kole's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
nsheehan1228's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
wildbillbourbon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Excellent fantasy epic. Swords and magic. Good and evil. Grand battles and mysterious creatures and noble races. This book has it all and I cant wait for the next part.
isauldur's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, where to begin? I'll start with some whining just to get out of the way and then on to the praise. So stay with me here.
A lot of people have warned me that the beginning is a little slow, which I can see and understand. The first 200 pages or so are dedicated to establishing daily life and mainly introducing the more important characters of the novel. But the hardest part for me wasn't the slow beginning, but rather two specific sequences that forced me to make an effort in continuing reading: I'm talking about the underground chapter and the forest-travel chapter, with the village and the Christmas-like tree. For me, it wasn't so much a slow beginning as a couple of sections where the plot is almost virtually (in my opinion) stopped.
But other than the complaint above, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I must admit, it took me two tries to actually finish it. The first time I got about 250 pages in, then stopped for a few months. Then I came back and started from the beginning. But when I got really into it, I got REALLY into it.
The world is amazing! Familiar enough where you can relate quickly, but fantastical enough where you can be awed. In fairness, we don't see that much of the fantastical element in this book, save for a couple of glimpses at Sithi architecture. But what we do see...it's almost like a tantalizing tease of what is to come. The descriptions are great, I liked the writing and the style. And without giving much away, one specific scene reminded me A LOT of the Battle for Helm's Deep, from LOTR. Those who've finished this book and read (or watched) The Two Towers may know what I'm talking about.
It's a great book, and I really recommend it to any so-called fantasy fan out there. It should be as mandatory as Lord of the Rings if one is to make the claim that they "like fantasy." It was very influential, as some may know, since it inspired George R. R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss no less.
Loved it.
A lot of people have warned me that the beginning is a little slow, which I can see and understand. The first 200 pages or so are dedicated to establishing daily life and mainly introducing the more important characters of the novel. But the hardest part for me wasn't the slow beginning, but rather two specific sequences that forced me to make an effort in continuing reading: I'm talking about the underground chapter and the forest-travel chapter, with the village and the Christmas-like tree. For me, it wasn't so much a slow beginning as a couple of sections where the plot is almost virtually (in my opinion) stopped.
But other than the complaint above, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I must admit, it took me two tries to actually finish it. The first time I got about 250 pages in, then stopped for a few months. Then I came back and started from the beginning. But when I got really into it, I got REALLY into it.
The world is amazing! Familiar enough where you can relate quickly, but fantastical enough where you can be awed. In fairness, we don't see that much of the fantastical element in this book, save for a couple of glimpses at Sithi architecture. But what we do see...it's almost like a tantalizing tease of what is to come. The descriptions are great, I liked the writing and the style. And without giving much away, one specific scene reminded me A LOT of the Battle for Helm's Deep, from LOTR. Those who've finished this book and read (or watched) The Two Towers may know what I'm talking about.
It's a great book, and I really recommend it to any so-called fantasy fan out there. It should be as mandatory as Lord of the Rings if one is to make the claim that they "like fantasy." It was very influential, as some may know, since it inspired George R. R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss no less.
Loved it.
isauldur's review against another edition
5.0
I'm glad I chose to come back to this series. With the third book in the Last King of Osten Ard trilogy set to be released this November, I figured I would go back to the original Osten Ard novels as a way to prepare.
This time around, knowing where the series ends up, I was able to pick up on several small pieces of setup that pay off later in the trilogy. It amazes me how good Tad is at planting seeds early on without the reader noticing.
The slow start no longer bothered me, because I knew for sure that great stuff was to come. I was able to sit back and read the first couple of hundred pages, appreciating the way Tad sets the scene and also able to follow all the intrigue and tension happening behind the scenes, away from Simon's direct awareness.
Also, I'd forgotten how good a writer Tad is. His prose is both precise and eloquent. He's not afraid of going into lengthy sentences, but these flow and give a good sense of atmosphere.
On to the next one. I'm sure I'll be coming back to Osten Ard more times in the future.
This time around, knowing where the series ends up, I was able to pick up on several small pieces of setup that pay off later in the trilogy. It amazes me how good Tad is at planting seeds early on without the reader noticing.
The slow start no longer bothered me, because I knew for sure that great stuff was to come. I was able to sit back and read the first couple of hundred pages, appreciating the way Tad sets the scene and also able to follow all the intrigue and tension happening behind the scenes, away from Simon's direct awareness.
Also, I'd forgotten how good a writer Tad is. His prose is both precise and eloquent. He's not afraid of going into lengthy sentences, but these flow and give a good sense of atmosphere.
On to the next one. I'm sure I'll be coming back to Osten Ard more times in the future.
nymfan86's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
leukippe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
librarymaus's review against another edition
5.0
This book was wonderful. It made me smile, laugh, and shockingly cry out in rage at certain things that happen.. (Can't say much on That, but lets just say a Certain "Lord" has something coming to him for what he's done..) This book I will say is very Tolkienesque in the beginning (which I Love), but seems to find it's own voice later on. Now I will say this, the book Does have some predictable tropes thrown in that some might not like. But In my opinion, they didn't break the book (for me at least.) Now the One Warning I shall Give is This, This is Not a Quick Read! Kind of obvious I know, but I'm Warning you all nevertheless. (IT'S THICC, and that's with Two C's.) But it's a great book, with amazing characters (my favorite Is defiantly Count Eolair. Side character in the book, but not in my heart.) Interesting world and creatures, and the story itself is simply really good.
kriswasp's review against another edition
4.0
I first heard of this book when reading an interview with George R R Martin where he talks of this as one of his inspirations for A Song of Ice and Fire. Having read all of the released material there, I can see it as clear as day.
This series by Tad Williams is influential in modern fantasy, and I can see it clearly. This is a seminal work, one that has definitely influenced many future works.
Williams is a fantastic writer. There are moments of beautiful prose, and quite often I found myself hungrily devouring pages, so caught up as I was in the story.
My main issue with the book is the length: as with a lot of fantasy, it meanders. A lot. Sometimes it doesn’t seem necessary, but I appreciate Williams’ attention to minutiae, even if there are a few plot holes I struggled to reconcile.
This is a fascinating tale with some truly tremendous set pieces that at times feels like it was written for the screen. Surely there must be consideration for this to get the treatment it deserves! It will very likely be an event as popular as Game of Thrones was.
So an easy 4 stars, only missing out on 5 because he could have trimmed it massively and not lost anything.
I highly recommend this book though.
This series by Tad Williams is influential in modern fantasy, and I can see it clearly. This is a seminal work, one that has definitely influenced many future works.
Williams is a fantastic writer. There are moments of beautiful prose, and quite often I found myself hungrily devouring pages, so caught up as I was in the story.
My main issue with the book is the length: as with a lot of fantasy, it meanders. A lot. Sometimes it doesn’t seem necessary, but I appreciate Williams’ attention to minutiae, even if there are a few plot holes I struggled to reconcile.
This is a fascinating tale with some truly tremendous set pieces that at times feels like it was written for the screen. Surely there must be consideration for this to get the treatment it deserves! It will very likely be an event as popular as Game of Thrones was.
So an easy 4 stars, only missing out on 5 because he could have trimmed it massively and not lost anything.
I highly recommend this book though.
ryanteston's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25