Tad William's fantasy masterpiece,
Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn ends at To Green Angel Tower, the
final volume of this trilogy. To Green Angel Tower
is a truly epic book, because this book is split into 2
paperbacks (Part 1 and Part 2) due to its large size. The publisher
stated at the beginning of To Green Angel Part 1, that they
had to publish this book in 2 sections, because in the paperback
format, they could not squeeze the contents into 1 book without
making the size of the fonts too small. This means in the paperback
format, the page count of To Green Angel Tower is roughly 1500
pages! Personally, I thought this epic finale does justice to this
trilogy, and concluded a stunning story in a grand fashion, leaving
the readers wanting for more. Today, I will review To Green Angel
Tower as one big book (Part 1 and Part 2 combined).
Synopsis:
At the Stone of Farewell, Prince Joshua
rallied his forces against the menacing minions of the Storm King.
Joshua and his allies are the last hope of Osten Ard, but time is
running short. If they cannot thwart the vengeful plan of the Storm
King, then all will be lost. To defeat the Storm King, the heroes
have to solve the mysteries of the three great swords, Memory, Sorrow
and Thorn. Memory is buried with the former king of Osten Ard,
Prester John. Sorrow was once the weapon of the Storm King, now
carried by Joshua's brother, Elias, the new king of Osten Ard. Who
was driven mad by the sword's evil power. Finally, the great sword
Thorn, was discovered by an unlikely hero Simon, in the cave of the
Ice Dragon.
To defeat the Storm King, Simon and the
League of Scrolls have to solve the riddle of these three great
swords. Their journey and quest will take them to ancient places,
unraveling forgotten and buried pasts. In the meantime, Joshua began
a march towards Hayholt, to make a final stand against his brother
Elias, who is now a pawn for the Storm King.
What I think about this book:
To Green Angel Tower is a good
book, and it provides a satisfying conclusion to this trilogy. It is
a very large book, the scope is vast and detailed. The story is also
quite complex, numerous subplots run in the background. This means
readers who enjoys reading a book with a complex and detailed story,
will enjoy this book. However, for those readers who prefer to read a
page-turning, action packed book will probably find the pace in this
book (and this series in general) a bit slow. Comparing to some of
the modern fantasy novels, this book does not have a lot of action
scenes described in blow-by-blow details. Action is not the selling
point of this book (or this trilogy in general). The main strength of
this book (and this trilogy), is the vividly portrayed character
dynamics that formed a complex and memorable story, set in a vast and
detailed world.
I do have one minor complaint, however,
and the complaint is that in this book (and this trilogy in general),
sometimes it feels like the author spent too much time on details and
he doesn't advance the plot. This is another reason why I think some
readers will find this trilogy too slow for their taste.
Having said this, I think To
Green Angel Tower is the best book in this trilogy.
Moreover, while the story in this trilogy is mainly a tale of good vs
evil, but it also grasps the complexity and the dynamics of the
day-to-day challenges we all face, carrying the message that not
everything is not as simple as black and white as it appears on the
surface, our place is not to judge others, but to understand and forgive.
The author did a very good job at
depicting the personal journey and transformation of the main
protagonist, Simon, from a whiny castle scullion, to a beloved leader
of men. The story of Simon captured my attention from the beginning
of this series, right to the end. But Simon is not the only character
that made this story great. The supporting characters also shined
like bright stars across the sky, each character is unique and
masterfully depicted with vivid liveliness. I especially like Simon's
troll friend, Binak, who is loyal, courageous and wise. The story of
their friendship is heartwarming and refreshing. At the end of this
book, I was hoping Tad Williams will write a sequel to this trilogy,
because I hope the story of Simon and Binak can continue.
Speaking of sequels. Recently, I heard
the news that after 21 years, Tad Williams is planning to return to
the world of Osten Ard, and write a sequel to Memory, Sorrow and
Thorn. Apparently in the planned sequel, the story will revolve
around (now) King Simon, his queen Meriamele, and their son. Rumors
has it that many major characters from Memory, Sorrow and Thorn
will return. Personally, I enjoyed this trilogy, and I think it would
be wonderful if Tad Williams does write a sequel.
I am an avid reader of fantasy
fictions, it is my favorite genre. Memory, Sorrow and Thorn is
a marvelous example of why I love this genre. It has vividly
portrayed characters, a richly detailed world full of history and
lore, presented in a dynamic and beautiful story. This is the kind of
story that lights up the depth of the human imaginative power,
bringing great pleasures to the mind, yet inspiring profound truths
and longings in humanity, such as courage, love and hope.
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