job. When he and his small group of followers defeat the evil that has been holding a city hostage, he has a chance--and is able to bring together two of the near-infinity of worlds sliding together. But the true world has been shattered for a long time. Some people had aspects on both worlds--and they emerge stronger than ever. Others, though, had died in one of the worlds, leaving themselves only half a person. Fallion hadn't really thought about how worldbinding would work--or whether anyone would survive the exercise.

The world Fallion merges with his own is nearly overrun by wyrmlings and humans had been nearly extinct--until the millions from Fallion's world arrive. Unfortunately, the wyrmlings simply see the arrival as more food. Even worse, Fallion quickly realizes that he fell into a trap--the Lady Despair needs Fallion to complete her plans and has brought him to her world.

Author David Farland continues his excellent RUNELORD series in another action-packed fantasy. Fallion learns that his power over fire is equaled by others, that he cannot save those he loves, and that bringing together worlds doesn't just multiply good, it also multiplies the evil forces within each world.

Although it contains hope, WORLDBINDER is a fairly grim story. Evil seems unstoppable and the powers Fallion was so proud of are proven inadequate. I'll definitely be looking for the sequel to see how Farland is able to write his way out of the problems he's created for his characters (those who survive this one, at any rate).

The Runelords story is complex and fascinating! Worldbinder is another great addition to this saga. The end seems sudden and sort of frustrating, but this is still a really fun and quick read. I'm definately looking forward to the next book and will purchase it as soon as it comes out. Well-developed characters, a few new twists, a few answered questions and of course the introduction of some new ones that makes the story continue to be interesting.

This is becoming one of those series where you wished the author would have just stopped after the first cycle in the plot. A random plot, lackluster characters, and an ending that negates much of the point of books 1-4 puts this book firmly at the bottom of my pile. The only thing left for me is to decide if I finish reading the series or just give it up as a lost hope.

"Worldbinder" is a far cry from the maiden novel "The Sum of All Men" but maintains "The Runelords" tradition of infrequently clever creations in a forest of hasty plot ideas and poor editing. The existing main characters are mediocre and the environmental descriptions could use more detail.

[minor spoiler]

When the shattered remains of the One True World or shadow worlds merge, a person's shadow selves unite. The knowledge and abilities join but for the most part everyone accepts the sudden changes without anxiety or shock. Having entire lifetimes of experiences combine would seem a daunting given it might be of different genders or moral stances.

[end minor spoiler]

In addition to areas of poor spelling and mismanagement of words, Chapter 44 happens after preceding chapters when it could have been either placed before or merged into the related chapters. At one point before a battle, archers with great bows form ranks in front of any infantry or mounted troops. The troop placement does not seem well analyzed. I thought limiting blood metal availability was a great way to balance out the characters and story development, but it has been negated after only one novel and gives stronger and larger characters more power or even more demented uses for the forcibles by the forces of evil.

As the title suggests, there are multiple worlds and new characters will emerge to challenge the direction of the overall plot. Though the Knights Eternal, particularly Vulgnash, are ruthless antagonists and the reader finally discovers the elusive immortal Daylan Hammer, Alun is quite boring other than reminding me of how Waggit was rewarded endowments of wisdom to improve himself after acts of selfless bravery. And while on the topic, readers learn about Hearthmaster Waggit.

A detailed map of the significant terrains and comprehensive appendix would have been useful.

Thank you.

The first four books had excellent character development. You cared about the main characters like Myrrima (forgive spelling not gonna look up how to spell their names) Iome, Borenson, Earth wizard and Gaborn. You even cared about the antagonist in a weird way, Raj Ahten. All these books following Lair of Bones just seemed rushed, with little to no character development. The reason for this is easily found out. Just pick up Runelords and Brotherhood of the Wolf and compare them to Sons of the Oak and Worldbinder. The first 2 books in the series have a whopping 500 page surplus on books 5 and 6. In Worldbinder he actually binds 2 worlds together! Give some time for description and explanation David! Gaborn never accomplished anything that large, and yet he wrote over 600 pages per book about him. With Fallion he hasn't breached the 400 page marker. In 40 pages he binds the worlds together, and also, comes to terms with it. These characters need to actually think and not just react all the time.

Conclusion- Farland give your new characters some thoughtfulness, some good dialogue, and most of all some pages. They have no room to grow. Also the antagonists need some as well.

What happened? These books were unbelievable. Did David die? He turns the Runelords into some kind of Power Rangers movie. Terrible. Stop at the last book in this series. This book will just make you cry.

I have come to discover that when it comes to the writing of David Farland, opinions seem to vary quite-a-bit...even more so than a LOT of other fantasy authors writing today. Sure, this could be just MY varied opinion on this series (which by and large I truly have enjoyed), but I find it amazing just HOW varied some of these opinions actually are...but such is the case in the world of Fantasy writing--and writing in particular I would add. I have spoken at length with some authors who tend to shy away from reading all of the reviews of their books because sooner or later they'll get suckered into reading one that paints them in a less than positive light and well, the resulting depression can be crippling--if you let it. Others check amazon.com daily using the reviews as a sort of ticker-tape day-to-day barometer of how their book is doing. Either you develop a thick skin quickly, or good luck finding another career path.

The Runelords are in short, amazingly original in a genre that is absolutely FILLED with stale and un-original storylines. Some may argue with me, but the idea of being able to transfer specific attributes such as beauty, stamina and even sight to another person, who then becomes more enhanced given the additional abilities--depending on what was given, and suddenly we have a whole completely original usage of Magic to draw upon. While some view the Runelords as creative and fun, I simply find them loaded with adventure and worth every second of time I spend immersed in their world.

With that said, let me be clear: while it seems that David Farland knows where he is taking this series from book to book, as a reader, I honestly have NO freakin' clue where we're going next. Normally I'd have to read George R.R. Martin before coming across a storyline so unpredictable as this one seems to be, but I gotta admit that where we end up at the end of 'Worldbinder' is totally not where I expected to be when I first started it. Kudos to Farland for pulling off that particular stunt. Oh, and for those who feel otherwise, kudos to you for figuring it out.

I just received my copy of 'The Wyrmling Horde' and simply cannot WAIT to find out where we go next. Let me caution you here: if you have enjoyed the Runelord novels thus far, you are in for a treat...however, if you weren't entertained through the first original 4 novels, I don't see you suddenly developing a taste for this series as well...but I could be wrong (just ask my wife...). I say give it a shot. For those of you who are looking for that Fantasy novel that turns the use of Magic into a totally original and previously unexplored area, give it a try, I think you just might be pleasantly surprised.

Once again David Farland has created an epic journey that leaves you hanging on in anticipation waiting for the next title (Hidden Daggers '08) and once again i cannot wait until furthur details arise from this sure to be amazing adventure.

I'm surprised people are gushing over these last two books. Granted, this one seemed much better than the 5th. That said, he's still throwing out things haphazardly. For instance, Shadaoth comes back for an appearance right at the start of this book and is not mentioned a single instance thereafter...?...?... Keep em coming I suppose.

As a reader of mainly mysteries, I was turned on to this series by a friend. I instantly fell in love with it. Even after the original characters have disappeared, it is still a great series.