The Runes of The Earth: Summary and book reviews of The Runes of The Earth by Stephen Donaldson, plus links to an excerpt from The Runes of The Earth and a biography of Stephen Donaldson.

The triumphant return of the New York Times-bestselling, critically acclaimed fantasy series that has become a modern classic. Since their publication more than two decades ago, the initial six books in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series have sold more than 6 million copies and have been published in ten 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 The Earth, ten 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. . . .

BookBrowse

The main character is realistic, but flawed - not very heroic. Not even very likeable, which is in itself unusual. Her motivations and decisions are often disturbing, so reading the Runes of Earth is not a particularly comfortable experience. This blend of action and discomfort is perhaps what makes the book compelling, and clearly raises it above the majority of the good-versus-evil fantasy/horror books.  (Reviewed by BookBrowse Review Team).

Full Review (604 words).

Media Reviews

Publishers Weekly Donaldson's saga has transformed tremendously since initial volumes offered startlingly original antiheroic fantasy resonating with echoes of both Tolkien and Philip K. Dick, but the engaging humanity of his characters still compels attention. A new generation of readers may find this episode's midstream plunge into the saga bracing, while fans of Covenant's past chronicles will welcome a return to the Land.   Booklist - Roland Green Filled with splendid inventions (occasionally described to the point of prolixity), this book promises extremely well for the future of the end of the Covenant chronicles. Expect readers to swarm.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Maudlin
The Runes of the Earth
Donaldson's lead character struggles constantly with the inner turmoil of her situation, just like the many conflicts Thomas Covenant dealt with in the first two series involving the Land. The many complexities of the character make it difficult to...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Stephen McDonald
Just finished reading this one. It had a bit of a different feel to the previous six books. Perhaps this reflects that both the author and myself are twenty years older! I was a little disappointed in aspects of the book - for example, certain...   Read More

Rated of 5 by JohnNWFS@aol.com
OH MY Lord, what a story. I wish I had the luxury to read this one straight throug. I had just re-read the 1st book of the series and was about half way through the second when I saw "Runes" come out. This story is very well thought out...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Al Camire
Although I enjoyed being transported to "The Land" once again, I was reminded of the Second Chronicles by the slow pace. There is a lot of imagination in the book, but I understand her self-doubt already. That being said, I am...   Read More

Rated of 5 by steven kean
once again we are transported to the land and any one who has been there before will tell you it is a magical place full of intregue and wonder. whilst very few characters remain from the last 2 trilogies we welcome back many people from the land...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Brian
Great book! It doesn't seem like it has been over 20 years since the last book. I gave it a 4 instead of 5 due to my frustration at having to wait for the next book in the series.

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