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Rune Breaker #1
A Girl and Her Monster
There is a legend in this world of a weapon that only the most wicked of souls seek. It has passed down through the years since before the coming of the gods and each time it's been found, it granted its master the power to conquer. The power to rule. In the past, it was known by another name, but now it is only known by Rune Breaker.
After decades of dormancy, it just found a new master.
Only this time, things will be different. The new master of the Rune Breaker is an escaped slave-soldier of the Hailene Army of Ascendancy. She never sought the weapon. She does not want to conquer or rule.
Making that choice won't be easy, for the Rune Breaker is not a sword or bow, but a man; a shapeshifting mage bound to serve whoever finds him as punishment for his ancient crimes. And his sentence has done nothing to reform him. Now, with a villain from before history bound to serve a heroic soul, the question must be answered: Can evil be turned to the cause of good, or is the taint of darkness all corrupting and absolute?
Before they can find out, they must brave a world alien to both of them and the attentions of a foe who stalks them in hopes of gaining access to a power beyond the gods.
Collects the first book of the web serial novel, Rune Breaker by Landon Porter.
After decades of dormancy, it just found a new master.
Only this time, things will be different. The new master of the Rune Breaker is an escaped slave-soldier of the Hailene Army of Ascendancy. She never sought the weapon. She does not want to conquer or rule.
Making that choice won't be easy, for the Rune Breaker is not a sword or bow, but a man; a shapeshifting mage bound to serve whoever finds him as punishment for his ancient crimes. And his sentence has done nothing to reform him. Now, with a villain from before history bound to serve a heroic soul, the question must be answered: Can evil be turned to the cause of good, or is the taint of darkness all corrupting and absolute?
Before they can find out, they must brave a world alien to both of them and the attentions of a foe who stalks them in hopes of gaining access to a power beyond the gods.
Collects the first book of the web serial novel, Rune Breaker by Landon Porter.
- GenresFantasyParanormalMagic
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2012
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359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 23, 2012
Let me strip this down, onion-style.
First layer: the words on the page. Other reviewers are correct here: there are a cringeworthy number of errors, ranging from mild (it's for its) to unintentionally hilarious (cunning and viscous hounds). They never obscured meaning, but it's a shame to see them in a book that the author obviously worked hard on, like a mustard stain on a $300 shirt.
Second layer: the storytelling. I learned after the fact that this book was collected from an online serial. My guess is that publishing the story in installments forced the author to keep it moving at a brisk pace (no choking down pages of description or backstory, here!) The result is an uncommonly short book that doesn't follow the traditional narrative arc, but never bogs down or sags. There is always something to anticipate, a payoff around every corner. And if you like action scenes, this fellow's got a flair for them: he can accurately describe in five words what I don't have the vocabulary to express in fifty. I really, really admire his knack.
Third layer: the setting. I'll be honest – I'm pretty tired of generic Euromedieval fantasyland. So although I didn't especially enjoy some of its trappings (“aw, halflings again? We just had them last week!”), it was GREAT to see it freshened with original races and concepts, and modernized to boot. Some things seemed incongruous - for example, there are dime novels and six-shooter pistols, but people still fight with swords and light fires with flint and tinder. But there are a few truly-nifty wonders in this book, and plenty of still-unseen ones hinted at for the next one.
Fourth layer: the characters. I truly enjoyed most of the main characters. For one thing, it's nice to see a sympathetic but capable female main character, one who's neither a pushover nor a testicle-chomping shrew. For another, the conflict between her and the lead male is basic and believable and strong enough to carry the whole story – a real feat. My only wish is for less monoculture with the background characters. We wouldn't say, “well, Asians are intelligent and value obedience, while Jews are thrifty and insular,” and I don't think it's fair to do that in fantasyland either. Hopefully this will be less an issue as we get to know them better in future installments.
Fifth layer: the heart of the story. You know, the thing that would make you re-read the series even after you find out how the plot turns out. For me, this is a story about a former slave who accidentally acquires a slave herself, and struggles to survive without compromising her principles. All my favorite parts of the story have this as a centerpiece, and although it perhaps wasn't truly put to the test in this book (where things often fall out in a “for a minute, it looks like X, but then fortunately Y” pattern), I am really looking forward to seeing how this core issue complicates and develops in books to come.
Essentially: this story is good enough to make you wish it were better, but promising enough to make you believe it will get there. I am up for the journey.
First layer: the words on the page. Other reviewers are correct here: there are a cringeworthy number of errors, ranging from mild (it's for its) to unintentionally hilarious (cunning and viscous hounds). They never obscured meaning, but it's a shame to see them in a book that the author obviously worked hard on, like a mustard stain on a $300 shirt.
Second layer: the storytelling. I learned after the fact that this book was collected from an online serial. My guess is that publishing the story in installments forced the author to keep it moving at a brisk pace (no choking down pages of description or backstory, here!) The result is an uncommonly short book that doesn't follow the traditional narrative arc, but never bogs down or sags. There is always something to anticipate, a payoff around every corner. And if you like action scenes, this fellow's got a flair for them: he can accurately describe in five words what I don't have the vocabulary to express in fifty. I really, really admire his knack.
Third layer: the setting. I'll be honest – I'm pretty tired of generic Euromedieval fantasyland. So although I didn't especially enjoy some of its trappings (“aw, halflings again? We just had them last week!”), it was GREAT to see it freshened with original races and concepts, and modernized to boot. Some things seemed incongruous - for example, there are dime novels and six-shooter pistols, but people still fight with swords and light fires with flint and tinder. But there are a few truly-nifty wonders in this book, and plenty of still-unseen ones hinted at for the next one.
Fourth layer: the characters. I truly enjoyed most of the main characters. For one thing, it's nice to see a sympathetic but capable female main character, one who's neither a pushover nor a testicle-chomping shrew. For another, the conflict between her and the lead male is basic and believable and strong enough to carry the whole story – a real feat. My only wish is for less monoculture with the background characters. We wouldn't say, “well, Asians are intelligent and value obedience, while Jews are thrifty and insular,” and I don't think it's fair to do that in fantasyland either. Hopefully this will be less an issue as we get to know them better in future installments.
Fifth layer: the heart of the story. You know, the thing that would make you re-read the series even after you find out how the plot turns out. For me, this is a story about a former slave who accidentally acquires a slave herself, and struggles to survive without compromising her principles. All my favorite parts of the story have this as a centerpiece, and although it perhaps wasn't truly put to the test in this book (where things often fall out in a “for a minute, it looks like X, but then fortunately Y” pattern), I am really looking forward to seeing how this core issue complicates and develops in books to come.
Essentially: this story is good enough to make you wish it were better, but promising enough to make you believe it will get there. I am up for the journey.
October 28, 2014
-Muchas posibilidades al fondo, texto a revisar (y repensar) muy mucho al frente.-
Género. Narrativa Fantástica (con Ciencia-Ficción al fondo, en mi opinión).
Lo que nos cuenta. Taylin es una guerrera que ha escapado de sus amos y ha decidido aventurarse por las grutas de un área montañosa para tratar de compensar su desventaja ante la jauría de perros mutados que la persigue. Bajo el ataque de los canes, encuentra una puerta de hierro de diseño extraño en uno de los túneles y que da acceso a una cámara abovedada en cuyo centro hay unas columnas de piedra que parecen sostener algún tipo de presencia mágica y algo parecido a un sarcófago colocado verticalmente, que resulta ser la prisión de Rune Breaker, un arma antiquísima e increíblemente poderosa que se unirá profunda e inseparablemente a Taylin. Aunque el libro parece haber sido escrito en 2010, mi copia es una reedición del 2012. Primer volumen de la serie Rune Breaker.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Narrativa Fantástica (con Ciencia-Ficción al fondo, en mi opinión).
Lo que nos cuenta. Taylin es una guerrera que ha escapado de sus amos y ha decidido aventurarse por las grutas de un área montañosa para tratar de compensar su desventaja ante la jauría de perros mutados que la persigue. Bajo el ataque de los canes, encuentra una puerta de hierro de diseño extraño en uno de los túneles y que da acceso a una cámara abovedada en cuyo centro hay unas columnas de piedra que parecen sostener algún tipo de presencia mágica y algo parecido a un sarcófago colocado verticalmente, que resulta ser la prisión de Rune Breaker, un arma antiquísima e increíblemente poderosa que se unirá profunda e inseparablemente a Taylin. Aunque el libro parece haber sido escrito en 2010, mi copia es una reedición del 2012. Primer volumen de la serie Rune Breaker.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
December 7, 2013
As good as any first book of a fantasy series I've read recently. Excellent characterization, great storyline, good action sequences. If the rest of the series holds up to the promise of this first book, it's going to be a series I keep to re-read.
There were editing errors, but that is something I can overlook, especially for particularly good character development and a relatively unique world setting. Also avoids the 'cliffhanger' endings so prevalent and annoying with many series, so although the storyline obviously continues, there is the feel of a segment ending.
There were editing errors, but that is something I can overlook, especially for particularly good character development and a relatively unique world setting. Also avoids the 'cliffhanger' endings so prevalent and annoying with many series, so although the storyline obviously continues, there is the feel of a segment ending.
September 3, 2013
By Pappa on July 21, 2013
I absolutely fell in love with the world and the characters. They felt incredibly real in their development. Taylin is very resourceful in her ability to improvise during fights and her best weapon is her innocent heart. She developed into a caring warrior that was invested emotionally with the characters she cared for.
Ru’s experiences were detailed in a satisfying way. Porter gave the right information and wrote him in a way that you could hate him for what he’s done and been through, yet love him for what he is striving to become in spite of what he is. There is a caring basis for all of his actions that have been gained through wisdom. Porter shows a tendency for Ru to continue to escalate in power in a worthwhile way.
The magic is a combination of logic and philosophy that was unique and well-developed. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. It many strengths and is definitely not your standard fantasy.
While I’ve seen earlier comments regarding editing issues, I’m sure that much of this has been addressed, however there are a few issues still dangling in respect to edits. I would love to see what this book would become under the guidance of a strong editor.
Overall this book is a win! I would absolutely hang out with these Taylin and Ru and be part of what they have created because I feel like I grow in both knowledge and heart.
What Does Pappa Think?
A Girl and Her Monster (Rune Breaker) by Landon Porter s 4 cookies
August 13, 2016
Taylin the soldier slave rebels and escapes her masters, only to find herself cornered. The only way out is to strike a bargain with an entity which is a weapon of destruction. So starts the relationship between her and Ru Brakar. Conditioned to fight and distrust, Taylin wants more from life than she has already known, a life without conflict and distrust. Ru Brakar, on the other hand, has been purposely built to kill and conquer, it's the reason for his existence. Ru expects her to command him and use him to gain power and wealth, but she doesn't want that. Unfortunately, the pact between them can't be broken. I really enjoyed this tale and would recommend it to all other sword and sorcery fans.
March 13, 2018
This is a fun (if slight) fantasy romp. I like Taylin, the main character - she's got a sense of decency that I like to see in a protagonist. And her basic goodness contrasts and complements the sardonic self-loathing of her companion Ru, who happens to be an ancient and immensely powerful wizard/weapon.
The author would likely profit from taking his time a little more with fleshing out his world and the surviving characters in a more natural, organic way - what there is here often comes in quite info-dump fashion - but the core of the narrative was solidly enjoyable.
The author would likely profit from taking his time a little more with fleshing out his world and the surviving characters in a more natural, organic way - what there is here often comes in quite info-dump fashion - but the core of the narrative was solidly enjoyable.
March 22, 2019
A Girl and Her Monster - Landon Porter - Rune Breaker #1
The Monster is the Rune Breaker in the subtitle.
He is portrayed as an all encompassing world destroying person/weapon.
In this book he is in a more dormant state, not so impressive at all. In fact, without the ‘legend’ as told by characters, you wouldn’t think him particularly good at all - I guess he’ll develop over further books.
The main character is an extremely strong warrior, who holds their own on their own, which is the basis behind this particular book.
The story is ok, the drama ok, 2/5
The Monster is the Rune Breaker in the subtitle.
He is portrayed as an all encompassing world destroying person/weapon.
In this book he is in a more dormant state, not so impressive at all. In fact, without the ‘legend’ as told by characters, you wouldn’t think him particularly good at all - I guess he’ll develop over further books.
The main character is an extremely strong warrior, who holds their own on their own, which is the basis behind this particular book.
The story is ok, the drama ok, 2/5
September 14, 2020
Rune Breaker book 1 (a Girl and her Monster
I enjoyed this book so much. It was refreshingly different than other fantasy sci-fi books I had read. The heroine was very different but believable. All the characters were nothing you would imagine and the storyline was fast paced and at times riveting. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a really good action packed, fun, and all round great fantasy read.
I enjoyed this book so much. It was refreshingly different than other fantasy sci-fi books I had read. The heroine was very different but believable. All the characters were nothing you would imagine and the storyline was fast paced and at times riveting. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a really good action packed, fun, and all round great fantasy read.
May 13, 2013
Very good. I enjoyed the story, it took a bit to get into though. Was not sure where things were going at first. I am looking forward to reading the second book and see where things go. Taylin is a perfect fallen angel(almost literally), Ru is a powerful entity with no skills being a real person anymore and the two work well together. Add in a cool Halfling clan and the story gets going!
December 27, 2013
I'm 37% done and could care less about finishing this book. Can't like the main character.
May 5, 2024
I read that this book was published as a web novel which absolutely explains the pacing of the book. There are some editing oversights but nothing that changes what the author is trying to convey.
That aside, I enjoyed this read. It was fast-paced. There was something new happening in every single chapter. With fantasy books, there's always a lot to establish and a lot of world-building to be done. This can bog down the storytelling. No such issues here. There's not a lot of world-building nor any groundbreaking concepts. You have a mage and a soldier.
I like that the protagonist, Taylin, is the brawn rather than the brain or magician as it usually is with a female lead in fantasy settings. The mage, Ru, is appropriately sassy and bloodthirsty. Definitely will be reading the rest in the series to see his backstory.
This is a very action packed story with a good amount of gore so beware. The action scenes themselves are well-written and easy to follow. I really appreciate that because I'm usually left lost with who is where and doing what.
That aside, I enjoyed this read. It was fast-paced. There was something new happening in every single chapter. With fantasy books, there's always a lot to establish and a lot of world-building to be done. This can bog down the storytelling. No such issues here. There's not a lot of world-building nor any groundbreaking concepts. You have a mage and a soldier.
I like that the protagonist, Taylin, is the brawn rather than the brain or magician as it usually is with a female lead in fantasy settings. The mage, Ru, is appropriately sassy and bloodthirsty. Definitely will be reading the rest in the series to see his backstory.
This is a very action packed story with a good amount of gore so beware. The action scenes themselves are well-written and easy to follow. I really appreciate that because I'm usually left lost with who is where and doing what.
September 18, 2017
I picked this book up and finished it in a few hours. It was very good. I loved the characters and cannot wait to see how they handle further problems. But, especially I cannot wait to see how they grow and change. It was an original tale which I really appreciated. Many books feel like it's the same content recycled to me anymore. As a side note I was amused by the mention of Allbuks dehydrated foods. I found the label of it in the back amusing as well.
May 20, 2022
"Miss Taylin, The thing you must understand is that I would rather be a weapon than nothing."
- page 15
I was worried this book would be all exclamation and no action. But I was pleasantly surprised.
This is a great book one. It explains the characters and the world in a way that doesn't feel like just an introduction. It's a story all in itself.
Excellent writing, great story. Can't wait to read more by this author.
- page 15
I was worried this book would be all exclamation and no action. But I was pleasantly surprised.
This is a great book one. It explains the characters and the world in a way that doesn't feel like just an introduction. It's a story all in itself.
Excellent writing, great story. Can't wait to read more by this author.
May 31, 2019
Clever writing and solid characters
This is a worthy start to an interesting premise; a warrior and a mage pushed forward through centuries arriving to make their way in a world they don't know much about.
The world building is smooth and has gravitas.
Looking forward to learning more about the tension between the two travelers.
This is a worthy start to an interesting premise; a warrior and a mage pushed forward through centuries arriving to make their way in a world they don't know much about.
The world building is smooth and has gravitas.
Looking forward to learning more about the tension between the two travelers.
October 11, 2023
The story is something completely different from what i normally read, But i did enjoy it. It is any easy read but interesting story that unfolds as you go. I think this is a wonderful book for anyone looking for something different or that enjoys fantasy.Landon Porter
November 19, 2023
A fleeting taste
The storyline was entertaining and kept the interest of the reader. The story setting in mythical and very enjoyable for all fantasy lovers. Looking forward to reading more
The storyline was entertaining and kept the interest of the reader. The story setting in mythical and very enjoyable for all fantasy lovers. Looking forward to reading more
January 27, 2024
A really quick read. I enjoyed it but it felt like the opening section, rather than the first book. The characters are great and the writing is engaging. Everything fantasy should be.
January 4, 2025
-1 * for halflings
rest is interesting and a good start for a series
very well worded
rest is interesting and a good start for a series
very well worded
November 1, 2017
There are so many things wrong with this book.
When I first started I found it to be extremely jumpy and disconcerting. There are far too many grammar mistakes and the pov shifts are weird and confusing.
There are spots where things would never make sense, such as in the main battle a character is wearing a flamboyant shirt with lots of ruffles. Who would do that? It would be far too dangerous.
There is also a spot where a character is supposedly playing a flute one handed. From my experience, it is nearly impossible to do so and make it sound decent, so this was quite an irritation.
Speaking of quite...part of the horrid grammar is the misplacement of words. For example: Quiet for quite, patiently for patently, and later instead of latter.
Sentence structures didn't make sense. There was a massive misuse of commas and semicolons, and so many misplaced words it was as if there wasn't a single read through for clean up.
The whole thing was confusing. You really have little to no idea what is on, and the explanations were non-existent. For instance, I don't quite understand what a heiline is yet, even after finishing the book. Why is it so bad to be one? Why did they become slaves? What is their place in this world? Etc.
The plot was ridiculous, and not one character was likable.
Just a disappointment in general and will not recommend it to anyone in the future.
For my clean readers:
Violence, mild language, and mild sexual innuendos.
When I first started I found it to be extremely jumpy and disconcerting. There are far too many grammar mistakes and the pov shifts are weird and confusing.
There are spots where things would never make sense, such as in the main battle a character is wearing a flamboyant shirt with lots of ruffles. Who would do that? It would be far too dangerous.
There is also a spot where a character is supposedly playing a flute one handed. From my experience, it is nearly impossible to do so and make it sound decent, so this was quite an irritation.
Speaking of quite...part of the horrid grammar is the misplacement of words. For example: Quiet for quite, patiently for patently, and later instead of latter.
Sentence structures didn't make sense. There was a massive misuse of commas and semicolons, and so many misplaced words it was as if there wasn't a single read through for clean up.
The whole thing was confusing. You really have little to no idea what is on, and the explanations were non-existent. For instance, I don't quite understand what a heiline is yet, even after finishing the book. Why is it so bad to be one? Why did they become slaves? What is their place in this world? Etc.
The plot was ridiculous, and not one character was likable.
Just a disappointment in general and will not recommend it to anyone in the future.
For my clean readers:
Violence, mild language, and mild sexual innuendos.
January 10, 2016
This was an enjoyable start to a series of what appears to be 4 books. The heroine is a slave who we meet when she is in the process of escaping her masters. In the process, she manages to awaken a powerful and deadly force. However, she is not a vengeful person, and so ends up returning to a world that has had major changes.
I liked the heroine a lot--she is strong and yet kind. She has spent years controlling and containing herself, yet is happy to begin the process of breaking down her walls when she has the opportunity. This is not a romance, although I suppose it could become possible in the future. At this point, she is not awake in that way emotionally.
The worldbuilding could have been deeper. While I don't mind learning about a world as the story develops, there was a lot of detail and substance missing. The advertisement and glossary of spell symbols at the end were fun, but they weren't tied to anything that was a significant part of the story. So, I ended up feeling like I had met people I really liked, but when asked realized I didn't much about them. Still, it was an enjoyable fantasy, and I am interested in following the characters as they travel through the remade world.
I liked the heroine a lot--she is strong and yet kind. She has spent years controlling and containing herself, yet is happy to begin the process of breaking down her walls when she has the opportunity. This is not a romance, although I suppose it could become possible in the future. At this point, she is not awake in that way emotionally.
The worldbuilding could have been deeper. While I don't mind learning about a world as the story develops, there was a lot of detail and substance missing. The advertisement and glossary of spell symbols at the end were fun, but they weren't tied to anything that was a significant part of the story. So, I ended up feeling like I had met people I really liked, but when asked realized I didn't much about them. Still, it was an enjoyable fantasy, and I am interested in following the characters as they travel through the remade world.
August 31, 2013
Anymore these days, it's very VERY hard to find a book or an author who spends a lot of time on developing the world the story takes place in. This is a shame, and in my opinion, what separates mediocre stories from truly memorable ones.
This series has an intensely rich and developed world in place, which grabs the reader and pulls you in. There is thousands of years of history in place, an incredibly unique magic system, unique races with their own fresh cultures, new monsters and beast, etc.
If you add any characters into a luxuriously fleshed out background like that, you are sure to have an interesting story. Add well-developed and complex characters into a background like that? Engaging!
I've wandered away from fantasy for a while, because I was tired of the recycled, non-unique, borderline romance novel type writing that's been on the scene recently. This book has what originally made me fall in love with the genre! No swooning maidens simpering over sparkly jerks here!
This series has an intensely rich and developed world in place, which grabs the reader and pulls you in. There is thousands of years of history in place, an incredibly unique magic system, unique races with their own fresh cultures, new monsters and beast, etc.
If you add any characters into a luxuriously fleshed out background like that, you are sure to have an interesting story. Add well-developed and complex characters into a background like that? Engaging!
I've wandered away from fantasy for a while, because I was tired of the recycled, non-unique, borderline romance novel type writing that's been on the scene recently. This book has what originally made me fall in love with the genre! No swooning maidens simpering over sparkly jerks here!
January 21, 2016
At first the story was a little hard to follow, the beginning didn't comprehend well with me, but that could just be me. I ended up taking a break from it for a while and when I came back, I just couldn't put it down!! After the initial confusion, the story becomes more easy on the plot and such. I'm a bit disappointed that the book wasn't as plot heavy as I expected it to be, but I think the next book will make up for it!! The plot is original and becomes better written out as the book goes on and the characters are original and well written. I have to say, this book is above standards for a free book!! I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series!
December 11, 2015
Wow, this was good. It has languished on my "unread free kindle download" shelf forever and I finally opened it. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Compelling leads, an interesting world and nice pacing, although it felt more like a long novella then a novel. This was a originally a web serial, which I didn't know when I started it, which probably contributes to the quick pace and novella like feel to the structure. This is part 1 of a four part series, which can also be purchased as one book, which I just purchased. :)
August 17, 2015
Good story. Great and unique characters. A good start to the series! I recommend this series for your consideration and enjoyment.
The characters are quite unique and the story is entertaining. The series has real possibilities. I recommend it highly if you are a f fantasy buff!
The characters are quite unique and the story is entertaining. The series has real possibilities. I recommend it highly if you are a f fantasy buff!
December 10, 2013
I enjoyed reading this one, and will probably read the second book eventually. The storyline and plot throughout the book were a little more complex, which made it not quite as simple of a read as what I like. However, it was intriguing enough that I would like to continue reading the story.
January 1, 2015
I usually don't read fantasy but I needed one for a group challenge and I was very pleasantly surprised. This book is very well written and I loved the characters. I'm sure I'll read the others in the series
April 25, 2013
3.5 stars, an interesting start.
January 11, 2014
I didn't like the narrative style - it could've been more engaging, I thought. But the premise was okay. I guess.
April 7, 2014
This was good! A unique premise and interesting characters. Excited to see where he goes with it in future books.
September 14, 2014
I liked it, but not enough to have to read he next installments.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews