SO. MANY. WORDS. to say a horse and a rider went through a forest listening to the sounds and smelling the smells. No wonder this brick is 880 pages. I can't do it.

I'm almost speechless.

I mean, reading this long, long book takes me back to all the long, long books of Tad Williams and especially his most well known and beloved original fantasy. (Of which this picks up many years down the line, with Simon the Scullion a grandfather and King of the kingdom.)

What this does extremely well: worldbuilding and characters. He takes his time. And I mean, he lets all the characterizations come out gloriously slowly, with rich detail and living in such a world that runs so deep as to reclassify the term "escapist fiction".

We live there. We become one with the world of Osten Ard. Whether we're a Norn, one of the elfish immortals, or of men, we dive really deep into the world. I can't find real good or evil anywhere. Just people of all kinds, be they giants, shapeshifters, any kind of immortal, half-immortal, or of the race of men. It's easy to just "say" this, as well, but Tad Williams shows us in all the glory just how true it is.

And then we have the echoes of the undead king, the darkness of magics to come, all the reasons why all these kingdoms are on the path to being laid very, very low, and it all boils down to PEOPLE (of any flavor) doing what they think is right, and still they bring about the greatest evils.

Did I mention how much glorious, deep, well-thought-out, detailed worldbuilding is going on here?

A taste: Prester John, Herne, echoes of catholicism twisted into undead rituals, elves coming across the sea from far away to live here (rather than the reverse), and a whole immortal ppl lied to and left in poverty... for what? It reminds me of Dragon Age, but let's get real here. Tad Williams' epic came out over twenty years ago and this only continues (gloriously so) the long, long tale. :)

I can't say that this fantasy has anywhere near the epic bloodshed and magics that anyone might expect out of today's epic fantasy genre, but when it comes to depth of character, the main story, and worldbuilding... few and perhaps none can compare.

Frankly, I'm lost in admiration.

It's far from a hard read (aside from the length) and it's easy to fall deep into the good writing. I'm remembering my original response to his first fantasies in just the same way.

Truly Excellent!
( )

I did not know how much I missed the world of Osten Ard, and the characters Williams had introduced me to so long ago, until I revisited them in the Witchwood Crown. Reading the Witchwood Crown was like finding a long lost treasure you forgot you had buried.
Williams writing is beautiful and he weaves a magnificent tale that despite its seemingly slow progression, sucks you in and does not let you up for breath. Truly one of the best fantasy writers of old and new, Williams is so gifted in characterization, world building, and all other important aspects that make up a great fantasy series.
This new installment to William's original Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, brings you back to the characters you love, as well as introducing a whole new host of complicated, and amazingly written characters, that will surely carry this tale in such an epic way as their predecessors.
I personally love the additional of Norn characters that allow a small glimpse into the previously mythical enemies. We get to see some of their inner workings and culture that we never got to see in the original trilogy. Thus complicating things further, by possibly allowing us to care for if not all, but some of these creatures. I personally am fascinated with Nezeru, who is one of the newer and well fleshed out characters.
Williams is in true form here, taking his time to weave an epic masterpiece. He never seems in a hurry to get to any one point, and though it is slow moving, every chapter, every interaction, every piece of dialogue seems to be building to something grand and glorious in scope. True that his novels move at a much slower pace then others in the genre, but it all feels purposeful, and allows you to truly get to know and understand each character so that their fate seems all the more important as you read on.
I am instantly brought back to the masterpiece of his original trilogy, and feel not only nostalgic but eager and excited to see what else awaits in his world.
The Witchwood Crown is a brilliant start to a new trilogy and if you loved Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, you will undoubtedly love this new series. ( )

Epic does not begin to characterize the scale of this project. The writing is just beautiful. If you enjoy tales of fantasy from the days of yore, this is for you. A mix of cultures, lands and some non-human characters join to create a most fascinating read. George R. R. Martin praises Mr. Williams efforts. Reader beware, this treat is over 700 pages, so boil a whole pot of tea and stock up on munchies for the ride. My thanks to the author and the Penguin First to Read program for a complimentary copy. ( )

Finally!! The long awaited return to the world of Osten Ard! I have been a fan of the previous trilogy since it first came out and this is a welcome addition to that collection.
This trilogy picks up 30 years or so after the events of the previous trilogy (and after the stand along prequel book), with Simon and Miriamele still King and Queen at the Hayholt. Once again trouble is stirring and once again, the source is the Norns. Many of their former friends are either gone now or too old and after years of peace they have become a bit complacent. While on a tour of their realm we are introduced to their grandchildren, new ministers, new rulers in neighboring kingdoms and new threats. Much of this book is scene-setting, but as is usual with one of Tad's books, even that is worthwhile. This is going to be a long trilogy and the action is still building. Very well written with strong characters. The interaction of the husbands and wives in this book is ... different than the previous trilogy, a lot has happened in the real world in the last 30 years and the book reflects the changes. An excellent start to the new trilogy. I do recommend that you read "The Heart of What Was Lost" first. ( )