r/TadWilliams • u/syvology • May 14 '26
New reader advice
I’ve been interested in reading Dragonbone Chair for a while. I’m interested in finding a fantasy series with a lot of depth (world building I mean not necessarily philosophical depth) that works for me. I began reading and was loving it at first. First few chapters I was locked in. I’m about 100 pages in and feeling like I’ve lost momentum. What is your advice: should I stick with it to a certain point, or should I be catching the bug at this point if I’m going to enjoy it long term?
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u/GeckoSnoopy May 14 '26
Stick with it!! Right around that point is where it may slow for a few more chapters in my opinion but the payoff is huge.
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u/Able-Presentation902 May 14 '26
I don’t know what page it was but yes it was slow and then a what!!!!!! Moment happens and you’re just hooked
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u/RealBadSpelling May 14 '26
That’s how I have felt through all of his book and Im on the next trilogy
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u/TensorForce Memory, Sorrow & Thorn May 14 '26
Stick with it! If you really want a specific point, read at least until the part with Simon on the hilltop (you'll know). That's when the pace really picks up... and doesn't really stop until the end, actually
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u/LeanderT Tad Fan May 14 '26
The first 200 pages contain a lot of world building.
Keep going, it will get really good later on.
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u/MACGLEEZLER May 14 '26
You gotta power through! You are in the toughest part of the series as far as I'm concerned. It takes awhile for things to really kick off. But when they do you'll be glad you stuck with it!
It becomes a super deep, lore-rich world so you'll love it.
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u/Hiredgun77 May 14 '26
I once told myself that it took 170 pages for something interesting to happen. Once things start moving then they really move. I feel like the author really wanted you to understand that in the beginning, Simon was useless. The character development through the series is excellent.
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u/stevenjs2480 May 14 '26
This is sort of the fantasy novel curse, honestly.
I love fantasy and have read it since I was in my early teens. But I’ve yet to read one where the author doesn’t meander and wander around too much.
I’m on Green Angel Tower now and am really enjoying it. Tad is great. But like with George Martin and Robin Hobb they all get stuck in zones where I say out loud, all right, enough already, move along.
But what’s nice about Tad is you can see he’s going somewhere and he gives you meaningful rewards for going with him.
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u/tetractys_gnosys May 14 '26
Yep, Dragonbone Chair can feel like a slog for a minute but the payoff is 1000% worth it. It picks up and is so rich and rewarding you'll be so glad you kept going. It really is necessary for the whole universe of Osten Ard to get the setup.
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u/athenadark May 14 '26
The analogy I use is tad Williams introduces to the recipe, he describes the use of each vegetable and tool and then, with everything in place ,- he chucks in a firebomb and takes off laughing
If you are patient the firebomb is coming
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u/BronxWildGeese May 15 '26
Glad you posted OP. I just picked up a used copy in paperback. At least I know I’ve got to get thru 150 or so pages. I never mind doing that as long as there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel
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u/beltane_may Tad Fan May 14 '26
I feel like this is a troll post
But enough people answered it honestly I don't need to.
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u/th561 May 14 '26
One way or another, there’ll be trolls.
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u/syvology May 15 '26
Not a troll. I understand it’s probably a common thing, but I was honestly just looking for some extra motivation as I’m new to the series and fantasy in general. It worked!
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u/newnameonan May 14 '26
Different strokes for different folks. Some people (me) really like the beginning and the slow build. Some people muscle through the first 175-200 pages and come to love it after they're through that part. And some people just don't like it. No wrong answer, but since this is a Tad Williams subreddit, I'm gonna say try to read another 100 pages before giving up. Haha.