Shadowmarch (Shadowmarch 1) [Hardcover]

Tad Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 2004 | Series: Shadowmarch 1

An epic tale of magic and mystery, duty and betrayal, Tad Williams' SHADOWMARCH trilogy is destined to become a classic of modern fantasy. At the uppermost edge of the northern kingdoms, towers shrouded in mist, lies Southmarch Castle. For hundreds of years it has remained hidden from the affairs of empire. Now its isolation can protect it no more. Southmarch is under siege; from both its neighbours, without, and the more insidious enemies who would destroy it from within. Even further to the north, within the ancient walls of Qul-na-Qar, in a land of silence and gloom, the Twilight People gather to hear Ynnir, the blind king, pronounce the dark fate of human kind. In the south, the Autarch, the god-king who has already conquered an entire continent, now looks to extend his domain once more. It is upon Southmarch that the armies advance, and to its people that darkness will speed.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for THE WAR OF THE FLOWERS: 'The genuine article ... the plot reaches an intricate, inevitable and gloriously satisfying climax' STARBURST, 'A wondrous tale set in a fascinating world' LOCUS, 'This is a clever and tricky book' TIME OUT LONDON, 'It's a brilliantly engaging fantasy ... entertaining and top-notch stuff' SFX

About the Author

Tad Williams is one of the most popular and highly acclaimed genre writers of modern times. In addition to Memory, Sorrow and Thorn he has written the acclaimed Otherland series.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 672 pages
• Publisher: Orbit (November 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841492884
• ISBN-13: 978-1841492889
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,423,626 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not his best effort, but still a great pleasure to read., April 8, 2006

By 

frumiousb "frumiousb" (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Shadowmarch (Shadowmarch 1) (Hardcover)

Despite trying to think how I can give an original opinion about Shadowmarch, I am forced to echo many of the other reviews of the book. As contradictory as it would be to talk about a Tad Williams formula, this does seem to be a little bit of a retread of the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series. Only with a little bit less focus on engaging characters.

The trouble is, that if I describe Shadowmarch in that way, it sounds as though it is not worth the time to read. That would not be true to say at all. I read the book (all 831 pages!) with great absorption and also with a great deal of enjoyment. The world is richly plotted and has enough elements both original and familiar to give it that trademark Williams stamp. Like his other work, Shadowmarch is epic without being hackneyed.

The only thing is, if you are used to the freshness of his other work, then it is just a little bit disappointing. There are too many elements in common with Memory, Sorrow and Thorn and not enough new in the way of character. I am curious what the next book will bring us, but not champing at the bit to find out. Too bad.

However, new readers should take heart. Shadowmarch only suffers by comparison. As usual, try to find the complete volume rather than buying the split paperbacks. It was intended as one book and reads better as one book.