Worldbinder

 

This entry of David Farland’s Runelords series opens with Shadoath seeing danger in the form of a tree at Castle Coorm, with the young prince Fallion, known as a torch-bearer among flameweavers, entering the fortress as well to find that the Courts of Tides were laid waste, and visiting places such as his old bedroom. The castle at Caer Luciare is a lonely mountainside refuge, and the dog Wanderlust, with a good pedigree, plays a sizeable role, being able to sense the antagonistic wyrmlings, and tracking Daylan Hammer, ultimately imprisoned, although he resists.

Talon at one point has a plant growing through her that threatens her life, and new adversaries known as the Knights Eternal find a human fortress south of Caer Golgeata as their mistress Lady Despair promises. Fallion’s group in the meantime reaches the ruins of Cantular, fearing that wyrmling warriors could be in hiding. A feast is held in the great hall of Caer Luciare in anticipation of a forthcoming attack against the wyrmlings, with King Urstone having high hopes for his assault. Alun and the canine Wanderlust attempt to outrun their opponents, entering a canyon called the Vale of Anguish.

Daylan attempts to escape from his imprisonment and finds a companion in the wyrmling princess Kan-hazur. Meanwhile, Fallion at one point awakes unable to move, and attempts to reach out to his companions, ultimately meeting the spirits of his ancestors. In Cantular, Warlord Madoc anticipates the advancing wyrmling army, afterward fighting for his life and encountering a bridge collapse. Moreover, Areth Sul Urstone experiences torture at the hands of apprentices in the torturing craft. Several battles conclude the story, with Rhianna taking flight to seek assistance in the battle versus the wyrmlings.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed this entry of the Runelords series, given its high fantasy content and plenty of nonhuman characters, with a few nicely-described battles as well, although one may find difficult the task of keeping track the diverse perspectives of the various characters. There’s also implication that the conflict between the humans and the wyrmlings isn’t wholly black and white, and I personally found the younger characters of the story to be the most interesting of the cast. I very much wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this entry of the series to those who enjoyed its precursors.