Series: Memory Sorrow and Thorn #1
Published by DAW on March 25, 2005
Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Pages: 672
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
A war fueled by the powers of dark sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard—for Prester John, the High King, lies dying. And with his death, the Storm King, the undead ruler of the elf-like Sithi, seizes the chance to regain his lost realm through a pact with the newly ascended king. Knowing the consequences of this bargain, the king’s younger brother joins with a small, scattered group of scholars, the League of the Scroll, to confront the true danger threatening Osten Ard.
Simon, a kitchen boy from the royal castle unknowingly apprenticed to a member of this League, will be sent on a quest that offers the only hope of salvation, a deadly riddle concerning long-lost swords of power. Compelled by fate and perilous magics, he must leave the only home he’s ever known and face enemies more terrifying than Osten Ard has ever seen, even as the land itself begins to die.
I read The Dragonbone Chair (1) I got it for a good deal, (2) I love a good epic fantasy adventure and (3) I saw rave reviews for it.
The Dragonbone Chair follows the classic epic fantasy formula. Circumstances force a young hero—of mysterious origins—out of his humble life into a quest with the fate of the world, or kingdom, on the line. Simon is a kitchen boy with a thirst for adventure and a penchant for finding trouble. When the new king of Osten Ard makes a bargain that brings ancient forces into play, Simon and a small group of other unlikely heroes must embark on a perilous quest to defeat the evil encroaching on their land.
What I struggled with the most is the sheer density of this novel. So much is given to us that I struggled to remember characters and cultures.
Once I got used to the narrative structure, I fell in love with the intricate worldbuilding. Tad Williams has created nations and people groups with unique culture, folklore, and dialects / speech patterns. The individuals have unique personalities and motivations; small quirks help to bring them to life. The supporting cast is strong, and I look forward to seeing the roles they’ll play in the sequels.
Simon himself is a rather lackluster character. He lacks awareness of the greater world and, for the most part, moves with the flow. Which is understandable given how he was thrust into the real world without any knowledge of the stakes. That said, he does have his moments. I’m hopeful that he will grow into a hero over the course of his journey.
Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind
Series: Sword of Truth,
Published by Tor Books on August 11, 1994
Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Pages: 820
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased, Library
In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.
In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them--for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say.
In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword--to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed . . . or that their time has run out.
This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.
Wizard’s First Rule is unique in that its primary protagonist Richard Cypher is a thinker who puzzles things out. While he’ll rush into action as needed, he takes the time to think and to question the situation. True to reality, this doesn’t mean he triumphs easily over evil. Richard makes a few rash or bad decisions, some because of assumptions and some because of his ignorance of the Midlands’ dangers. The romance is a bit of an instalove, but I’m okay with it because Richard and Kahlan decide to be friends first; they take their respective situations into account, and they don’t rush into things.
The story is told through multiple perspectives: Richard, Kahlan, Zedd, Rachel, and even Darken Rahl. The protagonists are flawed, which I love because my favorite stories are about ordinary people rising to the occasion. You can click on the spoiler tags to learn more about Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd: Richard View Spoiler » Kahlan View Spoiler » Zedd View Spoiler »
The world itself is fascinating. Terry Goodkind has populated the world with various unique cultures, which we get to visit as Richard journeys from the Westland, across the Midlands, and into Darken Rahl’s territory on his quest to defeat the ruler of D’Hara. I love how the title of this book plays a pivotal role in wizardry and the overall plot of this first book.
While problems get resolved as they come, the plot to this first book is complete while foreshadowing more problems to come. The twist at the end has me curious to learn more about Darken Rahl’s motives and the dangers to come. I’ve already purchased a copy of Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth #2) and look forward to starting it!
Content: child molester, attempted rape (clothes torn, touching), torture, violence, slaughtering of civilians (including children), execution of innocents, child taught to torture others, sex scenes (some graphics), trip to underworld (some horror elements), assaulted by spirits that look like loved ones (protagonists kill them), chased by underworld beasts
The Willful Princess and the Piebald Prince by Robin Hobb
Published by Subterranean on February 28, 2013
Genres: Fantasy, High Fantasy
Pages: 184
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
One of the darkest legends in the Realm of the Elderlings recounts the tale of the so-called Piebald Prince, a Witted pretender to the throne unseated by the actions of brave nobles so that the Farseer line could continue untainted. Now the truth behind the story is revealed through the account of Felicity, a low-born companion of the Princess Caution at Buckkeep.
With Felicity by her side, Caution grows into a headstrong Queen-in-Waiting. But when Caution gives birth to a bastard son who shares the piebald markings of his father s horse, Felicity is the one who raises him. And as the prince comes to power, political intrigue sparks dangerous whispers about the Wit that will change the kingdom forever...
After falling in love with Robin Hobb’s Farseer trilogy, I had to pick up The Willful Princess and the Piebald Prince, which reveals the truth behind the tales of the Piebald Prince that Fitz’s generation knows.
As far as I remember, the tale of the Piebald Prince is first mentioned in Royal Assassin (book 2 of the Farseer trilogy). It was interesting to see how time has distorted the truth of his story. History belongs to the victors, as the story goes. Since this tale takes place in the past, it didn’t spoil anything for me, but Farseer #1-2 helped me recognize names and places. I look forward to seeing the Piebald Prince’s influence on the world as I continue reading!
Chat With Me
Have you read any of these books? What are some of your favorite fantasy tropes? What are some fantasy greats that you would recommend to me?
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
A great list of classic fantasy Crystal! And it seems you enjoyed each one of them. Tad is such a great world builder! He really makes each new series feel like a genuine place. My mom told the Terry Goodkind series to me and my siblings when she read them. We’d be in the car and she’d tell us a portion of the story! Hahaha so I feel like his stories are old friends.
Crystal says
Thanks, Dani! It’s neat that Terry Goodkind’s series is like an old friend for you. I enjoy hearing secondhand about the shows that my brother watches. I look forward to reading more Tad Williams. The world building in TDC is spectacular. I agree that he has a gift for making a world feel like a real place. I’ll definitely need to reread TDC in the future after I finish the trilogy; it feels like a world that’ll grow on me even more as I continue to explore it.
Angie Elle says
I don’t read a lot of epic fantasy, but I do want to give Robin Hobb a try. I see her books around a lot, and she is a lot of readers favorite.
Great reviews!
Crystal says
Robin Hobb’s work has lived up to the hype for me. I hope you enjoy her work as much if not more! ❤️
Lindsi says
All of these are new to me, but I do love a good epic fantasy! 😉
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Crystal says
Same. I love a good epic fantasy! ❤️
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra says
These are all on my list of authors I want to try. I love epic fantasy but always struggle at the beginning of a series to remember who’s who, etc. just because there’s always so much to piece together. I’m going a re-read of A Song of Ice and Fire right now but when I’m done, I’ll be looking for another series to start so I’ll definitely have to consider the Tad Williams one.
Crystal says
Remembering who’s who can be a struggle in epic fantasies! That was especially the case for me with The Dragonbone Chair because of all the POVs and name drops. It is worth the read, however, and (out of the three) more along the lines of what I’ve heard about A Song of Ice and Fire. I hope you enjoy it, Suzanne!
Sophia Rose says
Those are all books I haven’t read, but I do have the Terry Goodkind on my shelf for some day. All those sound good. I like the way you describe the world building in the first two. The last tale sounds cool especially the way it was referenced in the earlier trilogy.
Crystal says
I hope you enjoy Wizard’s First Rule, Sophia! World building is one of my favorite elements of fantasy novels ❤️ Yes, it was super neat how Robin Hobb provides the true account of the tale that’s been distorted in the present timeline of the greater series.