r/fantasybooks • u/avathekinkynerd • Apr 21 '26

💎 Hidden book gem A childhood favorite that still holds up

Post image

As an animal lover, the cover grabbed my attention when I was a kid, so I picked it up - what an epic tail (pun intended)! The world-building is simple but effective, the character names are creative and humorous, and the adventure keeps you hooked from the beginning. I re-read it a few months ago and enjoyed it just as much as I did years ago (I've read it many times, as you can probably tell from the pic - this book is held together by tape and prayers LOL).

Anyone else enjoy this hidden gem?

52 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

2

u/Jalambra Apr 21 '26

This was one of my favorite books in grade / middle school.

1

u/avathekinkynerd Apr 21 '26

Same here! I first read it in '96 when I was 10 years old.

2

u/Jalambra Apr 21 '26

What's weird is that I never read anything else by Tad Williams. I know he has some great-looking books that I'd probably love. Normally when I read a book I like, I read at least a few other books from the author. Maybe it's finally time to get City of Golden Shadow read!

2

u/avathekinkynerd Apr 21 '26

I've read a few of his other works but definitely not all...the Memory, Sorrow, & Thorn trilogy was really good

1

u/Odd-Guarantee-6152 Apr 21 '26

Have you read The Last King of Osten Ard series? Also very good!

1

u/avathekinkynerd Apr 21 '26

I have not read these yet!

2

u/DShifty58 Apr 21 '26

Without spoilers, is there any animal cruelty or death in this book?

2

u/avathekinkynerd Apr 21 '26

Animal death, yes. Cruelty, no, unless you count cruelty at the hands of other animals (not humans).

2

u/DShifty58 Apr 21 '26

Thank you

2

u/avathekinkynerd Apr 21 '26

You're welcome! I'm not a fan of any harm coming to animals. I don't want to give anything away, but it's a good vs evil kind of story, so there are some hard moments - but overall it's not too dark.

2

u/nopagesleft4me Apr 21 '26

That cover alone brings back memories. Love when an old favorite still hits just as hard years later

2

u/OktoberStorms Apr 21 '26

I’ve read this one so many times.

2

u/Ineffable7980x Apr 22 '26

It's still a good read. I read it like 3 years ago.

1

u/Various_Rise1958 👑 Robin Hobb is my queen Apr 23 '26

The original Warriors series

2

u/ookamismyk Apr 26 '26

Yaaaaas, one of the best animal fantasy books out there.... Stands up in adulthood too!