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Brotherhood of the Wolf (The Runelords, Book Two)

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Maintains the flavor of the first
Not the worst I have ever read.
A Good Sequel--But Not a Great One
Pascifism makes for poor bedfellow
Hope in dark times

Brotherhood of the Wolf (The Runelords, Book Two)
David Farland
Manufacturer: Tor Fantasy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Wizardborn (The Runelords, Book 3)
The Lair of Bones (Runelords, Book 4)
The Sum of All Men (The Runelords, Book One)
Sons of the Oak (Runelords)
Worlds of The Golden Queen

ASIN: 0812570693

Amazon.com

David Farland's "Runelords" fantasy sequence began in 1998 with The Sum of All Men, a career-relaunch novel whose sales far outstripped earlier SF published under his real name Dave Wolverton. Runelords are supermen whose strength, stamina, and vision, and other physical abilities are multiplied by magical "endowments" transferred from unfortunate donors who are crippled by their loss: the archvillain in the story is virtually invincible thanks to tens of thousands of endowments.

This second book avoids middle-volume doldrums by introducing a vast onslaught of still tougher and memorably unpleasant nonhumans who even the villains must oppose. Meanwhile, various characters skirmish on different parts of the map, and the hero struggles with unreliable powers conferred on him when he was chosen as Earth King to save the land and humanity--or maybe only a tiny part of each.

Farland maintains a steady flow of new situations, reversals, gambits, and surprises ... it's a real shock when one chap who has incurred a dreadful penalty for virtuous reasons is not spared (as expected in the normal chivalry of fantasyland) but rather pays the full, eye-watering price. One small criticism: the writing contains occasional sloppiness and repetition. Nonetheless, this is a rousing, painfully gripping story. --David Langford, Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

Volume Two of The RunelordsRaj Ahtan, ruler of Indhopal, has used enough forcibles to transform himself into the ultimate warrior: The Sum of All Men. Ahtan seeks to bring all of humanity under his rule-destroying anything and anyone that stood in his path, including many friends and allies of young Prince Gaborn Val Orden. But Gaborn has fulfilled a two-thousand-year-old prophecy, becoming the Earth King-a mythic figure who can unleash the forces of the Earth itself. And now the struggle continues. Gaborn has managed to drive off Raj Ahtan, but Ahtan is far from defeated. Striking at far-flung cities and fortresses and killing dedicates, Ahtan seeks to draw out the Earth King from his seat of power, to crush him. But as they weaken each other's forces in battle, the armies of an ancient and implacable inhuman enemy issue forth from the very bowels of the Earth.

Customer Reviews:

Maintains the flavor of the first.......2005-04-17

If you enjoyed the first book in the series, I see no reason why you wouldn't enjoy this one, too. On the flip side, if you disliked the first book, you probably won't like this one. For me, this book continued the same tone and pacing as the first. The first 3/4 is subplots and characters coming together for a massive multi-chapter battle/climax in the last 1/4. Yes, some ideas and plot points, like the Days, are pushed to the back, but other characters and subplots are brought in to fill the gaps.

I don't understand the other reviews on Amazon that say it is either much worse than the first or much better. It seemed much the same. Don't get me wrong - it doesn't stagnate, it just keeps a similar feel.

Again, if you liked the first, I recommend that you continue reading.

Not the worst I have ever read........2004-07-16

I have read the first two books in this series and will stop while I can still give the series more than one star. The problem with the books is the basic premise. Earth and water are good and the saviors of man kind, fire and air are bad and seek to destroy man kind. How do you reason this out? It makes no sense. Further, I do not understand why the author sets up such an interesting gimmik (the whole endowment share) and immediately condems it. Whether the basic idea is good or evil, real people who lived with this type of thing for thousands of years would not suddenly find it reprehensible (as the main characters do). Also, if the main characters find such a system repulsive, why continue to indulge in it? The book makes sense on a superficial level, but does not hold up under greater scrutiny. It is hard to suspend your disbelief when you can not accept the basic human choices made by the characters. Overall, I would say this series is mediocre at best and that if you are new to fantasy then don't waste your time here but seek out better books.

A Good Sequel--But Not a Great One.......2004-05-27

Some reviewers have said this book is far better than the first in this series, The Runelords. Others have derided David Farland's entire endeavor here as too slow-paced or lacking in sufficient detail.

As for me, I'm not really sure how I feel--but I suppose ambivalence is not what authors want readers to feel.

To his credit, Farland continues to elaborate on his cunningly devised system of magic and to emphasize the social aspects of that system (wherein an individual's traits, like strength, beauty and intelligence can be passed to another). The taking of such attributes from animals is a major point here, as well as the source of the book's title, and is handled well. I also appreciate that Farland sticks to his fairly straightforward set of rules and conventions regarding this magic system, rather than continuing to nuance and augment the system with previously undisclosed limitations or abilities.

For those who enjoyed the breakneck pacing of the first book, Farland moves from event to event quickly in Brotherhood of the Wolf as he did in The Runelords, but spreads his story over a larger number of characters, which slows the pace. This is the trend now in epic-fantast series, and while it helps flesh out the world in which the stories are set, I worry for Farland about the kind of character bloat seen recently from Robert Jordan.

As in the previous book, the characters, and especially Gaborn, the lead, spend a great deal of time in their own heads, debating and torturing themselves over their problems. Gaborn's centers on his inability to protect everyone. Iome and Myrrima worry about taking endowments from animals. Borenson worries first about atoning for the murder of Sylvarresta and then about how to be close to Raj Ahten's consort. This also slows the pace considerably. Raj Ahten's obsessions, however, seem to fit with his character, as Farland shows him to be increasingly mad and vain.

The inexorable reavers make an extended appearance here, and they live up to their billing in the previous volume as ferocious and terrible.

There are several wrenching, graphic details--especially one at the end--that turned my stomach. While this may upset some and seem to detract from the book as I initially thought it did, I think it adds an edge to the story that raises the stakes for all of the characters.

All in all, a solid read if you enjoyed The Runelords, though not nearly as compelling or as well executed.

Pascifism makes for poor bedfellow.......2004-04-19

I think in some respects this series is well written, but for the average sci-fi fantasy fan it is boring and frustrating. It really annoys me how often the somewhat ill-defined protaganist Gabborn wrestles with moral quandries meanwhile his people are being slaughtered. "Is it right to take an endowment from such and such"? "Only under so and so circumstances"...then that whole line of thinking is flushed by another wave of youthful naivete. The whole combat system is basically who has the most endowments wins....boring. The big bad monster of the book makes a quick cameo before it gets "offed" by a skirt with a bow and arrow (real imaginitive) and worst of all...the main charachters, first Binnesman and then Gaborn beg and plead with the "bad guy" to please stop killing them and listen to reason....I didn't want to pick up a fantasy book and read basically a history lesson of Neville Chamberlain and the way he negotiated with Hitler.

Anyways...having said all that I did like the chapter that introduced Averen and dealt with the skyriding...was entertaining and unique.

Hope in dark times.......2003-11-17

Both Terry Goodkind and Robert Jordan seem to have abandonded the path of writing skillfull and good fantasy novel, and have entered the path of money making.
Too often the readers are the victim of the American policy of 'Writes get paid by the page...' (this in contrast to the English system where writers get paid by the book)

Fortunately there is Farland...
Enthralling and orignal story line, well developed characters, and the sinister truth behind the character's strength and beauty...thumbs up!

A good fantasy series so far, and well worth your time.

Let us hope that he can avoid the trap so many fantasy writers before him fell in. That he knows a way to keep things interesting and end the series somewhere before Part XX...

The Rebels: A Brotherhood of Outlaw Bikers
Average customer rating:

FANTASTIC

Best book I've read so far on the subject

Tedious but marginally interesting...

MUST READ FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN BIKERS

The most honest book on outlaw bikers

The Rebels: A Brotherhood of Outlaw Bikers
Daniel R. Wolf
Manufacturer: University of Toronto Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Brotherhoods: Inside the Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs

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Under and Alone: The True Story of the Undercover Agent Who Infiltrated America's Most Violent Outlaw Motorcycle Gang

ASIN: 0802073638

Customer Reviews:

FANTASTIC.......2005-11-24

hmmm well I read this book, funny thing is, living it all in real life, is really quite different, you see, my Dad is one of the founding members of the Edmonton Rebels MC, and very proud of it as well, as I am of him. To me he is the greatest man ever and always will be. In Rebels memorabilia I am not lacking lol. Wonderful book, and a very interesting read its just too bad that the proceeds will go to the goon who wrote it. lol Hell maybe one day Ill write my own damn book about it all hmmmmm

Ps: I know your reading this Steve and laughing as usual... love ya bud, give Suzanne a hug from me.

XXMouseXX

Best book I've read so far on the subject.......2004-05-02

I have ridden for 30 years. I grew up in Oakland California, and I worked in motorcycle shops in Berkeley California so I know something of the outlaw culture from being around one of the centers.

This is the best book on outlaw culture I have ever read if being complete matters. It is not boring, it is fascinating. It is lively, far-reaching and Wolf isn't just another SOB who gathered some gore from Rotten.com, rewrote a few newspaper articles and called it a book.

And, it is about a club other than the Angels. I would not argue that the Angels in many ways define outlawdom but I also know there are many more outlaws (not Outlaws, another one of the Big 4) than members of the H.A.M.C. so this may be more representative than even authoritative works like Barger's. I am purchasing this book after having checked it out and read it from the library so I guess I am voting with my wallet, too.

Tedious but marginally interesting..........2003-03-07

This book is poorly written and slow going, but offers just enough interesting information to keep you reading. Apparently this guy spent a number of years hanging out with and gaining the trust of this local biker gang and then, with their permission, used them as the subject of his anthropology thesis. The book seems to be a quick re-formatted/re-write of his thesis and as such often contains boring socialogical analysis and an overall plodding style. In many chapters he makes a single point and then bangs it into the ground for 10 or 12 pages as if he was getting extra credit for the number of pages instead of the quality of the content. Additionally, he repeats himself several times, with the same quotes and anecdotes popping up over and over in the book.

In spite of the tedious and shoddy writing style though, the book does offer enough genuine first-hand observations about biker club life to reward your patience, but they are few and far between.

Additionally, for those interested in learning about organized crime aspects of biker gangs this book contains no information on that aspect, since the club the author was riding with apparently did not engage in these types of activities.

If you are interested to find out what the day-to-day lifestyle of your average outlaw biker is like, then this book provides some honest, unsensationalized info.

MUST READ FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN BIKERS.......2003-02-17

THIS BOOK IS THE BE ALL/END ALL FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE SOCIOLOGY OF THE BIKE CLUB. THIS BOOK LAYS OUT, IN GREAT DETAIL, WHAT BECOMMING A MEMBER OF AN OUTLAW CLUB ENTAILS. GOING THROUGH EACH STEP OF THE PROCESS, WOLF IS ACCUTELY AWARE OF HIS SUBJECTS' MOTIVATION, NEEDS, DEDICATION, LOYALTIES, AND LOVE OF BROTHER AND BIKE. THIS BOOK BRINGS YOU INTO THAT PROCESS. READ THIS BOOK AND DECIDE IF YOU CAN HANDLE IT. READ THIS BOOK AND GAIN INSIGHTFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THESE MEN WHO CHOSE TO LIVE ON THE FRINGE OF SOCIETY YET MUST LEARN TO INTERACT WITH IT IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THEIR WAY OF LIFE. I HAVE READ THIS BOOK TWICE, HIGHLIGHTED THROUGHOUT ITS CONTENTS, AND LOOK FORWARD TO MY NEXT READING. ABSOLUTLEY INVALUABLE! AN IMPORTANT BOOK.

The most honest book on outlaw bikers.......2000-10-11

The best & most honest book about the 1% outlaw biker culture. Excellent work.

Pantalla Grande.(películas)(TT: Silver screen.)(TA: motion picture)(Reseña): An article from: Semana

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Pantalla Grande.(películas)(TT: Silver screen.)(TA: motion picture)(Reseña): An article from: Semana

Manufacturer: Spanish Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Semana, published by Spanish Publications, Inc. on January 25, 2002. The length of the article is 1505 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Pantalla Grande.(películas)(TT: Silver screen.)(TA: motion picture)(Reseña)
Publication: Semana (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 25, 2002
Publisher: Spanish Publications, Inc.
Volume: 8 Issue: 465 Page: 39

Article Type: Reseña

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Pantalla Grande.(TT: The big screen.)(Reseña): An article from: Semana

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Pantalla Grande.(TT: The big screen.)(Reseña): An article from: Semana

Manufacturer: Spanish Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008EY1DK
Release Date: 2005-07-29

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Semana, published by Spanish Publications, Inc. on January 18, 2002. The length of the article is 855 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Pantalla Grande.(TT: The big screen.)(Reseña)
Publication: Semana (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 18, 2002
Publisher: Spanish Publications, Inc.
Volume: 8 Issue: 464 Page: 33

Article Type: Reseña

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Temas sencillos.(Orange County y The Brotherhood of the Wolf, películas)(TT: Unusual subject matter.)(TA: motion pictures Orange County, The Brotherhood of the Wolf)(Reseña): An article from: Semana

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Temas sencillos.(Orange County y The Brotherhood of the Wolf, películas)(TT: Unusual subject matter.)(TA: motion pictures Orange County, The Brotherhood of the Wolf)(Reseña): An article from: Semana

Manufacturer: Spanish Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008EY162
Release Date: 2005-07-29

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Semana, published by Spanish Publications, Inc. on January 11, 2002. The length of the article is 715 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Temas sencillos.(Orange County y The Brotherhood of the Wolf, películas)(TT: Unusual subject matter.)(TA: motion pictures Orange County, The Brotherhood of the Wolf)(Reseña)
Publication: Semana (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 11, 2002
Publisher: Spanish Publications, Inc.
Volume: 8 Issue: 463 Page: 38

Article Type: Reseña

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Brotherhood of the Wolf
David Farland
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HIN51G

BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF / LE PACTE DES LOUPS Program

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BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF / LE PACTE DES LOUPS Program
Christophe, Dir. Gans
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
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Brotherhood of the Wolf
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Manufacturer: Prentice Hall (a Pearson Education company)
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THE REBELS. A Brotherhood of Outlaw Bikers

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THE REBELS. A Brotherhood of Outlaw Bikers
Daniel WOLF
Manufacturer: University of Toronto
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IZZ00W

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Brotherhood of the Wolf 18 Cop
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Manufacturer: Prentice Hall (a Pearson Education company)
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