The Stone of Farewell (Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn Book 2)

From master storyteller and New York Times-bestseller Tad Williams comes the second book in the landmark epic fantasy saga of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn.   Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard in his internationally bestselling series Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. The trilogy inspired a generation of modern fantasy writers, including George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, and Christopher Paolini, and defined Tad Williams as one of the most important fantasy writers of our time. 



“One of my favorite fantasy series.” —George R. R. Martin “Groundbreaking.” —Patrick Rothfuss “One of the great fantasy epics of all time.” —Christopher Paolini BOOK TWO: STONE OF FAREWELL  It is a time of darkness, dread, and ultimate testing for the realm of Osten Ard, for the wild magic and terrifying minions of the undead Sithi ruler, Ineluki the Storm King, are spreading their seemingly undefeatable evil across the kingdom.   With the very land blighted by the power of Ineluki’s wrath, the tattered remnants of a once-proud human army flee in search of a last sanctuary and rallying point—the Stone of Farewell, a place shrouded in mystery and ancient sorrow.   An even as Prince Josua seeks to rally his scattered forces, Simon and the surviving members of the League of the Scroll are desperately struggling to discover the truth behind an almost-forgotten legend, which will take them from the fallen citadels of humans to the secret heartland of the Sithi—where near-immortals must at last decide whether to ally with the race of men in a final war against those of their own blood.   After the landmark Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, the epic saga of Osten Ard continues with The Heart of What Was Lost. Then don’t miss the sequel trilogy, The Last King of Osten Ard, beginning with The Witchwood Crown!

From Publishers Weekly

In this panoramic, vigorous, often moving sequel to The Dragonbone Chair , the scattered allies opposing the pirate Elias, high king of Osten Ard, and Ineluki, the Storm King, struggle toward a meeting at the Stone of Farewell in the ancient, deserted city of Enki-e-Shao'saye. The boy Simon, the troll Binabek and their companions carry Thorn, one of three swords critical to the defeat of the forces of evil. After surviving many perils, Simon becomes the only mortal to enter Jao e-Tinukai'i, last refuge of the elven Sithi, seeking their support. A small band follows Prince Josua, leader of the resistance against his brother Elias; they are betrayed by the chieftain of the nomadic Thrithings-folk. As Elias consolidates his power with the aid of the Norns, the Storm King brings permanent winter to a stricken land. Williams adroitly weaves together the tales of these journeys, heralding a suitably epic and glorious conclusion. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The advancing might of Ineluki the Storm King and his undead minions threatens to lock the world in eternal winter unless the tattered forces ranged against him can discover the secrets of the League of the Scroll and unite humans, Sithi elves, and Qanuc trolls. Continuing the story begun in The Dra gonbone Chair (LJ 9/15/88), Williams fleshes out the familiar themes of epic fantasy with vivid, likable characters and exotic cultures. Recommended.Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

George R. R. Martin, New York Times-bestselling author of A Game of Thrones

“Inspired me to write my own seven-book trilogy.... It’s one of my favorite fantasy series.”

Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times-bestselling author of The Name of the Wind

“Groundbreaking.... Changed how people thought of the genre, and paved the way for so much modern fantasy. Including mine.”

Brandon Sanderson, New York Times-bestselling author of Mistborn

"Tad Williams is a master storyteller, and the Osten Ard books are his masterpiece. Williams’ return to Osten Ard is every bit as compelling, deep, and fully-rendered as the first trilogy, and he continues to write with the experience and polish of an author at the top of his game."

Christopher Paolini, New York Times bestselling author of Eragon

“Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is one of the great fantasy epics of all time.”

Locus

“Readers who delight in losing themselves in long complex tales of epic fantasy will be in their element here, and there is the promise of much more to come in future volumes.”

Publishers Weekly

“Panoramic, vigorous, often moving.... Williams adroitly weaves together the tales...heralding a suitably epic and glorious conclusion.”

Library Journal

“Highly Recommended. [Williams] draws on many mythologies for the background of his fantasy epic...story spiced with political intrigue and strong appealing heroes.”

Cincinnati Post

“A grand fantasy on a scale approaching Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.”

About the Author

Tad Williams has held more jobs than any sane person should admit to—singing in a band, selling shoes, managing a financial institution, throwing newspapers, and designing military manuals, to name just a few. He also hosted a syndicated radio show for ten years, worked in theater and television production, taught both grade-school and college classes, and worked in multimedia for a major computer firm. He is cofounder of an interactive television company, and is currently writing comic books and film and television scripts as well. Tad and his family live in London and the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find Tad Williams at tadwilliams.com.

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