Rating: 
Summary: Great start to a great series
Review: The Dragonbone Chair is the story of Simon Mooncalf, a kitchen scullion who lives in the castle in the capital of the world. He is a daydreamer and never gets any work done. Instead he is always off getting into trouble. The beginning of the book is a little slow as you are familiarized with Simon and from tidbits of Castle talk you begin to find out a bit about what is going on in Simon's world, which Simon is oblivious to. Soon though Simon will find himself thrust into the middle of adventures he only daydreamed about. This first book starts off a bit slow but it soon picks up the pace, and once you get to the faster parts, you are grateful for the background info as it makes Simon more real. Tad Williams does a wonderful job of creating a believable world with great characters that you will grow to love like friends. This series is a must read, and this book is a great start.
Rating: 
Summary: Good and bad
Review: This book is entertaining, but I was disappointed at the fact that Willams basically ripped off tried and true races such as elves and orges and just renamed them as if he had created them. Bad move! You didn't invent them so please don't write them as if they were your own. Aside from that this series is very entertaining, although the love relationship between simon and the princess has to be the most painful, excrutiating, awkward and embarassing segment I have ever read in a book.
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Summary: Complexity and the Unexpected
Review: 'Memory Sorrow and Thorn' is the first series I've read where characters die unpredictably. It lends an extra sense of tension and suspense when the author considers any character expendable. Many times I pegged a character as essential to the plot and was surprised to see him/her killed in battle or by magic.Williams has some fantastic variations on old themes throughout the series, and exhibits amazing talent at weaving together a multitude of plots and surprising you with its unusual variations on the ordinary, as his 'Author's Note' warns. The series is very complex, rife with the unexpected, low in action during some parts as characters are developed, and aimed at adult audiences. The precursor to more recent series by George Martin and Terry Goodkind.
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Summary: The Book That Got Me Started Reading Fantasy
Review: Before I picked up this book, the only fantasy novels that I had read were the ones in the Terry Brooks "Magic Kingdom" series, and I read them three years ago. Since then, all I read were spy novels and military techno-thrillers. A friend of mine who is really into fantasy recommended that I start reading Tad Williams. So I followed her advice, went to the bookstore, and picked up The Dragonbone Chair. I read the book in just under two days. This is one of the most captivating novels that I have come across. While I admit that it starts out slow, Williams does an excellent job in creating his fantasy world in the mind of the reader. Vivid imagery is a turn off for a lot of people, but it is the exhaustive descriptions of Osten Ard and its people that separates this book from other ones in the fantasy genre. In terms of characters, I found that each one, no matter how big or small their role, had a certain quality that made them interesting to the overall story. I liked Simon, the main character, because I could relate to his personality as a teenager who is disgusted with the prospect of doing menial labor all his life and wants to do something more exciting. Impatient but intelligent, he is not the invincible hero that saves the day for everyone. He must rely on the help of others while going through the ups and downs of life. I look forward to seeing his adventures in the next book of this very long trilogy. Judging from the reviews of the rest of the series, it appears that Tad Williams is second to only Tolkien. I hope the next two books are as good as the first. Perhaps after I finish, I'll read the epics of Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind, fully remembering that had I not read The Dragonbone Chair, I would be missing out on a fascinating genre. I wonder if other readers started out on the same path with this book.
Rating: 
Summary: The Dragonbone Chair
Review: Having read a lot of fantasy, I initially thought that this was going to be one of the more inferior books that I had chosen, and I must admit, I left it alone for long periods of time. However, I was encouraged to try and pursue the book, due to other works of fantasy such as 'The Lord of the Rings', which also had slow starts. In time I was happy for having stuck with it as the book really did begin to 'hot up', especially towards the end, leading very well into the second book. I thought that the style employed was excellent and very original, but will probably take time to get used to. There is a fair amount of action towards the end, but the most impressive thing for me was how Williams managed to recreate the world of Osten Ard in your mind, allowing you to become a part of it as well. As far as magic is concerned, it is often hinted at, although rarely shown in battle terms, but promises much for the other books in the series. You'll certainly need time and perseverence to become a part of the proceedings, as much of the book involves the growing up process of the lead character, but in the end this just allows you to identify with him more. Do buy this book if you enjoy fantasy for allowing you to escape into their world. If you are after quick action and thrills, then you are probably better seeking out an author like Terry Goodkind.
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Summary: Rarely does it get better than this
Review: I bought this many years ago on a business trip and it sat on the shelf after I lost interest at the beginning of the book. But I decided to give the book another try, and alas, I could kick myself for having quit. I've read many fantasy books and authors, and this is, quite honestly, near to the very best IMO. It is true that the beginning is quite slow, i.e., a young castle scullion plodding along in the castle trying to stay out of trouble, but soon he finds himself caught up in situations far beyond his control and has to flee. I suppose this is a coming-of-age tale, but it is taking the main character a long time to "grow up." This is not necessarily bad in a long tale, and very realistic. The book is definitely not what I would call fast-paced, although there's some action. The main plot elements are not given away early. Characters don't know what they neccesarily have to do at first. This book is one to be savored slowly, and I didn't want it to end. Without hesitation I ordered the rest of the books in the series from Amazon. Williams makes the world of Osten Ard come alive, rich in detail and believable. I had a good sense of the culture of the world here, and had little trouble understanding the history of the lands from what is presented in the book. Things are presented in a factual, logical manner. The author doesn't just jump to other characters in another location or time without indicating so or giving the reader enough background information to "get" what he is trying to say. I got a sense that the main character has a lot more to his background and heritage than that of just a mere servant, but nothing is given away early at all. No romance, but this book has so much else in it..... there's a strong depiction of utter hopelessness in the main character that I identified strongly with. There are character development, memorable people, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, war, love between brothers turned to hatred, evil, intrigue, treachery, etc. There is so much to say in limited space. Interestingly, magic, while it is in the book in a few places, is not overwhelmingly important. This book was very enjoyable for me to read. It did not require intense study to understand, but I am not sure anyone other than a fan of fantasy literature would enjoy it. I might not recommend it as a first fantasy genre book for someone to read. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series. Not every plot element is totally oriiginal, but this book is so good that I can forgive that, and understand that many authors are influenced by others. Obviously, some of the lands and cultures presented here are influenced by European history, and others remind me of Eskimo. This gave me some extra ability to relate to the cultures from my own background. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Rating:
Summary: Perfection
Review: Tad Williams has enriched the genre of epic fantasy with a remarkable book. The majority of his characters are fresh, original and believable, and those that fall into cliche characters etch out their own nitch. The ending, in To Green Angel Tower, is one of the most creative and satisfying conclusions I have ever read. Similar to Tolkien, in fact, and that is high praise indeed, as Tolkien fairly well invented the genre, and, as so many writers acknowledged, was their source of their inspiration. Kudos to Tad Williams. My only disappointment was that it ended.
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Summary: This book isn't for ALL fantasy fans.
Review: I often consult amazon and the fantasy finder page before deciding what to read next, and of all the advice I took from these pages and its readers, this trillogy didn't work out for me at all. Undeniably a well developed world, but the characters made me want to cry. So dull! To a person who likes high action, this series seemed to drag on for ever. With all the praise this book had recieved I felt obligated to follow through and finish the whole thing- It had to really take off sooner or later... nope! There's no denying that this series has a strong following, but if it's action in a fantasy novel that turns you on- pass this one by. PS: Don't vote this review as "unhelpful" if you simply disagree with it... There are many who agree with me that it's not for everyone.
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Summary: Dragonbone Chair -Memory, Sorrow and Thorn Series
Review: In the book, the Dragonbone chair, a young boy named Simon lives in the Castle Hayholt. He is a sculion and works day in day out under the care of Rachel the Dragon (not really a dragon). Soon the king John Prespiter passes away leaving his kingdom to his older son Elias. Soon after accepting the giant throne made of Dragon Bones said to be slayed by King John, things begin to go awry in the kindom. Strange people begin comming to the castle and the Erkyngard begin to be less hostpitable to the citizens. Soon life is so bad in the kingdom people are left to flee from their uncaring King, including young Simon. Soon an unrelenting cold winter heads into the lands along with creatures never before seen in the southern lands. Simon is pulled into a quest for the search of three swords, Miniyear, Sorrow and Thorn. A 100% must read for any Fantasy Fiction fans.
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant intro to an even better series!
Review: This book is excellent. I read it in a week and am thouraghly into its sequel[which is proving to be even better]. BUY IT!
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