Reviews

Tad Williams does fantasy as it should be. Instead of making you remember what you read in previous books he gives a full synopsis so you’re up to date which is a big deal for me because I have a terrible memory. He also gives a list of characters and pronunciations. That’s so aggravating when a character’s name is Tikalakal’ookalaká and the author expects you to know what the hell that is but I digress.
This book is another wonderful addition to Osten Ard which may be my favorite world in all of fantasy. Everything is masterfully detailed and his imaginative creatures are superior to all. The first book has a lot of world building and mostly follows Erkynlanders but this book follows mostly the Norns and what they’re planning and a whole bunch of Nabban and Thrithings, who are waging war against each other. I love the interactions between Morgan and Snenneq but unfortunately there is very little of the Sithi or Qanuc people in this story but the book sets the stage for some serious action in the ending books and I am ecstatic to read immediately. Tad Williams has become my #2 fantasy author behind dear old George Martin.

solidoak's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

4.0

barnaclethereal's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I think this might be my favorite Tad Williams book yet. I'm so excited to keep reading the Last King of Osten Ard. I was asked a lot about this book while I was reading it. I think all of Williams's books are like a Jack-in-the-box, slowly cranking the tension and story until the last 5th or so of the book where everything explodes. I love it. His characters are so deep and rich and nuanced. So good.

reuben_books's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Like the others in this series, this book was SUCH a slow read.

However, I truly couldn't care less that it took me almost 6 months to read it because I enjoyed every single word on every single page. This man knows how to write! His prose is so enticing and evocative; and with each book he somehow manages to get better and better! This one especially had some true moments of horror that I thought were really impressive.

I think this has got to be my favourite epic fantasy series of all time. Nothing can compare.

mankan's review

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5.0

This is why I love fantasy.

morcades's review against another edition

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3.0

Arf, menuda forma de dejarlo. Ahora a esperar el 12 de Julio

pemdas97's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-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? Yes

3.75

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