please help-can't remember a fantasy novel's name

[[deleted user]]

Some years ago, I read a fantasy novel in which the magic was the forced transferral of human abilities like intelligence, "metabolism", and strength using wierd branding irons. Can anyone help me remember the name or author?

[Colleen]

David Farland, Runelord series. I can't remember the name of the first book, but that should get you there.

[Shannon]

Is that what the Runelord books are about?! They have the most gharstly covers I've always avoided them (yes it's my mission in life to give the design department at Tor a big smack). That sounds more original than I would have expected...

Just type the author's name into the search function and it'll bring up the whole list.

[[deleted user]]

Thanks, Arian. I would never have guessed it on my own.

Shannon, I couldn't remember the cover when you mentioned it. So I looked. And now I don't remember what the cover has to do with the story. Beyond the fact that the hero was young and male. Something, no doubt.