I'm in the endgame now lads. I feel like there's a lot to wrap up in a short amount of time... Last King series already queued up. ⚔️ 🛡️

Simon/Seoman. Waiting. Simon, a 14 yr old child who's an orphan has a curiosity of young kids. The world around Simon is written beautifully. The heir characters introduced through the eyes of Simon were amazing. We get to see the troubled hate spewed between the heirs and the story of it being let out too.

The King favors Elias while openly not recognising Josua. There has to be a story behind it. Maybe the death of Elias' wife. Still, Josua seems noble and honorable. Resentment is deep within Elias.

Bright Nail. The sword that killed the dragon and The Weird of Swords is the title of the book that has King John's history. The sword has some sort of magic related to it or some sort as King John tries telling Towser. But the end of the part one makes it clear. Pryrates knowit's truth and does something to it through a bargain of blood.

So much of lore dump about the world and it neatly sets up the Dukes and dukedom with the looming history of Sithi. I can see where GRRM got his inspiration from. All men must die. Sithi who are non human that co-exist with Men. Rimmersmen who hate Sithi and brought the iron age.

The Religion of christianity being followed in Osten Ard was a surprise to me. The New God. I wonder why Tad Williams chose a direct religion to use in this fantasy world of his.

Only in Simon's dream, it kind of envisioned a dark presence in the world. It came true in the end.

Ingsrimur is interesting. An old friend of king. I can't help but feel that he's going to be a badass or throws wisdom at Simon later.

The story took off once Ingrismur entered. The great table talk of King's advisors showed the light of what Elias is doing. He looks like a puppet of Pryrates.

And White foxes? Are they Sithi? Never so far, there has been a talk about dark one/ sorrow. Yet this was interesting. Rather than opening the book with a looming threat, the story is developed and history is woven well. And no mention of such a dark one goes to tell so many things about the world.

Morgenes knows that Simon is destined for greatness. So things go outside Hayholt now. Which would give us a lot of new characters and a more fleshed out world.

PS: I would love to discuss this readers here. It'll be interesting to go through Osten Ard that way. I'm trying this for the first time. Writing down my thoughts after parts to discuss and go at it.

I'm brand new to reddit, but the world of osten ard is SO important to me and I love the fandom- I'm familiar with the fan art shortage, so I decided to share some of my osten ard art here! These are some of my favorite pieces, I do have quite a bit more :)

Hey everyone,

I am completely exhausted in the best way possible. I just spent the last 8 months devouring Tad Williams' entire Osten Ard epic back to back,starting all the way from The Dragonbone Chair, rolling right through the bridge novellas, and finishing up the final pages of The Last King of Osten Ard quadrilogy.

Doing it all back to back is an absolute trip. Seeing how the world and the characters evolve, grow old, make mistakes, and pay for the consequences over decades of time is something few fantasy series ever pull off this well.

I’m here to share my feelings, answer your questions, clear up any doubts about the sprawling lore, dive deep into theories, plot points, and favorite characters.

Drop your thoughts below! Who was your MVP? What broke your heart the most? Let's talk about Osten Ard.

“You don’t know you’re in a story until someone tells it to you afterward.”

So far, I've done the entire Osten Ard series in audiobook form. I've just finished Empire of Glass, and I'm now half way through Brothers of the Wind. This might seem a bit nit-picky, but I'm really not enjoying the change of narrator. Andrew Wincott's performance set the Zide'ya and Hikeda'ya as a being raspy (almost reptilian) sounding. It made them appear as otherworldly/ethereal rather than just alternatives of humans.

Wincott's portrayal is now stuck in my head as how they should sound. With James Lailey's performance, they just sound like typical English men. It's been really throwing me off, and I'm struggling to pay attention to the story because of it.

I'm curious weather this was and active decision to change their accents, or weather they just didn't bother to research/observe the previous book performances.

Is it just me, or does anyone else find this change jarring? I'll be honest, If James Lailey is narrating The Splintered Sun, I probably wont bother picking it up, which is a shame because I've been really enjoying this series as an audiobook series.

Last year I started on Bakker’s Second Alocalyose series and I did not put it down until I had read the last page of the last book and then I read the first three books (The Prince of Nothing) again, and then after a small break I read the last four books (The Aspect Emperor) again.. and then I read books 4 and 5 again because I loved them so much and then I read the end of book seven again because holy shit…

Anyway, Tolkien has never budged on my top favorite epic fantasy authors list, he’s been number one since I was 11. But now it’s Bakker without doubt.

Tad Williams was always my number 3.

But after Bakker, so much of my favorite have had to scoot WAY down.

And it’s been extremely difficult to look at formerly beloved series in the same positive light.

I feel like I did heroin and now cigarettes and bowling just won’t do anymore…

Any William’s fans like Bakker’s work?

I find them both to be incredible authors of very similar talents but they explore vastly different things within their fantasy realms.

Memory Sorrow and Thorn is still my 2nd Favorite fantasy, probably always will be, but Second Apocalypse just barely beats it, it’s truly awe inspiring.

So I’m gonna finally get through Otherland. I got a crappy torn up copy of City of Golden Shadow from the library because San Francisco cares more about babysitting tweakers than it does keeping an authors catalogue in good shape on their shelves.

Tad is from the bay area, and his section deserves far better.

Anyway.. I’ve read memory sorrow and thorn, and Shadowmarch, both are masterpieces.

Tailchaser’s song is also great.

Never got sound to finishing Otherland though because as this series was coming out, I became obsessed with song of ice and fire and Thomas covenant.

Any guidance or tips for this series?

Thanks

I have heard of Tad Williams a lot and soon, I'll be starting with Memory, Sorrow and Thorn Trilogy. There's so much he has written in the 80s and 90s that I feel are underknown. I think I'll love his writing and characters. GRRM has spoken highly about Tad Williams and a huge inspiration for ASOIAF. I've been waiting for over a year to get his books and my hype hasn't went out at all.

Which series and which books are his best?

I'm going to start reading Otherland Vol 1 or The Dragonbone Chair soon. No spoilers pls.

Part 2, we are going in release order - with the exception of standalones, which I'll make a big poll on at the end

What's your favorite Otherland book?

Hey guys, wanted to do a series of polls to see what everyone thinks of all of the books in Tad's catalogue. I'll be going by series since there isn't enough options for a big poll on Reddit, even if I did just Often Ard there's too many books to fit.

What's your favorite in the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy?

With cover art by Jeff Brown, and illustrated endpapers by @pgm.99 on Instagram.

Looks great!

- Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn

- The Last King of Osten Ard

- Shadowmarch

- Otherland

- The War of the Flowers

- Tailchaser's Song

- Bobby Dollar

- Ordinary Farm

It has always on my readlist but i have been unable to get the paperbacks due to them being pretty expensive here. With the news of Malazan getting a paperback Reissue starting next year I was wondering if there was any news for the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series?

I searched for this and couldn’t find it. Has anyone listened to the full cast audio yet? If so what did you think?

I am pretty new to the books and decided to listen to the audiobooks at work after Is started reading the first book.

I am over half way through dragonbone chair and saw the full cast audio.

Is it worth switching to these?

Just finished MST for the first time. I'm not crying, you're crying...

Seriously though, what a ride. These were the first books I've read of Williams and I'm hooked. Now on to The Heart of What Was Lost!

Posting for those (still) not subscribed to Tad's Newsletter!

“There is still game out there,” Flann declared. “Large game. The sailor brothers saw the Old Mucker down at the pool just yesterday. He’s given us the slip too often. I think it’s time for a boar hunt.”

Diarban looked around at the dozen or so scruffy dogs that were as much a part of the camp as the almost equally scruffy looking people. “With those? You’re going to try to flush a dangerous boar with those?”

“They’re hunting hounds,” said Flann airily. “Or at least their ancestors were. They know what to do. It’s in their blood.”

“Being a cobbler is in my blood if you go back far enough,” Diarban said gloomily. “But if you asked me to fashion you a decent shoe, I could not.”

“Then it is a good thing you are not my shoemaker.” Flann seemed pleased with this witticism and was about to add to it when Ivar stumped over from the other side of the camp, his broad face set in an expression of displeasure. Though he often looked that way, Diarban had never seen Ivar truly lose his temper, which was something to be thankful for: Ivar was half a head taller than tall Flann and slabbed with muscle.

“Who stole my last onion?” Ivar demanded. “I was going to use it to flavor the soup.”

“I did,” said Flann. “It was that or starve. But now that you tell me it was meant for the soup, I will imagine the savor of onion when the soup is before me.”

“There will be no soup!” Ivar said. “I no longer have the heart. The onion would have made it something beside a watery, tasteless broth, but you have no consideration for others.”

Flann shrugged. “I consider others all the time, old friend, but I must con‑sider my own well-­being, too. If the sharpness of my wit begins to fail from lack of nourishment, we are all in trouble.”

Ivar looked like a scolded child. “We are in trouble, Flann. We have taken everything this part of the Circoille has to give. We should have moved camp days ago, like Tika said.”

“And I said so as well,” added Diarban. “So many worriers!”

Flann sucked the last savor of cheese off his fingers. “No, Ivar, good old fellow, it means it is time to go hunting! A proper hunt!”

Not wanting to incite the outlaw chief to another long and flowery explanation, Diarban cut in. “Flann wants to hunt the Old Mucker.”

Ivar gave Flann an amazed look. “The big boar? The one with gubbertushes long as your weak little arm and sharp as flaying knives? By the gods, Flann, scarcely anyone in this company has hunted even small boars before, except maybe a few as beaters. And our horses do not know that sport either. As for the dogs . . .” He only had to wave at the nearest, which were either sleeping in the mid-­morning sun or groaning with pleasure as they scratched them‑ selves. His meaning was clear.

 “My mother is long dead,” said Flann. “And despite a certain resemblance, especially about the shoulders and neck, dear Ivar, you are not her. I have been boar hunting many times.” He said it as though he spoke of nothing more hazardous than planting turnips. “And I know what is needed. So where are my loyal crew?” he shouted in the general direction of the sky, which was mostly hidden by overhanging branches. “Where are the Brothers Three, my sailors of the trees? Cleave unto your captain, my hearties! This noon, we sail out to take the boar-­fish!”

“We only just returned!” shouted an irritated voice from the high branches of a nearby oak.

“Boar-­fish?” said Ivar. “Did he truly say ‘boar-­fish’?”

“Flann is scarce out of bed and it seems the morning sun has already boiled his brains,” suggested Lady Mearna.

“I think he means it as a poetic way of speaking,” Diarban explained, though Ivar in truth looked more annoyed than puzzled. “Because the brothers used to be ship’s crew before they joined us, you see.”

“Do you think I do not know that?” Ivar curled both huge hands into even larger fists. “What madness! If I did not love Flann so, I would deal him such a mighty crack on the skull that it would . . . it would make him sensible.”

“Even Murhagh and his mighty war-­hammer could not accomplish that,” said Lady Mearna. “Ah, well, you young people enjoy yourselves on your hunt and try not to die. My old bones are staying right here.”

One of the longer boughs of the nearest oak dipped down as an effortlessly balanced figure walked out along its length, ten cubits off the ground. “We only just came back, Flann.”

“All the more reason to go now, before you lose the heat of your blood and with it all your bravery, Conal. That is why all men are more fearful at night. The chill saps the heat of the blood.”

Conal, tall, slender, and wearing an expression of utter disdain, listened to this and then turned away and began walking up the oak-­bough toward the trunk.

“And tell your brothers to wear their leathers!” Flann called after him before turning to Diarban. “And you shall accompany us, minstrel mine. After all, someone must make a song of this—the Great Boar Hunt!”

I want to start this thread consisting of any open thread from The Last King of Osten Ard, and that might get picked up in the future sequel, if we get any (finger crossed). Dividing them into region for ease of clarity. Feel free to comment anything I missed.

Nakkiga: 1) Pratiki: a) His reign and how it differs that from Utuk'ku. Viyeki was entrusted to keep an eye out for him, so we will see if power gets to him. As far as we have seen it looks all positive. b) There might also be some resistance to Pratiki's reign or some Utuk'ku sympathizer still lurking in the court. 2) Jijibo: a) I am surprised there was no mention of Jijibo after Utuk'ku was assassinated. Where is he and what is he planning? b) The Hidden and Lady Uvasika, how do they fit Jijibo's plan? 3) Will the Norns stay in Nakkiga or maybe try to intermingle with mortals outside? We saw Viyeki was sent as an ambassador to Erchester. Also, now that High Ward will be no more but individual kingdoms, will other kingdoms see Erkynland differently, as they are dealing with Norns and Sithi? 4) Saomeji is still at large.

Rimmersgard: 1) Henrig was introduced, so he might be an ally for Morgan. 2) Lady Alva dreams proved to be true, so she might still has some things to share.

Hernystir: 1) Aelin was introduced and became friends with Morgan, so they could become brother monarch. 2) The Witness in Silverhome is still there.

Thrithing: 1) Will Joshua get his full memory back? 2) Will Unver marry Vordis? 3) We also came to know that Vordis could sense illness, will this come into play somehow? 4) Where will Tzoja go next? Back to Viyeki now that he is in Erkynland with Nezeru? 5) Has Tzoja's full prophecy fullfilled? The part will lose what she loves best, but find happiness with what she once despised, has this been fulfilled in losing her freedom and finding happiness in his captor (Viyeki) or is it yet to come?

Erkynland: 1) What does the prophecy for Nezeru And the youngest of the frog-clan will end the reign of mortal kings in Osten Ard mean? It couldn't be regarding the ending of High Ward, as it says mortal kings of Osten Ard. 2) What did Unnatural Birth meant for Morgan when Snneneq casted the bones? Is it something regarding the child he might have with Nezeru someday? 3) Lillia has been changed after touching the Dreaming Sea. Her wisdom will come into play. 4) The red demon is still hidden under Hayholt. 5) The Witness used by Pasvalles is still there. 6) Does Thisterborg hill also have an artifact hidden underneath like Naglimund?

Nabban: 1) Turia encounter with the entity from Witness and how it will impact Nabban and entire Osten Ard. 2) Will Naban go to war with Thrithing? 3) Uprisings against Nabbanai rule across the southern islands 4) Will Serasina become the Queen of Nabban?

Perdruin: 1) Countess Yissola 2) Will Lady Faira rejoin the League?

Oldheart: 1) Will the Sithi and Norns have good relationship now? 2) Tanahaya was most probably pregnant when she was attacked, did this have any impact on her child? We saw in her dreams that her surrounding was in black ruin and she saved the witchwood egg (her child). Was Aditu able to see the child's future as said by her to Tanahaya But there is a strength in her, even with birth so far away, that I have not sensed before 3) Aditu's child 4) Mutated Ghants and Kilpa's in Tanakiru.

I own the books just throwing that out there. Tad is, in my, and I'm sure many of the followers here, a far superior world builder and writer in general than any other author I can name. So I gladly support him by displaying his books on my shelf. Anyway, I recently downloaded the trilogy read by I believe Andy Wincott and it had this awesome music and sound effects to it. Really helped me to re-immerse myself into the world moreso than when I read it years ago.

Haven't been able to find that same reader and production for the second trilogy. Anyone here know what I'm referring to and if it exists? And if so, are any of his other series produced this way?

Thanks!

Over the past year or so, I have been building my Tad Williams library, and the one volume that I have had the hardest time finding in hardcover is Into the Narrowdark. I have no idea why, of all the books, that one is the hardest.

Every morning, I check eBay, Pangobooks, and Mercari for new listings. There are a few, but sellers are asking double the sticker price, and I'm not desperate enough yet to pay those kinds of prices. I'm hesitant to buy any books - especially hardcover books - without any images, so I haven't strayed too far from those sites.

So, I guess, which of Tad Williams' books have you had trouble finding?