Lord Foul's Bane

by Stephen Donaldson
Lord Foul's Bane cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Fantasy
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Technical
  • ID: 4583
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-01-24
  • ISBN: 9780030227714
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 1977-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Thomas Covenant, a man afflicted with leprosy, finds himself inexplicably transported to a fantastical realm known as the Land. Despite his initial disbelief, he becomes entangled in a battle against the malevolent Lord Foul, who seeks to destroy the Land and its inhabitants. The only hope for the Lords of the Land lies in the mystic powers of the white gold ring that Covenant possesses./n/nThe story explores themes of disbelief, responsibility, and the struggle between good and evil. As Covenant grapples with his newfound role, he must confront his own doubts and the consequences of his actions. The Land's richly detailed world and its inhabitants add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts.

Reviews
Inverarity's LiveJournal · Inverarity · 2025-03-01
intriguing 3.50

Thomas Covenant is a complex and unlikable protagonist, but his journey is compelling. The world-building is rich and immersive, though the pacing can be slow.

Inverarity dives into the intricate world of 'Lord Foul's Bane', highlighting the depth of the fantasy setting and the unique challenges faced by the protagonist. They appreciate the detailed descriptions and the moral complexities of the story, but also note that the protagonist's unlikable nature and the slow pacing might not appeal to everyone. The review suggests that readers who enjoy deep, character-driven fantasy will find much to appreciate, despite the book's flaws.

Quick quotes

    Thomas Covenant is a bitter and solitary pariah, a character who is as compelling as he is unlikable.

    The world-building in 'Lord Foul's Bane' is rich and immersive, drawing the reader into a fantastical realm.

    The pacing can be slow, and the protagonist's actions may frustrate some readers.

Prabos · 2023-01-01
good 3.50

The book meets expectations and is considered a good read. Its fulfillment was okay, indicating a generally positive reception.

Prabos notes that 'Lord Foul's Bane' meets expectations and is a good read. They highlight the book's ability to engage readers and its overall quality. The review suggests that while the book may not be groundbreaking, it is a solid entry in the fantasy genre. They appreciate the book's dark themes and complex protagonist, which contribute to its enduring appeal. The review also mentions that the book's impact on the genre is significant, influencing many subsequent works.

Quick quotes

    After a few days, the Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen R Donaldson works well enough and it meets expectations.

    Fulfillment was okay.

    It is a good read and meets expectations.

Jezner · Jezner · 2021-03-06
challenging 3.50

The book is written for a different time and challenges the high fantasy genre by making the protagonist an antihero.

This review highlights that Lord Foul's Bane is a book written for a different time. The reviewer notes that it challenges the high fantasy genre by making the protagonist an antihero. The narrative is described as complex and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who is far from a typical hero. The reviewer appreciates the depth and originality of the story, even if it is not an easy or comforting read. They suggest that readers should approach the book with an open mind and a willingness to engage with its darker themes. The reviewer also notes that the audiobook version is well-done and enhances the overall experience.

Quick quotes

    Lord Foul's Bane is a book written for a different time.

    It definitely challenges the high fantasy genre by making the protagonist an antihero.

    The narrative is described as complex and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who is far from a typical hero.

Grimdark Magazine · 2017-06-26
dark 4.50

The book is a cornerstone of the grimdark genre, showcasing Stephen R. Donaldson's ability to create a dark and immersive world. It is praised for its complex protagonist and unflinching exploration of human nature.

Grimdark Magazine highlights 'Lord Foul's Bane' as a must-read for fans of the genre. They appreciate the book's gritty realism and the way it pushes the boundaries of traditional fantasy. The protagonist, Thomas Covenant, is particularly noted for his moral complexity and the way his struggles resonate with readers. The review suggests that the book's uncompromising tone and dark themes make it a standout work in the grimdark genre. They also mention that the book's impact on the genre is significant, influencing many subsequent works.

Quick quotes

    The Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen R. Donaldson is a cornerstone of the grimdark genre.

    Unwillingly cast into a magical world from the modern-day, the tortured Covenant, a leper, must navigate a land filled with danger and moral ambiguity.

    Donaldson's unflinching exploration of human nature and his complex protagonist make this a must-read for fans of dark fantasy.

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