Product Description

A continuation of the adventures of Thomas Covenant that began in "The Wounded Land" and "The One Tree".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #161896 in Books
• Published on: 1983-09-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 512 pages

Customer Reviews

THE fantasy epic
How can you rate Donaldson, it is difficult as he has carved a niche in what is a saturated and often chronically mistreated genre and gone and created a series of books that stand up to even the most cynical of critics by proclaiming themselves not just classics of the fantasy genre, but of any genre. Written with glorious depth and with Donaldsons classic characterisation in which no person can morally stand up under strong scrutiny, he manages to take the brave step of an artist willing to pull down and destroy all he has created before, and then rebuild from the ground up with intensity and a dose of imagination that most authors wish they could match. Covenant has become a redundant man, torn by his own conflicting morality and jealous in the face of his inability to heal and Linden Avery's obvious importance. Remarkably enigmatic creations such as Vain, a constant and vigilant mysterio with enough quirks to carry the books on his own shoulders though he never utters a word throughout, add to what is a rich yet melancholic tapestry of complex plotting and baffling motivations and what you have is as compelling a fcitional read as you may ever come across. Read these books, immerse yourself in the intrigue, try to predict the character arcs throughout and be baffled by what this man creates, he is, in a word, a genius.

I found this book deep, compelling, intense, and creative.
First of all, I adored this book. I've read several times. I believe it may have been the best of the six because of it's climactic buildup and the atmosphere of prophecy that the author gave it. I felt deeply connected with all the characters. Linden was my favorite, but I hold great respect and understanding for Covenant. Their unique internal contradictions and personal issues give them a mysterious power on all levels to manifest the epic, prophetic phenomenon that is constantly in play in not only this book, but many others. I would love it if Stephen R. Donaldson would continue this story in a new series, especially if he included Linden Avery in it, but I understand if he feels he should not. The more I reread these books, the more I appear to get from them, and the more real the characters seem and the more powerfully their lives, although imaginary, apply to mine. It's difficult for me to find books that are as well developed, flowing, poetic, meaningful, stunningly mighty and influential, and surprisingly realistic as this book and the others written by Stephen R. Donaldson. I think these stories are brilliantly human and very refreshing. As I am only a 16 year old, and male, it is also sometimes arduous to encounter situations and people that offer such depth and inspiration. In a world of doubt, stereotypes, unfulfilled expectancies and lost souls, this books is a jewel of wisdom and beauty that continually glows with the spirit placed in it. Delightfully symbolic, startlingly personal, and timelessly touching, this book is a book among books. Keep up the good work.

The culmination of a classic
The synopsis on this subject is misleading- the story began with Lord Foul`s Bane, when he was first transported to the Land and his subsequent travels continued in the Illearth War and The Power that Preserves. The second series which began with the Wounded Land found him in a much-changed Land, and really taking a back seat to his companion, Linden Avery, the doctor who was to be his downfall in the end. Or was she? As a woman I enjoyed the second series more, maybe as it was written in a female perspective. Every time I reread this book - and I do so at least twice a year - I see just how much of a weak character Covenant was and wonder why Avery didn`t just sock him one and take the damned ring-seeing as it was just a prop anyway! However, I`d still be happy for Donaldson to continue the series. His next efforts with Mordant`s Need etc were pretty tame by comparison. If you haven`t read The Chronicles- start with the first one, cancel all engagements, and get stuck in!