Williams: Shadowheart review

This is the finale of Tad Williams series Shadowmarch. In this volume, all of the major characters converge on castle Shadowmarch for the final battle. The Autarch of Xis has arrived and intends to wake the sleeping god of death and subjugate him to the Autarch's will. He has Qinnitan and King Olin Eddon captive. Ferras Vansen is in Funderling Town beneath the castle leading the defense. Barrick Eddon has come from Qul-na-Qar with Queen Saqri to take control of the Qar army from Lady Yassamez and fight the Autarch. Briony Eddon had come with Prince Eneas of Syan along with his army to save her kingdom.

Mostly, the plot of this volume is the battle to take Southmarch - both the castle itself and the Mysteries below. It's quite entertaining, though I felt the romantic bits featuring Briony Eddon and Ferras Vansen to be somewhat absurd. Also, the "resolution" of the story after the climactic battle beneath Shadomarch is extremely long. It is well-written and ties up all of the loose ends of the tale, but at times seemed as if it could have been summed up rather more quickly.

Overall Shadowheart was a highly entertaining conclusion to a good fantasy series. I definitely recommend it, especially for fans of Tad Williams.


/ [Viking]

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