A good read and intro to the trilogy
923833
The plot is well thought out and flows smoothly.

The wide range and mix of characters are well developed and make for an interesting read.

The detail and descriptions used for the settings, action scenes and characters paint clear and vivid images without being excessive, lengthy and drawn out. The author's background in boxing comes through in the descriptions of the fight scenes.

I was expecting more of a fantasy element to this book however it did not disappoint, the second and third books have increasingly more.

As a reader who enjoys a wide genre of books I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one and highly recommend this trilogy to anyone!
3872021
It is well written and entertaining. Looking forward to the next book in the series. The trilogy is worth starting.
1307420
It's been a while since I've been engaged by a good sci-fi tale. This trilogy is a great one and well worth reading. I haven't read anything that grabbed me as much as this has in a long time. The trilogy should be read together as the beginning book, Oasis, is a bit slow to start due to the explanations required and the first-person-like development of the knowledge base required to understand the full picture. This is a good approach, however, as it sets a story that unfolds rather than jumping out. A few things become obvious before they're revealed (largely with characterization), but the twists in the plot and changes in the story provide plenty of hooks to keep going. The author has a propensity for leaving cliffhangers at the end of major chapters as well, so expect to read longer than you'd planned as you won't want to leave it to find out later.

All in all, a good series that is well worth the read. Nicely done.

Note: I received these books at deep discount in exchange for an honest review.
4673009
A great read with well developed and interesting characters and a great story!  It has it all, and the first two books in the same trilogy are just as great.
1608632
This was a fast paced trilogy and I quickly found myself engrossed in the story. character development was well done although more of a back story about the earth, fleet would have been appreciated. I understand the author has a pre-quel, so I may read that. The only thing I found a little distracting was her King-esque use of song lyrics, which added nothing to the story and seemed a little superfluous.
282506
I liked the female protagonists very much, as well as her dog-like dragon. I also liked that the conflict was man-made and not the result of some evil wizard or dark lord. Though the basic plot was fairly common, there were enough surprises and unique elements to allow it to stand on its own.
there certainly could have been a bit more visual description, but I can visualize with a minimum of detail, so it did not affect my enjoyment of the book.
I appreciated the opportunity to get the first part of this trilogy for free so I could try a new author. I in tend to purchase the remaining books in the series.
1434576
Great trilogy,  if you like a good well told story,  give this series a read.
3242280
I enjoyed this more than The Passage. It might be because I was so primed for the author's heavy use of flashback I was not distracted from following the story line easier. The character development is good. I don't think the author adds too many trivial character details that add nothing but filler (volume) to the story so job well done. The settings were well described well enough for me to use my imagination to visualize the setting and action. In all, the book was done well enough for me to buy the third in the trilogy. After all, that is always the intent of an author and publisher. Well done guys.
1558743
This was the third of the three book trilogy.  All the books were good, and the third was right there.  I enjoyed the cast of characters and the places that were described.  Looking forward to reading more by the author.
584354
The 3rd book in the trilogy does a pretty good job of wrapping things up - I didn't give it 5 stars because I thought there were a few too-large large gaps in the time frames. There were gaps of several years in some spots and I think there was more that could have been done in those areas. To get the full impact, I'd recommend reading the 1st 2 books in the trilogy or if you've read them, re-reading the 2nd to get up to speed on the characters.
146684
Not having read the previous two parts of this trilogy, I started at a distinct disadvantage but there are enough hints at the beginning to make this approachable. However there are frequent references to the earlier volumes which obviously escape me but the plot of this part of the trilogy is still within any readers reach.

The novel revolves around our hero, a magician called Quentin who has been expelled from his role of king of Fillory and is now having to adapt to life back in the real world. He recounts all that he got up to after his return and also his involvement in a magical challenge to find a suitcase. Various adventures ensue involving many characters and there is a separate storyline involving what is transpiring in Fillory at the same time.

The plot is well-written and quite engaging. I enjoyed this and am tempted to read the earlier volumes.

For fans of Lev Grossman and of the earlier stories.
1201016
There is so much to be told and it's as enjoyable as the first two of the Trilogy.
Being of that age, I am able to remember much of the background Follet covers in No. 3,
His introduced intrigue and personal dramas enhanced the history of those years.
He had an interesting insight into apartheid which provided a thread for the generations.
I have not the least hesitation in recommending this book, suggesting that No's. 1 & 2 be first.
4566719
Excellent introduction book to an excellent trilogy. Great characters, great world building, great series.
541556
Not the best book of the trilogy but still a great read. I found this book easier to put down than the first two, but I had to know how the story ended.
2814513
This book is an introduction to a longer series of material it is interesting and well written.  It's purpose is set the stage for the rest of the material, introducing the characters, their relationships and challenges.  It does that rather well and at the same time provides a good story.  It is a set up for book 2 and you don't have to be a genius to figure out what that is going to be about, at least the broad strokes - which I've read, it wraps things up nicely so the series can progress.  I have no reluctance to recommend this book; just be prepared to read book 2 as well.
4693958
Overall, this is a great trilogy and the follow-up Cornerstone is just as good. While I am not a religious person, the religious overture, didn't turn me off, but was well done as a historical aspect (think Arks) to the story.

I'm only giving 4 stars because there were some glaring grammatical errors that had me re-reading certain parts. It was little things like using recognizance instead of reconnaissance, laboratory instead of lavatory, and the occasional missing word. Don't let that stop you from reading the series though. It is well worth the read. I ended up staying up until 3am to finish book two because the story had me sucked in.
1991759
This is a fine re-introduction to the world of Osten Ard, first introduced in the landmark fantasy trilogy "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn." It is a 210 page preface to the upcoming continuation of the series, which will come with "The Witchwood Crown," in a few months. As such, it is not a truly standalone work, though it does end satisfyingly. It can be read independently of the earlier trilogy, but it is meant primarily as an introduction to the next iteration of Osten Ard.

Williams's trademark gift for worldbuilding and language construction is again on display. One of his most salient talents is his thorough comprehension of the fluid and protean nature of historical narratives. But his true forte lies in creating indelible characters and a unique ability to sympathize with seemingly diametrically opposed worldviews. In this book, the focus is on the denouement of a cataclysmic war between humans and the ancient race mortals call Norns, but they name themselves Hikeda'ya. It is the account of the final battles between Duke Isgrimminur and the remnants of the host of the Hikeda'ya, as the Norns race for the safety of Nakkiga, their last and most formidable stronghold. They are led by a gifted and charismatic general, Suno'ku, a woman of immense courage and dire intent, who again and again, saves her people from certain annihilation.

The final confrontation at the gates of Nakkiga is full of suspense and a surprising amount of intrigue. The reader absorbs a great deal of Norn lore and insight into their culture and character.

The book is highly readable and moves at a brisk pace. Williams is an excellent writer whose style is unobtrusive, but often elegant. I recommend the book highly, with one caveat.

The book contains a serious flaw that is frustrating because it could so easily have been rectified. What follows is an explicit spoiler about one of the characters, so if you would prefer not to know about this particular plot point, please avert your gaze.

The flaw is with General Suno'ku, an otherwise well drawn and mesmerizing character. She makes a suggestion near the end of the book about how to restore the Hikeda'ya which is utterly at odds with her nature and strains credulity. She recommends miscegenation between her people and mortals, with the expectation that this will increase their numbers swiftly and sufficiently to challenge the humans she despises. It is impossible for me to believe that she would ever countenance such a dilution of the blood and honor of her people. This could so easily have been resolved by having her relative Muyare be the one to orchestrate it. Nothing that happens in the closing chapters would have needed to be changed and it would make Suno'ku's fate much more sensible, and sharpen the final confrontation between Yaarike and Viyeke. It is clear that this particular plot point must be in place in order for the next trilogy to function. It's unfortunate that its genesis arises from an unlikely character pivot.

That said, the upcoming trilogy will be monumental and fascinating. Tad Williams has created an excellent return to one of his most famous stories.