Tad Williams: The Dragonbone Chair review

Although the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy by Tad Williams has been divided in 12 parts in Finnish translation I thought I'd just write the review according to the original story. Hence this review includes three Finnish books, parts I, II, and III of The Dragonbone Chair.

The story takes place in a separate fantasy world called Osten Ard which is under changes as the king John Presbyter dies and leaves behind two sons. The older Elias takes the crown and threatens the younger Josua if he tries to take over the thrown.
The protagonist of the series however is a young teenage boy named Simon who works in the kitchen of the king's castle Hayholt. Simon gets a change to be the apprentice of the appreciated doctor Morgenes, the wizard of the castle, but this doesn't very last long. Simon stumbles into events which are far greater than the usual routine of a kitchen boy and is forced to flee the castle to another fortress in the far north.
During his journey he meets people of other race, a troll called Binabik and a Sithi, a member of and ancient race (think of Tolkien's elves and you get the idea) befriends with them and starts to grow to the future which is not so bright as it were before.
But there is a prophecy telling about three mythical swords which might stop the deeds of evil...

The world Williams describes owes much to our history. Rimmersmen are easily recognisable as Vikings and the most common religion is clearly based on Christianity. But this really doesn't bother me much, as the story is interesting and the characters are vivid.
At the beginning of the saga, Simon is a really annoying stupid boy, but during his journey he grows and learns much.

What bothered me the most was the Finnish translation, especially in the first book - it was just terrible. But then it got better.
The most boring part was definitely when Simon was lost in the caves and tunnels beneath the castle Hayholt.
The narration changes a lot between different characters which from time to time is good but sometimes you just wish you could skip this part and go there where the most interesting part happens.

Though the characters are very well written, I didn't find the main ones my favourites - I thought the loveliest character was the old Rimmersman, the Duke Isgrimnur. He's such a wonderful persona.

I recommend this book and the series to anyone interested in basic fantasy taking place in a far away kingdom, where dark forces are rising and small people have to face them.
If you like Lord of the Rings, Tales of the Earthsea etc., you'll like this too.
/ [Caterin S.]

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