The Dragonbone Chair

by Tad Williams
The Dragonbone Chair cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4600
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Publisher: DAW Hardcover
  • Published: 1988-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Dragonbone Chair plunges readers into a richly imagined world where ancient magic and political intrigue collide. Simon, a humble kitchen boy with a hidden talent for magic, finds his life upended when a brutal civil war erupts, fueled by immortal enemies and the dark powers of sorcery. As he embarks on a perilous journey, he must confront not only the external threats but also the mysteries of his own past. The novel is renowned for its intricate world-building and complex characters, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. /n/n Written by Tad Williams, The Dragonbone Chair is the first book in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, which has been praised for its epic scope and depth. The story weaves together elements of adventure, magic, and political drama, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With its vivid descriptions and richly detailed setting, the book offers a immersive experience that transports readers to a world both wondrous and dangerous.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-22
thrilling 4.00

The book is described as a thrilling and heartstopping quest with complex political machinations and breathtaking suspense. The reviewer finds it to be a gripping and emotionally resonant read.

This reviewer is really drawn in by the thrilling and heartstopping quest that forms the core of the story. They appreciate the complex political machinations and the way the book blends breathtaking suspense with the emotional weight of war. The reviewer finds the narrative to be gripping and emotionally resonant, with a strong sense of pacing and tension that keeps them on the edge of their seat. They also appreciate the depth of the characters and the way their personal journeys are intertwined with the larger political and military conflicts.

Quick quotes

    A thrilling, heartstopping quest that blends the machinations of a king gone mad with the politics of empire.

    Breathtaking suspense with the pity of war, making for a gripping and emotionally resonant read.

    The narrative is gripping, with a strong sense of pacing and tension that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

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.

The Magic Book Corner · 2024-08-21
extraordinary 4.50

The reviewer is captivated by the extraordinary world described in the book. They find the story engaging and beautifully written.

This reviewer is absolutely captivated by the world Tad Williams has created. They describe it as extraordinary, complex, and brilliantly rendered, making it a standout feature of the book. The story's pacing and character development are also praised, with the reviewer noting that the narrative is engaging and beautifully written. They appreciate the depth of the world-building and the way it draws the reader in, making it a memorable reading experience. Overall, it's a very positive review that highlights the book's strengths in storytelling and imagination.

Quick quotes

    Because the world Tad Williams describes is extraordinary! So complex and beautiful and brilliantly rendered that you can practically see it!

    The narrative is engaging and beautifully written, drawing the reader into a richly detailed world.

    Tad Williams has a knack for creating characters that are both relatable and intriguing, adding depth to the story.

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.

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