THE DRAGONBONE CHAIR - Review (No Spoilers)

#MemorySorrowThorn #DragonboneChair #TadWilliams #booktube
THE DRAGONBONE CHAIR - Review (No Spoilers)
The Dragonbone Chair is the first entry in the Memory Sorrow and Thorn trilogy and of the best fantasy books ever.The Dragonbone Chair review I have been talking about for the past few weeks is here! I think this is one of the most important pieces of modern fantasy. The Dragonbone Chair has ties back to the Tolkien age with a new take that can still hold up with the best of today's authors. Memory Sorrow and Thorn, and really, all of Tad William's works are some of the most elegantly written stories in all of fiction. I hope you enjoy this no spoiler review and let me know if you plan to read this series down in the comments.
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[@hopeprevails3213]

I read this book a long while ago, but it's still stuck in my mind. Literally one of the most beautiful stories I've ever experienced. Every sentence SCREAMS beauty, enchantment and the prose is just sublime. I have minor grudges with certain plot... conveniences, but overall I'm deeply impressed by this piece. The writing, the characters, the *descriptions*, the atmosphere and tone... My god, I'll engrave some of these quotes on my bookshelf lol! I can certainly feel the huge impact Tad Williams has had on various fantasy writers, as you can see the gradual subversion of tropes and the growing focus on court and political intrigue. Also, in terms of just pure poetry, the only writer I know who has better control of the pen is Guy Gavriel Kay. I wholeheartedly recommend any of his books, but especially Sarantine Mosaic, if you enjoy Williams' prose. Anyway, just found your channel! Great stuff! Earned a new sub.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Amazing comment. I appreciate the sub and kind words. I couldn't agree more with your description of how each sentence carries enchantment. I literally think about the story once a week or more. I am planning on getting to some GGK this year, he's been highly recommended to me by a lot of people. I'm pumped 😬

[@hopeprevails3213]

@@thefantasynuttwork Oh, you are welcome, I'm glad Tad is getting more attention! Yeah, GGK is absolutely amazing. His books made me read till 5 in the morning hah! Beyond beautiful as well, will love to hear your thoughts in the future. Oh, and I heard you're reading Malazan soon. Well, strap on for quite the journey! Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esslemont have created something... unreal, a monumental achievement. The greatest fantasy creation ever put to page imho. Hope you enjoy it. Just let yourself be confused for a while lol! On that note, have you heard of R. Scott Bakker's Second Apocalypse?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@hopeprevails3213 I am definitely doing more Tad in the future. I just finished reading his standalone called The War of Flowers and will be doing a review for it in the coming weeks. Malazan is on my 2021 tbr as is Second Apocalypse!! If you check out my 2021 must read video I mention both and why I wanna read them. I think Bakker is gonna be a huge hit with me, as is Erikson!

[@hopeprevails3213]

@@thefantasynuttwork Great! I've read only his Osten Ard books, but I plan on getting to his other stuff... someday. Malazan and Second Apocalypse are peak epic fantasy for me. Probably the two best series I've read, ever. Also both are definitely not for everybody, but judgin by your taste, I think you're gonna enjoy them. I'll check your TBR video for sure!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@hopeprevails3213 I appreciate the recommends greatly 😁

[@PetrikLeo]

Such wonderful review, my friend. So looking forward to reading this one this year!! And can't wait to share our plan for the series with the community! 😎

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Same here, been thinking about it a lot!!!

[@MichaelSmith-zx5lw]

Ok so this has me excited!

[@MacScarfield]

All the references and notes I have made so far in “The Dragonbone Chair”: Prester John: Mythical Medieval Christian King in the “East” (Asia/Africa), many the Portuguese Expeditions to India and East Africa sought to find him and his kingdom as a potential trade partner and ally against the Ottoman Turks, leading to the Christian Portuguese-Ethiopian Alliance against the Muslim alliance of the Ottoman Empire and the Adal Sultanate in the Ethiopian-Adal War from 1529 to 1543 Erkynland: Anglo Saxon England Hernystir: Celts Rimmersmen: Vikings Nabban: Italy Beornoth: Ætheling mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle Colmund: Ceolmund, 8th Century Bishop mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle Eahlstan: 9th Century Bishop mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle Eglaf: 11th Century Swedish Nobleman mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle (Elian, brother of Ulf Jarl) Ethelferth: Royal herdsman mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle Freawaru: Daughter of King Hrodgar in “Beowulf” Haestan: Hastein/Hastingus/Hæsting, Viking (Danish) Chieftain mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, raided France & the Mediterranean with Bjorn Ironside, defeated in England by King Alfred Hephzibah: Hebrew “my delight (is) in her”, 1) Queen of Judah, wife of King Hezekiah 2) In Jewish Medieval Apocalyptic Literature the Warrior Wife of Nathan, son of King David and Bathsheba, slayer of multiple enemy kings and mother of the coming Messiah Hruse: Old English “ground”, appears in Anglo Saxon Texts such as “Beowulf” & “The Wanderer” Malachite: Copper carbonite hydroxide green mineral Ordmaer: Ordmær, Anglo Saxon Earl and Father-in-Law of King Edager and Grandfather of King Edward the Martyr Sangfugol: Norwegian “Songbird” (Bokmål: “Sangfugl”, Nynorsk: “Songfugl”, dialect: Songfoggel) Towser: Sargent Towser in “Catch 22”, Major Major’s assistant and de facto head of the Squadron Bagba: The Dagba of Irish Mythology (+ Togo Spirit mentioned in James Frazer’s “The Golden Bough”) Cryunnos: Cernunnos, Celtic Horned God Hern: (King) Herne the Hunter, the leader of the Wild Hunt in British Myths Hernystir: Tir “Land” in Gaelic, so “Hern’s Land” Murhagh One-Arm: Nauda Airgetlam/“Silver-hand” Rhynn: Lost God in Michael Moorcock’s “Corum” stories: The Magical Eye of Rhynn is given to Corum to replace his lost eye Bindesekk: Norwegian “Bounded rucksack” Dror: Thor Einskaldir: “Ein skald”, “a skald/bard” in Norwegian (NN) Fingil: Fingal (Finn McCool) in James MacPherson’s “Ossian” Frayja: Freya/Frigg Hengfisk: Hengist Ingen Jegger: Norwegian “ingen jeger” (“no hunter”)/ “ingen jeg er” (“I am Nobody”, akin to Odysseus’ alias when meeting the Cyclops) Isbeorn: Norwegian “Isbjørn” (“Ice Bear”- Polar Bear) Jarnauga: Norwegian (NN) “Iron Eye” Löken: Loki/e plus Logi (“Fire”) whom he loses to when challenged at Utgard-Loke Memur: Mimir, the Wisest Jotun Nisse: Norwegian Folklore Creature Udun: Odin + Idun, provider of the Apples of Immortality for the Norse Gods (+ Udun, fortress of Morgoth in the “Silmarillion” & valley of Mordor in “Lord of the Rings”, Sindarin “Dark Pit”/“Underworld”) Adeon: Adonai, one of the Hebrew names of God Nuanni: Neptune (with a Mesopotamian twist?) Lector Ranessin: Pope Adrian IV (born Nicholas Breakspear), only English Pope to date Sulis: Celtic Water Diety worship at Bath Usies Adeon: “Sired by Adonai”? (+Adeon appears as a name in the Welsh “Mabinogion”) Sithi: Aos Si/Aes Sidhe, Irish name of a Mythical Supernatural Older Race of Elves/Fairies (“daoine sith” in Scottish Gaelic), “Sidhe” ancient “otherworldly” hills & barrows tied to Aos Si Amerasu: Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess of Japanese Shinto Mythology

[@CaptainAugust]

One thing i really appreciated about simon is that even though he makes some bad decisions, and throws a fit here and there, he has a good heart. When it comes down to it, he tried to do what he feels like is right. He has compassion, and appreciates beauty and cozy intimate moments. Its refreshing to see that in a teenage main character.

[@mimimayhem]

Halfway through Book 1 of Memory Sorrow Thorn. One of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. I agree with ALL your observations (that’s rare) and which are articulated well here. Discovered your channel with your Osten Ard intro video-super helpful. I wish more people would discover this. Tad Williams is brilliant. His vocabulary, imagery, analogy and metaphors are top-notch, would even be at par with Tolkien IMHO. I just wish publishers would come up with an updated edition. While I love the art on the covers, they could blow that up or recreate it for a hardback set that’s readily available. Hard to source these books where I am already.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yes I totally agree..it's criminal that this isn't held in the same regard as LOTR imo

[@StephenAryan44]

He's an amazing writer, and definitely very highly respected by many authors. I'm glad he's getting more attention now by younger readers like yourself because he's not someone that puts out fantasy books every year or couple of years. He's done lots of different books from urban fantasy to an epic series Otherland that takes the core ideas of living in a VR world or a MMO full time immersive world to the next level. Extremely creative and a lovely guy too.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

The more people who get into his work the better haha, I'm really excited to try Otherland!

[@StephenAryan44]

@@thefantasynuttwork Some of Otherland might seem a bit archaic, until you think about when it was written, in the mid 1990s to 2001. And absolutely, I'm all p for more people reading his stuff.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@StephenAryan44 yeah even when you take into consideration when MST was written it's kind of wild.

[@asfaloth12]

It is so delightful to find more fans of this amazing series. I just finished To Green Angel Tower, and what a ride it was! The writing is excellent, and the world is so rich. The beginning of The Dragonbone Chair is slow, yes, but the writing was so darn good that I didn't mind it so much. And my goodness, that ending! Simon is quite naive at the beginning, but he grows so much throughout the series, and I really liked both him and Miriamele. I adore Binabik and Qantaqa! Great review, and thanks for sharing it :)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It’s been my pleasure! I’ll be doing a full Trilogy review as well! Almost done with book 3!

[@thatsci-firogue]

Williams' prose is chefs kiss. Worldbuilding is pretty cool, loveable characters, exciting plot and a slowburn with an explosion of epic -ness. I'm in!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Fantasy as it ought to be written!

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@thefantasynuttwork books as they ought to be blurbed

[@bookmarkswithjason9445]

7 chapters in and I am absolutely enchanted by this book. It doesn’t feel slow to me at all. I recently read Assassins Apprentice which is far more popular, and that was a slog for me to get through.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Well I love AA haha but I’m glad you’re enjoying DBC!

[@bookmarkswithjason9445]

@@thefantasynuttwork AA turned out pretty good, but it took awhile to get going.

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Tad is a great writer. He also inspired me. And he's become a great friend.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That's an incredible journey for you go from a fan to a friend. His inspiration throughout the genre is truly a testament to his skill!

[@r1ddhima]

Alright I’ll give this another try. I started this book years ago when I was in seventh grade and I enjoyed it but I just never went back to it and finished it (I had it on an old kindle which might be why) great review, you’ve thoroughly convinced me 💯

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I definitely think you’ll enjoy it nowadays, and as I’ll cover in my other reviews that are coming: book 2 and 3 are just leagues better than the first. I’ll be anxiously awaiting you to read it so we can talk about it 😬😬

[@BookishChas]

Yet another book you’ve convinced me to read sooner rather than later lol. I own the book on my kindle, but haven’t read it yet. Thanks for the solid review.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

My pleasure, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I think you’ll really enjoy this one!

[@alexnieves]

Great review my friend! I will definitely start this series at some point but not quite sure when.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks man :-) Do it when you're in the mood for aong sprawling classic, it really scratches that itch. Nice to have something other than Tolkien I can now reread for that feeling hahah

[@landon_woods-of-yore]

Awesome review! I'm starting up a reread of The Dragonbone Chair now. I'm just over a hundred pages in, and it is great to be back in the world of Osten Ard. I'm planning on continuing on to the Last King of Osten Ard series after I finish Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, and I've been anticipating that for years now, so I'm very excited.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I can't wait to return!

[@tristincrowley8458]

Man, awesome video. Could not agree more about this being a bridge between classical fantasy and more modern stuff. I feel like William's did a great job of taking the standard fantasy tropes, and adding enough alternate sources to make it feel both familiar AND new. Standard fantasy set-up, but with notes of arthurian mythos and Christian imagery. If I remember, one of the magic swords is named after the sword of one of Charlemagne's paladins. So its familiar, but also foreign, arthurian but also arthurian adjacent. William's also paints a world in flux, a time of change, and a main character experiencing much the same thing. I liked Simon, he felt relatable and imperfect, but also constantly improving. Miriamele has strong "The Princess Who Saved Herself" vibes. I don't mean to unload an essay under your video, but this series was great for me when I was younger, great that you covered it. Like you said, should be a bigger name in fantasy. I have no disagreements or critiques for you man, great video.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yesssss!!! Familiar tropes done in the best way possible! Miramele is my fav!

[@ylvsladuchesse2242]

@@thefantasynuttwork #teamAditu

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@ylvsladuchesse2242 hell yes

[@ThomasNewman-xe2ig]

I feel that Miriamelle is instantly likable. I will say that as her character develops, it becomes apparent that Steig Laarson's Lisbeth Salander is what she was patterned after, although Miriamelle is much more talkative. Tad Williams is one of the best writers and intensely focuses on character development. He is a true pleasure to read.

[@barrilrayder]

Please review the whole series when you finished to green angel tower. Can't wait to read some Tad Williams.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Will be doing an entire trilogy review soon! Almost done with book 3 😎

[@michaeldelving8033]

GREAT review! I have said for years that "Memory, sorrow, and Thorn" is one of (if not THE) the greatest fantasy series of all time, and you can tell because of the writers it inspired. I can't wait for you to finish the series and maybe do a reaction video. Also: the new Osten Ard book are also quite good.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I will absolutely be doing a trilogy review!!

[@currangill430]

Did you know Hobb was also inspired by Tad?! I am really interested in reading this. Saw your interview with him a few months ago what a chad

[@kingfisher9725]

This trilogy has been unforgettable since I read it (for the first time) about 25+ years ago. And now Tad has returned to this world in the new trilogy (actually, four volumes plus two more novels set in Osten Ard so far). You actually meet Simon and lots of the other protagonists again. And they have lived their lives just as I have as well. It's really like reconnecting with old friends. I'm waiting for the last installment after having read everything already available even though I normally prefer reading series after they have been completed. But in this case, I just couldn't. And it's every bit as fascinating and emotionally gripping as all those years ago!

[@JosephSaintClair]

Remember reading this book literally 30 years ago. It blew my mind. I agree with you on all your major points mate. I can’t recommend Tad and this book enough to people. Real beautiful book.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He's one of the very best

[@JosephSaintClair]

@@thefantasynuttwork g’Day mate. Indeed he is. As you’ve mentioned, he is unmatched in his ability. If you’ve had a chance to read, another underrated set of books, Stephen Lawhead’ Empyrion. Brilliant stuff. More sci-fi and I reckon possibly one of the original texts that set the scene for the divergent series and how the divisions were set up in the hunger games. That’s obviously my opinion but this is one of my fave sci-fi novels ever. Lol.

[@yorkshirelasstracey5383]

Great review. I have this to read later in the year, after Of Blood and Bone by John Gwynne and also Shadow of the Gods by him. I am about to start book 5 of The Wheel of Time series which I intend to complete this year.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That's a great year of reading, I'm also on Wheel of Time 5 😄

[@FallenAdam]

I agree with pretty much every word in this review. I first read the Finnish translation some 17 - 18 years ago, which was released as 12 books actually. Didn't stop me from reading it twice, back to back. I'm now going through it on audiobook, and it's a goodie. One of the best narration I've listened to. 130 hours, of which 65 is just TGAT. I'm actually taking a little break now to start Malazan, before diving into TGAT, because Gardens of the Moon seemed so tiny by comparison. But yeah. Memory, Sorrow and Thorn really is the most enjoyable book to read. Even if I hated the story, I think I would still read, just to enjoy Tad's prose.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Absolutely. I really want to harp on the fact that the audiobook for all three of the entries is top tier. I will definitely remember to mention it during my full trilogy review. It's masterful!

[@tangd4357]

I read these books as they came out and was so giddy that the third book was over 1000 pages when it came out :) I am glad to see that a new generation is falling in love with Tad Williams...great review!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you so much

[@mfbobyle6771]

Just started this book. Thanks for making me excited for it!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Enjoy!

[@joecourtney8552]

This has been on the fringe of my eye since I own the first on a cheap kindle deal but havnt known much about it. Great breakdown. I also like giving less talked about series a go which is why I have Chronicles Of The Black company as a goal this year.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I think you'll enjoy it!

[@chrisbookishcauldron6381]

I need to reread book one soon. But it’s just so longgggg! I was going to reread it this month, but I’ve been distracted by other things. I did like book one, tho I definitely had issues with Simon and the pacing. I like slow paced books, but I think for me Tad was a little too heavy on the world building side of slow paced (lots of history lessons from Doctor Morganes, lots of Simon stumbling onto conversations that type of thing). I still really enjoyed the book overall because of Tad’s writing and his ability to make the traditional feel fresh. But, I was one of the people who wanted the first half of the book to about double the pace lol. If you haven’t already you should check out Rick MacDonnell’s videos on it. He’s a huge Tad Williams fan. And he’s hosting a read along of this series right now. He’s posting videos I think once a week as he goes through it? Anyway, I love hearing discussions on this series. Next month, book one reread is happening for sure! Great video as always! Can’t wait to see more content on this series as you read on. Happy reading 😊😊

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you for letting me know about Ricks channel! I’m definitely gonna check it out. I will say book 2 and 3 have a better pace by far annnnnnd we get way more POVs so the story feels very fresh. If you can make it through book one, book 2 and 3 really take it to the next level. Always happy to hear from you Chris :-)

[@incitatus4227]

Thanks to your videos on MST I started it now and I'm really liking it 30% into the Dragonbone Chair! In your older videos you often talk about how you wanted to find something like A Song of Ice and Fire and found it in several series from what I could tell. Did you ever think about making a list or a video for people who also yearn for something like ASoIaF? It's probably difficult because everyone liked different things about the books, but I think it would be interesting to see! :)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I definitely should make that vifeo

[@incitatus4227]

@@thefantasynuttwork That would be great! Sadly, I didn't really like the pacing of the DBC even 60% in, so I'm definitely looking for more books like ASOIAF!

[@alexfrederick3404]

I am about halfway through part III of Dragonbone Chair, and it's simply brilliant. I find myself rereading paragraphs over & over, some are so gorgeous. To read it fast feels criminal. I saw this review months ago, and wish I'd started earlier ... I have you and Brian Lee Durfee to thank for this gem ... Love your channel ...

[@thefantasynuttwork]

This brings me joy!

[@MacScarfield]

Part 2 of my list of references and notes (together with some good natured nudges to things GRRM “homaged” in “ASOIAF”, and both “homaged” from Tolkien): The First Men (looking at you George! 😜😄) coming over a Western Land Bridge (George! 😆): Akin to the Noldor Elves of the Silmarillion (returning to Beleriand) or historically, the Native American Ancestors walking over the (now) Bering Strait from Asia to North America Second wave of Men as Blonde Haired Sea Raiders with Iron Swords (George! 😂), driving away the Elves: “The Broken Sword” by Poul Anderson. Ach Samrath: Akin to the Battle of Catraeth featured in the Medieval Welsh poem “Y Gododdin”, where the Brythonic “Old North” lost to the Angles of what would become Northumbria Chariots of Hernystir: Celtic/British War Chariots The White Stag of Hernystir: White Stags appear in multiple mythologies, in Celtic mythology it is used as messengers from the Underworld, while in Arthurian myth it symbolizes a call to a quest for the Knights of the Round Table Sexton: Septon, George? 🤣 Eahlstan: The Mythical Fisher King in Arthurian Myth (also: The Fisher Queens, George eh?😉) The King’s Hand, eh Georgie!😅 White Trees, George? 😄 (though, to be fair, this is definitely a homage from both to Tolkien) The Bukken/“Diggers”: Inspiration for the Pucas from Philip Chase’s “Edan” Trilogy? King Lluth: “Lute”/“Flute”+Lugh/Lleu Llaw Gyffes, Celtic mythic Heroes of Irish and Welsh Myth respectively. Raed “Council”: Norwegian “Råd” Hünen “Giants”: The Huns The League of the Scroll: Similar to the White Lotus in “Avatar: The Last Airbender” ( and the Edan Trilogy?) The Storm King, eh George? 😁 (though to be fair again, a storm/sky diety (representing good/life/order) fighting a dragon/great worm (representing evil/destruction/chaos), appears in multiple mythology tied to the reconstructed Indo-European concept of “Chaoskampf”) White as the colour of mourning among the Sithi: Similar to many Asian Cultures The Red Hand, five red hooded servants of the Storm King: The Red Hand of Ulster, the Nazgul & the Horned King (of the Chronicles of Prydain)? (& Red Riding Hood? 😄) Yuvenis: Jupiter/Jove mixed with Justitia (Justice) Usires hanging on a tree for nine days: The Cruxifixction of Jesus mixed with Odin hanging from Yggdrasil, combined with the upside down crucification of St. Peter Tiamak and the Crab «Brothers»! Nine robed pursuers, Tad? 😉 Hound-shaped helmet, George? 😁 Black Rimmersmen: The Black Numenorians (later the Corsairs of Umbar), with a similar torturer-mercenary role as performed by some of the Vikings serving Byzantium, the Varangian Guard Three Elvish Tribes, eh Tad? 😄

[@itsjustmylife_x]

I found the Witchwood Towers without knowing about this previous book and started Witchwood Towers, I stopped after around 40 pages falling inlove with the book and NEEDING to read the others first because I don't want to miss out on the character and world building. I'm not big on annotating, but with this book... WOW. The Dragonbone Chair hasn't even started, and already I love the author's warning section "He who is certain he knows the ending of things when he is only beginning them is either extremely wise or extremely foolish; no matter which is true, he is certainly an unhappy man, for he has put a knife in the heart of wonder." I have found a treasure here, never knew about Tad Williams, and now I am hooked.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yesssss

[@JustinHight-py2sw]

I'm reading the new Osten Ard series now. Even better than the first books.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Planning on them this year!

[@alvinmarcus5780]

I'm currently on the last book in the Otherland series and I've really enjoyed it. Started it a long time ago but for some reason didn't even finish book one. Glad I picked it back up. And I'm getting ready to reread The Dragonbone Chair because its been 30 + years. Tad is a great author and would encourage anyone to read his books. Old school at its best.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Agreed. I will definitely get to Otherland at some point

[@afantasybabble6222]

I adore this series. It is like the missing link between Tolkien and Martin. I am anxiously waiting for the end of the sequel trilogy. It absolutely does the original trilogy justice. We are not just getting thr final book in the series but also a novella set in Osten Ard this year! So excited! Tad Williams is great and I want to get through his bibliography. I also really enjoyed his Shadowmarch series as well as the standalone War of The Flowers. Need to read his Scfi series and his urban fantasy series as well.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’ll be right there with you waiting for the ending to the new trilogy! I couldn’t agree more with the idea that he’s the gap closer between Martin and Tolkien

[@ThomasNewman-xe2ig]

One of my favorite characters is more like an Ante-Hero. Much like Captain Queeg in the Caine Mutiny, he is instantly disgusting and when Simon and Cadrach each go their separate ways, you think, "Thank God!! He's gone!!". As the story progresses, Cadrach reappears in odd places and at odd times. This is a rogue with a heart, but not someone that is endearing in any way. It is no spoiler, but as Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn progress, Cadrach's role becomes more intense. I am about halfway through To Green Angel Tower and while I don't know where he is going to pop up again, he has AGAIN left the group he's traveling with. (You just DON'T travel alone in Osten Ard if you can help it, well....maybe traveling through Osten Ard in your easy chair is the BEST way!!!). Anyway he clearly becomes an important character who is fun to watch.

[@andrewhanson405]

I haven't read this book since I was an early teen in the 90s trying to find something to read between new WoT books. You are making me nostalgic to pick it up again

[@thefantasynuttwork]

You should! I am almost done with book 3 and don't want it to be over yet :(

[@Rajathon]

I hope to read this next month. Before I started my booktube channel I had never heard of Tad Williams. Which is crazy because I grew up with Jordan, Modesitt and Hobb. I am excited to get into this series. I also bought book one in the Otherland series.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Let's gooooo! If you enjoy those authors I think Tad is gonna be a hit

[@DavidDecero]

It was made in 1988 so it's the same age as me. lol. Nice. I really do need to read some Tad Williams at some point.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

1990 for me so not far off hah! You won’t regret reading any of Tad’s works, the writing is spectacular

[@muttineni03]

Great review, I've bought this book yesterday, am currently reading Riyria, I'll plan to read this next

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Awesome!

[@FranzBazar]

Great review. Yours is so much better than Daniel Greene’s review of this book, which I thought was rather odd frankly. Example: mentions it inspired GRR Martin , then goes on to say GRRM did same but even better. Umm.. Tad Williams is that guy who bridged Tolkien to modern fantasy. It came out in the late 80’s for goodness sakes! Tad Williams came up with the whole structure of modern fantasy. And oh by the way, without the extraneous vulgarity and sex in GRRM. Yah your review much better , more balanced and , well, more mature and informed. Thank you. Subscribed! - Ohhh, and yes. The prose is Exquisite. Far better than our beloved Mr Jordan and most modern breakneck paced fantasy writers. I would say even Hobb doesn’t hold a candle to this prose. Patricia McKillip also has very fine prose

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I appreciate the kind words. Definitely an instrumental work in the genre. Prose is always a tough one as it depends on the reader + what the story calls for

[@BaldBookTuber]

Just finished this morning! What an absolute masterpiece.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yes!!! Doesn't get nearly enough recognition in the genre IMO

[@captain4318]

I just read the the first couple pages, and the writing is indeed beautiful. I'm grabbing myself a Kindle upcoming Prime Day, I think this will be the first book I pick up for it!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That's awesome!!

[@olafkeith9186]

Thanks for this great video! I love the Osten Ard books and Tad‘s works in general and I love Simon, whp probably is the most believable teenager in literature 😉 I hope you make more videos about Osten Ard!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you Olaf! I'm glad to have you here. I'll for sure being reviewing the trilogy as a whole and reading more Tad Williams in due time. Osten Ard is incredibly special!

[@olafkeith9186]

@@thefantasynuttwork It is very special to me, too and very dear to my heart. I am also re-reading at the moment as part of @rickmacdonnell and his #mstreadalong.

[@electrichorseman7158]

Just found your channel …pretty good review on a book I thought about reading .thank you

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Glad to hear it!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Would you rather have a magical mirror or sword? 😂

[@r1ddhima]

Hmmm I think I’ll go for the mirror 🤔

[@FallenAdam]

I'd take the scale over Sorrow and Thorn any day. But I might take Minnear over the scale.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@FallenAdam Minnear above all!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@r1ddhima depends on my hair day tbh

[@BookishChas]

Magical sword hands down!

[@ssspaceman86]

Can't wait to see you read Gardens of the Moon. I'm finishing it: it will blow your mind. Remember: the reader has an active role. Dramatis Personae and Glossary are not just reminders, they're tools for our puzzling. It's amazing.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'm gonna get to it later this year, I'm excited and nervous for it all at once haha

[@ssspaceman86]

@@thefantasynuttwork we have similar tastes and approach to fantasy literature. You've already the right mindset to start the series (I had two failed attempts in the past). I'm a huge ASOIAF nerd too, and of all the booktubers I follow, you're the one I feel most connected with. I'm positive, for Malazan. Also, I'm happy for this review for dragonbone chair, because I have already bought the entire series, but I'm afraid I'll read it after Malazan.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@ssspaceman86 I'm super glad to hear you can connect with my tastes! ASOIAF nerds unite 💪💪💪

[@susaniacuone5758]

Along with Guy Gavriel Kay, Williams has some of the best prose in modern fantasy

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Agreed

[@ghostparty2062]

This book has definitely peaked my interest. I personally prefer a book that's a bit slow over one that's too fast which is why I couldn't get into assassins apprentice. Think I'll give this a go 🙂

[@thefantasynuttwork]

You are the first person I’ve ever heard call AA fast haha

[@ghostparty2062]

@The Fantasy Nuttwork haha I know I'm alone on that, though have been tempted to give it another go lately. But dragonbone chair first though.

[@jeffcampbell6701]

This book is what got me into epic fantasy. 100 percent love it. Even though it is slow.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Slow in the best way!

[@Demancer2]

I would say if there is writing prose that is more beautiful and poetic, "AeonHeart" is a better book. His style is also unique, and everything is well-written.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@Danny_Matson]

Great review, Jimmy! You are so convincing in every review I watch of yours. I doubt I'll get to it this year but you really convinced me I've gotta read this. The pretty writing, escapist nature, and classical fantasy style reminded me of Ursula Le Guin. Have you read any Earthsea and do you see any comparisons? If not, I highly recommend reading it!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks my friend. I haven't read Earthsea yet but will be reading some this year I hope, really looking forward to it!

[@chevalierdulys]

thank you for your review.. one of the things I Believe it's happening (i see this with Lovecraft or Robert E Howard or even Tolkien (but saying something bad thing about him is a bit of a taboo) is that people that entering fantasy in the last 20 years and started with Game of Thrones or even other newer series when they try to read some of the classics they feel they are not that good because they forget that withour Tolkien, Howard, Lovecraft and many others the horror, fantasy genre would be different... different? worse? Who knows. When you are entering a 1988 novel you must undestand - by that time there were very few fantasy epic novels - to be very crude in perspective George Martin and even Robert Jordan didn't existed. So it's normal that the very first follow a more formulaic formula. I've read some authors saying that when they wanted to publish a novel if it was to far-fetched fantasy, with different prose they would be turn down. So this orphan kind of guy on a quest - of course it has some connections to other stories like tolkien but it's quite different as well. I like reading old and new fantasy. Both have their merits..

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yep, it's important to know who came before and inspired

[@theabelmontero]

I think I've just found my favorite fantasy books reviewer 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Means the world to me, thanks!!

[@SkidMarx915]

You've very quickly become the GOAT booktuber. I have no doubt your channel will blow up very soon and then you will need to quit your day job to bring me more great quality content....MOAR!!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hahaha could you imagine?! I'm just glad I have folks who enjoy hearing me ramble 😁

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you!!!!

[@juliall255]

Sir, you are a fanboy of both Tad Williams and Robin Hobb which not only means that you have **EXCELLENT** taste but there is no doubt in my mind you are gonna LOVE Patrick Rothfuss. PLEASE JOIN US!! Hobb, Williams and Rothfuss are basically the big three of prose and character depth imo but that is quite a popular opinion too. Not that I'm saying other authors are shite but rather that there is something about the way that Hobb, Rothfuss and Williams write that seems to affect me in a way that I can't quite explain. Their worlds and characters and prose are manage to be equally beautiful and impactful but also each of their books are so unique to them. But the difference is that Hobb and Williams both have a lot of material under their belt while Rothfuss doesn not. buT I'm not one of those fans to push an author to finish their series. KKC is genius and genius takes time. You are extremely wise to stay away from Rothfuss until Doors of Stone come out. Ignore everything I have just said - I will wait for Rothfuss to release the book when he thinks it is ready but man it's painful as fuck out here. I have no idea what I was trying to achieve with this comment. I hope your day is going well and everyone is keeping safe 😊

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hey I appreciate the comment! I'll likely read KKC in 2022 🙏

[@juliall255]

''I don't think that there is anyone in fantasy that I think can overtake Tad Williams when it comes to his beautiful writing'' So i'm just gonna sit quietly and wait for the day you pick up The Name of the Wind and have a complete meltdown over Williams and Rothfuss both being so good that they can't share the top space because it would be a disservice to both but at the same time neither can be put over the other because it be would a disservice to both and then you'll get to join us in the infamous conundrum that people who are in both of these fandoms face because GODDAMN the way these two write

[@berentook]

Well I'm sold.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Let's go!!!

[@annedehoop2055]

After reading fantasy for more than 35 years, this is still my favorite fantasystory ever!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It's so enchanting!

[@jenb9742]

Tad Williams Memory, Sorrow and Thorn is my favorite. I like The City of Golden Shadow. Tailchaser's Song was interesting. I haven't really liked his other stuff. Simon is annoying, but he grows up a lot. I like the Sithi. Binabik is my dude. Tad Williams always seems to start slow, almost too slow. After that is a binge.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I feel the slower setup has really really paid off in Memory Sorrow and Thorn. I am almost done with book 3 and I just don't want it to ever end :( Binabik is THE BEST

[@jenb9742]

@@thefantasynuttwork I have it down as my fave all time series. I read it and reread it so many times. Time passes and I just start thinking about it. My fave parts play out in my head. I read it for the first time 15 years ago and I can't go a few months without it popping into my head. So good.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@jenb9742 it’s truly amazing

[@MrsPhilosopher]

Man I tried reading this book, and just couldn't stay interested. After like 100 pages nothing of interest was said, and was kind of a chore to read. Maybe I'll try again one day. Good review thought, tnx.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Sorry to hear that but I understand! Everyone has their likes and dislikes 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@ylvsladuchesse2242]

Imho you have given up to early.It IS slowpaced at the beginning and the first 200 pages are an introduction to the world and the main chracter. But given that the trilogy is one 3000 page story (like LotR) 200 pages are not that much. Things start to happen after that, promised. Give it another try. If you're not sold after chapter 16 then this story is truly not for you but I bet you will be ...

[@LostinDiscovery]

Step 1: Watch Fantasy Nuttwork review Step 2: Add new series to my TBR The cycle continues..

[@thefantasynuttwork]

They don’t call me the TBR monster for nothing 😂 (no one calls me that)

[@thatsci-firogue]

I loved that Part One was a slow-burn but Part Two is a bit of a slog so far, does the pacing get better and how is the rest of the series paced?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It’s slow, finish book one and if it doesn’t work for you I would Say dnf the series

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@thefantasynuttwork thanks Jimmy! please disregard my previous comment, it's really picked up steam again. I think the real issue was I was reading too much at once and it got lost in the shuffle

[@ernstbrehm1135]

Are you going to do a spoiler review? It’s been a couple years since I read this & need a refresher before starting Stone of Farewell. Don’t know why I waited so long because I loved Dragonbone Chair.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I may! I am really wanting to get out a trilogy review as a whole that's spoiler free as well as maybe a video high lighting the different areas of Osten Ard. It's such an amazing series. If you need a refresher Stone of Farewell actually has a synopsis in the beginning of it (at least my version did)

[@ylvsladuchesse2242]

There is a synopsis of book one at the beginning of Stone of Farewell that will do the trick. :-)

[@maggythestray6869]

Really nice video :) I also loved that book :)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It's a good one!

[@maggythestray6869]

Oh and Simon is my favorite character :))

[@mrsduncanthetall]

omg i showed up to this party a whole year later😅

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Welcome 🤗

[@aysseralwan]

8:00 Wait there are people who like Nynaeve!? She's my absolute most hated character (from the "good" side)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah I'm a weirdo hahaha

[@SkidMarx915]

Shes most loved by the end of the series...but I agree, nobody likes Nynaeve before book 11 lol

[@currangill430]

If you don't like fantasy and you like authors like grrm would you still recommend?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Nope, it’s definitely heavy fantasy with tropes

[@currangill430]

@@thefantasynuttwork Jesus. I meant classic fantasy. My bad. 🤣

[@chaz9808]

tried multiple times but the start of this book for like 300 pages is like watching paint dry i just cant get through it

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Sorry to hear :-( Definitely isn't everyone's cup of tea but that's okay!

[@demidrek-heyward]

so you are telling me the prose is good?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

A bit yes haha

[@MrBendylaw]

Every day I wake up pissed that this series hasn't been given the HBO treatment. That is all.

[@MrBendylaw]

Robert Jordan?!? Wheel of Time, dammit? Really?!? What kind of fantasy-despising reality am Iiving in?

[@bottle1211]

you're gonna be rereading chapters in Malazan

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Malazan was fun!

[@bottle1211]

@@thefantasynuttwork you finish it?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@bottle1211 yep!

[@bottle1211]

@@thefantasynuttwork nice!

[@richa6046]

Is it ok for a 12 year old

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'd ask your parents or guardian. It may be a little dense but I think themes wise it could be fine. There are other books like Eragon I would recommend first to someone that age. Happy reading!

[@mitch8948]

Simon is a weeper. I have been conditioned, somehow, to find this repulsive. It tasks me