Rating: Summary: ....And better yet Review: The action really picks up here. What with siege of Naglimund, and the adventures that follow, Tad Williams proves his ability as a master of plot development. The writing becomes more evocative with every passing scene and description, and as a result, more terrifying. The power of language is utilized to the fullest extent to breathe life into nightmare. Few other writers have the courage to plunge into blackest despair as Tad Williams does here; and one cannot help but imagine that it is hopeless, that all is lost. Evil is no longer a bed-time story, but a full-blooded, horrifying reality. There is no respite, no sugar-coating of the consequences. Although the author truly cares for his characters, he gives them no quarter in escaping from suffering.As to the characters themselves--now they have started to truly develop and grow, in the readers' hearts as well as on paper. Simon is growing up the hardest way imaginable, by being forced to deal with the harshest realities possible. Josua is a wonderful character, a leader whose last desire is to lead. One of my favorite scenes in this book is his wonderfully choreographed sword-fight in the Thrithings. Maegwin takes a strange turn, and Miriamele is tested to her limits. The only drawback to this book are the segments with Tiamak, which are rather dull and easily skipped or skimmed. No hope is extended here for how the conflict will end--the atmosphere of hopeless despair is staggering. The reader's only assurance is that surely something good must be coming, else why would there be another two books following? For those who think this series has possibilities at this point, all I can is, you ain't seen nothin' yet. Stay tuned.
Rating: Summary: Fabulous! Fabulous! Review: A former student recommended this series of books to me. I was initially turned off by the size of the volumes, but thankfully I dove in. This is a wonderful book. The conflicts are so well thought out and the characters are realistic and endearing. You will devour the pages waiting to find out how things will result for the mortals and immortals alike. Tad Williams clearly has a masterpiece of fiction on his hands!
Rating: Summary: Keep reading Review: If you liked Dragonbone Chair in the slightest bit, keep reading this series. Do not let the following book's size deter you. For me, the middle of a trilogy is nine times out of ten the weakest part. Not so here. There is always something happening to keep you engaged in this book, and they all flow seamlessly together.
Rating: Summary: tad williams does it again Review: i remember when this work first came out...i raced my young self to the book store in a frenzy. now, almost 10 years later i pick it up once more. and i still got caught up in the story. staying awake until three in the morning because i just needed to know what was going to happen next. this is a wonderful book that again captures the mind, just as williams did the first book. highly recommended
Rating: Summary: High fantasy as it should be. Review: "The Stone of Farewell" is an amazing book. I have not found a better epic piece of fantasy since J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." Tad Williams has crafted a fantasy of epic proportions that imerses the reader in rich details. The story catches at you and compels you to read on. The first book of the series, "The Dragonbone Chair", is a little slow to start but if you can stick with it this series is worth it! This is a must for anyone who enjoys Tolkien and good fantasy novels.
Rating: Summary: Yes Review: If you're reading this review, the chances are that you've read The Dragonbone Chair and are wondering if it's worth continuing. The answer is: Definately. The trilogy really picks up momentum about half way through this book, dragging the reader, spellbound, through it, and after reading this book, I was clamouring for the next. Throughout this book, Williams enhances the intricate and wonderful world of Osten Ard and weaves tangled webs of intrigue, love and hatred between all the characters that he has painstakingly painted hitherto. If you've read The Dragonbone Chair and are wondering whether this book is worth reading - yes, a million times yes.
Rating: Summary: I wish someone would reprint this book in hard cover. Review: I read this book and the other two in the trilogy and liked them so much that I went and bought them in hardcover. The thing is that nobody had this one in hardcover only the other two. So I'm out here wishing that someone reprints it or I find a copy. It a great book and I know that if it was reprinted that I would buy it.
Rating: Summary: Better than the first, but the last is best Review: This book is faster paced than the first and much more enjoyable. All the strengths of the first (identifyable world, characters) are present, its just faster paced. A good story, but destined to get better - the final book(s)is my favorite of all time.
Rating: Summary: What's all this stuff about ENDER'S GAME being perfect?... Review: "Ender's Game" falls flat when I compare it to "Stone of Farewell." Ender has conflicts that are not really quite conflicting development-wise. Hel-loo! He is six years old at the beginning of the book with the mentality of a 30 year old. "Stone" leaves us with characters that we can watch as they develop. Besides that, its a darn good read. The beginning of it takes place with Binabik and his people, and its not boring. No, its fun. (Not just because Binabik's one of my favorite characters!) Williams knows how to write, unlike some other people out there. And he gives us thousands of pages per series -- I'm all for the gargantuan novel thing. He doesn't pointlessly babble. He is as worthy of note as George R. R. Martin -- by the way, Martin read MEMORY, SORROW, AND THORN, and even picked up a few tips from Tad. (The comet = the Conqueror Star, the Dothraki = upside down Thrithings-men,...and whose to say that Qantaka (sp?) didn't inspire the direwolves!., etc.) Begin with "The Dragonbone Chair" -- pull through the fifty or so introductory pages -- and READ THIS SERIES. Then get your copy of OTHERLAND, vols. 1 and 2, and enjoy. Unfortunately, you will have to wait for vol. 3. Sigh. Of course, you can read "Child of an Ancient City" while you're waiting, and pick up a copy of "Caliban's Hour" at your library or used bookstore. I will shut up now. I think that you get the idea.
Rating: Summary: Second volume even better than the first! Review: A terrific, entertaining continuation of the "Memory, Sorrow and Thorn" series. The various plot strands and well-drawn characters come to life, and get more interesting as the story progresses. Very descriptive. Engaging. Hard to put down. If you liked the first volume, you'll love this one.
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