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  • The Sum of All Men

  • The Runelords, Book 1
  • Written by: David Farland
  • Narrated by: Ray Porter
  • Length: 21 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (100 ratings)

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The Sum of All Men cover art

The Sum of All Men

Written by: David Farland
Narrated by: Ray Porter
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Publisher's Summary

David Farland's acclaimed Runelords series introduces a world where the social structure is based upon the magical exchange of "endowments" such as stamina, grace, and wit. The Runelords are those who receive these endowments from their vassals, becoming superhuman in exchange for the responsibility of caring for those they have deprived of strength, or beauty, or sight.

Young Prince Gaborn of Mystarria is traveling in disguise on a journey to ask for the hand of the lovely Princess Iome of Sylvarresta. Armed with his gifts of strength and perception, the prince and his bodyguard stop at a local tavern, where they spot a pair of assassins who have their sights set on Princess Iome's father. As they race to warn the king, they realize that more than the royal family is at risk—the very fate of the Earth is in jeopardy.

©1998 David Farland (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about The Sum of All Men

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Ray Porter’s skills were wasted

To be clear: I love Ray Porter’s narration skills. That man could read a laundry list and I’d listen to it twice. However, this book seems to handcuff Ray. The story is plodding and full of inconsistencies (sometimes within the same paragraph!) and the author takes himself too seriously. Granted, Farland presents a unique take on magic with this world’s use of runes, but spends and inordinate amount of time going over the “rules” of how these runes work. To be honest, it reads closer to a D&D gaming rules book as opposed to an engaging story.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Got my imagination flowing!

Found this book captivating and original. Loved it and am so stoked there're more! If you're looking for a new series to let your imagination play and create a world and rich characters, give this one a go.
Big fantasy fan, and found this book while browsing Ray Porter narrations. RP is a bit more stiff in this series than in others, but it suits the story and narrative well - excellent narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A masterpiece in the making

I really enjoyed the first book of the Runelords series a really great start to a great series, I found it more engaging and entertaining than the first book of The Wheel of Time series.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not for me

Well written, well read. I just couldn’t get into the story. You may really like it but I found the story a little complicated.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Better than expected

Audible seems populated with mass production click bait series that never have satisfying endings, but "cliff hang" as a con to keep selling the industrial product. This is not that. It strikes a balance of delivering a complete story while hosting open questions to sustain a sequel. I did not end feeling cheated, but rather likely to read the next book.

The story itself does not qualify as high art, to my measure, but I wasn't looking for nor expecting that. If you're looking for Tolkien or Salvatore, you'll be a bit disappointed. If you want some good fun, with many inspired moments, for example as a distraction while driving, you'll be rewarded.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Listen

Thoroughly enjoyed this entire story. The telling of the story, the narration, the development of characters was all first rate. Kudos to both the author (amazing story) & the narrator for bring this world to life.
Can't wait to listen to the rest of the series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

amazed.

The writing is superb.
That 8 books in the series are free is staggering to me.
This series could go anywhere. I hope the quality continues.
onto book 2.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

I don't think you said rahj aton enough

-1 star for each hundred times the book says rahj aton. unfortunately I can't give less then 1 star.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Top shelf

A little graphic at times and talk about a depressing first few hours. But it is so worth it, so much action, characters are amazing and the world is very descriptive. Would put this nearly on par with the storm light archive or wheel of time. Very well done, I look forward to what’s to come in this series.

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