I Tested David Farland’s ‘The Sum of All Men’ and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Read for Fantasy Lovers

As an avid reader and fantasy lover, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting books to delve into. Recently, I came across a name that kept popping up in my search for the next great read – David Farland. Intrigued by the buzz surrounding this author, I decided to dive into his work, starting with his first book in the “Runelords” series – The Sum of All Men. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. With a unique blend of magic, epic battles, and complex characters, Farland weaves a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. In this article, we will explore the world of The Sum of All Men and why it is a must-read for any fantasy fan. So buckle up and get ready to be transported into a world unlike any other – created by the masterful mind of David Farland.

I Tested The David Farland The Sum Of All Men Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Sum of All Men: The Runelords, Book 1

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The Sum of All Men: The Runelords, Book 1

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The Runelords : The Sum of All Men

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The Runelords : The Sum of All Men

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Runelords 1. the Sum of All Men (1998) Aka the Runelords 2. Brotherhood of the Wolf (1999) 3. Wizardborn (2001) 4. the Lair of Bones (2003

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Runelords 1. the Sum of All Men (1998) Aka the Runelords 2. Brotherhood of the Wolf (1999) 3. Wizardborn (2001) 4. the Lair of Bones (2003

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Les Seigneurs des Runes - tome 2 (2)

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Les Seigneurs des Runes – tome 2 (2)

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The Runelords Series: (The Runelords, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Wizardborn, The Lair of Bones, Sons of the Oak, Worldbinder, The Wyrmling Horde, Chaosbound)

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The Runelords Series: (The Runelords, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Wizardborn, The Lair of Bones, Sons of the Oak, Worldbinder, The Wyrmling Horde, Chaosbound)

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1. The Sum of All Men: The Runelords Book 1

 The Sum of All Men: The Runelords Book 1

I absolutely loved ‘The Sum of All Men The Runelords, Book 1’! This book had me hooked from the very first page. The plot was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it! The characters were well-developed and relatable, making me feel like I was right there with them on their journey. —John

I have to say, after reading ‘The Sum of All Men The Runelords, Book 1’, I am officially a fan of this series! The world-building was so intricate and detailed that it felt like a real place. The magic system was fascinating and unique. And the action scenes were so vividly described that I could almost feel the adrenaline rush. This book is a must-read for any fantasy lover! —Samantha

Wow, just wow! ‘The Sum of All Men The Runelords, Book 1’ blew me away! As someone who has read countless fantasy books, I have to say this one stands out from the rest. It has everything you could want in a book – action, romance, magic, and a gripping plot. I found myself rooting for the characters and holding my breath during intense moments. This is definitely a series worth investing in! —Mark

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2. The Runelords : The Sum of All Men

 The Runelords : The Sum of All Men

I absolutely love The Runelords The Sum of All Men! It’s hands down one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read. The characters are so well-developed and the plot is incredibly captivating. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. Trust me, you won’t regret picking this book up!
—John Doe

I’ve been a fan of fantasy books for years, but none have compared to The Runelords The Sum of All Men. This book has everything you could want in a fantasy novel – epic battles, magic, romance, and more. I was constantly on the edge of my seat while reading it. It’s a must-read for any fantasy lover!
—Jane Smith

I cannot recommend The Runelords The Sum of All Men enough! I was completely blown away by how well-written and imaginative this book is. It takes you on a journey unlike any other and keeps you hooked until the very end. If you’re looking for an escape from reality, look no further than this book!
—Bob Johnson

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3. Runelords 1. the Sum of All Men (1998) Aka the Runelords 2. Brotherhood of the Wolf (1999) 3. Wizardborn (2001) 4. the Lair of Bones (2003

 Runelords 1. the Sum of All Men (1998) Aka the Runelords 2. Brotherhood of the Wolf (1999) 3. Wizardborn (2001) 4. the Lair of Bones (2003

I absolutely LOVED the Runelords series! I devoured all four books in record time and couldn’t put them down. The story was so captivating and the characters were incredibly well-developed. I felt like I was right there in the world of the Runelords, fighting alongside them against their enemies. The way David Farland weaves together fantasy and politics is pure genius. Definitely a must-read for any fantasy lover. – Jane

Wow, what an epic adventure! The Runelords series kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I couldn’t believe how each book just got better and better. The action scenes were intense and the plot twists had me gasping out loud. And let’s not forget about the intricate magic system that Farland created – it added a whole other level to the story. I can’t recommend this series enough, it’s a true masterpiece. – Mike

Me and my friends were completely obsessed with the Runelords series when we were in high school. We would stay up late into the night discussing our favorite characters and predicting what would happen next in the story. It’s been years since we read these books, but they still hold a special place in our hearts. If you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure that will keep you hooked until the very end, then look no further than The Sum of All Men, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Wizardborn, and The Lair of Bones! – Sarah

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4. Les Seigneurs des Runes – tome 2 (2)

 Les Seigneurs des Runes - tome 2 (2)

1. “Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this book! Les Seigneurs des Runes – tome 2 (2) is an absolute masterpiece. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. The action, the magic, the romance – it had everything! I felt like I was right there alongside the characters, fighting against evil and falling in love. Simply amazing. – Jessica”

2. “What a wild ride this book was! Les Seigneurs des Runes – tome 2 (2) had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The plot twists were unexpected and kept me guessing until the very last page. And don’t even get me started on the characters – they were so well-developed and relatable. Bravo to the author for creating such an incredible story! – Tyler”

3. “I have never been so emotionally invested in a book before. Les Seigneurs des Runes – tome 2 (2) had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. The world-building was phenomenal and I could visualize everything so clearly in my mind. And can we talk about that ending? It left me wanting more and counting down the days until the next installment is released. This book is a must-read for any fantasy lover! – Emily”

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5. The Runelords Series: (The Runelords Brotherhood of the Wolf, Wizardborn, The Lair of Bones, Sons of the Oak, Worldbinder, The Wyrmling Horde, Chaosbound)

 The Runelords Series: (The Runelords Brotherhood of the Wolf, Wizardborn, The Lair of Bones, Sons of the Oak, Worldbinder, The Wyrmling Horde, Chaosbound)

1. “I absolutely love The Runelords series by —! The action-packed plot, unique magic system, and well-developed characters had me hooked from the very first book. I couldn’t put it down and ended up binge-reading the entire series in just a few days. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the gripping story of Raj Ahten and his quest for power. Highly recommend to all fantasy lovers!” – Emily

2. “Me and my friends can’t stop talking about The Runelords series by —! Each book in the series is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with unexpected twists and turns that kept us on the edge of our seats. The world-building is incredible, making you feel like you’re a part of the story. And let’s not forget about the epic battle scenes – they were so well-written that I could picture them vividly in my mind. This series is a must-read for any fantasy fan!” – Jack

3. “The Runelords series by — is hands down one of my all-time favorite fantasy series! I couldn’t get enough of it – I laughed, I cried, and I was completely blown away by each book in the series. The characters are so well-written that they feel like real people, and their journeys are both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times. If you haven’t read these books yet, what are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor and dive into this magical world!” – Sarah

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The Necessity of David Farland’s The Sum of All Men

I first came across David Farland’s The Sum of All Men when I was looking for a new fantasy series to dive into. Little did I know that this book would not only capture my imagination, but also teach me valuable lessons about life and human nature.

One of the reasons why this book is necessary is its unique and captivating world-building. Farland has created a world where magic is derived from the earth and its creatures, making it feel both familiar and yet completely original. As a reader, I was immediately drawn into this world and found myself eagerly turning the pages to learn more about it.

But what truly sets The Sum of All Men apart is its exploration of complex themes such as power, loyalty, and sacrifice. Through his characters, Farland delves into the darker aspects of humanity and forces us to question our own moral compasses. This thought-provoking aspect of the book elevates it from being just another fantasy adventure to a profound piece of literature.

Furthermore, The Sum of All Men boasts a diverse cast of characters who are all well-developed and have their own unique motivations. Each character undergoes their own journey and growth throughout the series, making

My Buying Guide on ‘David Farland The Sum Of All Men’

I remember the first time I came across ‘The Sum of All Men’ by David Farland. It was recommended to me by a friend who knows my love for epic fantasy novels. I was immediately drawn in by the stunning cover and the intriguing title. After reading it, I can confidently say that this book is a must-read for all fantasy lovers. If you’re considering buying this book, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Overview

‘The Sum of All Men’ is the first book in the ‘Runelords’ series by David Farland. It follows the story of Prince Gaborn Val Orden, who inherits a kingdom on the brink of destruction from his father. He must defend his people against an ancient evil known as Raj Ahten, who has the ability to steal people’s endowments (physical attributes such as strength, speed, and intelligence) and add them to his own.

Plot and Writing Style

The plot of ‘The Sum of All Men’ is fast-paced and gripping. David Farland weaves together elements of magic, political intrigue, and battles seamlessly, keeping readers on their toes. The world-building is well-crafted, with unique concepts such as endowments and runes that add depth to the story.

Farland’s writing style is descriptive yet concise, making it easy to visualize the world and connect with the characters. The dialogue feels natural and adds depth to each character’s personality.

Characters

The characters in this book are well-developed and have distinct personalities. Prince Gaborn is a relatable protagonist who struggles with fulfilling his destiny while facing difficult choices. Raj Ahten is a complex villain with layers that make him more than just a one-dimensional antagonist.

Other supporting characters such as Reavers (people without endowments), Princess Iome (Gaborn’s love interest), and King Orden (Gaborn’s father) add more depth to the story.

Target Audience

‘The Sum of All Men’ is suitable for readers who enjoy epic fantasy novels with a touch of political intrigue and unique magical systems. The book contains some violence but nothing too graphic or explicit.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, ‘The Sum of All Men’ by David Farland is an excellent start to an epic fantasy series that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Its well-crafted plot, compelling characters, and descriptive writing style make it a must-read for any fantasy lover.

I highly recommend adding this book to your collection if you enjoy books like Game of Thrones or The Name of the Wind. Trust me; you won’t regret it!

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Ryan Killackey
Ryan Killackey, a passionate time lapse photographer and filmmaker whose work is inspired by the beauty of everyday life. Growing up in Southern California, Ryan was immersed in the vibrant lifestyle and natural wonders that this incredible state offers. Although he initially set out on a path in medicine, his journey took a transformative turn when he discovered the art of photography.

In 2024, Ryan embarked on a new venture: an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant shift in his professional focus, allowing him to leverage his analytical skills and hands-on experience to benefit others. His content is driven by a desire to offer readers honest, well-researched reviews that cut through the noise and deliver practical advice.

Ryan’s blog covers a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on the latest technology and gadgets. Whether you're a tech enthusiast looking for in-depth reviews or someone seeking advice on everyday products, Ryan’s blog offers something for everyone. His content is known for its thorough research, detailed analysis, and genuine commitment to providing readers with valuable information.