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Review
This standalone fantasy is the genuine article ... the plot reaches an intricate, inevitable and gloriously satisfying climax' STARBURST, 'A masterpiece of fairytale worldbuilding ... a wondrous tale set in a fascinating world' LOCUS, 'This is a clever and tricky book' TIME OUT LONDON, 'It's a brilliantly engaging fantasy ... warmly entertaining and top-notch stuff' SFX
Product Description
A masterpiece of the imagination, THE WAR OF THE FLOWERS is a truly epic novel that once again pushes the boundaries of fantasy fiction into new and unexplored territory. In the great city, in the dimly lit office of an impossibly tall building, two creatures meet. Gold changes hands, and the master of the House of Hellebore gives an order: 'War is coming. The child must die.' In our own world, a young man discovers a manuscript written by his great uncle. It seems to be a novel - a strange fairytale of fantastic creatures and magical realms. But it is written as a diary ...as if the events were real ...as if his uncle had journeyed to another world. For the young man, the fantasy is about to become reality. Find out more about this title and others at www.orbitbooks.co.uk
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I loved this book so much that I have just finished reading it for the second time. If you like your fantasy without all those wierd and wonderful character names that are difficult to pronounce, and with gritty human elements to it, then this is for you. Faerie comes across as a real place - I could imagine it quite clearly from the way parts of it were described and I had The City firmly pictured in my imagination by the end of the book. I felt that the main characters were very well drawn, Theo being the real anti hero, and I could well identify with his feelings when suddenly being drawn into a sometimes nightmarish world of Faerie from his ordinary, but troubled life on this world. I loved the idea of "magic " in Faerie being called "science" and being regarded by them as technology! Tad Williams rarely disappoints with his books - I wish he would write a sequel to the War of the Flowers - I am sure that there is a whole new tale there somewhere for Theo.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is quite simply a great book. After receiving his debut book for a Christmas present I was quickly hooked on the author. I preceded to but the whole of the 'Memory, Sorrow and Thorn' series. When I saw that he had another book being released I preordered it and managed to get one of the First 100 signed first editions. A big book that looked daunting but when I picked it up and started reading I decided against putting it down as I was gripped. The book presents another angle on the presence of fairies. They aren't all good! He explains everything away with the ease of someone who actually thinks it's true, and in all the detail of one who's lived it. The book is just a fantastic story and held me captivated. I would recommend Tad Williams and This book to anyone.
But if you're a Tolkien Fan, Then read 'Memory, Sorrow and Thorn' a series of four books starting with 'The Dragonbone Chair' Tad Williams first book and easily his best.
But if you're a Tolkien Fan, Then read 'Memory, Sorrow and Thorn' a series of four books starting with 'The Dragonbone Chair' Tad Williams first book and easily his best.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I bought this on the strength of some of Williams's past work, which I have enjoyed. I did not think this was up to his usual standard. The main problem is the hero, Theo Vilmos. He is a thirty-year-old failing musician who lives in San Francisco, whose mother dies of cancer; he then finds a book written by his great-uncle which purports to be a travelogue of Faerie. But is the book fiction ...?
So far, so good. The early sections of the novel are good - Theo here comes across as a realistic and sympathetic character, and the setting (which Williams obviously knows well) is well-drawn. These early chapters are interspersed with some from the points of view of various faerie characters. These also are good, up there with the best bits of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn. the problem for me comes when Theo enters faerie. He becomes a very passive character - he does almost nothing that isn't suggested or ordered by someone else. I cannot believe Williams does not understand that the main point of fiction is the choices characters make - Theo makes almost none. Since he is the character you are supossed to be identifying with, it makes the story a very uninvolving read. Also, Williams insists on telling us Theo's thoughts on everything - we are not allowed to observe faerie merely through his description, we also have to read Theo's reactions, which usually consist of comparing everything to aspects of modern life (often this is done in a very jokey way, which seems very inappropriate when Theo is in grave danger; in fact this robs the danger of any real bite).
Finally, the book is way too flabby. (The same problem as with the later bits of Memory Sorrow and Thorn trilogy.) It would have been a lot sharper, and would have lost nothing, with 200 pages cut from it. By the end, the writing has lost its spark, and it feels like Williams is going through the motions to get it finished. Sorry, but all in all a very disappointing read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
War of the flowers
This is by far the best fantasy book I've ever read. This book makes me want to read more of this author. I also loved the fact that it was a stand-alone book. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Tomaatje
In the shade of Shadowmarch.
Having recently read the Shadowmarch books I purchased this with high expectation but was left a little disapointed buit am not sure why. Read more
Published 10 months ago by R. Mcpherson
great
a fantastic story and imagination. i love this book and its one of my favorite books... a must read for anyone into fantasy.
Published 15 months ago by hbawab
The War of the Flowers
Tad Williams is probably best known for his massive 'Memory, Sorrow & Thorn' trilogy - high fantasy in the vein of Tolkein. Read more
Published 21 months ago by the_tandyman
not volume one of the trilogy
A fantasy novel with a difference. Because although it's 750 pages long it's not the first of three such books. It's a story complete in one volume. Read more
Published on 7 Dec 2009 by Paul Tapner
It felt like a battle just reading it!
This is the first Tad Williams book I have read and it will be my last. I found the story to be a little slow and sometimes a little bit repetitive as the main character reflects... Read more
Published on 19 Oct 2009 by A. Christian
OK; has written better books
I enjoyed War of the Flowers, but nowhere near as much as his Dragonbone Chair trilogy. Theo is a mildly intriguing hero, or as has already been stated, anti-hero. Read more
Published on 17 May 2009 by MKJ
Ah, the flowers of faery!...
Tad Williams has long been one of my favourite authors for his Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series and for his Shadowmarch trilogy (not yet complete), but I'd never actually read any... Read more
Published on 6 Sep 2008 by Christopher Halo
excellent
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and it is one of few books I would re-read. A brilliant and different story that you can image very strongly whilst reading.
Published on 1 Dec 2007 by Sophie Mills
Surprised
I was surprised by two things, the mixed reviews this book has here, hence my writing, and the quality of this book.
I thought this book was utterly charming. Read more
I thought this book was utterly charming. Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2007 by Ravenspike
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