The Dragonbone Chair
Ratings97
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings97
Average rating3.7
From master storyteller and New York Times-bestseller Tad Williams comes the first book in the landmark epic fantasy saga of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn.
A war fueled by the powers of dark sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard—for Prester John, the High King, lies dying. And with his death, the Storm King, the undead ruler of the elf-like Sithi, seizes the chance to regain his lost realm through a pact with the newly ascended king. Knowing the consequences of this bargain, the king’s younger brother joins with a small, scattered group of scholars, the League of the Scroll, to confront the true danger threatening Osten Ard.
Simon, a kitchen boy from the royal castle unknowingly apprenticed to a member of this League, will be sent on a quest that offers the only hope of salvation, a deadly riddle concerning long-lost swords of power. Compelled by fate and perilous magics, he must leave the only home he’s ever known and face enemies more terrifying than Osten Ard has ever seen, even as the land itself begins to die.
Featured Series
3 primary booksMemory, Sorrow, and Thorn is a 9-book series with 9 primary works first released in 1988 with contributions by Tad Williams, Jacques Collin, and Verena C. Harksen.
Series
6 primary books9 released booksOsten Ard Saga is a 9-book series with 6 primary works first released in 1988 with contributions by Tad Williams.
Reviews with the most likes.
This was a nice long and slow epic novel that was low on magic and high on honour
This is technically a reread, but I remember almost nothing about this book except for some vague and unimportant scenes about 2/3 through the book. I really loved this book. Its so slow, but I loved his prose and didn't mind the slow build.
My biggest complaint is that many of the characters feel non-distinct. Miriamele and Maegwin feel like the same person. I couldn't tell you who Guthwilf, Fengbald and Isgrimnur are and what role they have in the story and what the differences are between the lands they come from as they just sort of blend together. Other characters are obviously quite distinct like Binibik, Geloe, Josua and Elias.
A little overwritten and long in parts and much of the plot theme borrowed from LOTR. Nonetheless quite enjoyable.
One hour in and I can't tell, but most importantly, really don't care what's happening. Didn't care for the writing or the (lack of) story.
Read 01:19/33:12 4%
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