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Flan's Crows #1
The Splintered Sun
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26THE SPLINTERED SUN is a fast-moving adventure that will thrill newcomers diving into the world of Osten Ard for the first time, while weaving together many parts of previously unrevealed Osten Ard history for all the readers who are eager to delve into the pre-DRAGONBONE CHAIR history of Hernystir and Erkynland.
Short summary:
Set in the New York Times-bestselling world of Osten Ard, Tad Williams’s latest novel is an action-packed, fast-moving adventure following the mythic figure of Flann Alderwood and his band of misfit rebels. As the old King of Hernystir’s health worsens, the realm has been thrown into chaos—warlords divide the land up among themselves and questions about the heir to the throne continue to cause conflict. Flann, along with mysterious allies both common and noble, must aid the King’s one legitimate heir in his quest to receive his father’s blessing and attempt to return stability to the realm, while pursued by enemies eager to end his life.
Short summary:
Set in the New York Times-bestselling world of Osten Ard, Tad Williams’s latest novel is an action-packed, fast-moving adventure following the mythic figure of Flann Alderwood and his band of misfit rebels. As the old King of Hernystir’s health worsens, the realm has been thrown into chaos—warlords divide the land up among themselves and questions about the heir to the throne continue to cause conflict. Flann, along with mysterious allies both common and noble, must aid the King’s one legitimate heir in his quest to receive his father’s blessing and attempt to return stability to the realm, while pursued by enemies eager to end his life.
528 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Tad Williams
347 books8,101 followersTad Williams is a California-based fantasy superstar. His genre-creating (and genre-busting) books have sold tens of millions worldwide, in twenty-five languages. His considerable output of epic fantasy and science fiction book-series, stories of all kinds, urban fantasy novels, comics, scripts, etc., have strongly influenced a generation of writers: the ‘Otherland’ epic relaunches June 2018 as an MMO on steam.com. Tad is currently immersed in the creation of ‘The Last King of Osten Ard’, planned as a trilogy with two intermediary novels. He, his family and his animals live in the Santa Cruz mountains in a suitably strange and beautiful house. @tadwilliams @mrstad
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Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC provided by the publisher—Hodder—in exchange for an honest review.
The Splintered Sun is the start of a new incredible tale in The Osten Ard Saga accompanied with a relatively faster-paced narrative .
It is a bittersweet feeling to have read almost every book in The Osten Ard Saga. I know it might sound like sacrilege that I have not read The Navigator’s Children (the last book in The Last King of Osten Ard) yet. And somehow, I still decided to read this newest book/series in the universe. Curiosity in this new series got the best of me. Or maybe a part of me is just trying to postpone finishing every book in The Osten Ard Saga as long as I can. When I first heard there would be another book in this universe, I was immediately elated. Here are two things you should know about Tad Williams, though. First, do not believe him when he says he’s writing a standalone or a trilogy. If he says he’s writing a standalone, the standalone will become a trilogy. If he says he’s writing a trilogy, that trilogy will become a four-book trilogy. But this is not a misfortune. Here’s the other important thing to remember. Tad Williams does not write a bad book. Every book he has written in The Osten Ard Saga ranges from great to amazing. And The Splintered Sun, originally penned as a standalone and now it has turned into a series, is not an exception to these two rules. I am confident those who bounced off reading The Dragonbone Chair could potentially end up liking the pacing and story structure of The Splintered Sun more.
So, what’s this book about? The Splintered Sun takes place after Brothers of the Wind but three hundred years before Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy. This book is a swashbuckling story of a fearless bandit and his band of misfit rebels navigating a kingdom menaced by dark sorcery and threatening war. With the old King of Hernystir’s health failing, warlords carve up the land and rival factions clash over the rightful heir. Into this chaos steps Flann, joined by allies both noble and common, to help the King’s one legitimate heir, Prince Ewain, claim his father’s blessing and restore stability. But enemies, human and inhuman, stalk their every move, determined to end Flann’s quest before it begins. And to top it all, the two main characters—Vedra and Daley—will find it impossible to escape the harsh fate and conspiracies they’re about to be plunged into.
Because many people will ask whether this is a good entry point to this universe or not, I will make it clear from the get-go that it is evident that Tad Williams wrote The Splintered Sun with the intention of inviting new readers to the world of Osten Ard. This isn’t to say old-time readers of every book in this world won’t enjoy this book. I doubt that would happen when you’re already a fan of Tad’s writing. We do get to learn more about the Dream Road and the history of Hernystiri, Grasslanders, and a bit of Hayholt—still named Dun ard in this book—with the iconic Green Angel Tower. However, if you’re here expecting to learn something substantial and new about the lore established in the previous books in the universe, this isn’t the book for you. You won’t learn anything significant about the Norns and the Sithi. Things could change in the later books of this series, but for now, The Splintered Sun focuses more on the tale of the two kids, Vedra and Daley, as they find their fates intertwined with Flann Alderwood and his band of outlaws called the Crows. In The Dragonbone Chair, the tale in The Splintered Sun has become folklore, similar to Robin Hood in our world.
Comparatively speaking, similar to how the early parts of The Dragonbone Chair is told mostly from the perspective of Simon, approximately the first quarter of the book is told from the point-of-view of Vedra and Daley. But there’s a huge difference in pacing between these first installments of their respective series. I absolutely loved every page of The Dragonbone Chair. This includes Simon’s 200-page slice-of-life portion. Some readers, however, find that kind of story structure too slow to their liking. This is where the circumstances differ in The Splintered Sun, and why I believe many modern readers will enjoy the pacing in The Splintered Sun more. Vedra’s capability to scry and Daley’s knack for stealing things—undoubtedly—lead them to conflicts they never expected. From the premise written, I think many people will enter The Splintered Sun expecting Flann to be the key main character of the novel, but it is not. He’s one of the main characters of the book. But most of the book is told from the perspective of Vedra and Daley.
This is not a claim that Vedra and Daley are the exclusive key characters. They did have the most spotlight, and I believe Tad did a great job in starting The Splintered Sun from their tale. However, the balance in characterizations is there in the narrative. The varied cast and personality of Flann and his Crows, Xanico, Tika, plus the villains Scaeth and Phelan, have their respective spotlights, and they are there to enrich the dialogue, politicking, and fight for the throne. The book definitely has a faster pace, and I imagine this will click with a lot of readers, but I cannot deny I did miss the slower-paced and melancholic tone of the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy in The Splintered Sun. I feel Tad Williams’ prose is at its best when he writes a somber and melancholic narrative. As far as comparison goes, I think the closest epic fantasy book I can think of that matches The Splintered Sun is The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding. Or, if you like the found camaraderie aspect in Mistborn between Vin, Kelsier, and their crew, there will be a lot to like in The Splintered Sun.
If you are like me, who feels bittersweet about not having anything else in The Osten Ard Saga to read, well, The Splintered Sun is here as a balm to our predicament. Imagine a Robin Hood figure and his band of misfit outlaws fighting against greed to attain justice in the world of Osten Ard. Imbued with Dream Road, deadly vision, prophecy, exciting action, and satisfying final chapters. What more can you ask for in the first installment? Filled with a diverse cast of characters and races, whether you are a veteran or newcomer to the world of Osten Ard, The Splintered Sun will do its best to ensure your reading time and experience in this new tale is absolutely worthwhile. Until the sequel to The Splintered Sun is available to read, I believe it is time for me to accept my time in the world of Osten Ard shall conclude for a while. It is time for me to read The Navigator’s Children.
You can pre-order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells (Free International shipping)
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Andrew. S, Arik, Arliss, Barbara, Ben, Benjamin, Cade, Chris, Crystal, Cullen, Dan, Dylan, Edward, Elias, Erich, Evie, Feanor, Francesca, Frank, Gary, Gregory, James, Jason, Jeff, Johnny, Joie, Jonathan, Katrina, Kim, Kristina, Lara, Leigh, Lourdes, Melinda, Mike, Mike S, Miracle, Mordie, Nicholas, Radiah, RCT, Sally, Samuel, Sarah, Scott, Sean, Shawn, Shawna, Stephanie, Trish, Tyler, TS, Wendy, Wick, Xero, Yuri, Zachary, Zammar.
The Splintered Sun is the start of a new incredible tale in The Osten Ard Saga accompanied with a relatively faster-paced narrative .
“When you are my age, you will be less dismayed and even less surprised by the path that life leads you. I am alive and among friends. That counts for much.”
It is a bittersweet feeling to have read almost every book in The Osten Ard Saga. I know it might sound like sacrilege that I have not read The Navigator’s Children (the last book in The Last King of Osten Ard) yet. And somehow, I still decided to read this newest book/series in the universe. Curiosity in this new series got the best of me. Or maybe a part of me is just trying to postpone finishing every book in The Osten Ard Saga as long as I can. When I first heard there would be another book in this universe, I was immediately elated. Here are two things you should know about Tad Williams, though. First, do not believe him when he says he’s writing a standalone or a trilogy. If he says he’s writing a standalone, the standalone will become a trilogy. If he says he’s writing a trilogy, that trilogy will become a four-book trilogy. But this is not a misfortune. Here’s the other important thing to remember. Tad Williams does not write a bad book. Every book he has written in The Osten Ard Saga ranges from great to amazing. And The Splintered Sun, originally penned as a standalone and now it has turned into a series, is not an exception to these two rules. I am confident those who bounced off reading The Dragonbone Chair could potentially end up liking the pacing and story structure of The Splintered Sun more.
“Mark my words, child. There is no quicker way to lose your mind and your freedom than falling in love.”
So, what’s this book about? The Splintered Sun takes place after Brothers of the Wind but three hundred years before Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy. This book is a swashbuckling story of a fearless bandit and his band of misfit rebels navigating a kingdom menaced by dark sorcery and threatening war. With the old King of Hernystir’s health failing, warlords carve up the land and rival factions clash over the rightful heir. Into this chaos steps Flann, joined by allies both noble and common, to help the King’s one legitimate heir, Prince Ewain, claim his father’s blessing and restore stability. But enemies, human and inhuman, stalk their every move, determined to end Flann’s quest before it begins. And to top it all, the two main characters—Vedra and Daley—will find it impossible to escape the harsh fate and conspiracies they’re about to be plunged into.
“We are all in danger, child, every moment. Every living creature is on a journey from birth to death. How close to that latter destination we are, no one can say.”
Because many people will ask whether this is a good entry point to this universe or not, I will make it clear from the get-go that it is evident that Tad Williams wrote The Splintered Sun with the intention of inviting new readers to the world of Osten Ard. This isn’t to say old-time readers of every book in this world won’t enjoy this book. I doubt that would happen when you’re already a fan of Tad’s writing. We do get to learn more about the Dream Road and the history of Hernystiri, Grasslanders, and a bit of Hayholt—still named Dun ard in this book—with the iconic Green Angel Tower. However, if you’re here expecting to learn something substantial and new about the lore established in the previous books in the universe, this isn’t the book for you. You won’t learn anything significant about the Norns and the Sithi. Things could change in the later books of this series, but for now, The Splintered Sun focuses more on the tale of the two kids, Vedra and Daley, as they find their fates intertwined with Flann Alderwood and his band of outlaws called the Crows. In The Dragonbone Chair, the tale in The Splintered Sun has become folklore, similar to Robin Hood in our world.
“The gods gave us life upon this earth, I know not why, and I can only do my best with what I am given.”
Comparatively speaking, similar to how the early parts of The Dragonbone Chair is told mostly from the perspective of Simon, approximately the first quarter of the book is told from the point-of-view of Vedra and Daley. But there’s a huge difference in pacing between these first installments of their respective series. I absolutely loved every page of The Dragonbone Chair. This includes Simon’s 200-page slice-of-life portion. Some readers, however, find that kind of story structure too slow to their liking. This is where the circumstances differ in The Splintered Sun, and why I believe many modern readers will enjoy the pacing in The Splintered Sun more. Vedra’s capability to scry and Daley’s knack for stealing things—undoubtedly—lead them to conflicts they never expected. From the premise written, I think many people will enter The Splintered Sun expecting Flann to be the key main character of the novel, but it is not. He’s one of the main characters of the book. But most of the book is told from the perspective of Vedra and Daley.
“It means we make our own decisions in this world. That even the gods sometimes must let us choose our own paths, for good or ill.”
This is not a claim that Vedra and Daley are the exclusive key characters. They did have the most spotlight, and I believe Tad did a great job in starting The Splintered Sun from their tale. However, the balance in characterizations is there in the narrative. The varied cast and personality of Flann and his Crows, Xanico, Tika, plus the villains Scaeth and Phelan, have their respective spotlights, and they are there to enrich the dialogue, politicking, and fight for the throne. The book definitely has a faster pace, and I imagine this will click with a lot of readers, but I cannot deny I did miss the slower-paced and melancholic tone of the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy in The Splintered Sun. I feel Tad Williams’ prose is at its best when he writes a somber and melancholic narrative. As far as comparison goes, I think the closest epic fantasy book I can think of that matches The Splintered Sun is The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding. Or, if you like the found camaraderie aspect in Mistborn between Vin, Kelsier, and their crew, there will be a lot to like in The Splintered Sun.
“Families aren’t always what the gods give us to start with, but what we find and gather to ourselves along the way.”
If you are like me, who feels bittersweet about not having anything else in The Osten Ard Saga to read, well, The Splintered Sun is here as a balm to our predicament. Imagine a Robin Hood figure and his band of misfit outlaws fighting against greed to attain justice in the world of Osten Ard. Imbued with Dream Road, deadly vision, prophecy, exciting action, and satisfying final chapters. What more can you ask for in the first installment? Filled with a diverse cast of characters and races, whether you are a veteran or newcomer to the world of Osten Ard, The Splintered Sun will do its best to ensure your reading time and experience in this new tale is absolutely worthwhile. Until the sequel to The Splintered Sun is available to read, I believe it is time for me to accept my time in the world of Osten Ard shall conclude for a while. It is time for me to read The Navigator’s Children.
“As usual, the greedy cannot understand any other motives but greed, whether for power or riches.”
You can pre-order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells (Free International shipping)
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Andrew. S, Arik, Arliss, Barbara, Ben, Benjamin, Cade, Chris, Crystal, Cullen, Dan, Dylan, Edward, Elias, Erich, Evie, Feanor, Francesca, Frank, Gary, Gregory, James, Jason, Jeff, Johnny, Joie, Jonathan, Katrina, Kim, Kristina, Lara, Leigh, Lourdes, Melinda, Mike, Mike S, Miracle, Mordie, Nicholas, Radiah, RCT, Sally, Samuel, Sarah, Scott, Sean, Shawn, Shawna, Stephanie, Trish, Tyler, TS, Wendy, Wick, Xero, Yuri, Zachary, Zammar.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have just finished reading my review copy of The Splintered Sun by Tad Williams (the first in a new series based in his world of Osten Ard).
**This review is unpaid and will be spoiler free.**
An easy way to start this review is by stating just how incredible it is to be back in Osten Ard. Having said it before I'll say it again, Tad Williams has captured something truly special with this world. The Splintered Sun takes place 300 years before events of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. You could read this without having read any prior works based in Osten Ard. That being said, having the knowledge of that world from the previous books is certainly nice, though not required. (Moreso makes certain moments feel like clever inside jokes or easter eggs.)
This story follows two young protagonists, a young quiet boy named Daley with a love of climbing and light fingers and a teen named Vedra who is discovering her abilities as a scryer. Both have been left alone in life through seperate tradgedies. One accidental theft later and these two lonely kids brought together by happenstance end up in the middle of a fued between two bastard sons fighting for the throne from their half brother and true heir. Their journey ties them with Flann Alderwood (another portagonist) and his group of outlaws known as The Crows as they attempt to protect the true heir on his quest to claim his rightful title.
Tad Williams has done an absolutely brilliant job of making Osten Ard feel fresh again. The threat in this novel feels different than his previous two series in this world and it shows just how different things were 300 years prior. Rather than the potential ending of a whole world we see a kingdom fueding and how the struggle and treachery unfolds. How a band of outlaws will have to use wit and determination to overcome ruthlessness and staggering odds.
"No, this is our lonely fight, and it is a desperate one. And mark my words, more will die before it is over, some of our own among them."
The characters in this novel are absolutely brilliant! Both of the young protagonists are interesting, well written, and bounce off each other and the rest of the cast so realistically. Flann Alderwood is one of my favorite characters Tad Williams has written. The inspiration from Robin Hood is written clearly here and is done remarkably. I laughed out loud many times when reading Flann's wit. The Crows have lots of charm and great dialog as well. The villains of the story feel real, dangerous, and heartless. One thing I really loved about this book is just how everyone involved in the quest has a good reason to be. You'll learn why everyone is fighting this battle what events led them all together. They may be outlaws but when evil men label you as one, maybe you're not so bad.
The action in this novel is not a constant thing but man is it satisfying when it appears. Tad Williams has not lost any ability whatsoever to write a good fight. And in this case some of them are quite humorous. This book certainly has quicker pacing than The Dragonbone Chair (book one of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn). I love the pacing of that book and I don't mind a slowburn at all but the quicker approach found is this book is just as welcome. Many people may even prefer it.
When reading this you can expect a charming, thrilling, fresh new tale in the world of Osten Ard. Whether its your first time here, or if you've already fallen in love with the world you're bound to enjoy this. Tad Williams really surprised me in his short novel Brothers of the Wind but how different he could make a familiar world feel and he's done it again with The Splintered Sun. I'm very excited to see where this story takes us! For a first entry I am impressed! Not surprisingly given the already impressive installments in the previous saga I give The Splintered Sun a 5/5. It has everything you could ask for the first book of a new series. And now we wait for more!
Thank you to DAW for this review copy, and many thanks to Tad Williams for his brilliant writing! This man's prose is unmatched! #NetGalley #DAW #TadWilliams #TheSplinteredSun
**This review is unpaid and will be spoiler free.**
An easy way to start this review is by stating just how incredible it is to be back in Osten Ard. Having said it before I'll say it again, Tad Williams has captured something truly special with this world. The Splintered Sun takes place 300 years before events of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. You could read this without having read any prior works based in Osten Ard. That being said, having the knowledge of that world from the previous books is certainly nice, though not required. (Moreso makes certain moments feel like clever inside jokes or easter eggs.)
This story follows two young protagonists, a young quiet boy named Daley with a love of climbing and light fingers and a teen named Vedra who is discovering her abilities as a scryer. Both have been left alone in life through seperate tradgedies. One accidental theft later and these two lonely kids brought together by happenstance end up in the middle of a fued between two bastard sons fighting for the throne from their half brother and true heir. Their journey ties them with Flann Alderwood (another portagonist) and his group of outlaws known as The Crows as they attempt to protect the true heir on his quest to claim his rightful title.
Tad Williams has done an absolutely brilliant job of making Osten Ard feel fresh again. The threat in this novel feels different than his previous two series in this world and it shows just how different things were 300 years prior. Rather than the potential ending of a whole world we see a kingdom fueding and how the struggle and treachery unfolds. How a band of outlaws will have to use wit and determination to overcome ruthlessness and staggering odds.
"No, this is our lonely fight, and it is a desperate one. And mark my words, more will die before it is over, some of our own among them."
The characters in this novel are absolutely brilliant! Both of the young protagonists are interesting, well written, and bounce off each other and the rest of the cast so realistically. Flann Alderwood is one of my favorite characters Tad Williams has written. The inspiration from Robin Hood is written clearly here and is done remarkably. I laughed out loud many times when reading Flann's wit. The Crows have lots of charm and great dialog as well. The villains of the story feel real, dangerous, and heartless. One thing I really loved about this book is just how everyone involved in the quest has a good reason to be. You'll learn why everyone is fighting this battle what events led them all together. They may be outlaws but when evil men label you as one, maybe you're not so bad.
The action in this novel is not a constant thing but man is it satisfying when it appears. Tad Williams has not lost any ability whatsoever to write a good fight. And in this case some of them are quite humorous. This book certainly has quicker pacing than The Dragonbone Chair (book one of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn). I love the pacing of that book and I don't mind a slowburn at all but the quicker approach found is this book is just as welcome. Many people may even prefer it.
When reading this you can expect a charming, thrilling, fresh new tale in the world of Osten Ard. Whether its your first time here, or if you've already fallen in love with the world you're bound to enjoy this. Tad Williams really surprised me in his short novel Brothers of the Wind but how different he could make a familiar world feel and he's done it again with The Splintered Sun. I'm very excited to see where this story takes us! For a first entry I am impressed! Not surprisingly given the already impressive installments in the previous saga I give The Splintered Sun a 5/5. It has everything you could ask for the first book of a new series. And now we wait for more!
Thank you to DAW for this review copy, and many thanks to Tad Williams for his brilliant writing! This man's prose is unmatched! #NetGalley #DAW #TadWilliams #TheSplinteredSun
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up)
This one for me is very hard to rate, since reading Tad William's previous books in the Osten Ard Saga, I feel like each series so far feels like just one long book... especially Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn for me. And this one was supposed to be a standalone, but it got longer and ended up being aduology, let's just say, series.
This is the first part of the Flan's Crows series and we mostly follow Vera and Daley, or at least they're the one that evolved the most at the end. We also follow other members of the Flan's Crows, Ewain - the legitimate heir, and well, the illegitimate ones.
I honestly enjoyed the very start of this book and the events that lead to our main characters meeting together. But the last few chapters feels a little bit too fast paced, only to have a downtime at the very last chapters. It feels like it's there because, once again, this standalone became two books, so far. I was a bit wary how the pacing of the second book would start.
Despite that, this one is a very interesting addition to the Osten Ard saga. I might re-read and I feel I'll appreciate this better once this series is finished. Unfortunately the appendix for this book is not yet released, so I actually ended up searching some names of persons and even places, in case they were mentioned already in the previous Osten Ard books... and unsurprisingly they are.
This one for me is very hard to rate, since reading Tad William's previous books in the Osten Ard Saga, I feel like each series so far feels like just one long book... especially Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn for me. And this one was supposed to be a standalone, but it got longer and ended up being a
This is the first part of the Flan's Crows series and we mostly follow Vera and Daley, or at least they're the one that evolved the most at the end. We also follow other members of the Flan's Crows, Ewain - the legitimate heir, and well, the illegitimate ones.
I honestly enjoyed the very start of this book and the events that lead to our main characters meeting together. But the last few chapters feels a little bit too fast paced, only to have a downtime at the very last chapters. It feels like it's there because, once again, this standalone became two books, so far. I was a bit wary how the pacing of the second book would start.
Despite that, this one is a very interesting addition to the Osten Ard saga. I might re-read and I feel I'll appreciate this better once this series is finished. Unfortunately the appendix for this book is not yet released, so I actually ended up searching some names of persons and even places, in case they were mentioned already in the previous Osten Ard books... and unsurprisingly they are.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, Tad Williams, and DAW Books for the early ARC!
I have been a fan of Tad Williams for a while now. The epic world building of Osten Ard is reminiscent and similar to other authors, like Terry Brooks and Terry Goodkind. I remember discovering The Dragonbone Chair, To Green Angel Tower, and Stone of Farewell while I was in college and have since dipped in and out this world many times over the years. To see a new book come out, I jumped at the chance to read it!
This current standalone book (...series, I'm sure) takes place 300 years before the story in The Dragonbone Chair. It follows the main characters, Vedra and Daley, as they navigate the dangerous, mysterious, and magical political arena that they find themselves dropped into. Accompanied by a diverse cast of characters, like the swash-buckling Flann and his merry band of "Crows" and the immortal fairy Xaniko, they must find their way in a world set against them from the start.
If you are a fan epic, fully realized fantasy and whirlwind fast pace, I highly recommend this book! Or anything by Tad Williams! Excellent pacing, excellent storytelling, and hands-down one of the best authors of the genre!
I have been a fan of Tad Williams for a while now. The epic world building of Osten Ard is reminiscent and similar to other authors, like Terry Brooks and Terry Goodkind. I remember discovering The Dragonbone Chair, To Green Angel Tower, and Stone of Farewell while I was in college and have since dipped in and out this world many times over the years. To see a new book come out, I jumped at the chance to read it!
This current standalone book (...series, I'm sure) takes place 300 years before the story in The Dragonbone Chair. It follows the main characters, Vedra and Daley, as they navigate the dangerous, mysterious, and magical political arena that they find themselves dropped into. Accompanied by a diverse cast of characters, like the swash-buckling Flann and his merry band of "Crows" and the immortal fairy Xaniko, they must find their way in a world set against them from the start.
If you are a fan epic, fully realized fantasy and whirlwind fast pace, I highly recommend this book! Or anything by Tad Williams! Excellent pacing, excellent storytelling, and hands-down one of the best authors of the genre!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For anyone who has enjoyed the Osten Ard Saga, this book will likely be a must; but those that have either missed this classic of a fantasy series as well as those who thought that the early books of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn were a tad slow, this book moves a little faster and since it takes place before all of the prior novels in the saga(except perhaps one novella), it may make a good entry point to the world. There is a fairly sizable cast of characters but most of the story revolves around two young charges, Vedra and Daley, that come under the care of the larger-than-life Flann Alderwood and his band of misfit rebels. There is plenty of action, adventure, and magic. The characters and the story pulled me in and I enjoyed it more than any of the prior books in this world. By the end I was clamoring for the continuation and can't wait to read the next book of this new sub-series.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, DAW) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, DAW) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
July 9, 2026
Classic fantasy at its core, a masterfully told adventure.
Instantly, I fell in love with this cast of characters. I was rooting for Vedra, Daley and the Crows the whole journey.
It was so nice to be back in Osten Ard, I absolutely love the original series, MS&T will forever be one of the best tales ever written. Comparatively, “The Splintered Sun” feels lighter and more airy, possibly a “simpler” more straight forward kind of story, which I feel should help the general public get into Osten Ard culture, and dip their toes into the vastness of the realm.
The events that took place in “The Splintered Sun” are set into motion wonderfully, I’m mostly happy with the outcomes, because they felt “real.” It’s a bleak world, and not everything will happen how you think, or plan it will. You must adapt and persevere, or you’ll end up with an arrow in your neck.
Excited for the next installment of Crow adventures.
Thanks to DAW and NetGalley for the ARC.
Instantly, I fell in love with this cast of characters. I was rooting for Vedra, Daley and the Crows the whole journey.
It was so nice to be back in Osten Ard, I absolutely love the original series, MS&T will forever be one of the best tales ever written. Comparatively, “The Splintered Sun” feels lighter and more airy, possibly a “simpler” more straight forward kind of story, which I feel should help the general public get into Osten Ard culture, and dip their toes into the vastness of the realm.
The events that took place in “The Splintered Sun” are set into motion wonderfully, I’m mostly happy with the outcomes, because they felt “real.” It’s a bleak world, and not everything will happen how you think, or plan it will. You must adapt and persevere, or you’ll end up with an arrow in your neck.
Excited for the next installment of Crow adventures.
Thanks to DAW and NetGalley for the ARC.
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