Mike Cahoon
In a series known as “the bridge between classic and modern fantasy”, The Dragonbone Chair stands out as the most classic of the lot. While still darker and more character focused than many of its predecessors, this installment holds true to many tried and true tropes of the fantasy genre; an unassuming, somewhat reluctant protagonist, a mysterious mentor figure, a long journey through the wilderness, a charming nonhuman companion, etc. It also is the most classic in terms of its pacing and focus. The Dragonbone Chair still largely feels like a more traditional epic fantasy novel. If you’re the type that cannot abide a slower pace, heavy description, and intricately detailed worldbuilding, or a long simmering build up of a plot, you might find yourself struggling to get through this first entry.
However, as with many great things, the juice is most certainly worth the squeeze. What long time fantasy fans know is that all of the so called slower pace that the classics are often belied for is all part of the experience. Allowing the reader time to stew in the metaphorical juices of the worldbuilding soup that Williams is brewing, creates a massive payoff later in the series. Without it, the reader would not develop the incredibly strong sense of the characters and the immersion into the world and plot which is arguably the series strongest selling point. So if you’re the type that can settle in and allow yourself to be fully immersed in a world and its details, The Dragonbone Chair is the type of book that will give you more than enough to keep you satisfied.
For my FULL SERIES REVIEW, check out;
https://mikecahoon.com/why-you-should-read-memory-sorrow-and-thorn/
Originally posted at mikecahoon.com.
In a series known as “the bridge between classic and modern fantasy”, The Dragonbone Chair stands out as the most classic of the lot. While still darker and more character focused than many of its predecessors, this installment holds true to many tried and true tropes of the fantasy genre; an unassuming, somewhat reluctant protagonist, a mysterious mentor figure, a long journey through the wilderness, a charming nonhuman companion, etc. It also is the most classic in terms of its pacing and focus. The Dragonbone Chair still largely feels like a more traditional epic fantasy novel. If you’re the type that cannot abide a slower pace, heavy description, and intricately detailed worldbuilding, or a long simmering build up of a plot, you might find yourself struggling to get through this first entry.
However, as with many great things, the juice is most certainly worth the squeeze. What long time fantasy fans know is that all of the so called slower pace that the classics are often belied for is all part of the experience. Allowing the reader time to stew in the metaphorical juices of the worldbuilding soup that Williams is brewing, creates a massive payoff later in the series. Without it, the reader would not develop the incredibly strong sense of the characters and the immersion into the world and plot which is arguably the series strongest selling point. So if you’re the type that can settle in and allow yourself to be fully immersed in a world and its details, The Dragonbone Chair is the type of book that will give you more than enough to keep you satisfied.
For my FULL SERIES REVIEW, check out;
https://mikecahoon.com/why-you-should-read-memory-sorrow-and-thorn/
Originally posted at mikecahoon.com.
