Rise of the Abrogators

The Rune Fire Cycle, Book 3

By: Lance VanGundy

Narrated by: Edward Beesley

Sometimes the Giver gives, and sometimes the Taker takes.

On the Borderlands, Kaellor and Reddevek reunite, but their plans to thwart Tarkannen already face several obstacles. Before returning to Stone’s Grasp, they must determine if it is possible to reconcile with Savnah and Dexxin’s treasonous affiliation with the Lacuna. Laryn offers a plan to mitigate the damage the circle breakers have sewn in the kingdom, but Kaellor wonders if her solution is more risky than a wager with the Taker. Despite the dangers, they lift their eyes to the horizon and press on toward Callinora.

In Stone’s Grasp, Therek Lefledge cultivates unusual resources to combat the growing Lacuna menace. He relies on the steadfast counsel of Vice Regent Chancle Lellendule and presses Ksenia Balladuren into clandestine service. Their reactions to the ever-increasing political pressures will shape the kingdom’s future, for better or worse.

Warden Reddevek enjoys the company of his ward, Ranika. He protects her secret and comes to rely on her growing power. But she is just one of the abrogators gaining strength on Karsk.

Volencia coordinates with a unique umbral, the shamans of the Brognaus clan, and even grondle to see her dark plans come together.

Can the royal family and those loyal to the old ways stop Tarkannen before he breaks free from his confinement in the Drift? Even if they contain the rise of the abrogators, can they survive the tensions that threaten to destroy the kingdom from within?

©2023 Lance VanGundy (P)2024 Lance VanGundy

Authentic action, strong characters and epic fantasy

5 stars for me from start to end - and now I need the 4th book!
This third installment of the Rune Fire Cycle pulls the story threads of the major players together in really cool ways. I was drawn into the adventure immediately and VanGundy left me with a lot of driveway moments where I had to listen to see if the next chapter would resolve a question or conflict. There is fantastic action tempered by poignant moments. One can feel an authenticity to Kaellor-Laryn's relationship and I can see potential romance in the future for the brothers. Ranika's step into the spotlight is a cool development and I love her sass. Then there is Savnah and her badassery and Karragin being... the toughest outrider in the realm. I love the credible way female characters have their own agency, their own priorities, and that these are not hung up on the companionship or approval of a male counterpart.

Then there are moments with Reddevek... sigh... all I can say for now but SO GOOD! His combat scenes are gritty and unfold with uncommon realism. So many great characters to root for.

The magical system evolves with the exposition of both "the zeniphiles" and "the abrogtors", culminating with a Sanderlanch-type ending that does not disappoint and leaves me clamouring for book 4!

The narrator, Edward Beesley, and his broad cast of voices really brings a richness to the character portraits. His production here is fantastic, much better than book 1, and made it easy to listen and separate different POV and characters in-scene, no easy task with a large character slate and chapters that alter POV. Bravo and I will search for more of his works in the future.

5 stars, give a listen if you are into epic fantasy, rich world-building, creative unique monsters, and love strong female protagonists!