The Runes of the Earth

The Last Chronicles of Thomas Convenant

By: Stephen R. Donaldson

Narrated by: Scott Brick

More than twenty years ago, Stephen R. Donaldson set a literary landmark with the first fantasy bestseller. His New York Times bestselling series, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, transformed modern fantasy. Now, at long last, Donaldson introduces the first novel of the much-awaited, four-volume finale to the series that's sold more than ten million copies.

Thomas Covenant lost everything. Abandoned by his wife and child, sick and alone, he was transported while unconscious to a magical, dreamlike world called the Land. Convinced it was all a delusion, Covenant was christened The Unbeliever by the Land’s inhabitants, but gave his life to save this newfound world he came to regard as precious.

Ten years after Covenant’s death, Linden Avery still mourns for her beloved companion. But a violent confrontation with Covenant's son—who is doing the evil Lord Foul’s bidding—forces her back to the Land, where a dark malevolence is about to unmake the laws of nature—and of life and death itself.©2004 Stephen R. Donaldson; (P)2004 Penguin Audio and Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Runes of the Earth

“A reawakening of a classic fantasy saga.”—Library Journal

“Startlingly original antiheroic fantasy resonating with echoes of both Tolkien and Philip K. Dick.”—Publishers Weekly

“An epic with page-turning intrigue.”—Detroit Free Press

“Impressive...filled with splendid inventions.”—Booklist

“The most important and original work of epic fantasy after Tolkien...Rich in paradox, metaphor, and symbolism, Donaldson continues his explorations into the psyches of his characters, as well as themes of estrangement, despair, guilt and responsibility. Intricately plotted...Donaldson’s writing remains one of the most original and intellectually challenging works to have graced contemporary epic fantasy.”—SF Site

Better in Audio Format

I've been a fan of the Thomas Covenant series since the books first emerged some thirty years ago, so I'm sure anyone kind enough to actually care what I have to say here would need to take that into account as they read this.

My personal view is that anyone contemplating reading (or listening) to this book/audiobook should read the first two trilogies before embarking on this series. I say that even though Donaldson provides an outstanding summary of the first two trilogies at the beginning of "Runes," probably sufficient to get a new reader/listener up to speed. Still - you will miss a lot if you take that approach, even though Donaldson continues to provide background information as "Runes" unfolds.

I read "Runes" when it first came out a couple of years ago. Like most Donaldson books, I found myself rushing through the read to "see what happens next." I decided, before reading the second book in this series, "Fatal Revenant," which has just been published, to listen to (instead of re-reading) "Runes" because I was afraid I had missed a lot during that first, rushed reading. I definitely found that I absorbed more detail and therefore enjoyed the story much more than the first go round, and I'd therefore highly recommend the book-on-tape approach to anyone.

I'm not sure my comments will be helpful to a new reader of Donaldson's writing, but that being said, "Runes" is as good as anything from the second Covenant trilogy (which I personally consider a quantum improvement over the flawed but still entertaining first trilogy), and equal to the "Gap" series in terms of action and intrigue.

Definitely worthwhile for a long-time fan - probably worth a shot for a new and curious reader as well

Great Book

I loved the book and can't wait for the continuation of the story!

Never Ending Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

There is a lot of repetition throughout that sometimes frustrates but it is a necessary addition to a story that could go on and on.

renewal

the adventure continues and so we proceed i have read this book before but always enjoy it look forwRd to ne t book

It is was ok

I did enjoy the story. It’s been many years since I read the previous two trilogies which I like loved. For me, this work was not up to par with those. The repetitive explanations and phrasing became tiresome and the oscillation from one breath to the next of the main character’s inner conflicts was exhausting by the end. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a good story. I’m probably just turning into a cranky old fart.