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The Witchwood Crown

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The Witchwood Crown

Written by: Tad Williams
Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
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Buy Now for $40.79

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About this listen

 New York Times-bestselling Tad Williams’ ground-breaking epic fantasy saga of Osten Ard begins an exciting new cycle! • Volume One of The Last King of Osten Ard

The Dragonbone Chair, the first volume of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, was published in hardcover in October, 1988, launching the series that was to become one of the seminal works of modern epic fantasy. Many of today’s top-selling fantasy authors, from Patrick Rothfuss to George R. R. Martin to Christopher Paolini credit Tad with being the inspiration for their own series.

Now, twenty-four years after the conclusion of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Tad returns to his beloved universe and characters with The Witchwood Crown, the first novel in the long-awaited sequel trilogy, The Last King of Osten Ard.

More than thirty years have passed since the events of the earlier novels, and the world has reached a critical turning point once again. The realm is threatened by divisive forces, even as old allies are lost, and others are lured down darker paths. Perhaps most terrifying of all, the Norns—the long-vanquished elvish foe—are stirring once again, preparing to reclaim the mortal-ruled lands that once were theirs.... Dark Fantasy Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Royalty

What the critics say

“Inspired me to write my own seven-book trilogy.... It’s one of my favorite fantasy series.” —George R. R. Martin, New York Times-bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire

“Groundbreaking.... Changed how people thought of the genre, and paved the way for so much modern fantasy. Including mine.” —Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times-bestselling author of The Name of the Wind

"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." —Brandon Sanderson, New York Times-bestselling author of Mistborn

“Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is one of the great fantasy epics of all time.”
—Christopher Paolini, New York Times bestselling author of Eragon

"Building upon the revered history of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Williams has outdone himself by penning a 700-plus page novel that is virtually un-put-down-able.... Williams’ grand-scale storytelling mastery is on full display here. Not just utterly readable—an instant fantasy classic." —Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“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.” —Locus

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

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

“A grand fantasy on a scale approaching Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.” —Cincinnati Post
All stars
Most Relevant
It never fails to amaze me how incredible Tad's writing is.
Really, the only thing I didn't care for was the narrator making the Sithi and the Hikeda'ya sound like serpents.

Tad Williams is brilliant.

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great story. very well read and produced. worth every penny. I can't wait for the next book in the series

very well done and super pumped for the next book.

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I have never read any of the books before this one.
So I found this books world to be unbelievably detailed. It blew my mind. I was asking myself if there were books before this one and he just kept them to himself. There are earlier books I later found out.
That being said, I didn't need them to understand what was going on and to catch up. I find that fairly impressive writing. This author was in no hurry at all though. Hes doing his thing, writing the story. People are having conversations. Its like watching peoples lives without skipping any time, but knowing a volcano is going to erupt soon and just getting to know the people who are about to be engulfed. Nothing really happens. I feel like stuff is going to happen next book. Where I got the most enjoyment out of this book is hearing the characters thoughts. Some can sense the volcano, some not so much. Its a subtle version of suspense and I enjoy what the author tries to make legitimate thoughts and reactions to things. This book is a hike of a book, but I think all the more satisfying for that.

Hike of the Ages

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a couple of hours in, and the narrators passive voice is fine, but I want to strangle absolutely every single last character. Every character voice is annoying, grating, and distracting from the narrative. I am seriously tempted to stop listening and ask for a refund.

for the love of god, give us another narrator

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I got about three quarters of the way through the book, where the climax usually is, and couldn't even discern any rising action.

I read another reviewer who described this book as "an unapologetic, 700 page prologue". I think that about nails it. It's all set-up for the rest of the series. I found it to be a slog, but how good it is ultimately depends on if the rest of the story is worth it.

boring as figs

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