mark187187 06/10/2008
Memory Sorrow thorn is excellent- Shadowland not as good so far but will reserve judgement until the third installment is released
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snoball 01/30/2007
So far I find his story telling and characters rather simplistic. Dialog isn't convincing and lacks a certain intelligence. Maybe, I haven't given him enough of a chance but it gets frustrating when i read a conversations at pivotal moments in the story that just don't feel believable. Nothing compared to the likes of Goerge RR Martin, and steven erikson
Sparhawk 08/08/2006
Interesting author with great style, but he just must learn to write his novels shorter, because in some moments they are boring.
Darth Sparhawk 12/22/2005
Great ideas, good style, but too slow-moving for my taste.
UrLord 12/05/2005
Memory, Sorrow & Thorn - excellent trilogy. Highly recommended if you are into Tolkein or Donaldson.
GERGE 08/31/2005
War of the Flowers is the best stand-alone book in the genre.
jk26 04/21/2005
His fantasy books are my favorites. Long but solid reads. Otherland is well done also.
Dilbert Perkins 04/21/2005
Otherland is pure genius.
ahz 03/19/2005
Memory, Sorry, and Thorn starts with such promise, fades, then flourishes at the end. A fair read.
Ammatai 07/06/2004
Wonderful characters, metaphorical depth that tugs at your soul to live again, Tad Williams is well worth the time of reading. I've read Tailchaser's Song and the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series. I'm now starting War of the Flowers.
StanUzbeck 09/13/2003
One of the best fantasy writers I have encountered (not that I have read that much of the genre). Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn was an incredible series (which had an ending, unlike the Wheel of Time, which will never end). There were situations in that series that would never have been touched upon in a WOT novel, and the female characters aren't mere caricatures or part of the scenery (fantasy seems to be the most sexist genre I have read) but are major players in everything that goes on. JK Rowling also ripped off the whole idea of the hero marked by a streak of white through his otherwise dark and youthful hair from this book. (Rowling seems to have ripped off a hell of a lot of things from a hell of a lot of different sources, actually). As for Williams' other novels, I have only read the first book in the Otherland series, and I was not disappointed. It is not fantasy (more cyberpunk with fantastic elements) but it is incredibly imaginative, kind of like Neal Stephenson but without so much black humour. I'd recommend this author over most others any day.
perrymanson 04/03/2003
Perfect reading. It absorbs you in intrincates worlds of magic and fantasy. A must read.
elizbraybet 12/29/2002
My daughters and I have read our fair share of fantasy novels over the years, and we rank them on a scale of 1 to ten, with Tolkein as the top rated 10. The only other author to get a ten is Tad Williams. Some few reviewers have complained that the books in the series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn start slowly and are too long. After reading many fantasy novels over the years, I think that is exactly what makes this set wonderful. Full character development takes time; complexity of relationships take time; coming of age takes time.
Weirdmeister 11/16/2002
In my opinion needs to establish some more first class work to join the elite such as Modessit, Hobb and Feist.
ilovethehedgep ig 06/05/2002
My friend had to practically force me to read "Memory Sorrow and Thorn," for it must be admitted... I am a literature snob. I am so glad I was forced! I was wholly absorbed and finished that gargantuan set of volumes in record time. I would day Tad could almost compete with Tolkien himself! Such well crafted intricate plots and fascinating understanding of human nature. I was transported and didn't want to come back.
jnic9690et 08/12/2000
Most likely the best fantasy writer of all time followed closely by father Tolkien. Tad is more versatile to be sure. (Read Otherland, MST, Tailchaser's Song, Child of an Ancient City just to realize this)
tdav9673rg 08/11/2000
The most amazing thing about Williams is the depth of his writing; he quite obviously goes out of his way to expressly tweak, defy, and violate traditional genre conventions, and plays merry havoc with the reader's expectations. There is a level of emotional maturity in his work not found in most fantasy fiction, and his science fiction work has a refreshing emphasis on character (which is often neglected by more fetishistic writers). Oft-overlooked despite his success, Williams really deserves to be on more people's lists.
whoi9604om 08/10/2000
Better than average fantasy, but only average when compared to science fiction as a whole
spic9452om 08/07/2000
Robin hobb is better
chev9409et 08/05/2000
I have not read the Otherland series yet, but the Memory, Sorrow & Thorn series is as great as the Lord of the Rings series, if not better. A very mature writer, Williams is EXTREMELY UNDERATED, if you have not read Memory, Sorrow & Thorn yet drop whatever you are doing and READ IT! Seriously, you are missing out on a terrific series!
Pixi8693om 07/16/2000
Tad Williams is honestly one of the best authors ever to write. Not only is his Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn book amazing but so is Tail Chaser's Song. Even more than Jordan, Williams deserves number 1.
devi6443om 05/07/2000
After slow starts, his books are incredible and I have trouble putting them down.
scsp6418du 05/06/2000
A great storyteller!! Deserves to be in the top 5 of this list! His innovative philosphy and epic storylines should be read by everyone!!
stew5635om 04/04/2000
As I just stated for Eddings, I can't believe these two guys aren't in the top 5 or 10 at least. Williams world of VR entrapment entraps the reader by it's complexity and believability. Renie, !Xabbu, and how can you not be dying to see what happens to Orlando? Great series. And his Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, mmm-mmm good. Nothing like that on a cold rainy day to keep you going.
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