The Dragonbone Chair: Book One of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn

Tad Williams

Mar 2005 · Penguin

About this ebook

“One of my favorite fantasy series.” —George R. R. Martin 
“Groundbreaking.” —Patrick Rothfuss 
“One of the great fantasy epics of all time.” —Christopher Paolini

New York Times-bestselling Tad Williams’ landmark epic fantasy saga of Osten Ard begins an exciting new cycle with THE WITCHWOOD CROWN, on sale now!
 
With The Dragonbone Chair, Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard. His beloved, internationally bestselling series Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn inspired a generation of modern fantasy writers, including George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, and Christopher Paolini, and defined Tad Williams as one of the most important fantasy writers of our time.

This edition features a brand-new introduction from Tad Williams' editor as well as the original introduction from Williams himself! 

BOOK ONE: THE DRAGONBONE CHAIR
 
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.
 
After the landmark Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, the epic saga of Osten Ard continues with the brand-new novel, The Heart of What Was Lost. Then don’t miss the upcoming trilogy, The Last King of Osten Ard, beginning with The Witchwood Crown!
 
Praise for Osten Ard:
 
“Inspired me to write my own seven-book trilogy.... It’s one of my favorite fantasy series.”
—George R. R. Martin, New York Times-bestselling author of A Game of Thrones
 
“Groundbreaking...changed how people thought of the genre, and paved the way for so much modern fantasy. Including mine.”
—Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times-bestselling author of The Name of the Wind
 
"Tad Williams is a master storyteller, and the Osten Ard books are his masterpiece." —Brandon Sanderson, New York Times-bestselling author of Mistborn

“Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is one of the great fantasy epics of all time.”
—Christopher Paolini, New York Times-bestselling author of Eragon

Ratings and reviews

A true master at work. He reveals characters, world's and plots that are amazing in their intense depths and descriptions. The main character's experiences are riveting and one finds oneself caring for him. The surrounding characters are interesting though so plentiful that it's dizzing at times. But Williams links things together in ways unforseen and gratifying. I am truly enjoying the journey. Having become used to Williams' style I have learned to lean back and watch smiling as things unfold.

The first book in my favorite fantasy series. It introduces the characters well, it moves the pace along nicely and crafts a wonderful vision of a world with some halfways familiar backstory. One of the things I like about this series is that none of the characters are safe; anyone could die at any time. Seriously, I think by the end of the third book at least half of the listed characters are dead. When I first started reading this series I was in college and listening to a lot of Joe Satriani. Since then, whenever I hear a Satriani tune I associate it with a particular part of this (or the subsequent) book(s) and vice versa.

Discovered this book series a year or so after it was released, and it is one of my favorites. I must have read the series 20 times...honestly. It's like visiting old friends, the characters are so engaging. Give it a read, you'll be glad you did.

About the author

Tad Williams is a California-based fantasy superstar.  His genre-creating (and genre-busting) books have sold tens of millions worldwide. His works include the worlds of Otherland, Shadowmarch, and Osten Ard­—including the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, and The Last King of Osten Ard series—as well as standalone novels Tailchaser’s Song and The War of the Flowers. His considerable output of epic fantasy, science fiction, urban fantasy, comics, and more have strongly influenced a generation of writers.  Tad and his family live in the Santa Cruz mountains in a suitably strange and beautiful house. He can be found at tadwilliams.com or on Twitter at @tadwilliams.