The Runes of the Earth

The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant

De: Stephen R. Donaldson

Narrado por: Scott Brick

Duración: 27 h y 19 m

Resumen del Editor

Since their publication more than two decades ago, the initial six books in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series have sold more than six million copies and have been published in 10 countries around the world. Now, starting with The Runes of the Earth, Stephen R. Donaldson returns with a quartet of new Covenant novels that are certain to satisfy his millions of fans, and attract countless new followers.

In the original series, a man (living in our world and in our time) is mysteriously struck down with a disease long since believed to have been eradicated. He becomes a pariah in his small town and is abandoned by his wife who departs with their infant son. Alone and despairing, Thomas Covenant falls and, while unconscious, is transported to a fantastic world in which a battle for the soul of the land is being waged. Christened "The Unbeliever", for he is convinced the world is only an illusion, a dream, he finds himself slowly forced to accept the role that seems to be his destiny: savior of the Land.

At the end of the sixth book, Covenant is killed, both in the real world and in the Land, as his companion, Linden Avery, looks on in horror. His death is both the ultimate sacrifice...and his redemption.

At the opening of The Runes of Earth, 10 years have passed. Linden Avery comes home one day to find her child building images of the Land with blocks, and senses a terrible foreboding. She had thought that she would never again be summoned to the Land, nor ever again see her beloved Thomas Covenant. But in the Land, evil is unmaking the very laws of nature.

©2004 Stephen R. Donaldson (P)2004 Penguin Audio and Books on Tape, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“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)

“Impressive...filled with splendid inventions.” (Booklist)

Its ok

Would you try another book from Stephen R. Donaldson and/or Scott Brick?

As a reader Scott Brick is awesome. Stephen R. Donaldson has great ideas, but his execution has much to be desired. However, it is worth is for the ideas.

Any additional comments?

The problem here is that for some reason book 2 of this series has not been released in audio. There is no way I will ever get anymore books in this series unless book 2 is released in audio.

My personal favorite book series of all time.

I started with "Lord Foul's Bane" in 1979. This has been my life's chronicle. Thank you, Mr Donaldson!

Glutten for angst

I agree with the first review about the characters, I also agree with the review that was disappointed audible has not got the second book yet and the third will be out in early 2011. I also wish that Audible would get Mordents need on audio ASAP. I love those books and now that I am having more trouble with the eyes I can not read paper books easily. I have been enjoying the books from back in the day like the adept series they have finally gotten. I digress looking forward to reading the last chronicles trying to look past the agnst of the characters. Get a backbone right!

For old fans not new

Stephen Donaldson writes books about characters that all seem depressed, carry the guilt of the world on thier shoulders, and that make decisions to make to punish themselves for the crime of being human. When he first started this series a few decades ago his premis was original, a leper as a hero, and these "negative" traits seem to fit someone who is cursed by such a desease. However over the course of his novels you find that even those who are not afflicted have an equally screwed up self image. The saving grace is that his stories can eventually prove fun, exciting, and adventurous. Also despite the defects of his "Land of the Depressed" novels... you get to like many of the characters and you get hooked on the books.

His new series starts out depressed (suprise)and moves on to convuluted and screwed up explanations as to why Lord Fowl is still alive and influencing "The Land" that doesn't need much help from him to be depressed. In other words one should start out with the first book in the series and eventually move on to this one if still interested.

Also one warning. The worst fault of this author is not what I have just mentioned but something worse. He likes his characters to go over and over and over thier dilemmas to the point that half the book feels like its filler to add to the books length and to justify further volumes in the series. This is a tool most authors use sparingly to bring readers up on what has happened in the past or in other books. This author uses this in the most heavy handed manner I have ever read and it is only to repeat what just happened a few pages before. His constant use of this often makes reading his books very grulling and agrivating.

If I hadn't read his earlier series and had an emotional attachment to them, then I would have given up on it. Even then I almost stopped reading it a few times.

One final note. The reader is excellent.

The Story Continues....

I picked up Thomas Covenant when I was in High School over 25 years ago... there have been two stories I've anxiously been watching for; Dark Tower... and Thomas Covenant's saga. I am thrilled Donaldson has returned to the series and really, really enjoyed reading the book, I've begun listening to it in the car and ejoy it even more. This book is NOT for the impatient, but is a MUST READ for those fantasy fans who have the patience to let a great story develop.

Long winded, drawn out story

Why say something in 1000 words when you say it in 10000? Worth a listen if you have read/listened to the other series.

all around well done

now if only book 2 were available from audible. I found book 1 and 3 but not 2.

Nice to be back in The Land

It has been many years since I last visited The Land. It has brought back many memories and spurred me to re-read the original series (both trilogies). This first new book is pretty good and I really liked it. I don't think it was as good as the original series, but I have hopes Mr. Donaldson will continue to write this story. If this story has any weakness it is that it is so much like the original pattern. The second trilogy was as well, making a predictable pattern.

Classic Stephen R. Donaldson, superior Narration

If you have ever enjoyed one of Donaldson’s Covenant books, you’ve enjoyed an exploration of morality, introspective contemplation and adventure. This book embraces the same approach to exploring issues large and small. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable romp. And, I can’t wait to dive into the next...

Editor please

The story is good one b ut the pace is so plodding that I found myself wishing the narrator would just get to the point. There is so much parenthetical musing written into the dialogue that it becomes a big distraction to the story.