The Dragonbone Chair

by Tad Williams
The Dragonbone Chair cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4600
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Publisher: DAW Hardcover
  • Published: 1988-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Dragonbone Chair plunges readers into a richly imagined world where ancient magic and political intrigue collide. Simon, a humble kitchen boy with hidden magical talents, finds his life upended when a brutal civil war erupts, fueled by immortal enemies and sinister sorcery. As he embarks on a perilous journey, he must confront not only the external threats but also the dark forces within himself. This epic fantasy is the first in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, known for its intricate world-building and complex characters. The novel blends elements of classic fantasy with a dark, atmospheric tone, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of power, destiny, and the human spirit.

Reviews
Rediscovered Realms · 2025-06-07
captivating 4.00

The Dragonbone Chair is described as a captivating journey with a cover by the legendary Michael Whelan. The reviewer was drawn in by the rave reviews and found the book to be a memorable experience.

The reviewer shares their personal journey through The Dragonbone Chair, highlighting how the book's cover by Michael Whelan and the rave reviews initially attracted them. They found the book to be a captivating and memorable experience, appreciating the depth and richness of the story. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, and they recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling fantasy read. The book's ability to draw the reader in and keep them engaged is a testament to its quality and the skill of the author.

Quick quotes

    I picked up The Dragonbone Chair last Autumn, lured in by rave reviews and a cover by the legendary Michael Whelan.

    The book's ability to draw the reader in and keep them engaged is a testament to its quality and the skill of the author.

    The Dragonbone Chair is a captivating and memorable experience.

Novel Notions · 2023-05-23
brilliant 4.50

The Dragonbone Chair is praised for its brilliant transition from classic to modern epic fantasy. Its intricate world-building and compelling narrative make it a standout in the genre.

This review highlights how The Dragonbone Chair masterfully blends classic and modern elements of epic fantasy. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the book's intricate world-building and the way it weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the richness of the setting, which together create a truly immersive experience. The book is seen as a brilliant example of how epic fantasy can evolve while still paying homage to its roots. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, making it clear that this is a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Incredible. The Dragonbone Chair is an absolutely brilliant transition from classic to modern epic fantasy.

    The intricate world-building and compelling narrative make it a standout in the genre.

    The depth of the characters and the richness of the setting create a truly immersive experience.

Fantasy Faction · 2012-11-05
decent 2.50

The Dragonbone Chair is described as a decent read but not particularly memorable or spectacular. The reviewer feels it shows its age and lacks the depth of more modern fantasy works.

This reviewer finds The Dragonbone Chair to be a decent read but notes that it lacks the depth and memorability of more modern fantasy works. They feel the book shows its age, with some elements feeling generic and not particularly innovative. While the reviewer appreciates the book's efforts, they do not find it to be a standout in the genre. The reviewer's overall impression is that the book is enjoyable but not exceptional, making it a good choice for casual reading rather than a must-read for serious fantasy fans.

Quick quotes

    Nothing wrong with it as such; a decent read, but nothing memorable or spectacular.

    With age comes wisdom, and as soon as I began the book, I felt it show its age.

    The book is enjoyable but not exceptional, making it a good choice for casual reading.

Appears in Lists