Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
A world in which people increase their wit, beauty, brawn, stamina, vision, hearing by receiving endowments from others, who are then left witless, ugly, weak, blind, deaf; but well cared for as dedicates. The tale follows the exploits of Prince Gaborn Val Orden of Mystarria, a young Runelord who hopes to win the hand of Princess Iome, heiress to the throne of Sylvarresta, and thereby unite his and her lands. He finds Sylvarresta under attack, however, by the forces of Raj Ahren, whose endowments number in the thousands, making it nearly impossible to kill him. As Gaborn works to save Iome and her father, who have been coerced into giving endowments to Raj Ahren, the young prince faces not only danger, but also his fate to be crowned the new Earth King, with command of the ghosts of his forefathers.
Is The Sum of All Men appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This epic fantasy features a unique magic system based on endowments that can leave people physically and mentally diminished, creating disturbing body horror elements. Contains significant violence and themes of coercion and sacrifice, though no sexual content.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include violence, body horror, and coercion (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to the inventive magic system, high-stakes political intrigue, and a prince racing to save his love and kingdom from a nearly invincible conqueror.