Product Description
Although best known for such epic accomplishments as the ongoing Chronicles of Thomas Covenant and the multi-volume Gap Cycle, Stephen R. Donaldson has also written some of the most distinctive short fiction of recent decades. This generous collection brings together much of the best of that shorter work and provides an ideal showcase for its author s depth, versatility, and consummate literary artistry.



Included here are eleven stories and novellas that run the gamut from horror ( The Conqueror Worm ) to high fantasy ( Daughter of Regals ), from contemporary spiritual drama ( Unworthy of the Angel ) to action-oriented SF ( Animal Lover ), together with such uncategorizable gems as The Killing Stroke, with its unique combination of magic and martial arts, and The Woman Who Loved Pigs, an astonishing account of personal transformation and long-delayed revenge.



In settings that range from the deeply familiar to the wholly imagined, The Best of Stephen R. Donaldson offers a gallery of tales that have the resonance and moral complexity of compact novels. Beneath their often-gaudy surfaces, they show us very real people who confront, and sometimes overcome, extreme adversity, who struggle to find balance and harmony in an inherently chaotic universe. Each story is the clear product of a master storyteller. Each demands and rewards repeated readings. Together, they form one of the cornerstone volumes of modern fantasy, a book that will be read and treasured by Donaldson s many fans, and by anyone who values imaginative literature at its finest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not Free SF Reader
Gilden Fire is is the result of one of the earlier modern fantasy writers inability to write anything short.Obviously a disease that has proved seriously catching.

Because the Illearth War was too long originally and threatened to turn into a black hole, this is a part chopped out of there and deals with Korik the Bloodguard's quest to Seareach, so is not a Thomas Conveant story as far as that goes, directly.

Lords, Giants, fighting as a big finale, too.


3.5 out of 5

Also in Daughter of Regals
This is the same Illearth War out-take that appears in Donaldson's compilation of short stories entitled, Daughter of Regals and other Tales.

A Bloodguard Vignette
This book is really nothing more than a vignette, a deleted scene from The Illearth War.According to Donaldson's foreward this was part of an initial separate section to the novel.However, he realized (after being told by his publishers to cut the manuscript down) that the story (told from the perspective of Korik the Bloodguard) didn't have a narrational connection to Covenant's world, thereby weakening the perception of the Land's unreality so key to Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.Therefore along with Tull's story this episode would have comprised the fourth section of the novel.

However, all of that said I would definately recomend this to anyone who loved the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.You learn more about the Bloodguard in these few pages than in almost the three novels of the first Chronicles--furthermore it is simply insightful and interesting to see things from the perspective of a Bloodguard.

Don't bother with this if you've not read The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.Simliarly you don't need this if you already have Donaldson's collection of short stories Daughter of Regals.

However, if neither of the above apply then you should hunt down this book, especially since this volume will fit better with hard back volumes and includes several illustrations not found in the collection (though the one of Revelstone clearly does not mesh with the book description and the one found in the Atlas of the Land).

If you loved the first Thomas Covenant series....
You have to read this missing chapter.Somehow it adds even more depth to the Bloodguard...and I didn't think that was possible.

Focus is the Bloodguard not Covenant.
A series of chapters, removed from the Illearth War book (it was already too large a volume and required editing)These chapters remove Covenant as the narrator, and focus on the Bloodguard, including rituals, origin and why THEY chose to protect the Lords.Their history and involvement is clarified with this text.I agree it has no place within the chronicles as the viewpoint is that of a third party, however, as a separate book it makes interesting reading when positioned as originally written in the middle of the Illearth War,although the tome was released as an afterthought following the end of the second chronicles.Is this an attempt by Donaldson to sell more books? Or is he genuinely concerned that the reader understands more about the Bloodguard?Read it and make your own decision. ... Read more

Product Description
Stephen R. Donaldson's unique talents have placed his work alongside that of J.R.R. Tolkien and established him as a writer with the rare ability to expand readers' imaginations. Now he presents a magnificent new collection of eight stories and novellas--three of which have never before been published.

This outstanding volume commences with the fablelike title story, "Reave the Just," which highlights one of Donaldson's favorite themes: the individual's power to overcome adversity. This collection also introduces the morbid, soul-taking hero of "Penance," the mysterious beggar woman in the dark fairy tale "The Woman Who Loved Pigs," and the pampered antihero forced to make a choice between virtue and vice in "The Djinn Who Watches Over the Accursed."

Boasting exotic settings and suspense fueled by sudden plot twists, Reave the Just and Other Tales is a testament to Stephen R. Donaldson's talent to spin unforgettably spellbinding stories, and the astonishing scope of his mastery of magic and myth.Amazon.com Review
Reave the Just marks Stephen Donaldson's return to fantasy. It'sbeen over a decade since his last collection of short fiction, and fans ofhis Covenant and Gap series have been clamoring for more from theirfavorite author. This collection includes eight stories and novellashighlighting Donaldson's skill at creating richly defined characterstormented by doubt, pain, and ambition--antiheroes in spectacular andstrange dream worlds. Check out this spectacular collection from a masterof character and plot. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Tedious, boring
This is nothing like the quality of the Thomas Covenant series.
Worse than the gap series.
Don't waste your money on it.
Take a look at his more recent stuff.

Not Free SF Reader
A collection of fantasy stories, barring his take on the Berserker threat.As a whole, they generally suffer from one flaw : they are too long and tedious, as far as I am concerned, apart from the title story, which seems to work ok.Possibly a result of Donaldson not being a natural short story writer, perhaps, but this is who it seems to me.Some ok ideas that just go on and on at times.

Reave the Just : Reave the Just - Stephen R. Donaldson
Reave the Just : The Djinn Who Watches Over the Accursed - Stephen R. Donaldson
Reave the Just : The Killing Stroke - Stephen R. Donaldson
Reave the Just : The Kings of Tarshish Shall Bring Gifts - Stephen R. Donaldson
Reave the Just : Penance - Stephen R. Donaldson
Reave the Just : The Woman Who Loved Pigs - Stephen R. Donaldson
Reave the Just : What Makes Us Human [Berserker] - Stephen R. Donaldson
Reave the Just : By Any Other Name - Stephen R. Donaldson


Alchemy usury incarcarceration skull exsanguination consequences.

3.5 out of 5


Gigolo guignol show.

3 out of 5


Martial arts vs mages.

2.5 out of 5


Caliph calumny.

2.5 out of 5


Vampire war feed.

3 out of 5



Helpless hog advice warlock woe.

2.5 out of 5


Berserker freeze out.

4 out of 5


Necromantic demystification.

3 out of 5

A very good book
Make no mistake about it... Donaldson is a dark, dark writer. In this collection of eight short stories, he covers topics ranging from demonic possession to unjust imprisonment to soulless machinery. Some of these stories have been published before, mostly in other science fiction anthologies. Most of them are set in the realm of fantasy; only one can truly be called science fiction. Despite their dark and sometimes disturbing themes, I thought these stories were interesting. This may have been due, in part, to the fact that they were not each a full-length novel. Extended doom and gloom may have been too much, but in short bursts, I found Donaldson to be manageable.

Quite a few of these stories have an Arabian Nights-type of feeling to them. Many are set in Mid-Eastern or medieval styled countries. I especially enjoyed "The Djinn Who Watches Over the Accursed" and "Penance." Few of Donaldson's stories seem to have unqualified happy endings, but there is usually a lesson to be learned or a point to be made so the ending is usually appropriate, if not always the one the reader might wish for. Donaldson is definitely not the kind of writer who throws his main character into all sorts of trouble and then waves a magic wand to rescue him or her and make things completely better. Instead, there are issues to be worked through and flaws to be dealt with. The main character in Donaldson's tales generally walks away a different person from the individual s/he was initially.

Donaldson's magic continues...
Stephen R. Donaldson is my favorite author: a giant in the world of epic fantasy and SF, who deserves a place right next to J.R.R. Tolkien in the pantheon of the genre. His 1977 book "Lord Foul's Bane" launched the "First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant", a landmark series in fantasy. Since then, he's delighted readers with the lighter "Mordant's Need" books, the extremely dark "Gap" science-fiction series, the "Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant", and this year's "The Runes of the Earth", the first book in the "Last Chronicles".

Between these epic projects, Donaldson has worked on his "The Man Who..." mystery novels, and two wonderful books of short stories, "Daughter of Regals" in 1986 and this book, "Reave the Just, and Other Tales".

The stories here run the gamut, from action-packed martial arts tales to deep, thoughtful novellas. The titular "Reave the Just" story is the best short fantasy work I have ever read.

Anyone who is a fan of SRD probably already owns this book, but for those unfamiliar with his work, "Reave the Just and Other Tales" provides a great introduction to the master's talents.

Best Short Story/Novella Author
Without a doubt one of the best long-form authors out there (admission:I haven't yet read "The Gap into Power" series), Donaldson is even better in the short-form.Unfortunately, he's not that prolific in the realm of short stories, novellettes, or novellas.What he does produce is routinely magnificent however.As with his first collection of short-form stories, there is not a dog in the bunch.While his first collection was a mix of science-fiction and fantasy, this collection is solely fantasy, but what a collection of well-written, involving, and unusual fantasy it is.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
This complete "Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever" contains the books "Lord Foul's Bane", "The Illearth War" and "The Power that Preserves".The first chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever is a fantasy series written by Stephen Donaldson. The series follows the principle character of Thomas Covenant who is a disillusioned, bitter and very cynical writer afflicted with leprosy. Shunned by society, Thomas is hit by a car and awakes in a strange alternate world full of strange creatures and magic. Truly an original creation, The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant is a truly classic trilogy that ranks alongside Tolkien. Literary Awards: British Fantasy Award for Best Novel (1979), World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (1978) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

After LOTR, this is THE epic fantasy...
there is not really too much that I want to say about the thomas covenant series of books --- I love epic fantasy and after tolkien i think donaldson's 6 books plus of thomas covenant and "the land" is the next best read.truthfully, donaldson wrote the first 2 sets (6 books) in the late 70s --- I have read these 6 books perhaps 30 times since then --- I don't think I need to say much more than that...

on top of everything, donaldson is a very down to earth and nice guy --- altho he is a bit harder to reach now after all these years --- the last book of thomas covenant (that would make 9) is coming out this fall I think...

5 stars is not enough for this epic --- i would do 5 stars for each of the first 6 books...

Interesting read but flawed to me....
Overall this is a good trilogy of novels.It is a very character driven series, focusing more on the inner workings of the main character than the plot.Overall, this is a strength to the series, not a weakness. The plot itself is solid enough.

Essentially, Thomas Covenant is a leper and an author in our world who is pulled into another realm to help be the savior of the land.Covenant is a very wounded main character, the result of his leperosy in the real world.

Here is what I disliked about the novel:Thomas Covenant is the biggest whiner I have ever read.The guy is so self centered and pathetic, its hard to care about him.I am a doctor, have been to leperosy camps, and have also suffered with cancer for 2 years.I have never met a patient with any disease who took it as poorly as Thomas Covenant does.It bordered on unbelievable to me that someone could tackle a disease as poorly as this guy does.Covenants first act in the new world he comes to is to rape an underage girl.... Wow, great way to make me care about the protagonist.Not only do I hate rape and the character who did it, but the act itslef was completely out of character from everything else Covenant does.While he is pathetic and whiny, he is not aggressive or a rapist.I just didnt understand this plot point. It had little to do with the overall story and really alienates the reader so far from caring about the protagonist...Also, he basically refuses to help out or do anything usefull for the entire 3 books.That is until the very end where he decides suddenly to go to the "dark lord's" territory and end everything. This sudden change of attitude made no sense and wasnt developed. I could go on and on about this, but I wont.

So overall an interestnig trilogy.Recommended for those who like character driven fantasy (ie Robin Hobb, ect).Those people who hate these books almost universally feel this way because of the way the character of Thomas Covenant is written.Its not easy to read or care about him.

Re-read #6
I have read this series six times. A complete world is created in the mind of a man or is it all within another reality? This is a highly thought provoking look into the rules and structure that a leprous person must deal with. Plus a ton of fantasy with creatures you never dreamed of.

very dry read
I thought this story was very "dry" and hard to follow. I lost interest and never finished. ... Read more

Product Description
WHAT WE RISK

Mick "Brew" Axbrewder is a P.I. who's seen better days.Once a full partner with investigator Ginny Fistoulari, now he works mostly as her hired muscle.They don't talk much since the time his screw-ups led to her losing a hand.

But their latest client's story doesn't add up. He claims to be on the run from mobsters to whom he owes large gambling debts.But he seems almost determined to get into harm's way, and to drag Brew and Ginny into the line of fire beside him.

Just to survive this case, much less solve it, Brew and Ginny are going to have to start working together better.And Brew's going to have to face up to his greatest fears.

"The settings ring true, and the characters have depth."
---Booklist on The Man Who Risked His Partner
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

similar to The Man Who Killed His Brother
This is the second in a series of mystery novels written by Donaldson in between larger writing projects.In this episode, Axbrewder and Fistoulari are hired to protect a bank executive whose life is threatened, but their client tells so many lies that they spend half the book trying to figure out what he is actually up to, while the goons come after them and all hell breaks loose, etc.It's not very deep, but makes fun vacation reading.This novel is very similar to its predecessor, "The Man Who Killed His Brother", although a bit slower and more angst-ridden.In fact it is perhaps a bit too similar in structure.In any case, if you are going to read both books, it is preferable, though not essential, to read TMWKHB first.

A PATHETIC TRAVESTY!!!
Unlike Donaldson's first "Chronicles" trilogy (arguably one of the finest epic fantasys ever written), this pretentious attempt at hard-boiled detective fiction is inauthentic, tiresome, and a complete waste of the reader's time.I got my copy for free, and I still feel cheated!If you want to read something worthwhile in this genre, check out something by Raymond Chandler, Andrew Vachss, or David Cray -- even the worst mass-market fluff by that hack Robert Parker is far better than this travesty!Have you no shame, Mister Donaldson?

hardboiled detective story inside an angst laden drama
In Puerto del Sol in the southwest desert, private sleuth Mick "Brew" Axbrewder feels self loathing and guilt.During an alcoholic stupor, he killed his brother.Adding to his despondency, his detective partner and lover at that time Ginny Fistoulari blew off her hand with a grenade saving his butt from his latest blunder.Though a doubting Thomas about his abilities, Brew struggles with sobriety vowing in a personal covenant to take care of the depressed Gin, who has not mentally recovered from her trauma.

Gin and Brew are hired to protect First Puerta del Sol National Bank Chief Accountant Reg Haskell.He tells them he lost a lot of money gambling at the El Machismo and has been threatened if he fails to pay off his debt.Though they doubt Reg's claim, Brew serves as his personal bodyguard.However as the sleuths investigate his story they find other fabrications and conclude the entire tale is fiction.When several murder attempts occur, Brew and Gin struggle to put aside their personal problems to uncover the person wanting their mendacious client dead.

THE MAN WHO RISKED HIS PARTNER is the second tale of an expansion of novels written in the 1980s under the name Reed Stephens (see THE MAN WHO FOUGHT ALONE).The story line mixes a hardboiled detective story inside an angst relationship drama.Though Reg is a great support character with his changing explanations fun to follow, the tale suffers from an overabundance of negativity.While Gin behaves semi comatose barely living, Brew is the poster boy for guilty loser.Their angst overwhelms a solid private detective tale, depressing the reader.

Harriet Klausner

Excellent mystery, with involving characters
i would expect no less from Stephen Donaldson writing under an asumed name,author of the Gap series, a brilliant mystery novel if you like them this is a good one

The Man Who Risked His Partner
The 2nd book in a 3 book series by Reed Stephens. Brew, feeling responsible for Ginny's disabliity, forces Ginny to take a job as body guards. They almost end up the targets of a mob hit. A great follow up to The Man Who Killed His Brother ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Peerless in scope and literary skill.Donalson stands alone.
In the Sci-Fantasy genre there are many many worthy authors; Robert Jordan and Raymond Feist stand at the forfront of this peloton to name a few.

But like a rider who has broken away from the pack; a pack lead by the best in the world, Stephen Donaldson has established himself in his ongoing Thomas Covenant Chronicles as a master of the written word.

Donaldson is clearly "playing on a different level", and produces work that is much more than simply "a good yarn". The unfolding of Thomas Covenant as a character is as perfect as one could want, and is set amongst a backdrop as gripping and beautiful in both its construction and description, as could be imagined.

Not for beginners, and definitely not for those who have not completed the first trilogy, I give The Coveneant series my highest recommendation to anyone who wishes to be led on an exploration of what the art of storytelling can achieve.

White Gold
One of my favorite all time series of novels. Thomas Covenant's adventures are appealing, relevant, and just down right excellent story telling. Rivals the Lord of the Lord of the Rings trilogy as one of the greatest stories ever written.

The Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant:
Was in much better condition than I thought it would be. Very prompt shipment. Will buy from this dealer again.

Writing 4-5 stars, book construction materials 2-3 stars
If you want a review of the Chronicles, see any of the other editions of this book, what I want to warn you about is the quality of the materials from which the book is made.

The cover is very thin and flimsy and promises to scuff easily and tear. Given that the book weighs in at 1150 pages, I was expecting a thicker, more durable cover. I normally carry books in a knapsack but, to be honest, I'm not sure I would risk this one in a sack without a lot of care. If I had seen it in the stacks at the local brick and mortar, I would never have bought it for the price.

The other aspect of the size that concerns me is the height and width; this book is a little larger than the average paperback. I was expecting something closer to the size of a hardcover. The binding *appears* good but given the size and construction, I am honestly concerned that this book may not hold up for more than two or three readings.

You are better off buying the books separately or finding a different combined edition.

starts out fine but then - Boring...
The book starts fantasticly, but then as I went along I grow tired by the long jurney, no humor at all, and especialy by exageration with the fact that Thomas is a leper - in every other line you can find something like "... he knew that feeling all to well for he was a LEPER...", and another thing - every little thing and action is to important and grand. I just lost interest and excitement from the first 200 pages. I don't know, maybe I wasn't in the right mood, or I had too great expectations, but I'll take Feist, Guy Gavriel Kay, Eddings, especialy Eddings over Donaldson any day. ... Read more

Product Description
With The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Stephen R. Donaldson changed the face of fantasy fiction forever. In The Mirror of Her Dreams, the astonishing first novel in the two-volume Mordant’s Need series, Donaldson shows us a world of wondrous beauty and seductive illusion, where mirrors hold the deadliest of magics and nothing is what it seems. . . .

The daughter of rich but neglectful parents, Terisa Morgan lives alone in a New York City apartment, a young woman who has grown to doubt her own existence. Surrounded by the flat reassurance of mirrors, she leads an unfulfilled life—until the night a strange man named Geraden comes crashing through one of her mirrors, on a quest to find a champion to save his kingdom of Mordant from a pervasive evil that threatens the land. Terisa is no champion. She wields neither magic nor power. And yet, much to her own surprise, when Geraden begs her to come back with him, she agrees.

Now, in a culture where women are little more than the playthings of powerful men, in a castle honeycombed with secret passages and clever traps, in a kingdom threatened from without and within by enemies able to appear and vanish out of thin air, Terisa must become more than the pale reflection of a person. For the way back to Earth is closed to her. And the enemies of Mordant will stop at nothing to see her dead. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (100)

Spellbinding?
Some have said that the book was a little to slow at the beginning... for me that always means I will like it.That is where good character development is done and for me the book is only good if I understand the depths of its main characters.And Terisa's character captivated me.The loneliest of the lonely, Terisa's parents not only punished her for the mildest intrusions in their private lives (by locking her in a closet), they also deprived her of any relationships with anyone else.She has such a distorted self image that she has serious doubts that she actually exists. For this reason, she has surrounded herself in her condo by hundreds of mirrors.She is an empty young woman without purpose until she is "translated" into another realm of being.

Though no mention is made of magic other than that of the mirrors, it seems as if something is going on.Why does Geraden have so little success, despite his intelligence, valiance and loving family?Is he spelled?Why has no one ever reached out to Terisa in her own world, despite her emotional difficulties, she is described as beautiful.In this world that would be enough reason for men, both good and bad, to pursue her.Has she been spelled so no one notices her?And Master Eremis?How is he is able to arouse so many women sexually, seducing the unwary without the power to say no, because he is so mesmerizing?

A rewarding fantasy novel, as long as you are PATIENT and keep the sequel at hand
Reading this book was my second exposure to Stephen Donaldson, the first being the Thomas Covenant series.This definitely had a different "flavor" to it.Overall, I really enjoyed it.The root concept presented is wonderful, that being the blending of magic and alchemy.So rather than having outright magic, you have alchemists who craft various tinctures used to construct a mirror glass with incredible properties (magical).Windows to other worlds and places, capable of "translating" objects and beings through it.This concept supports the driving story arc for a medieval kingdom in conflict. And then tie this in with a "present day" perspective--Terisa Morgan, from the 20th Century, serendipitously dragged into this realm and having to face a strange and dangerous world.

Donaldson goes to painstaking efforts to convey the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of his characters.He does it to a fault, though.At times you find yourself hearing the many thoughts/perspectives of characters regarding an incident in common, or a series of thoughts from a character rehashed in slightly different circumstances.It's like talking to someone who likes to repeat the same story, with slight variations.After a while, enough is enough.So, you are driven to skim in order to move the story along and get to the more entertaining parts.Some examples are the repeated contemplation of Terisa Morgan being new and uncertain in this strange place, while at the same time feeling more alive than she ever did in the world she came from.Or everybody seeing King Joyse as a man who has lost his sanity, seeming to not care about his realm or his people (we get about a dozen different perspectives on this).

The structure of the realm (kingdoms and dominions) is not overly complicated but intricate enough that requires concentration.There are a LOT of minor characters in this story, so you might even want to keep some scratch notes.Not as bad as "Lord Of The Rings", but enough that makes it a little trying to keep it all straight.Donaldson utilizes ancient terminology that probably isn't familiar to many people.What's a "Monomach"? A "Castellan"? Or a "Care" outside of a person's concern?These are just some words/terminologies you have to acclimate yourself to.

The other problem is that "The Mirror Of Her Dreams" has a cliffhanger ending.You are left aching to know what happens next, as there isn't much closure.Of course, any multi-volume story is going to have things left hanging, but it's important to have a balance.Enough closure to feel good about what you've read, while still hungry for what may come next."Mordant's Need" (the sub title used for both books, about the kingdom of Mordant) is delivered in a two volume book series, and "The Mirror Of Her Dreams" makes a rather clear first half, with exposed wiring.You really want to continue reading.So, definitely get "A Man Rides Through" to avoid that inconvenience.

I won't comment too much on "A Man Rides Through", only to say that it is a necessary companion to this book and is a worthwhile read.There's much more action in it, including the finale of the whole story of "Mordant's Need".There's not as much attention devoted to character development, though (in some respects, a good thing).Terisa finally comes into her own and her relationship with Geraden progresses nicely.And there's some good closure to questions left hanging from the first book.I love the ending.It's classic and deserving (someone really "gets it", hint hint).


Overall, I enjoyed this duo of books.Actually, I think it would make a great movie, if someone would craft a good enough screenplay, a nicely selective adaptation.With the success of LOTR (Lord Of The Rings), and the incredible power of computerized special effects, this story is definitely doable.The main question is, can this story be sold to those willing to put forth the money.At present, the Thomas Convenant series is under movie option.Maybe if that goes well, people will take more notice of Donaldson's work to consider for movie making.I certainly hope so!

What a long road its been...
(3.5 stars)

I have had a long love-hate relationship with this series. There were a lot of things that I didn't like. One: the main character, Terisa, is very hard to like because she has many problems such as lack of self confidence (an understatement) and it is important for me to have the main female likable. Two: the first book is extremely slow. I think all 642 pages span like 5-7 days. I actually almost quit near the end; I started another book I had lined up but I couldn't do it. I kept wondering what was happening to the characters in this book (even Teresa) and so I had to continue on. I wasn't disappointed.

Donaldson is a gifted writer. He injected emotion and life into his characters to the point you believed they were real, even if they were unlikeable. He's not afraid to make characters less than perfect and neither to make them as lovable as they can be. This is the main reason I came away from this series happy; characters are so well developed they make your heart flutter or your skin crawl. The story is unique with a fun magic system: the use of mirrors to move through worlds or to bring things out of them. It's very clever and evolves with the story as you go.

One of the highlights of the series is the romance between Terisa and Geraden. It is portrayed so well and so touching. Geraden is extremely likable and the way they evolve together is realistic yet still romantic. It is intriguing the way he comes to her and brings her to his world; it reads like a fairy tale.

I would recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy about good vs. evil, a good magic system, a great writer, but one who also has a lot of patience. Even if you hate Teresa sometimes, there are other strong women in this book, and you'll want to find out if Terisa finds herself by the end of the series.

Great Fantasy Novel
Preface: If you like long books, lots of detail and a great story, you'll love Donaldson.

First off, let me say that if you were at all turned off by Donaldson's Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, please do not overlook this book or the follow-up book to this one. I wish this series was as long as the Covenant ones.

Donaldson weaves a great story here that is not as elaborate and in depth as his Covenant series. And I love that the main character in this one is a woman. So many are men so this changes things up a bit. The main characters are truly lovable and the romance aspect is great, but not overdone. I hate rehashing the storyline in reviews because you can read the synopsis online if you want, so I will leave it at that. I found that these books fall somewhere between Donaldson's Covenant series and David Eddings' novels. Truly enjoyable. I rarely give a book 5 stars, but gave 5 to this one and his follow-up book to it. You don't need a bunch of maps or glosseries for this one, it's just a great fantasy book, so don't expect it to be all Dungeons & Dragony where you have a lot to keep up with. But I would label this a "cozy fantasy" and not a hard core fantasy duo for those of us who like a break from all the minute details that usually come with entering this realm of literature.

My favorite book.
I have to say this is one of my favorite books. Stephen R. Donaldson has a way of making his characters seem heroic and vulnerable at the same time. I place this up there as one of my all time favorite books. I guess I have to say I'm a sucker for the underdog love stories. The mirror magic as he portrays it is interesting enough in itself--but then you add the political intrigue and it just sings to me. ... Read more

Product Description
In the sequel to The Real Story and Forbidden Knowledge, a scheme unravels to reveal deeper schemes. By the author of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. Reprint.Amazon.com Review
Remember how the fairy-tale-ish The Hobbit morphed intoa wide-lens The Lord of the Rings?Plots, counterplots, andintrigue galore await readers of the Gap saga, which is still pickingup speed. Allusions to Wagner's The Ring Cycle in opening bookThe RealStory's afterword now become clear as Earth politicians, Holt"Dragon" Fasner, and the rest of the United Mining CompanyPolice bureaucrats enter the fray. Morn and company still teeterbetween exhilaration and desperation.... even readers who don't carefor action or space opera may enjoy a story with this forceful a meldof character, cabal, and adventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Swift plot, unique turn on the series
The third installment to the Gap series is as different as the first two are to each other. Donaldson is either showing off his storyline flexibility or he's running out of ideas for the five book contract. Where Gap1 was a thin book with a unique point of perspective and Gap2 was a lengthy novel based off of those same characters, Gap3 takes away the characterizations from the last two books and inserts a role reversal of sorts while still maintaining the long length.

Lucky Nick Succorso is becoming increasingly unlucky, bullying Angus Therompyle has become a servant and the once center stage Morn Hyland has become a mere side story. In the reversal of roles is a mix of politics from the UMCPHQ, UMCP, UMCPDA, UMC itself (if you understand that, then you're in the right boat) and a slew of politicians from Earth. This is where the story takes its unfortunate turn. The prior stories were compelling when it only dealt with the triangle of hate (Morn, Nick and Angus) and the Amnion aliens. But now the political card has been turned and while it DOES add an extra twist to entire plot, the amount of politicians involved is cumbersome. Nevertheless, Donaldson manages to not over play this card so the meat of the plot is still focused on Angus and Nick.

The storyline is pretty swift considering its 654 pages. Interspersed through the book are `ancillary documentation' tidbits which really do nothing for the book or series as a whole except to make the book even longer. But the dividing of chapters is unique and different as each chapter is from a characters perspective- Nick, Morn, Angus, etc. and sometimes these two chapters overlap to provide two accounts on the same event... kind of like Gap1, if you remember.

Seeing that I've ranked each Gap book as 4stars, I will continue to read the series... and I wait to see how the subtitle `a dark and hungry god' works itself into the overall plot because it didn't make itself clear in Gap3.

Gap Book
I love this series! I liked it even better than the Thomas Covenant series, which was my first exposure to this author. I don't normally go for science fiction, but Donaldson is a fantastic author and I have enjoyed all his books. This series is definitely my favorite. I needed A Dark and Hungry God Arises because the one in my Gap set got ruined. I had been looking for the middle book for a while, and could only find it in complete sets. I was pleased to find it used. The book was in great condition, matched the others in my set, and arrived ahead of the expected delivery date. I am very happy with the book and the seller.

Donaldson is great
I have read all of the books in this series (I believe 6). They were all excellent, although the conclusion was weaker than it could have been.
The first volume is incredibly gripping.
Leon

My favorite of the series
"A Dark and Hungry God Arises" picks up where "Forbidden Knowledge" left off.The great majority of this book is set on Thanatos Minor, the illegal bootleg human-operated outpost located in Amnion space.The Amnion tolerate its presence due to the tremendous trading opportunities it affords them.

Although I liked Books 2 through 5 greatly and found them almost equally pleasurable to read, I particularly enjoyed this one for a couple of reasons:
- The seamy ambience of Thanatos Minor is vividly described and is probably the only setting in the series that I could visualize well.
- Angus Thermopyle re-appears in the story with tremendous effect.
- Further sinister engagements with the Amnion add a lot to the setting and plot.
- Very exciting climax and final battle.

Couldn't put this one down.

Another strong entry in this compelling series
First off, if you haven't read The Real Story and Forbidden Knowledge, don't even pick this book up. You'll spend too much time trying to figure out what's already transpired.

Where this book picks up, the sexually abused and psychologically debilitated Morn Hyland is captive, trying to keep herself and her (also captive) son from being sold/traded to the alien Amnion for genetic experimentation by Nick Succorso, her rescuer and eventual kidnapper. On the other end of the Galaxy, Warden Dios is working his machinations to bring down his boss, Holt Fasner, and part of this involves sending Morn's initial kidnapper and rapist, Angus Thermopyle to rescue her.

Have no idea what that is about? Read the first two books in the series. The series itself is dark, violent, graphically descriptive, and thoroughly nihilistic. Ironically Morn, the "heroine" of sorts throughout the series, continues to strive for some level of honor and morality amidst the depravity and betrayal resounding around her.

As far as writing, movement, style, etc., Donaldson has done an incredible job, not only with this book, but with the entire series. It is a "page turner" in the classic sense, always moving, with the conflicts continuing to evolve, twist, and even fold back upon themselves. But it seems to be written from a very dark perspective of human nature.

The only reason I hesitate to recommend it is because of the very intense, graphic and (ultimately) nihilistic nature of the book (and series). This specific portion of the series has finally stepped away from the sexually depraved nature of the first two, but the dark and twisted morality and motivations still remain. ... Read more

Product Description
Book Club Edition set including Lord Foul's Bane, The Illearth War and The Power That Preserves. Features the beautiful dust jackets designed by illustrator S.C. Wyeth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Elena Calls for Help!
The first trilogy of "Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever" was Donaldson's initial opus and launched him to immediate consideration of public & critics.

Donaldson's proposal is quite risky.
The main character is a sick man unable to compromise with the fantastic universe that deploys before him. The reader will certainly not identify with Covenant's sour & bitter personality.
Nevertheless a powerful story is constructed over this implausible pillar!
Second risky item: a baroque language is used by the author. As I am foreigner to English language, it doesn't bother me to take a look into dictionary when reading any book. In order to understand this trilogy, the difference with other readings is just the greater frequency I needed to look up words.
Yet these strange words give a special "taste" to the novels that I quite enjoy.


"The Illearth War" is the second volume of the trilogy and I strongly recommend reading the first volume before start reading this one. It is true that the author provides a two page summary of what happened before, nevertheless The Land scenery & characters is too complex to be understood with that intro only, and the reader risk to get confused and even bored.

The tale is as follows: after a very short return to our own world, Thomas is recalled to the Land. There forty years has elapsed since Covenant's departure.
The summoner this time is Lord Elena, new elected High Lord, young & energetic and determined to save the Land from Lord Foul's designs.

From this starting point three main & parallel stories evolve.
One line follows the adventures of a group of Lords and Bloodguard in an urgent quest to find what happened to the Giants that are silent and out of touch with the Lords.
The second follow Lord Mhoram, Warmark (Supreme Commander) Hile Troy and the Warward (Lord's Army) in a forced march to confront Lord Foul's ghastly army.
The third line follows Lord Elena and Thomas in search of the seventh Ward of Kevin's Lore.

These three lines will merge at book's end in a high voltage finale!

This second volume of the saga introduces new interesting characters.
One is Hille Troy who has many points in common with Covenant: he has been summoned from our world, he is a blind-born person and in the Land he gains vision (as Thomas recovers from leprosy). Other traits are just the opposite, Hille believes the Land is real and he is ready to face whatever risk to save it.
Elena is the other remarkable new personae, fervent defender of the Land and essentially feminine, confers a different touch to the whole story.

It is great book that may be enjoyed by fantasy fans and general public as well! But remember read Book one first!

Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Book purchase
Book was in good condition. A little worn but still very servicable. Overall, satisfied with purchase. ... Read more

Product Description
The acclaimed fantasy epic, together in one volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Excellent Fantasy Adventure for Advanced Teen to Adults
I read the first series when I was a freshman in college.Now at age 50, I started re-reading it this past spring and now am in the midst of the third series.It's funny, but the book seems different this time around and far more interesting.I believe the language used will be advanced for most readers (you will learn some english words you probably did not know existed) and the character development is very deep, which is probably why I see it differently through the eyes of a 50 year old versus an 18 year old.Enjoyed it both times and just pre-ordered the last book (book nine).Every reader will take away something different about the plot and what it's supposed to be about.The plot is modest paced - if you like all fast paced stuff it may get boring at times, but it has sections that move at lightening speed and require re-reading to grasp all the details.As noted, character development is deep and Donaldson spends a lot of time on this. If you enjoy getting into the sometimes twisted minds of ordinary people, then this is a great read. He has a way of taking a few character flaws that any one might relate to and really working them into a persona who's whole life revolves around these flaws. I found each book to be a good read in its own right and the story line is well kept (does not stray) throughout the 8 books I have read so far. You will identify with the main characters, whether you like it or not and I am sure most fantasy readers will get hooked. The glossary is helpful to keep the characters straight.There are many human like characters and non-human fantasy beings to get to know in here - giants, stonedowners, elohim, sequents, ur-viles, ramen, ranyhyn, forestals, lords, ravers, haruchai - all with their own special backgrounds and competing interests. Thick with intrigue and betrayals.Lots of magical, mystical and spiritual adventure. Plan on many months of reading.

Give this one a chance
I was a 20something in the late 70's when these came out.I loved the books but didn't understand the main character.Couldn't see why he wouldn't just let it go and get into the Land.Even then I loved the books because of the other characters and the pure fantasy.I was challenged by the intricate language but it made it more worthwile.

Later in my 40's I came across my old books in a box and read the series again. Wow what a difference, I now really understood Thomas and why he couldn't just let go.I understood much more of the flavor of the other characters and the ire of Thomas.He isn't some heroic character with noble motives and a brave rugged face spewing power everywhere, he's a guy who is trying to cope and not go insane.

Now that there are new books, I'm going to go back and read the whole thing over again.I fully expect to see it in a different way yet again.

So if you are considering this series, get a good copy, you may need it again in a few years!

P.s.Yes, it's not the easiest to read nor is it the happy easy romance.This is a truly epic tale, not of easy victories but of hard choices, hard to understand people and complicated motives. Give it a chance to grow on you. Now when is someone going to make it into a movie!!

Not worth the time.
I finally gave up on this book after 250 pages.It is the most boring fantasy novel I have ever attempted to read and one of only 3 books in my life I have quit before finishing.

The entire book is a paradox.Much of the world that is created is very childish and juvenile in its details.It really does feel like a book written for preteens only the use of obscure words and adult content show that it was not.

Nearly every single character in this book is very unlikable.I spend the entire time reading this book, at least when I am not daydreaming of something more interesting, hoping that bad things will soon happen to every one of them.The only halfway-likable character in the entire book gets raped by Covenant right off the bat.

I regret buying this book and am astonished to see it get so many good reviews and such high placement on top 10 fantasy novel rankings when there are so many more deserving books.It just goes to show that there is no accounting for taste.

Great Example of the Fantasy Genre
I read this in the early 80's as a teenager, and absolutely loved it.After the popularity of the Lord of the Rings movies, I bought the trilogy for a nephew who had fallen in love with Tolkein, and he had the same opinion that I did: this was a more enjoyable story than Rings.I didn't say better, especially since so many elements of Covenant are blatantly copied from Rings - the ring as a talisman, a disembodied near all powerful nemesis, Woodwrights=Ents, etc -, but the charecters and the storyline are masterful.When I gave it to my nephew I re-read the copies that I had, and once again came to the same conclusion, that this series was more enjoyable than Rings.I also re-read Rings during the popularity of the movies, and yes they are an example of great storytelling.

I must say though, that the Rings movies far exceeded the books for me.I can't wait to see if someone will ever bring this series to the screen.

Let's Get Down to the Nitty Gritty
I've read all of the reviews here and have something to say to those with negative opinions of this series:for those of you who have relayed your reviews succinctly, I respect your collective opinions.This series is not for everyone.But to those who's reviews seemed to reflect confusion, please give this series another try.You obviously did not 'get it.'

This series is not about a fantasy land within which Covenant travels, such as other fantasy books dictate - yes, it is a story of a man who travels through the Land, however it is mostly about what happens to a person (physically, emotionally, mentally) who contracts and suffers with leprosy.The Land was Covenant, literally.When you look back at the characters, at the nuances of the Land, at the abilities of the Lords and such, and then put these details to the variety of physical aspects of the body, you can see a whole other series and story taking place.

Covenant was the Land.Though it is dreary and somewhat tiresome to read, the first book - Lord Foul's Bane - is the most important.It is where you, the reader, learn all you need to know about leprosy.Apply all that you learn there to the rest of this series, and the next three books, and you have a deeper understanding of Donaldson's genius.

BTW:on a side note, Donaldson - a master of language - spent some time in India with his father, who worked very closely with lepers.His experiences there shine through in this series.

The follow-up series' first book - The Runes of the Earth - follows the same pattern as this sets of series, except instead of leprosy the story follows a more psychological approach, mainly psychosis.I am anxious to read the next three books in the final series of this epic.

When I read this series and the series that followed, I was so stunned by everything - the story, the characters, the method of Donaldson's writing - I could read nothing else for a year.It was roughly 12 months later that I finally broke down and bought the Myth series by Robert Aspirin to 'clean my pallet' so that I could once again read a serious fantasy series.

And know that this series was written well before most of the fantasy series you have probably read. ... Read more

Product Description
The Creator Of Thomas Covenant Adds Eight New Wonders To The World.

In his first collection of short fiction, the bestselling author of White Gold Wielder presents eight superb stories, including "Gilden-Fire," the famous "outtake" from Illearth War, and two brand new novellas written especially for this edition. Enter a world of mystics and unicorns, angels and kings -- all realized with the same dazzling style and imagination that has made Stephen R. Donaldson a modern master of the fantasy genre.

Daughter of Regals is a fantasy novella concerning a unique royal line and an unusual conception of magic.

The Conqueror Worm is a deliciously creepy "horror" piece in which havoc is wreaked by one lowly centipede.

Ser Visal's Tale begins as a simple story told over several flagons of wine at the local inn, this novella ends with a surprising twist.

Gilden-Fire is the famous chapter about Korik of the Bloodguard and his mission to Seareach that was part of the original manuscript of The Illearth War, but omitted from the published version. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Not Free SF Reader
A mixed genre collection, based around the Gilden-Fire novella, but mostly fantasy and then horror.Not too bad, with a 3.31 average.


Daughter of Regals : Daughter of Regals - Stephen Donaldson
Daughter of Regals : Gilden-Fire - Stephen Donaldson
Daughter of Regals : Mythological Beast - Stephen Donaldson
Daughter of Regals : The Lady in White - Stephen Donaldson
Daughter of Regals : Animal Lover - Stephen Donaldson
Daughter of Regals : Unworthy of the Angel - Stephen Donaldson
Daughter of Regals : The Conqueror Worm - Stephen Donaldson
Daughter of Regals : Ser Visal's Tale - Stephen Donaldson

Mage manoeuvres and the dragon lady.

3.5 out of 5


Gilden Fire is is the result of one of the earlier modern fantasy writers inability to write anything short. Obviously a disease that has proved seriously catching.

Because the Illearth War was too long originally and threatened to turn into a black hole, this is a part chopped out of there and deals with Korik the Bloodguard's quest to Seareach, so is not a Thomas Conveant story as far as that goes, directly.

Lords, Giants, fighting as a big finale, too.

3.5 out of 5


Unicorn revival.

3 out of 5


Wizard lust magic disguise.

3 out of 5


Hunting cyborg armed animal casualties.

4 out of 5


Bloody rooted.

3 out of 5


Bugged relationship.

3 out of 5


Witch execution cauldron escape.

3.5 out of 5




3.5 out of 5

Short form not his strength.
Truthfully, I found these pieces lackluster. I felt they had very little of what makes Donaldson so strong as a novelist. Somehow the short form never gives him the chance to create the worlds for which he is so justly famous.

I was particularly disappointed in the first two stories, the longest in the collection. "Daughter of Regals" was quite predictable, and "Gilden-Fire" read like a failed sketch for Illearth, rather than a story set in its mythos. I did enjoy the book more as it progressed, and the stories towards the end were the strongest. I was particularly fond of "Animal Lover" and "Unworthy of the Angel". "Unworthy of the Angel", to my mind, started to approach the quality of the novels-- it was bittersweet, surprising and well-crafted.

Recommended for readers who are already fans. If you have never read any Donaldson before, then pick up Lord Foul's Bane or A Man Rides Through instead.

LOVE IT!
I LOVED the book! I like all of them though my favorites happen to be Daughter of Regals, Ser Visal's Tale and The Conquerer Worm. But I liked Unworthy of Angel and Mythological Beast a lot too. Overall, just read the book. I found them all interesting (except Animal Lover, which I didn't read yet hehe) and there's something for everybody.

The Conquerer Worm isn't really a fantasy or sci-fi story at all- it's the shortest (I think) and it shows how much trouble a centipede causes. It has a psycological "creepiness" abput it and I loved it. It is more about developing the characters than anything.

I LOVED Daughter of Regals because of the complex storyline and all the twists it has.

Ser Visal's tale has an unexpected ending- tho it took me a few minutes to realize it. I was like *GASP*. I found that telling the story through a storyteller was interesting.

Gilden-Fire is great because I loved Thomas Covenant and it ties in some info about the bloodguard that is not in The Illearth War. Great read but might be a little confusing for anyone who didn't read the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever.

Eight stories, no two in the same setting
"Daughter of Regals" - Magic, in this land, is the art of manipulating images of the Real: the Wood of the Ash tree, Wind, the Fire deep in the earth, or images of Real creatures: the Basilisk, the Wyvern, the Phoenix. Such magic is inherited by those who descend from some Real man or woman: someone who can shapechange into a Real creature. The Regals who unified the three kingdoms of Canna, Nabal, and Loden into an uneasy realm are such people. Now Chrysalis, on this night of her 21st birthday, must ascend to the Seat in full view of the realm's nobles and take her Real shape and her place as Regal, or watch the Realm shatter. And she alone knows that she's already failed once. (Excellent story, taking place in the single night that will mark Chrysalis' ascension, death, or flight, told by her.)

"Gilden-Fire" - This tale of Korik of the Bloodguard and the mission to the Giants of Seareach was cut from THE ILLEARTH WAR, not because the sequence isn't good, but because 1) Donaldson needed to cut about 150 pages, and 2) using Korik as the viewpoint character caused problems when set beside Covenant's Unbelief. Enjoy; Korik fills in some of the background of the Bloodguard as lagniappe.

"Mythological Beast" - Norman lives a perfectly sane, perfectly safe life as a librarian, in an age when violence has been eliminated by eliminating the causes of fear. Not that many people can read, or that anyone uses the library. He can't understand why the new nub of horn on his forehead doesn't register as anything odd on his biomitter, or why nobody seems surprised by his other gradual changes.

"The Lady in White" - The narrator, Mardik the blacksmith, tells the tale of how his 'mad' dreamer of a younger brother came to be blinded, in rescuing him from the mysterious Lady in White, who had lured many men to their deaths in the Deep Forest.

"Animal Lover" - The narrator is a cyborg government agent, for whom serious injury just means a few more experiments with new equipment. In this age of overpopulation, genetic engineering is outlawed, and the government subsidizes anything that'll act as a pressure valve: slamming cars around a racetrack, game preserves. But the exclusive game preserve the agent's asked to investigate has a *far* higher death rate than normal, and seems to advertise only by word of mouth. The narrator's the best pick, since he'll be inclined to root for the animals rather than slant his report the other way, if no criminal activity is going on.

"Unworthy of the Angel" - The title comes from the saying, Let no man be unworthy of the Angel who stands over him. The narrator, a guardian angel (literally) whose memory of each assignment is wiped away by the next, has the unsavory task of coping with a charge who's selling his soul to become a better sculptor. This isn't a blatant diabolical contract in brimstone, nothing so crude; the sculptor just has to be willfully blind to the consequences of his actions. But an angel can't help you unless you give him permission...

"The Conqueror Worm" - Welcome to the not-quite-right home of Creel and Vi Sump. He's got a good job, but maybe a dead end; the place has some expensive electronics, but a water-damaged ceiling; and so on. Tonight, a centipede is loose in the apartment after they've both been drinking at a party, and they're trying to kill it. (More of a character study than anything; the only story in the collection that's not to my taste.)

"Ser Visal's Tale" - Some of the wild young men of the town regularly buy Ser Visal's drinks at the tavern with the deaf bartender, to hear tales that, while not quite openly heretical or seditious, wouldn't help him any with the Judica or the King. Now they want to know the *real* story of Dom Perralt's excommunication, in this land that's become a theocracy in one generation.

Sweet Spot
The jewels of this collection are "Ser Visal's Tale" and "Daughter of Regals".These stories don't just create anticipation and uncertainty in the telling, they also generate complete conviction when all is told.

Donaldson's shorter short stories don't give him enough scope for his forte, i.e. unfolding layers of the truth.In order to shine, he needs time for his characters to be acting on incomplete information at first, but eventually realize what is going on.Unfortunately, his big novels, which have unlimited room for intricacy, tend to bloat with repetition and bog down under lengthy delays.

I believe that if Donaldson would write all his stories in the 50-page range, he would be an even larger figure than he already is in the world of the sci-fi/fantasy novel. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Don't miss it - NO SPOILERS!
I started this book/series about 30 years ago - it remains within the top 5 of all fantasy series I've read to date.These are the *only* books I've re-read for the pure entertainment, and to pick up nuances I may have missed on the initial reading.Summaries are numerous, so I won't give you another one.If this sounds like something you may even marginally enjoy, I can assure you that you won't be sorry - "Lord Foul's Bane" will set you on the path to a double trilogy (I haven't read the 3rd series yet, which starts with "Runes of the Earth") that will knock your socks off!Enjoy!

The Leper Results a Reluctant Champion.
Usually when people review series or sagas waits to read all the tomes before writing the individual review.
I choose to review each installment as soon as I finish reading it as not to be influenced by the overall picture in detriment of the individual volume.

The first trilogy of "Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever" was Donaldson's first opus and launched him to immediate consideration of public & critics.

Donaldson's proposal is quite risky.
The main character is unable to compromise with the fantastic universe that deploys before him. The reader will certainly not identify with Covenant's sour & bitter personality.
Nevertheless a powerful story is constructed over this implausible pillar!
Second risky item: a baroque language is used by the author. As I am a foreigner to English language, it doesn't bother me to take a look into dictionary when reading any book. In order to understand this trilogy, the difference with other readings is just the greater frequency I needed to look up words.

The tale is as follows: Thomas is a writer whose first novel is a best seller. When he is enjoying his success and trying to write his second book, he is found to be a leper.
He looses two fingers of his right hand. His wife & son run away from him. He spent a semester at a leprosarium and returns to his home, just to find what a leper's life is: no one wants to relate to him, he is an outcast, forced to solitude.
He turns into an angry & resentful person.

Suddenly after a car accident he awakes in a different universe: The Land.
First he faces absolute evil incarnated in Lord Foul who releases him with a message for the Lords of the Land.
Then he encounters a young & beautiful girl that guide his first steps in the Land and thinks he may be the reincarnation of Berek Halfhand the greatest hero of the Land.
Thomas refuses to accept this universe as "real"; he thinks it is just a figment of his imagination; a defensive delusion to evade his painful reality.
He recovers his lost sensitivity in his hands and extremities. He is so charged of unmanageable energy that he commits his awful "original sin": he rapes the lovely Lena. This sin will torture & shame Covenant all thru the story.

Atiran, Lena's mother unaware of his wrongdoing leads him in search of the distant Revelstone, the Home of the Council of Lords. When Atiran finds out Thomas' felony, another Land's characteristic come to the fore: the Oath of Peace, creating a well of tension within her.

Stage by stage the Land and its dwellers will be presented to Covenant (and the reader) growing in complexity and interest.
Finally the Lords receive the message and launch the final Quest that closes this volume.

It is great book that may be enjoyed by fantasy fans and general public as well!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

good different fantasy
This is a good break from the typical dragon-world fantasy genre.Donaldson uses a complex anti-hero as the eyeglass to an enthralling fantasy world that's quite different from the typical fantasy worlds.Good series, but the main character does whine quite a bit.

The Best
This is the first book in one of the dam best stories you will ever read. I only wish I had never read it so I could read it like I did the first time. ... Read more