Into the Narrowdark

Last King of Osten Ard, Book 3

By: Tad Williams

Narrated by: Andrew Wincott

Length: 34 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best-selling world of Osten Ard returns in the third Last King of Osten Ard novel, as threats to the kingdom loom....

The High Throne of Erkynland is tottering, its royal family divided and diminished. Queen Miriamele has been caught up in a brutal rebellion in the south and thought to have died in a fiery attack. Her grandson Morgan, heir to the throne, has been captured by one of Utuk'ku's soldiers in the ruins of an abandoned city. Miriamele’s husband, King Simon, is overwhelmed by grief and hopelessness, unaware that many of these terrible things have been caused by Pasevalles, a murderous traitor inside Simon’s own court at the Hayholt.

Meanwhile, a deadly army of Norns led by the ageless, vengeful Queen Utuk’ku, has swept into Erkyland and thrown down the fortress of Naglimund, slaughtering the inhabitants and digging up the ancient grave of Ruyan the Navigator so that Utuk'ku can use the Navigator’s fabled armor to call up the spirit of Hakatri, the evil Storm King's brother.

Even the Sithi, fairy-kin to the Norns, are helpless to stop Utuk'ku's triumph as her armies simultaneously march on the Hayholt and force their way into the forbidden, ogre-guarded valley of Tanakirú—the Narrowdark—where a secret waits that might bring Simon's people and their Sithi allies salvation—or doom.

©2022 Tad Williams (P)2022 Penguin Audio

One of the best fantasy stories that exists

I’ve read so much fantasy.
More than most people that I’ve ever met .
Siri is from that perspective that I say that this is one of the most compelling, engaging and beautiful stories ever told .
Kudos, Tad!

Excellent storytelling at its very finest

I can’t wait for the next book . This series is one of the best reads of all time in the genre… two thumbs way up!

Still my favorite author, and he still has the gift

Only about a quarter of the way through the book, and it feels like I’m home. Tads ability to make me hate Simon, and then love him through the series, and then hate Morgan, and then love him, and then hate (or be greatly annoyed) Simon again, because he has resorted to becoming a whiny child again lol I absolutely LOVE these characters, they are my very favorite in all the literature I have read, I named my dog Binabik (Binbinikaykabenik). Tad, I hope you know that your writing is not only essential to the genre, but it brings people pure happiness! The narrator, his character narrating imo is the gold standard, and definitely adds a lot to my enjoyment of the books. Masterfully done, Tad and Andrew! Give me 100 more Osten Ard stories!

Anticipation

All I can say is …..when will be book 4 Be On AUDIOBOOK!!!!! I CANT WAITTT!!!!!!!

Phenomenal

The best book of the best series currently out there, Tad Williams is wrapping up Osten Ard fantastically and Andrew Wincott delivers a tremendous performance.

Engrossing

Excellent continuation, wonderful characters. Thought provoking. Loved the different voices that were provided. Can't wait for the next book

Another Amazing Entry to the Series!

"The land of clear golden light,
Where each is given what is needed
And only that
As was promised long ago?
Now it is time to ride home
To the place I was born
And begin again."

Once again, it may seem like a daunting task. To read a series that was started almost 30 years ago and spans nearly 5000 pages(including the original trilogy only and not the novellas), but I beseech you to read Tad Williams's epic series. I started reading this series with absolutely no expectations and I quickly realized just how amazing it is. The prose, the realism of the characters, the history and cultures. Every aspect of this series is fantastic. "Into the Narrowdark" continues this level of quality and adds a tonal shift that really drives the plot of this book. Like how many other people have said, this entry is only half the story, so I am eagerly awaiting the next half.

Eager for the next one

This does a brilliant job of weaving together complex histories, characters and cultures that we have been following since Book 1 (which is where you need to start.) There are many cliffhangers, and much still to be resolved at the end.

Underrated

I love everything about this massively underrated series. Character development is on point and it’s hard to find a better narrative. Tad Williams writes in beautiful detail. I love how thoroughly enveloped I feel in the Osten Ard world while reading/listening. Andrew Wincott is the perfect narrator for this audiobook. His voice is incredible.

Wonderful as always.

Another work of Tad Williams that I hate to have to finish. The story seamlessly carries on from book to book. Our main characters are challenged, and even defeated, but somehow find a way to persevere. I love the Last King of Osten Ard series and CANNOT wait for the next.