Wizardborn (The Runelords, Book 3) (Runelords, 3) Mass Market Paperback – September 16, 2002

With WIZARDBORN, the Runelords series slows down a bit. Loosing some of the epic feel, this book takes place over only two days (where the previous two books covered four days each). I think this is mostly the unfortunate consequence of having too many distinct plot threads, all experiencing major changes at the same time. While I have enjoyed each of them, I feel like Farland has overreached a bit in trying to make this story bigger than it should be. With so much focus on Averan's development as an Earth Warden, the emergence of Baron Waggit, Raj Ahten's conflict with his Invincibles, Borenson and Myrimma's quest to find Dylan Hammer, Iome's fretting about whatever, Mad King Anders' plottings against Gaborn, Celinor and Erin traveling to Crowthen and experiencing dream-world troubles, and of course Gaborn's fight with the Reavers and his attempts to become a good Earth King, there is just too much happening for Farland to progress the story enough to make a completely satisfying read. It seems like the series will go on forever if this expansion of the story keeps happening. Actually, considering how big the story has gotten, Farland is doing a remarkably good job of keeping the pace up and keeping each distinct story moving. Its just that I think the book could be better with a little less complexity and more focus on the primary plot.Indeed, after the first three quarters of this book, all of which was taken up by the rather lackluster Day 9 "The Calm Between the Storms", I was discouraged about the progress of the book thus far. Fortunately, the next "Day" of the story progressed the plot nicely and contained the exciting and complex battle scenes that Farland is so good at describing. Raj Ahten's battle against the Reavers in Indhopal was simply awesome. I still have high hopes for the future of the series, but its going to take some serious skill for Farland to pull it off in a pleasing way. Here's hoping.

I'm not saying that I don't love the characters, I care more about Borenson that I have about many fantasy characters and he's not even the main one. This book is a great example that you can write a fantasy book without ripping off of other people. Some are complaining about Farland's lack of detail in the history or world, but they're just too used to Tolkien. Granted, I'd love to know more about the Toth (extinct race) or wardens of water and what not, but doesn't that just tell you that the author has reeled me into his story? My major problem with the book is that it's hard to put down. There's one point that I had one of the biggest "OH SNAP" moments in any book that I've read. A flaw I noticed is having a hard time knowing which city is where since there are so many that are barely mentioned, but that's a small thing. I have a few minor story gripes, but this thing has me hooked. I only wish I could play a d20 (like D&D) game based on this world.There's so many ideas that I love in these books. From the endowments (and all the craziness you can do with them (i.e. serpent ring), the days, the way the wizards are, and other worlds. I can't wait to read the next book, I don't want the series to end (perhaps following some characters in another country 200 years later or even a few thousand years ago).

David Farland is one of the fine fantasy writers of today. Wizardborn is the third of his Runelords series, and he just keeps ratcheting up the danger. This is a new and different world from any you have previously known. It contains creatures and dangers you have only dreamed about. Good has a most difficult time besting evil, and it seems the end of the book is only a breathing space, one to enjoy while reaching for the next book in this dark and dangerous series. Start with the Runelords and you'll just keep on reading. Promise.

Entertaining and similar to previous books in the genre. Experienced a delay in reading this book after stopping half way through for some weeks. This may have lessened my enjoyment and led to my sensing that I was rereading the same plot as read previously in the earlier volumes. I found the same enjoyment as with the first two books.

David Farland goes al out to create a fictional world with characters you can get bond with and mean people and understanding of "the why" they are.

I liked this book

I love every book in this series so far! Ingenious magical concepts, hero's, and heroen's you love to believe in. If I had to find one thing wrong it would be that I would want more in depth subversive ness, and interaction with all the characters! As it is though, we have a high octain action/fantasy and smart fun read. Thanks!

Overall, I would have to place this series at the top of anyone's fantasy collection. The books keep getting a little better, although I have not quite gotten use to the usage of dedicates. It is a difficult concept to grasp as this is a kin to slavery and I can't see how the people would want to become dedicates.The writing is good and he has no problems killing characters. David Farland has two more books to go in this series and I will eagerly await the fourth installment.RECOMEMDATIONS: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Wizardborn – Book 3 of the RunelordsI enjoyed this volume more than I did Book 2. There is plenty of action, and the technical descriptions of the reavers add context, and there is some humour to sustain the interest over about 500 pages of the read.I still think there is too little mystery and too much "massive action", without the real intrigue. I can't say I am particularly concerned with the fate of the characters... yet.But, let us read on. There is still something compelling, and I certainly felt it was worth my time more than Book 2. There are some excellent battle descriptions, and there isoccasional ingenuity.