Lord Foul's Bane

by Stephen Donaldson
Lord Foul's Bane cover
Good Books rating 3.54
Fantasy
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  • ID: 4583
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-24
  • ISBN: 9780307818652
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 2012-05-16
  • Reviews: 4

Thomas Covenant, a man afflicted with leprosy and shunned by society, is transported to a fantastical world where he is revered as the reincarnation of Berek Halfhand, a legendary hero. Armed with the power of White Gold, Covenant must navigate this new world and learn to use his abilities to protect the Land from the malevolent Lord Foul. The story explores themes of identity, power, and the struggle between belief and disbelief in the face of extraordinary circumstances. /n/n As Covenant grapples with his newfound role, he forms alliances and faces challenges that test his resolve. The Land's fate rests on his shoulders, and he must confront his own doubts and fears to harness the power within him. The narrative delves into the complexities of heroism and the burden of responsibility, set against a backdrop of richly imagined landscapes and ancient magic.

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.

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.

Fantasy Book Review · 2015-11-03
grim 4.65

The series is noted for its beauty and grimness, inspiring and depressing aspects. It echoes The Lord of the Rings but is overall even darker.

This review points out that Lord Foul's Bane is a series that is not for everyone. It is a mix of beauty and grimness, inspiring and depressing aspects. The reviewer notes that it echoes The Lord of the Rings but is overall even darker. 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.

Quick quotes

    This series is not for everyone. It is by turns beautiful and grim, inspiring and depressing.

    Echoes of The Lord of the Rings but overall even darker.

    It's a work full of crushing despair along with a miserable and unpleasant protagonist who refuses to be the hero people want and need.

Black Gate · 2015-11-03
harrowing 2.50

The book is filled with crushing despair and features a miserable protagonist who refuses to be the hero. The reviewer finds the protagonist's actions, including a controversial scene, particularly challenging.

This review delves into the crushing despair that permeates the book, making it a challenging read. The protagonist's refusal to be the hero and his controversial actions, including a scene involving a 16-year-old, are particularly noted. The reviewer acknowledges the book's impact but finds the protagonist's behavior difficult to reconcile with traditional heroism. The book's themes of despair and the protagonist's unheroic nature are central to the review's critique.

Quick quotes

    It's a work full of crushing despair along with a miserable and unpleasant protagonist who refuses to be the hero people want and need.

    He also rapes a 16-year-old.

    The Land itself is one of the great things about this book; it is vibrant and magical without being "OMG MAGICAL"

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