The Sum of All Men cover

The Sum of All Men

The Runelords • Book 1

by David Farland

Narrated by Ray Porter

3.94 ABR Score (23.8K ratings)
★ 3.78 Goodreads (19.8K) ★ 4.41 Audible (4.0K)
21h 56m Released 2008 Fantasy

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

The gap between this book's Goodreads rating and its Audible rating is basically a review of Ray Porter's performance — trust it.

  • Great if you want: epic fantasy with a clever economy-based magic system
  • Listening experience: sweeping and propulsive — Porter keeps 22 hours from dragging
  • Narration: Porter sells apocalyptic stakes without tipping into melodrama
  • Skip if: destiny-chosen-hero tropes and slow character arcs frustrate you

Listen to The Sum of All Men on Audible →

About This Audiobook

In the realm of the Runelords, magical endowments allow rulers to absorb the physical and mental attributes of their subjects, creating superhuman warriors capable of extraordinary feats. Prince Gaborn Val Orden arrives in the kingdom of Mystarria seeking both political alliance and marriage, but his diplomatic mission transforms into a desperate struggle for survival. The ruthless Raj Ahten, known as the Wolf Lord, sweeps northward with his conquering army, systematically harvesting endowments from the defeated to fuel his own terrifying power. As ancient prophecies stir and the legendary Earth King's return seems imminent, Gaborn must navigate treacherous court politics while preparing for an inevitable confrontation that will determine humanity's fate.

Ray Porter delivers a masterful performance that elevates David Farland's intricate worldbuilding through distinct character voices and nuanced emotional range. His narration captures both the intimate political maneuvering within castle walls and the epic scope of magical battles, seamlessly transitioning between tender romantic moments and heart-pounding action sequences. Porter's measured pacing allows listeners to fully absorb the complex magic system and layered relationships that drive the story, while his dynamic delivery during combat scenes brings visceral intensity to the unique endowment-based conflicts that define this fantasy realm.