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Title: The War of the Flowers by Tad Williams ISBN: 0756401356 Publisher: DAW Books Pub. Date: 06 May, 2003 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.17
Rating: 5
Summary: A Fascinating Read
Comment: Recently I've gotten back into reading fantasy and science fiction novels. After completing the Song of Fire and Ice Series by George R.R. Martin (which by the way I thought was amazing), I began and finished Salvatore's Dark Elf Trilogy and Icewind Dale Trilogy (loved these fast paced well crafted reads). Still hungry for more I read the Riftwar Saga by Feist which I really enjoyed. Although I'd purchased a copy of Otherland for future reading, I'd never read a book by Tad Williams, and so when the bookstore clerk recommended this book I decided what the heck I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did. Easily the best of all the recent fantasy (as well as past) reads I've ever had. I loved this novel. Theo is a fascinating character. Williams does an amazing job descirbing him and sharing this character with the audience. Unlike the previous reviewer, I thought the novel picked up incredible amounts of steam once Theo traveled to Fairie. I loved the characterizations, and Williams ability to make a ready feel like he's right in the middle of a scen is down right amazing. I could not stop turning the pages or racing home to read more of the novel. I've now raced out and purchased the Dragbone Chair so that I can begin to experience more of the imaginiation of this most incredible author. I loved this novel, and you will too...I'm just sorry this is a one parter and I'd love to continue reading about this fascinating world of Fairie which Williams has created. Buy this book, you will not be disappointed.
Rating: 5
Summary: Really, Really Good -- But Probably Not For Everyone
Comment: _War of the Flowers_ starts out with a standard device in fantasy literature of the fey variety: Theo Vilmos is a singer in a California rock band. His band-mates are barely out of high school and at the age of thirty, he's beginning to wonder whether he's ever going to grow up and make something of himself. A series of personal crises sends Theo to a cabin in the mountains to sort things out. Soon enough he finds himself drawn into Faerie, where he is a pawn in the power struggles between several noble families.
There is so much to like about this book! First off, Tad Williams is just an incredible writer: his characterizations are deft and realistic, his descriptions of both places and experiences are moving and his vision breathes a needed note of originality into an increasingly over-used theme. WotF uses many of the standards of faery lore to paint a very different picture than one might be used to seeing, and I found it incredibly absorbing.
There's a lot of darkness in this book, but there's humour, too, and a sense of irony that struck me as a very true depiction of the way a mortal mind might work when trying to make sense of things that just don't cop to this-world rules. There is not, however, that overblown sense of magic and mystery to which many writers succumb when trying to tackle the subject. We're shown a Faerie that is a super-real reflection of our own world rather than one that is awe-inspiring on a spiritual level. Probably not all readers will appreciate this take, as it makes for uncomfortable reading at times.
Williams also manages to reconcile different faery mythologies in a way that makes sense, so that there's room in his world for both the more human, Tuatha De Danaan type fairy and the Victorian Flower Fairy. And he gives a reasonable explanation for culturally different kinds of fairy lore while totally dispelling the notion that all mystical beings must live in some idealised 5th century Tuath. I really appreciated this.
As far as plot itself goes, there isn't a whole lot new here. It's what Williams does with it that makes WotF an incredible read.
If you're looking for the same old superficial take on Faerie that some writers dish out this book is probably not for you. If, however, you're looking for an absorbing challenge that will make you think. _War of the Flowers_ is a great choice.
Rating: 3
Summary: I expected much better from Williams !
Comment: Since reading Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, a fantasy saga by Williams I have rated him as one of my must read writer. I was of course looking forward to the War of the Flowers. It is certainly not Williams' best effort. The story started off well and Williams did a great job delineating Theo's life especially his touching relationship with his mother. However from the time Theo entered the faerie realm, the tone sort of changed and I have the impression I was watching "The Man in Black" except that I was reading it in words. There is excitement and the plot keeps you moving along but the characters just lack depth. Theo who started off interesting ended as a clumsy somewhat dull protagonist and the side characters are just there to fill the pages. Still if you are looking for just an enjoyable read go ahead and buy this.
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Title: A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 4) by George R. R. Martin ISBN: 0553801503 Publisher: Spectra Pub. Date: April, 2004 List Price(USD): $27.95 |
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Title: Talon of the Silver Hawk (Conclave of Shadows, Book 1) by Raymond E. Feist ISBN: 0380977087 Publisher: Eos (Trade) Pub. Date: 15 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: The Briar King (Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 1) by J. Gregory Keyes ISBN: 0345440668 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 21 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2) by Robin Hobb ISBN: 0553801511 Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub (Trd) Pub. Date: 01 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Naked Empire by Terry Goodkind ISBN: 0765305224 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: 21 July, 2003 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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