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Awakened Runes
“Eyes to the horizon,” were the last words the king had spoken to his wife before the abrogator channeled dark power and murdered them both. Their deaths activated an enchantment that concealed the identity of their two sons and allowed the king’s brother, Kaellor, to escape with the heirs to the Southlands.For twelve years, Kaellor raises the boys in relative anonymity. Without explanation, the barrier concealing their identity frays. The abrogators renew their hunt, and the three begin a journey fraught with otherworldly dangers.How will they react to the trappings of destiny? What hope do two teenagers and a middle-aged map-maker have against those aligned with the forces of the underworld?When you strip everything form a man not once but twice, what are the limits to his vengeance?Far to the north, Karragin ascends to leadership among the elite paramilitary group known as the Outriders. Political intrigue threatens her family at every step. She survives one assassination attempt but discovers that something even more sinister threatens the kingdom.Between them all, Laryn struggles to find her path in the Valley of the Cloudwalkers. Fate binds her to the others, but first, she must survive trials at the summit of the Korjinth Mountains.
517 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2020
11 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Lance VanGundy
7 books12 followersLance loves creating immersive fantasy worlds rich with character and world building. His stories resonate with both adult and YA readers.
He came of age in rural central Iowa, the product of public education and good parents. He studied anthropology and biology, earning a bachelor's degree from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He then attended medical school at the University of Iowa.
He and his wife, Kristin, have been married for over thirty years and raised three daughters. He continues to practice emergency medicine in central Iowa but escapes to all things fantasy in nature for as much as his wife can tolerate. That is no small amount, for he is, after all, a very lucky man.
His published books in the Rune Fire Cycle include Awakened Runes and The Runes of the Prime and Rise of the Abrogators and Revealing the Arca Prime.
He came of age in rural central Iowa, the product of public education and good parents. He studied anthropology and biology, earning a bachelor's degree from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He then attended medical school at the University of Iowa.
He and his wife, Kristin, have been married for over thirty years and raised three daughters. He continues to practice emergency medicine in central Iowa but escapes to all things fantasy in nature for as much as his wife can tolerate. That is no small amount, for he is, after all, a very lucky man.
His published books in the Rune Fire Cycle include Awakened Runes and The Runes of the Prime and Rise of the Abrogators and Revealing the Arca Prime.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 17, 2021
Awakened Runes is a jaw-dropping, heart-pounding, epic fantasy thrill ride from start to finish and I loved every minute of it. This book is the first in the new Rune Fire Cycle Series and chronicles the two heirs of a kingdom ravaged by darkness and their imperative desire to survive. But how can they withstand such forces of darkness? After the abrogator kills the King and Queeen, a spell is encacted which allows for the two male heirs, Bryndor and Lluthean, to hide and to then escape with their uncle Kaellor into safety. But how long can they hold the dark forces at bay? Additionally, this is also the story of Karrigan, who is a part of a military group called the Outsiders and must protect herself from assassination attempts as well as a deep conspiracy that could overrun the whole land. There is also Laryn, who is trying to survive trials in the Korjinth Mountains.
There are a lot of different paths within this story and a lot of various characters as well, but don’t let the vast scale of this book put you off! It’s actually one of my favorite aspects of the book. There is so much story here, so much history and it was such a joy to dive into the deep end of this world. I’ll admit, I am such a sucker for displaced royals who have to reclaim their throne or homeland. Those kinds of stories are so interesting to me, because you watch a character lost everything, discover who they are, and really watch them grow as a person, which is definitely the case in Awakened Runes. All the characters in this book are really just so very well developed. I look forward to reading more of this series!
If you are a fan of the fantasy genre, then I can personally guarantee that you will love this book, especially if you particularly love high fantasy or epic fantasy. Do you like Tad Williams, Brandon Sanderson, or David Eddings? If so, then this is the book for you! This book really does have it all; fantastic world-building, interesting characters, and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss this one, folks!
There are a lot of different paths within this story and a lot of various characters as well, but don’t let the vast scale of this book put you off! It’s actually one of my favorite aspects of the book. There is so much story here, so much history and it was such a joy to dive into the deep end of this world. I’ll admit, I am such a sucker for displaced royals who have to reclaim their throne or homeland. Those kinds of stories are so interesting to me, because you watch a character lost everything, discover who they are, and really watch them grow as a person, which is definitely the case in Awakened Runes. All the characters in this book are really just so very well developed. I look forward to reading more of this series!
If you are a fan of the fantasy genre, then I can personally guarantee that you will love this book, especially if you particularly love high fantasy or epic fantasy. Do you like Tad Williams, Brandon Sanderson, or David Eddings? If so, then this is the book for you! This book really does have it all; fantastic world-building, interesting characters, and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss this one, folks!
June 13, 2023
I am a dyed in the wool Western and Mountain Man book reader.
Awakened Runes, Awakened me.
This book was written in such a way that it is very hard to put down. I felt as if I was a part of the story, perhaps a Cloud Walker observing only!
I will forever keep my eyes on the Horizon
Can't wait to start Book Two!!!
Jim
Awakened Runes, Awakened me.
This book was written in such a way that it is very hard to put down. I felt as if I was a part of the story, perhaps a Cloud Walker observing only!
I will forever keep my eyes on the Horizon
Can't wait to start Book Two!!!
Jim
November 17, 2023
Fantastic Debut for Fantasy Lovers
I have known Lance VanGundy for years as an excellent doctor. He still practices emergency medicine in our town. And now I know he is also a fabulous fantasy author!
His debut epic fantasy, “Awakened Runes”, is so good! It was published in 2000 and I don’t know why it took me so long to read it! For a debut book Lance did everything right. He is meticulous about setting up the world of Karsk without being so detailed that it would get boring. He has provided maps at the front that are essential to help get a layout of the world. The characters are well developed and super interesting. The names are different without being difficult to pronounce but Lance also has a glossary at the end of the book with how to pronounce and what families they belong to.
“Eyes to the horizon," were the last words the king had spoken to his wife before the abrogator channeled dark power and murdered them both. Their deaths activated an enchantment that concealed the identity of their two sons and allowed the king's brother, Kaellor, to escape with the heirs to the Southlands.
For twelve years, Kaellor raises the boys in relative anonymity. Without explanation, the barrier concealing their identity frays. The abrogators renew their hunt, and the three begin a journey fraught with otherworldly dangers.”
Lance has 2 other books in the series that are out and I am now 1/3 of the way through the 2nd one/ I can’t put it down - who needs sleep right? This book gets 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. If you love fantasy you need to read this book - you won’t be sorry!
I have known Lance VanGundy for years as an excellent doctor. He still practices emergency medicine in our town. And now I know he is also a fabulous fantasy author!
His debut epic fantasy, “Awakened Runes”, is so good! It was published in 2000 and I don’t know why it took me so long to read it! For a debut book Lance did everything right. He is meticulous about setting up the world of Karsk without being so detailed that it would get boring. He has provided maps at the front that are essential to help get a layout of the world. The characters are well developed and super interesting. The names are different without being difficult to pronounce but Lance also has a glossary at the end of the book with how to pronounce and what families they belong to.
“Eyes to the horizon," were the last words the king had spoken to his wife before the abrogator channeled dark power and murdered them both. Their deaths activated an enchantment that concealed the identity of their two sons and allowed the king's brother, Kaellor, to escape with the heirs to the Southlands.
For twelve years, Kaellor raises the boys in relative anonymity. Without explanation, the barrier concealing their identity frays. The abrogators renew their hunt, and the three begin a journey fraught with otherworldly dangers.”
Lance has 2 other books in the series that are out and I am now 1/3 of the way through the 2nd one/ I can’t put it down - who needs sleep right? This book gets 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. If you love fantasy you need to read this book - you won’t be sorry!
November 15, 2023
Excellent!!! Wonderful character development.
April 27, 2022
I don’t often write reviews of books, only if I really love them. This is one of those books. This fantastical story about 2 brothers growing up in a quite unconventional world of both light and dark magic, heroes and villains.
There are many characters that are very well developed. Some expansive stories have so many that you can’t keep up - not this one. Each character is developed in a way that pulls you in. As in most epic novels, there are many characters that each play a role in defining the story and bringing loose pieces together. This author did a wonderful job bringing the reader into the story.
The book starts off a little dark and I was concerned that maybe this wasn’t going to be the book for me. It certainly doesn’t stay that way and it was needed to have a deeper understanding of what makes the characters tick. Also, there seem to be a lot of unanswered questions early on but stick with it. The story unfolds and many questions are answered as you read.
I am VERY eager for the next book in the series. Until then, “Eyes to the Horizon”.
There are many characters that are very well developed. Some expansive stories have so many that you can’t keep up - not this one. Each character is developed in a way that pulls you in. As in most epic novels, there are many characters that each play a role in defining the story and bringing loose pieces together. This author did a wonderful job bringing the reader into the story.
The book starts off a little dark and I was concerned that maybe this wasn’t going to be the book for me. It certainly doesn’t stay that way and it was needed to have a deeper understanding of what makes the characters tick. Also, there seem to be a lot of unanswered questions early on but stick with it. The story unfolds and many questions are answered as you read.
I am VERY eager for the next book in the series. Until then, “Eyes to the Horizon”.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews