Donaldson's lead character struggles constantly with the inner turmoil of her situation, just like the many conflicts Thomas Covenant dealt with in the first two series involving the Land. The many complexities of the character make it difficult to feel a bond with her and therefore with the novel itself. The Runes of the Earth is however beautifully written and the detailed accounts of the Land are extremely visual. Donaldson is a powerful writer whose insights into the human psyche stand alone. Overall more action, less dissection.