[Bardos]

I've started reading Dragonbone Chair, after hearing all those good comments about it. I really liked it at the begining, but after that, don't know why, but I think it looses it's magic... I'm past the middle, and.... What I REALLY find boring about it is not Williams' descriptive style -- I like description when it's done nicely, even if he does overdo it at times -- what bores me is the main character, Simon. I mean, OK, it's your STEREOTYPICAL I-know-he's-going-to-save-the-world kind of child-hero. There are other characters, also, in distant courts, but their "screen time" is so limited that you almost forget about them!

What I want to ask is, Does it get any better? More POV characters? More interesting personalities? Or does it continue like this to the end?

(No spoilers, please.)

I'm going to read it anyway, but I'm just curious...

[ezchaos]

Although it's been some years since I've read tDBC, I do remember that the book was pretty slow and didn't pick up until the last third of the book. I'd stick with it, Bardos, because the other books were well worth it, IMO.

That reminds me, I need to go back and re-read the whole series.

[fortytwo]

I read this series, as you did, on the recommendation of other members here.
I found it stereotypical (Simon/princess in disguise etc.) too, but my biggest gripe is the over descriptive writing.
I do know that a zig- zag path doesn't go straight along but goes back and fore.
I found the series typical Williams, ie. bloated and overlong. I know I'm in the minority but along with the Otherland series I think Williams is one of the most overrated authors presently writing.
I don't think it does get any better. I thought the Sithi the only interesting aspect of the series.
I'm sure I will now be swamped by all the MST supporters:)

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[Miriamele]

Your assessment of Simon's character in MS&T as stereotypical is probably fair, Bardos. In fact, a lot of elements in the series are familiar as having been borrowed from Tolkien or from mythology and legends in general.

But that doesn't mean the series isn't good. (Look at my name; I obviously liked it.) I think in the series Williams picked up on a lot of archetypal situations and character types that have interested people throughout the ages. He sort of combines all of the elements of all of the best stories we're familiar with. At least, that's what I felt when I was reading it.

My theory is that something doesn't have to necessarily be original to be good. Sometimes a new spin on old material can be fabulous.

To answer your question: Yes, it does get better and there are some very interesting characters still to be introduced. Simon of course is still there until the end but he's not quite so annoying by the time you get there. Stick with the series; there are a lot of exciting and suspensful situations still to come--the main action hasn't even started yet! (That reminds me, maybe I should re-read it!) :)

[allanon]

The first book is OK, the second is really good, the third now is MUCH TOO long.
I read it for the style, which is quite cool, however.

[kaseryn]

I'm currently abt halfway thru Stone of Farewell and enjoying the series so far.. its not very fast paced but its quite well written, i'm in no rush.. and find myself quite fond of Simon in his unwillingness to grow up at the moment.. it's quite warm generally. I like his relationships with Binabik and Sludig.. Isgrimnur is cool.. :)

[Cadfael]

Ok... there is no way I can say this is new stuff. It is traditional fantasy, with very heavy influences from the past. But.. that is the point... it is a 'celebration' of what has made the genre so popular.

It is fine for you 'young things' to pick apart traditional fantasy, this is your right... however.. you do have to 'nod' your head to this kind of book... it is what the genre evolved from. Twee, local boy makes good, marries the princess, and meets a few dragons and elves on the way. Without that... this genre would have died the death long ago!!!

Some of us old guys never had the choice.. this was it!!! No wonder we have a yen for it... it was our food during the time that to admit to loving fantasy was to also admit to being a 'geek'...

I however.. allow that you need something different, but you do not allow that we oldies still want traditional fare.. not just the old books... but we like to see new books in the old style as well!!

If it is not to your taste, simple... put the book down!!! But do not presume to say there is no place for traditional fantasy... as long as blood flows through my veins .... there is!

Who is with me... say YEH!!!

[kaseryn]

umm. YEH! now, about my ops ... lol


Well i dont feel im being ripped off with it yeah its a bit derivative but the Sithi/Norn stuff is a nice angle.. i like what he's doing bring history back to the present.. without naming names it has an authentic feel to it, not as though someone had got the lego kit of fantasy and bish boshed the bits together innit :D

[Bardos]

Cadfael, there is place for everyone in this world (I hope). :p It's just that the boy-saves-the-world kind of fantasy doesn't click for me. If the book doesn't have at least 4 major POV characters, I'm bored out of my mind, usually!

But, as I said, I'm certainly gonna read it.

And that (by Miriamele) -- "the main action hasn't even started yet!" -- makes feel better! ;)

It's not bad... but, OK, it's not something special, also. That's all. <shrug>

[Nevyn]

YEH