Rating: 
Summary: excellent sequel
Review: In answer to the Dragonbone Chair, Williams tells the tale of poor Simon, and others, after the fall of his good Prince's stronghold. More hints tug at our imagination, showing again the vast scope of Williams' research in writing his books. Good is crippled by evil, but hope is not lost. The promise of prophesy wars with the reality of evil's victory on many fronts, and the teasing hints at history's play in current events continues. Enjoy Book Two -- it sets the stage for a mind-blowing third installment.
Rating:
Summary: Great Epic!
Review: Here's one for all you that "happen" upon this book and haven't read the first book in the series --- you really don't need to read the first book. There's a synopsis in the beginning that gets the reader up to speed on what's happened, and then the reader can just jump right in. Granted, I would like to read the first book and the third book, and I probably will (actually, I know I will), but I just want to let anyone and everyone know that Williams has made it possible for anyone to pick up Stone of Farewell and jump right into it. I felt that Williams did an excellent job in creating an epic story that covers so many characters and locations. The plot was interesting all the way through, and the ending, while not really an "ending" in the literal sense, it is very satisfying regardless.
Rating: 
Summary: Turned me off to the series
Review: I wrote a review on the first book of this series, The Dragonbone Chair, and there I stated that everyone should stick with the book because though it started out bad, it turned into a real winner. That still applies to that first book, but don't get so enthused you go out and buy this one.I don't know why, but I almost couldn't finish this book. It had the some problem as Dragonbone Chair, but only it never got better. The interesting action was interspersed between such long, drudging scenes that once you got to the good stuff, instead of getting excited, all I felt like saying was, "About time." The actual writing in this book seems weaker as well...maybe Williams had a deadline he was pressed to meet. I don't know. Problem is, I can't really be sure this book is that much worse than the first. It may be that my taste has just changed since I read the first one. That is very possible, since I haven't found a fantasy novel I've really enjoyed in the past two years (except for Martin and Goodkind...they stand out). It could be that I've learned more about writing, and now pick out weaknesses in plot and style more easily. I'm not sure, so if you loved the first one, take this review with a grain of salt. I think the main problem with these novels, Dragonbone Chair and Stone of Farewell, is that Williams is padding the books. These could be stellar, 300-400 page fantasy novels. Instead, they're slow, plodding, 800 page novels. Kill your darlings, Mr. Williams, and be ruthless. To sum up, pick buy this book at your own risk. I'm definitely not reading the third book of the trilogy--a third book that comes in two parts, each about 800 pages...see what I mean?
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