Tad Williams is a renowned American fantasy and science fiction author, best known for his Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, which has influenced many modern fantasy writers, including George R.R. Martin. His other major works include Otherland, a science fiction series exploring virtual reality, and Shadowmarch, an epic fantasy. Williams’ is known for intricate world-building, complex characters, and layered plots.
Kitchen-boy Simon is bored, restless and fourteen years old – a dangerous combination. It seems, however, that his life has just taken a turn for the better when he’s apprenticed to his castle’s resident wizard. As Simon’s learning to read and write under Doctor Morgenes’ tutelage, forces greater than he could possible imagine are gathering: forces which will change Simon’s life – and his world – forever.
Following the death of Good King John, Osten Ard is plunged into civil war as his sons battle for control of the fabled Dragonbone Chair – the country’s throne as well as the symbol of its power. Simon is forced to flee the only home he has ever known, a journey which will test him beyond his worst nightmares.
With THE DRAGONBONE CHAIR, Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard and kicked off the beloved, internationally bestselling series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn.
I’ve been working through some of the “classics” in Fantasy and Sci-Fi that I haven’t gotten around to yet, and The Dragonbone Chair was high on that list. I was excited to dive into it.
Osten Ard is on the brink of war, with dark sorcery stirring and the High King nearing death. Civil war looms over the Dragonbone Chair. The story centers on Simon, a kitchen boy from the Hayholt, alongside the troll Binabik (and his wolf companion Quantaqa) and Prince Josua. From the moment Simon is sent to work for the mysterious Doctor Morgenes, I felt myself drawn into the world’s mysteries. Tad Williams does an exceptional job weaving together the politics of the royal brothers and the intrigue at the Hayholt. While Simon’s whininess initially grated on me, it fits his character as a teenager, and his growth through his journey is satisfying. His interactions with Binabik were especially enjoyable, and their developing friendship was a highlight.
This is a classic coming-of-age tale, and you really experience Simon’s growth as the story progresses. Though the book starts slow, with a lot of detailed world-building and rich descriptions, it’s worth taking your time to absorb it all. It took me a bit longer to finish than most books, but it was worth it. The depth of the world-building is fantastic, particularly the way past events shape the present. I also loved the tie-in to the series title with the three legendary swords.
Overall, this is a solid introduction to the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, and I’m looking forward to picking up The Stone of Farewell next.
You can purchase Dragonbone Chair from your local Bookshop supporting indie bookshops is important and something I am very in favor of. I like nothing more than to browse physical books. Or if you want you can shop at your local Waterstones, or online at Amazon
