The Dragonbone Chair

Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Book One

By: Tad Williams

Narrated by: Andrew Wincott

Length: 33 hrs and 12 mins

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

An excellent reading of an old favorite!

I first read this series in my 20's when I received The Dragonbone Chair and The Stone of Farewell in paperback as a gift. I quickly fell under the thrall of Osten Ard, and bought the hardback of To Green Angel Tower when it was released. (And eagerly bought every book/series by Tad Williams as soon as they were released thereafter.)

In the 24 years since then, I've reread the series twice - rather like visiting with an old friend. This is the first time I've listened to it - and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! I think the narrator does a fantastic job of infusing character and suspense, thought and action, truly bringing the story to life. (After all, it's not easy to convincingly orate lines in a made-up language!!)

A great use of a book credit!

In desperate need to have main character mature☹️

Pretty good storyline, sometimes took way too long explaining history with different characters, main character Simon never matures no matter what he goes through which makes the story kind of sickening and repetitive, somethings that the more mature characters do or say is so unreel even for fantasy last but not least all the questions almost become borderline ridiculous for the main character when things are so obvious. Because of all of what I just said is the reason for the rating The narrator was amazing and if it wasn't for him I would not have finished this book. I think the author is attempting to appeal to more mature audiences but he will have to do better with the personalities of his characters. It's my hope with the Way the book ended that book II there will be more mature storyline development after what these main players that are left has been through. I also hope that there are answers to a lot of questions that Simon has so he doesn't have to continuously ask the same questions over and over and over again.😁 I wouldn't recommend the book to anyone who are avid fantasy readers like myself until I read book 2 to see if there's been any improvement so I could suggest and give a disclaimer to continue the series.

A fantastic find, highly recommend

I highly recommend this audiobook series.

When it was first recommended to me (by Audible), I was somewhat skeptical as most of my favorite fantasy audiobooks had many more reviews (Wheel of Time, Riyria, Mistborn, ... this could get long...) had a trusted fan base. I’d recently wasted a credit on garbage (written by a self proclaimed “father” of of a literary genre) and was worried this would be a similar let down. Fortunately, this is wasn’t the case.

The narration is fantastic; Wincott did an excellent performance. But more importantly, the story is/was engrossing. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn pre-dates many more famous fantasy series that were directly inspired by it. Although I was more familiar with the inspired ‘off shoots’ from Osten Ord (GOT, Name of the Wind, etc.), the story was still fresh and unique; the world exciting and new; and the characters still vivid and cherished.

Bottom line: If you’re on the fence, give this a try; I was surprisingly thrilled to discover it.

Love love love!!

Tad is the man!!! Amazing characters and plot, beautiful imagery!! A must for Tolkien fans!!

looooove this

to me, I think this could definitely be a 'lord of the rings' legendary story. why hasn't this been made in to a movie again???

I'm a Fan!

Tad Williams words, plus Andrew Wincotts voice is perfect. Thank you Goodreads for the suggestion.

Great Surprise!

Initially after trying out the sample of the book I was a bit skeptical. I am very picky about my narrators and will not even touch a book if the narration sounds off. However, after using a credit and trying it out I was very surprised and happy I picked the book out. It does start off slow so be warned, however keep listening! It turns into a great story! If you like Robert Jordan you will like how Tad Williams writes as well. They both start out slow, but end up spinning quite a tale!

great start

narrator use of different voice made the story come alive. start off slow with the development of main character
by the end can't wait to start the next book

Love the story.

Love the story and characters there in.
The performance is decent but I have heard better.

Strngely Addictive, But...

Way, way, way too long. 5 words used where 3 would do. A good story which may have been a great one if a talented but tough story editor had been set to work.