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  • The Dragonbone Chair

  • Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Book One
  • Written by: Tad Williams
  • Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
  • Length: 33 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (139 ratings)

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The Dragonbone Chair cover art

The Dragonbone Chair

Written by: Tad Williams
Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
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Publisher's Summary

From master storyteller and New York Times-bestseller Tad Williams comes the first book in the landmark epic fantasy saga of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn.

With The Dragonbone Chair, Tad Williams introduced audiences to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard. His beloved, internationally bestselling series Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn 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. 

This edition features a brand-new introduction from Tad Williams' editor as well as the original introduction from Williams himself! 

BOOK ONE: THE DRAGONBONE CHAIR

A war fueled by the powers of dark sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard—for Prester John, the High King, lies dying. And with his death, the Storm King, the undead ruler of the elf-like Sithi, seizes the chance to regain his lost realm through a pact with the newly ascended king. Knowing the consequences of this bargain, the king’s younger brother joins with a small, scattered group of scholars, the League of the Scroll, to confront the true danger threatening Osten Ard. 

Simon, a kitchen boy from the royal castle unknowingly apprenticed to a member of this League, will be sent on a quest that offers the only hope of salvation, a deadly riddle concerning long-lost swords of power. Compelled by fate and perilous magics, he must leave the only home he’s ever known and face enemies more terrifying than Osten Ard has ever seen, even as the land itself begins to die.

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!

©2016 Tad Williams (P)2016 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about The Dragonbone Chair

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

narrator ruined this book

I remember reading this years ago and really enjoyed the story. The narrator ruins the story. He also uses whispering tones, which makes it practically impossible to listen to when driving.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A classic for a reason

This book once you are clear of the slow start will transport you to another world in a way that few books are able to. A must read for fantasy fans who are looking for something with a proper sense of heroic adventure in this age of grim grounded stories. This book is especially elevated by the audio book as the the performance is stellar across the board.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Nes
  • 2018-01-24

Awesome book

I loved the story but did not like the way certain characters were voiced. Simon ended up being portrayed as a simpleton and it bothered me.

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2 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Likely a good read- Narrator makes it a bad listen

The narrator is awful. I am 6 chapters in and going to write this and submit a refund.

It's like Andrew Wincott takes a breath .. speaks the sentence .. at the end of which he is running out of air and ends in a whisper. I have no idea if this is a good book or not (although with three books in the series someone must like it right?). I literally could not hear the end of many of the sentences. As well if you try listening in the car the ambient sound overwhelms it even more. That's my rant .. I'm done.

btw .. I think audible should show not only stars on reviews but also show the count for returned books. Just saying.



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    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Narrator ruins it.

I'm only 5 chapters in and I'm going to be asking for a refund. The narrator is reading a 14 year old flaky boy as if he's a sinister demon wizard plotting to destroy all light and joy. I'm sure the nlarrator would be good at reading something else but the decision to have him do this book is mind boggling.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A decent narrator, good story, drags a bit at times.

I agree with the other comment about being a bit long winded but other than that a pretty good book and very decent narrator. Except maybe the ending a bit, none of it felt spectacular in any way but it does have a consistent good quality 🤷‍♂️

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

4.5/5 ⭐ All Around

there were some voices (i.e. Binabik) that I didn't particularly love, but then others (i.e. Jarnauga) I felt were Steven Pacey levels of voice performance. I appreciated the wide variety of voices, and the weave of the whole tale. There were quite a few 'scary' obviously from the 80s things that I was not expecting since this is so classic fantasy. I liked that this is both classic fantasy but bridged with modern (both in the overinflated sense, and quicker pacing + emphasis on lore sense). I have a feeling that M, S, & T may become a new all-time favourite series. I combo read this, and aside from a few info-dump chapters where we get a lot of great voicework describing our history, I would say this story should be read physically. At least for me, I retained more and paid more attention with the physical copy. What an ending!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Master Storytelling!

Tad Williams through the written word extends provocative invitations to become immersed in the incredible world he has assembled. His story and characters are enthralling!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

a great book overall

the narrator was great love this book a friend suggested ii sooooo glad they did

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic story and even more fantastic narrator.

Fantastic story and even more fantastic narrator. Perfect blend of Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire.

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