The Dragonbone Chair

Rating:
Summary: Not a bad start
Review: After reading the Dragonbone Chair, I have come to the conclusion that Tad Williams has the potentional to become a great writer, perhaps even as good a writer as many seem to think he is. His story, however, leaves something to be desired. He has some interesting concepts, but they weren't enough to distract me from the fact that it is filled with tired old fantasy standbyes---another the young male lead with a great heritage he knows nothing about, another beautiful princess, another dragon that the hero must face, etc., etc., etc. Fortunately, the characters were well-done (very interesting and very human), and William's overall writing skill is good, with only a few weak points, which was a big help because the book really drags along slowly at times (especially when Simon is in the tunnels). The ending isn't really very satisfying either. In all fairness to Williams though, this is the only book of his I've read, so its all I have to go on when writing up this review. All in all, the Dragonbone Chair is a fairly good book---something good to read if you have a couple of rainy days or such. It is not, however, 5-star material (such as Robert Jordan or George R.R. Martin). Keep an eye on Williams though. There may be great things yet to come from this author.

Rating:
Summary: Fantasy that grabs you & doesn't let go
Review: Being a big fan of fantasy & sci-fi series, I cannot recommend too highly Tad Williams' "Dragonbone Chair" trilogy. What sets this series apart from so many others is the author's ability to introduce a variety of characters in Book #1 and then keep us interested in them all throughout the series. Each chapter skips to a different character (or group of characters) while bringing us in to an exciting and suspenseful climax. I never realized that each of the paperbacks was over 700 pages long and I could not wait to begin on the next. My only regret is that the series was only 3 books long - not like the ever continuing Jordan saga.

Rating:
Summary: A good read, but not a classic...
Review: I've just finished the first book in this series, and the story and characters are interesting enough that I'll buy the rest of the series. But I can't agree with reviewers who call this series a classic, or compare the author with Tolkien. I will gladly admit that Tad Williams is innovative in places, but he is not startlingly original. Many of his characters and situations are derived from earlier works by other writers (some obviously so), and much of the dialog has a familiar ring to it. Although he generally writes with a deft hand, he sometimes lets slip a badly turned phrase or sentence that cannot but distract the reader. (In particular, he has a tendency to use grammar in modern ways that frequently sets the narrative style at odds with the subject matter.) Clearly, the same story could have been told as effectively (or more so) in fewer words; I am given the impression that Tad Williams COULD be a GREAT writer if he spent more a little more effort writing good sentences, rather than just lots of 'em. Overall impression: a fun read, but NOT high art! If you're thinking of buying a Tad Williams book, consider "Otherland" instead; it's a better representation of the author's skills.

Rating:
Summary: Dense, formulaic, and long.
Review: I appreciate fantasy book that takes a while to read, and certainly TDC isn't a one-night book. I also like that the book's magic system is not completely insane, that there is great historical detail, and apparently a well thought through plot. Nevertheless, I'd have to disagree with the great majority of reviewers, who thought that this book was "the best book ever," or that "the characterization was amazing." This is a better than average start to a better than average fantasy series. Cliches about: the princess disguised meets the peasant-with-a-hidden-destiny-on-a-quest; the mentor dying with a secret; the dwarf-like creature(think Gimli); the swords. But who cares? Its fun, its worth the money (you can easily buy it used at most good used stores, and certainly could get it at remainder prices), and it take a while to read...But a five star book? I'd reserve that for George R.R.Martin...

Rating:
Summary: An excellent fantasy book!
Review: This is the first of three books, and is full of suspense. You get to learn much about the characters and get connected to thier feelings. If you like fantasy you will totally trip on this book.

Rating:
Summary: Magnificent!!!!
Review: Tad Williams is one of the most magnificent fantacy authors. This series is extraordinary, capturing and will stay with you for years to come. I read this book 9 years ago and it continues to be a favorite.

Rating:
Summary: Simon is strong character but end Williams drops the ball
Review: Admittedly the series is a bit long but Mr. Williams makes the words count: Simon is a deep character who, like most people, is changing without really realizing it himself; Miriamelle, while not as developed, leads an understandable existence as the daughter of a king who is too much tomboy to like being pampered; and Binabik is the comic relief with witty asides and sarcasm to spare while at the same time being intelligent. The book is filled with heroic deeds (though lacking the "epic" feel of Tolkien - not a bad or good thing, just different), disturbing scenes, and definitively grey antagonists. My two big criticisms: the characters of Isorn, Hotvig, Sludig were too much the same - no real way of telling them apart; and the second is the end....what end? Everything was tied up neatly but not effectively and not at all interestingly. He rushed the last 600 pages (if that can be rushed) and then made up some reason to make the king be only evil as opposed to the tragic figure that he was developed as...what happened to his longing to resurrect his wife anyway? To have an heir? Please....

Rating:
Summary: Good Start to an excellent and well thoughtout series
Review: This book by far is one of my favorite fantasy books of all time. It is jam packed with several different events going on at the same time which are intelligently tied together to give the story an excellent way of progressing. The plot is very exciting, although at times it can be trying. The characters are well thought out and interesting, and their personalities really shine following them through the story.

Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: This is the greatest series i have ever read. It doesn't even matter if you don't like science fiction or fantasy. All i can ss ay is read it.

Rating:
Summary: Reply to "Let's just call it an old story..."
Review: I wanted to tell you that I completely disagree. The character of Simon for instance is not "as thin as paper", it is subtle and refreshing. Few fantasy writters have as many ideas as Tad Williams. Behind the story-teller is someone sensible and experienced...which is rare even in this boring world of reality, since experienced persons tend to either turn cynical or keep to themselves. Moreover, it is not all black and white, good and evil : those who have fallen into "evil" have done so because of good intentions or understandable anger,which is quite realist. I liked this book, and liked it more the second time I read it.