8/10
Williams revels in detail and it can almost bog down the story, which is why I gave this book an 8 instead of a 9. The story itself continues to be complex and layered, with surprises galore. I found myself caring about many of the characters, cheering their victories and holding my breath through their setbacks and dangers. They have their flaws and weaknesses but strengths and depths as well. Although I must admit still being unable to warm up to Barrickā€”such a whiny fellowā€”although he does keep going despite his woe and despair.

A fellow reader commented, ā€¯Our characters [are] still all over the world and bad things are happening.ā€¯ That pretty well sums it up. ( )

Dare I say 'journeyman work'? Something is missing although from time to time my interest level rises and I am engaged. Too many characters, perhaps? It's a huge story, I'll grant Williams that, and he is eager to tell it from different angles. The characters are off on their separate quests now, some alone, some in small groups. Briony is beginning to 'wake up' from her princessy entitlement and Barrick is struggling on, obnoxious and in pain, Vansen is a true mensch and sticks with Barrick and the Qar soldier. (The best thing in their story continues to be the bedraggled foul-mouthed raven who attaches himself to them.) Briony eventually attaches herself to a traveling troupe and that is actually rather engaging for all it is a trope. Qinnitan is doing all right for a bit, but by the end, all three of them are back in the soup pot. I will continue out of stubbornness, but I might not if I weren't on holiday. *** ( )

While I enjoyed the book, it definitely had a 'middle' book feel. Much was revealed to the reader (if not the characters) and I'm already trying to predict certain outcomes. One thing that I'm liking is that the bad guys aren't evil incarnate. We don't get to know them as well as our heroes in this story, but what we do see is not one dimensional. ( )

So continuing on with the 2nd of the series which I had read before but had not completed. MST is one of my favourite series but I am struggling at times with Shadowmarch. There is a lot of travelling without achieving a lot. The two main human characters Barrick and Briony are not particularly likeable either. There are fortunately side characters who are more so. So it's a bit of a slog often. ( )

One shouldn't go into a Tad Williams epic fantasy romp expecting nonstop action or grimdark developments or a cookie-cutter plot. Indeed, if you decide to dive into his works, you can expect a very awesome and deeply fleshed-out worldbuilding with enough history to choke a horse.

This isn't a bad thing. Indeed, I'm rather floored by how much love and care has been put into every single detail herein. From the plays and the poetry to the deep past, the corruptions of history, the way the remembrances of the gods fail to match up to their appearances in the novel, or the amazing depth and complexity each of the regular characters, be they human or fae, exhibit.

Indeed, aside from a failed expedition, plenty of warcraft between the shadow peoples and the humans who have apparently been squatting on the land out of antiquity, of a few certain characters' captures and settlement behind enemy lines, and gender-bending playacting, this novel could be described as a deep history lesson. I'm learning so much of this place! :) As a wonderful whole-cloth piece, I've rarely been treated to so much rich unique mythology, art, and exploration of such different peoples.

I include the shadow races here. Most of the novel takes place away from the human lands and in deep shadow.

I should mention that the shadow is a real thing, an actual line of demarcation, and monsters and fae live on the far side. In this novel, we're treated to a deep look into them and the gods of this world. Some of those gods are still alive and some of their ancient artifacts are still rather functional. Don't mistake this aspect as some kind of knock-off to a thousand other fantasy novels, however. The world-building is very rich and I can't find cause to complain.

However, I should mention that these books DO require a modicum of patience. The things that are most praiseworthy can sometimes be a chore to break through. :)

All in all, this is rather rewarding, if long. :) Of course, that's sometimes a decent selling point, too. :) ( )