Lord Foul's Bane (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, Book 1)

Rating:
Summary: Excruciating
Review: I've read quite a lot of books in my time, but Lord Foul's Bane holds the dubious honour of being the first book that I have been unable to complete.

Reading this book was like watching grass grow. I found the pacing to be excruciatingly slow. I felt as though the first 100 pages could have been condensed into about 25 pages. I forced myself to make it halfway through because a friend had told me about the plot and I thought it sounded quite interesting; however, I found Donaldson's writing style to be incredibly painful.

Obviously Stephen Donaldson appeals to some readers, but I'm not one of them. I've tried another of his books and I gave up on that too. His style does not suit my taste at all.

Rating:
Summary: Complex, Original, and Classic
Review: It has always distressed me that the Thomas Covenant Series has landed in the "Fantasy Genre." I am of the opinion that Donaldson's masterwork would stand on its own in any arena. In "The Land" and Thomas Covenant, Donaldson has created a poetic, philosophical, and literary statement that transcends the particularity of its settings. If the Thomas Covenant Trilogy is fantasy, then so are Voltaire's Candide and Swift's Gulliver's Travels.

A great deal of attention is paid to three aspects of this trilogy. First: its comparisons with Tolkein's Lord of the Rings. Second, Thomas Covenant as anti-hero, and third, the darkness or mood of the work.

With regard to comparison with Tolkein, it is certainly understandable, since both works deal with fantastic subjects and both are thoroughly original. Tolkein repackages mythology into his own definition of elves, dwarves, goblins and the like - creating a "standard interpretation" of these mythologies that stands apart from the cultural context of the modern interpretations (witness the nobility of his Elves as opposed to the lighthearted Smurf-creatures of the American interpretation). Donaldson, on the other hand, peoples his work with uniquely defined creatures, from the Giants to the Ur-Viles, that have no contemporary counterparts in popular mythology, at least in nomenclature. Tolkein, of course, has been imitated, having used common mythology as a basis. Donaldson's world is too unique to be thus reduced, and so he gets no genre of his own.

In a similar sense, both authors constructed complex and detailed worlds whose full history extends beyond the bounds of their primary works. For Tolkein, it took the prequel (poshumous) Silmarillion to flesh out his world. For Donaldson, it takes the slightly diminishing Second Trilogy.

There are significant differences, of course. Tolkein despised metaphor. You could argue that Donaldson is all metaphor. But I digress.

The second set of commentary on Donaldson is related to Thomas Covenant as anti-hero. It is a nice "gimmick" if you choose to look at it that way, and certainly results in some repulsion. However, it is fundamentally intrinsic to the themes of the trilogy. Covenant cannot be the messianic figure that is required of him in the "fantasy" sequences, without complete invalidation of the tensions between despair and hope which drive the novels. With Covenant in any other mold, the works become nothing more than a very detailed and original fantasy work - just what they are often perceived to be.

Finally, the darkness or mood of the work is inevitable as well. It is tempting to see the "Beggar's note" as a definition of the themes of the trilogy, and this may be what Donaldson intended. I believe that the most striking theme contained in the trilogy is that aforementioned tension between despair and hope. It is not a question of ethics, right and wrong, but a very question of existence that Covenant grapples with. The leprosy issue (which would of course darken the trilogy) places Covenant in an artificial environment of isolation and unreality. Even prior to the fantasy sequences, he is living in something of a second tier of existence. The fantasy sequences exacerbate his isolation, but do not create it.

What surprises me most is the lack of commentary or interest in the poetry, philosophy, and literary merits of the work.

Despite their bleak aspect, Donaldson's poetic asides bring depth to the work. Lines such as "these are the pale deaths which men miscall their lives" are surprising in any modern novel. "Golden Boy" is another such treasure. Throughout the novels, Donaldson inserts beautiful phrases, poems, and lyrics that can be successful because he has deconstructed a critical context and justified the language by the very fantastic environment he is portraying.

In terms of the philosophy, Donaldson's treatment of paradox is particularly interesting. Some existentialists have argued that Descartes fails to prove existence because it is impossible for man to leave his own sensory context (if you can find it, "what is it like to be a bat" is a very interesting example of this). In brief, because we cannot imaging sensory input any different than what we already receive, we cannot use that sensory input to justify its reality. The fantasy sequences in the Covenant trilogy are examples of the imagined twisting of senses that provide the protagonist with this very "impossible" sensory input - colors with timbre, sounds with hue, etc. For Covenant to function in such an environment, particularly one so thoroughly in conflict with his own self-definition as a leper, is to create an unsustainable pressure that drives his catharsis.

Finally, the literary merits of the work seem obvious to me. It is rare to find an author with such dexterity in the english language. Donaldson's vocabulary is immense, and his use of it is natural. His diction becomes as inherent to the trilogy as any other aspect. His use of the anti-hero in something other than a 1960's nihlist novel is commendable, and the very structure of the trilogy is methodical and contributes substantially to the themes. The subjects are mutli-layered, and aside from the three or four tiers of reality portrayed in the trilogy, there is additional depth in each character that reveals a keen psychological grasp. Donaldson may additionally be advantaged by his real-world exposure to medicine and leprosy in particular, but his use and description of its characteristics and effects accomplishes exactly the tone that is required for the success of his ultimate conclusions.

And ultimately, Donaldson makes a point. I won't reveal the key "revelation" of the work, particularly since it is more fully explored in the Second Trilogy, but I will hint that Lord Morham lets it slip (and you've just gotta love it when Morham starts kicking butt... but I'll let you enjoy that yourself).

In summary, Donaldson addresses existence, illusion, morality, paradox, hope, despair, self-realization, crime, expiation, rape, incest, war, and the meaning of life. For me, he has much more in common with Faulkner than with Tolkien. Don't let the genre fool you. This is a profound set of novels. If you can get past the mood, and the dark subject matter, you will find plenty of sustaining action, a world with incredible depth and beauty, and ultimately a validation of the very things that the mood of the books seem to threaten.

Rating:
Summary: Skilled writing, moody anti-hero, hackneyed 70s fantasy plot
Review: This classic fantasy series with Donaldson's bitter anti-hero Thomas Covenant was published in 1977, at the height of the Tolkein-inspired fantasy revival. Many of the clichéd fantasy elements in "Lord Foul's Bane" seem dated by modern standards, but Donaldson's innovative use of the anti-hero in epic fantasy and his uncommonly skilled writing transcend these stock trappings.

Donaldson describes the Land and the people Covenant encounters, but he doesn't develop the workings of the Land or the cultures of its inhabitants to any more than a backdrop level. The early supporting characters shuttle in and out of the story with little lasting impact on the plot or on Covenant. Some of the hackneyed plot points include the arch villain "Lord Foul" who wants to destroy everything, the minor villain "Drool Rockworm" who has discovered a powerful artifact, the pastoral beauty of "the Land," and the fact that only Covenant can save it from utter ruin.

The subtlety of "Lord Foul's Bane" lies in Donaldson's vivid descriptions of Covenant's constant mental fight with his surroundings that is vital to his survival as a leper, and the ambiguity that the Land, where his disease is healed and he is revered, may all be merely a dream. That ambiguity extends to the Land's struggle against Foul, as he may be manipulating the Land to bring about their own doom by asking Covenant to save them. Covenant represents the first 'real' character in fantasy, with complex motivations, selfishness, greed, altruism, a dash of heroism, and heaps of self-doubt.

Donaldson's adeptly describes this inner struggle, and the doom Lord Foul and his minions advance, with eloquent vocabulary and personification. Yet despite Donaldson's skillful writing, the book remains ponderous, perhaps due to the erudite vocabulary or the stock fantasy plot elements, but not because of Covenant's conflicted character.

Donaldson's Tolkein-influenced fantasy clichés fit with other popular late 70s fantasy, such as Terry Brooks's "The Sword of Shannara," but his articulate prose and the innovative bitter anti-hero in a fantasy quest put Donaldson's work above the inept and predictable drivel of most of those writers.

Rating:
Summary: Is it all a dream? If so, a darn good one!
Review: I'd heard a lot about this series over the years and finally decided to dive in. Lord Foul's Bane begins a fantasy trilogy set in a land known simply as, well, The Land. Actually, the book begins in 20th century America down South somewhere (Louisiana is mentioned as being nearby). We learn the bitter protagonist Thomas Covenant's background: soon after writing a successful book he contracts leprosy and becomes an outcast of society almost overnight, losing his wife, son, and friends. In addition, every day becomes a gamble of the disease killing more nerves in his extremities if Covenant doesn't keep a vigilant watch for physical damage and the ensuing infection. Donaldson depicts Covenant's deplorable situation admirably, and his decision to make a leper the hero of his series certainly makes for a unique start.

Though the novel begins in the U.S., a scant 30 pages into it Covenant suffers an accident and is whisked away to The Land, a classic fantasy setting similar to many others in books you may have read. Covenant soon christens himself The Unbeliever because he thinks he's dreaming. Is he? Well that question isn't really answered in this book, but if so it's one heck of a dream! I was greatly intrigued by this connection to the "real world" and hope to see this question resolved by the end of the series.

The story is enjoyable but standard good versus evil, swords and sorcery. With the added twist of Covenant, the stranger from another world with a magic wedding ring that he doesn't know how to wield. Donaldson's writing is excellent, especially with regard to renditions of settings and battle. Characterization of Covenant and a couple others is quite good (i.e. Foamfollower), but the majority of the characters all seem to have about the same personality: heroic, strong, somewhat bland. Covenant himself is frustratingly bitter and negative, not the sort of guy you'd want your kids to hang around with (and they wouldn't want to either). So bitter that it's hard to believe he was a nice guy before the onset of leprosy. The pacing of the story is perfect for most of the novel but seems a bit rushed for the last 100 pages or so. Nevertheless, the climactic final battle is a real page turner!

I recommend this as an excellent beginning to, by all accounts, one of the best fantasy series around. I just started the sequel (The Illearth War) and am anxious to see how Lord Foul meets his demise! Painfully, I hope.

Rating:
Summary: Best fantasy series since Tolkein
Review: This book is a great start to a great series. Donaldson creates a fascinating alternative world, where his main character, Thomas Covenant is summoned. Covenant suffers from leprosy, which turns him into a reluctant hero. He's hard to like, but easy to understand. By the end of the book, you'll be right with him.

Thge plot centers around Covenant's white gold wedding band. White gold holds some key to power in Donaldson's world, only no one seems to know how to use it, except maybe Lord Foul, the incarnation of evil and the main antagonist throughout the series.

The story take s a bit of time to develop, but stick with it. It's the first of a trilogy so give Donaldson the time he needs to set up his world. It's well worth it.

Rating:
Summary: A book that anyone could simpathize with.
Review: "Lord Foul's Bane", the first book in the Thomas Covenant Chronicles brings to life a man seeking a place in this world. Thomas Covenant is a Leper. He is feared by everyone in his town. His wife has left him, taking their one son along with her. Covenant makes himself numb to all emotions, trying desperately to find a place to fit in.

Some events happen, and suddenly Covenant finds himself in a world where his problems make him a legendary hero. He is mistaken as a long dead hero of "The Land". A different world where his leporasy deminishes and his nerves begin to feel again. Covenant cannot believe what is going on in his life.

What would you think if you were suddenly brought from one world to another? Would you believe? Covenant didn't. And this is how he earns the name, Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.

This book is filled with a lot of emotion. Covenant is a guy that everyone can see what it would be like to be in his shoes. Not only is he in a strange world. But everything that he thought he lost before is suddenly returning to him thanks to the special powers of The Land. Covenant meets many new people on his time in The Land. This book is a definate must for any fantasy reader. It is filled with action, adventure, emotion, excitement. Everything you could want in a book is in this one. At times it is a little slow, but the climax and emotions that run through this book do more than take your mind away from that.

Lord Foul's Bane is a definate must read!

Rating:
Summary: Thomas Covenant--the Anti-Frodo
Review: Almost everyone loves or hates this series, which begins with "Lord Fouls Bane." It probably comes down to how messy and complex you like your heroes. Thomas Covenant is both, in spades! He is bitter and guilt-ridden, capable of nearly any heroism or atrocity but never one to settle for easy answers. Such is this epic's strength, and weakness, because its world demands engrossment in remarkably complex insights as well as some (frankly) rather overblown language. But the intensity...!

One example should help make the point. Sauron in LOTR is a powerful tyrant who wants to rule the world. Lord Foul the Despiser, on the other hand, is an immortal incarnation of malice--far too wise and cruel for mere words, one whose goal is to corrupt and maim rather than rule, to turn all that lives into what they themselves most loathe. Beside him, Sauron is a common pickpocket.

The whole book is like that, from the extravagent humor of the Giants to the awesome purity of the Bloodguard. But mostly it is about Covenant, a man full of rage and foolishness yet still moved--despite himself--by the beauty of a world in which he does not believe.

Rating:
Summary: A decent start, but the series gets better
Review: 3 1/2 stars

Having reread Lord of the Rings in anticipation of the films last year, I recently also paid a visit to another fantasy series that I enjoyed while in middle school: Thomas Covenant. Nearly 20 years later, I appreciate the books more. The themes are very adult and while I enjoyed the books as a child because Donaldson creates a great fantasy-world that will interest and draw in readers of all ages, I am better able to understand what Donaldson was trying to accomplish now that I'm older.
In some ways, I think this particular book is more enjoyable when you're younger. Donaldson was just getting a grip on his writing style with the first book, and I find it to be noticeably less of a quality read than some of the later installments. Donaldson doesn't quite have his "flow" yet, and he does not quite develop Thomas Covenant enough to paint him as anything more than an annoying crank. You see what he is *trying* to do, but the overall effort falls kind of short.
Furthermore, there are simply too many similarities between this book and Lord of the Rings for comfort. In both series, we have a quest story of a reluctant hero who is the bearer of a powerful ring (even the talisman is the same!) that neither can use, which is coveted by a "dark lord," who lives in the East (the bad guys always live in the East; an allusion to Cold-War era politics?) and for whom physical form is an uneccesary addendum to their existence. And in both books, if the bad guys ever get the powerful rings, it will mean the end of the world. The minions of the bad guys in both Middle Earth and The Land are genetically created life forms (Orcs and Ur-Viles/Cavewights), and the Thomas Covenant series even goes so far as to re-create the Gollum character in the Cavewight Drool Rockworm. Drool even talks in broken English like Gollum, and is described as looking very much like him as well. Like Gollum, a power that was not meant for him has twisted him physically, and, like Gollum, he has selfish, child-like qualities (though he is two-dimensional; whereas the conflicted Gollum was pitiable, Drool is simply evil). There are even living forests in both books, although the specific characteristics of them are somewhat different.

Of course, there are lots of differences, too: Frodo is heroic enough that his infrequent bouts of weakness are forgivable; Covenant is annoying, self-pitying and pathetic enough that his infrequent bouts of positive, decisive action come off as teases and aberrations. Also, there are metaphysical components to Lord Foul that do not exist with Sauron, and the Ravers are much more interesting "lieutenants" than Tolkien's Ring-wraiths are (although they don't play a large role in this first volume). What ultimately makes this book worth a recommendation (besides the fact that you need to read it before getting onto the more superior later books) is the twist Donaldson puts on the series insofar as to the reality of The Land. Is it a dream? Is Covenant simply living out a Freudian wish-fulfilment, or is he actually a chosen weapon by the Creator of the Universe to keep His archenemy at bay? These issues are always playing in the mind of the reader, and they push this occasionally otherwise-derivative book into a worthy standing.

Rating:
Summary: one of my all time favorites
Review: This was one of the first fantasy novels (series) that I read so my review may be biased by my excitement for something new. But this has since remained one of my favorites that I have read time and time again. While some of Donaldson's plots in this book do tend to parallel some of the greats such as Tolkien, he does have some unique and interesting ideas.

The characters do develop quite strong and unique personalities, the strongest difference probably is that the main character, Thomas Covenant, at times is hateable. How often are authors brave enough to allow their main character to be so full of flaws.

Throughout this novel and series, you get very attached to all characters while Donaldson does a nice job of preserving the mystery of if its all a dream by keeping all writing in Covenant's perspective. All fantasy readers must at some point pick up a Donaldson book and I hope they all choose the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant Series.

Rating:
Summary: Alan Alda as hero
Review: This book, written in the late 70's has much of what makes an amazong fantasy epic. A believeable world created on a grand scale, differences profound yet acceptable, a shadowy enemy of the world along the lines of Tolkien's Saron, and yet this can be one of the more irritating books you will read.
Thomas Covanent, refuses to believe in the land in which he has found himself, he is used to being despised because of his leporsy, and is stubborn and full of self pity. however, the believability of this position starts to ring false after he has been in the land for weeks. His self pitying, self destructive narcisism gets cloying and annoying. In one scene, when he and others are off on a quest to try to basically safe the world, he desides to starve himself because he feels in his guilt ridden mind that this might clarify things for him. This book had the makings of a wonderful story yet fell victim to the pop psychology that sprang out of the 70's. Reading it now the reader will be mystified by Covannents behavior unless they are a professor or a dissaffected collage student. I would call this one of the great misses in the fantasy genre.
(endnote, if you can wade through this, the series, unlike many becomes more readable as it progresses)