Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 12:08 am
I have the audio book, and I highly recommend it!
I found it compelling as a story, but that being said, I don't think it's simply the matter of gritty realism that makes The Covenant Tales compelling....instead it's more convincing fantasy. The heroes don't casually slay any enemy they come across, but rather go to the ends of their means in order to simply survive their enemeies.Tiliqua wrote:I just finished listening to Runes of Earth on audio CDs, more than 20 of the little suckers. The huge advantage of listening rather than reading is that you don't skim but you get the full SRD treatment.
Runes of Earth reminds me a little of 19 century Russian literature. There is a level of detail that most books lack and this detail is comprehensive. SRD is the only fantasy author who keeps me in suspense for the entire story, right up to the last 2 words of the book, could there be a better way to finish? I doubt it!
This book is so far in front of other fantasy novels, that I pity the other authors in the genre, at least Jordan will have some more ideas to plagiarize. SRD has moved the entire genre into the new century. There is a grity realism that is totally lacking in the feudal elfen dross that so many authors churn out.
I must admit that I'm disappointed by some of the reactions of the people on this forum, I feel as though I read a different book. People complaining about swear words reminds me of when Dylan went electric. Fantasy books have been in a hopeless rut and SRD is forcing his readers out of their comfort zone - way to go SRD.
How readers can believe this book to be boring also staggers me. I found the action unrelenting and unpredictable. I really enjoyed the way SRD builds up to a climax, while maintaining the tension with issues such as the lack of sleep always niggling away in the background.
For the record I found this book exciting, gripping, complex and rate it as one of the best if not the best, fantasy novel ever written. My only regret is having to wait for the next installment.
And the enemies don't simply plot to rule the universe, but work to manipulate things to the scale of every individual life in that universe. It isn't imply fighting against a nuclear bomb... it's fighting against the individual corruption of people and things one at a time, of turning them into the very thing they despise.
What I like most about the SRD stories I've read, is that they create a detailed world for you, with all the wordiness that requires, while at the same time compelling you through the pages so quickly, that you occasionally have to keep yourself from skimming because you're so urgent to see what becomes of it. This doesn't apply to the short stories I guess (or maybe it does?), there's something else then, that I can't quite put my finger on...
Anyways, my point is meant to be.... I think you could write fantasy, without the gritty reality, while taking advantage of the suspense and characters that SRD employs, and make similarly high quality fantasy. The gritty reality is certianly the signature that it's SRD's, but I think it's other things that make the stories such standouts and so enjoyable.
I am also listening to runes I am on the last 6 hours I am a member of audible which lets me download the book to by pda or mp3 player which is convenient. I agree listening is a great experience because you do not miss anything, sometimes when I read I skim so I can find out what happens. I also bought the ebook so I can read it too If I dont feel like listening. I think the book is great I will probably go back and reread the series over for like the 5th time....Im 37 and I remember 1st reading about covenant when I was 13 Im still hooked!