Stone of Farewell: Book Review

Today, we will be reviewing Stone of Farewell by Tad Williams, the second book in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy. Keep reading to find out what we thought of this epic fantasy novel and if you should read it next!

Stone of Farewell Summary

Simon is recovering from his injury after obtaining the sword Thorn. Now, Simon and company must return to prince Josua’s side. But things aren’t looking for Josua and his army as he finds himself fleeing from enemies across the forest.

Can Simon and Josua stop the king and the Storm King before it is too late?

Commentary

The second novel in the series feels like a bridge that sets up the ending. There is character development and things of consequence happen but it felt like a long game of chase the whole time. That is always a problem with fantasy novels; the chase can go on for too long.

The Lord of the Rings is also a novel where the characters are being pursued for three novels and I wished Williams would have done something different. This novel and series will remind you of the Lord of the Rings but it shouldn’t copy the format too much which is does at times. 

Still, I did enjoy this novel at times and the writing is fantastic. The pacing was not my favorite but the novel is long so a lot does happen. Sometimes an author should write a duology and not a trilogy because I don’t think I will remember this novel when I finish the series. 

I know George R.R. Martin was inspired by this novel and series but he does improve on Williams mistake here. Martin’s novels always add to the plot and are memorable. Granted, he does always kill characters off left and right but there is a purpose there. 

Conclusion

Reading a fantasy series is always an adventure, no pun intended. The middle novel can be a hit or a miss and in this series, it feels like a miss. I do think that this might be a reason that this trilogy hasn’t resonated with many readers is the slow pace and inconsequential adventures. 

Simon feels confused most of the time about the future and if he should keep going or not. And while I do like Simon having thoughts like these, they can take away from the novel when the protagonist doesn’t seem motivated to keep going. 

This is also a big reason why I didn’t enjoy The Wheel of Time series. I am happy that these type of novels have come and gone and do enjoy the change in the fantasy genre over the years. We have too many novels like The Lord of the Rings and need authors to push the genre in new directions, something Williams doesn’t do with this novel. 

If you have read the first book and enjoyed it, then I do think this novel is one you will like. Williams is a gifted writer and it shows in this novel. But I wouldn’t have minded reading a short summary of this novel and skipping to the last novel in the series. Happy reading!

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