On This Page
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Thriller. HTML:A year ago, the March Kingdoms were at peace, and the Eddon family held the throne. King Olin Eddon is a prisoner in a faraway land, and Olin's heir Kendrick is dead—slain by treachery and dark, bloody magic.With their father and brother taken from them, the royal twins Barrick and Briony have done their best to hold the kingdom together, but now Barrick has been captured in a failed war against the immortal Twilight People and Briony has been forced to show more flee.
Behind the Shadowline, Prince Barrick is lost and spellbound in the land of the fairies, while Princess Briony finds both allies and deadly enemies in unexpected places far from the land of her birth.
During their desperate journeys the twins discover that even a land's rulers may know little of it's true history, and that both families and nations can hide dark and terrible secrets.
But even if Barrick and Briony survive learning the astonishing truths at the heart of their own family and of Southmarch itself, they must still find a way to do the impossible: they must reclaim their kingdom and rescue their home and people from the multitude of powerful enemies—from traitors, tyrants, a god-king, and even the angry gods themselves. show less
Tags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Tad Williams is a master. Before starting this series I had only read two of his shorter works "Child of an Ancient City" which I didn't like and "Caliban's Hour" which I liked a lot. This made me reluctant to try this epic series, but it was on audio and I figured if I get 30% of the way in and don't like it I'll just move on.
To start the narrator on the audio books is fantastic. He really sticks out as one of the best narrators I've heard (and I've listened to 100's of audiobooks). The first book started out kind of slow but things picked up after a while. The thing is that these books are huge but they don't feel like they're inflated. I think the style of jumping from character to character (like Game of Thrones) helps, but also e show more doesn't waste words and the words he chooses all seem to fit perfectly together. Nothing is ever confusing or extraneous. I'm never taken "out of the story" and my sense of belief is never strained. This kind of writing is something to aspire to (if your a writer) or just to aspire to read (if you're not into writing your own stories).
The only reason this book didn't get 5 stars is that the overall plot/characters don't seem all that original/cool. I read some reviews that said this was very "dark fantasy" but it really just seems pretty standard to me. It's good and I'm really starting to fall in love with it but it's not ground breaking. I fully expect to give the next books 5 stars. show less
To start the narrator on the audio books is fantastic. He really sticks out as one of the best narrators I've heard (and I've listened to 100's of audiobooks). The first book started out kind of slow but things picked up after a while. The thing is that these books are huge but they don't feel like they're inflated. I think the style of jumping from character to character (like Game of Thrones) helps, but also e show more doesn't waste words and the words he chooses all seem to fit perfectly together. Nothing is ever confusing or extraneous. I'm never taken "out of the story" and my sense of belief is never strained. This kind of writing is something to aspire to (if your a writer) or just to aspire to read (if you're not into writing your own stories).
The only reason this book didn't get 5 stars is that the overall plot/characters don't seem all that original/cool. I read some reviews that said this was very "dark fantasy" but it really just seems pretty standard to me. It's good and I'm really starting to fall in love with it but it's not ground breaking. I fully expect to give the next books 5 stars. show less
One shouldn't go into a Tad Williams epic fantasy romp expecting nonstop action or grimdark developments or a cookie-cutter plot. Indeed, if you decide to dive into his works, you can expect a very awesome and deeply fleshed-out worldbuilding with enough history to choke a horse.
This isn't a bad thing. Indeed, I'm rather floored by how much love and care has been put into every single detail herein. From the plays and the poetry to the deep past, the corruptions of history, the way the remembrances of the gods fail to match up to their appearances in the novel, or the amazing depth and complexity each of the regular characters, be they human or fae, exhibit.
Indeed, aside from a failed expedition, plenty of warcraft between the shadow show more peoples and the humans who have apparently been squatting on the land out of antiquity, of a few certain characters' captures and settlement behind enemy lines, and gender-bending playacting, this novel could be described as a deep history lesson. I'm learning so much of this place! :) As a wonderful whole-cloth piece, I've rarely been treated to so much rich unique mythology, art, and exploration of such different peoples.
I include the shadow races here. Most of the novel takes place away from the human lands and in deep shadow.
I should mention that the shadow is a real thing, an actual line of demarcation, and monsters and fae live on the far side. In this novel, we're treated to a deep look into them and the gods of this world. Some of those gods are still alive and some of their ancient artifacts are still rather functional. Don't mistake this aspect as some kind of knock-off to a thousand other fantasy novels, however. The world-building is very rich and I can't find cause to complain.
However, I should mention that these books DO require a modicum of patience. The things that are most praiseworthy can sometimes be a chore to break through. :)
All in all, this is rather rewarding, if long. :) Of course, that's sometimes a decent selling point, too. :) show less
This isn't a bad thing. Indeed, I'm rather floored by how much love and care has been put into every single detail herein. From the plays and the poetry to the deep past, the corruptions of history, the way the remembrances of the gods fail to match up to their appearances in the novel, or the amazing depth and complexity each of the regular characters, be they human or fae, exhibit.
Indeed, aside from a failed expedition, plenty of warcraft between the shadow show more peoples and the humans who have apparently been squatting on the land out of antiquity, of a few certain characters' captures and settlement behind enemy lines, and gender-bending playacting, this novel could be described as a deep history lesson. I'm learning so much of this place! :) As a wonderful whole-cloth piece, I've rarely been treated to so much rich unique mythology, art, and exploration of such different peoples.
I include the shadow races here. Most of the novel takes place away from the human lands and in deep shadow.
I should mention that the shadow is a real thing, an actual line of demarcation, and monsters and fae live on the far side. In this novel, we're treated to a deep look into them and the gods of this world. Some of those gods are still alive and some of their ancient artifacts are still rather functional. Don't mistake this aspect as some kind of knock-off to a thousand other fantasy novels, however. The world-building is very rich and I can't find cause to complain.
However, I should mention that these books DO require a modicum of patience. The things that are most praiseworthy can sometimes be a chore to break through. :)
All in all, this is rather rewarding, if long. :) Of course, that's sometimes a decent selling point, too. :) show less
This second volume's opening rides the crest of mysteries and tension produced by the first book's climax. It soon loses momentum, however, as the pace slackens to its former leisure and I found it harder to remain engaged. Briony was my favourite character coming into this, but it's regrettable she's thrust into a more passive role. The Barrick-Vansen pairing may not have been wise, dividing the same scenes across two perspectives that places Barrick in the worse light: you know why he's being a jerk to Vansen, but it's still annoying. Quinnitan's role in this unfolding story is less murky, so I care a bit more. Chert and Chaven provide the most answers. The other characters whose views we spend time with don't leave much impression. show more The Autarch is outshining the Twilight People as villains, and I'm beginning to predict an eventual Southmarch-Twilight alliance as we learn more about the Qar.
Tad Williams writes this series more confidently after the first book's rough origins, and I like the well-described world he's created, but his worst fault as an author (i.e. pacing) is sorely evident. There's little forward momentum when characters are trapped in jail cells for chapters at a time or travelling almost aimlessly, and it's difficult to see the through-line. Much of the interval is spent on their inner worlds of speculation and worrying over the same bones. When action occurs it's often no surprise because the characters have been preparing. But as with the first volume that action comes faster and heavier towards the end, and it builds enough excitement that it almost erased my memory of the plodding it took to get there. show less
Tad Williams writes this series more confidently after the first book's rough origins, and I like the well-described world he's created, but his worst fault as an author (i.e. pacing) is sorely evident. There's little forward momentum when characters are trapped in jail cells for chapters at a time or travelling almost aimlessly, and it's difficult to see the through-line. Much of the interval is spent on their inner worlds of speculation and worrying over the same bones. When action occurs it's often no surprise because the characters have been preparing. But as with the first volume that action comes faster and heavier towards the end, and it builds enough excitement that it almost erased my memory of the plodding it took to get there. show less
Dare I say 'journeyman work'? Something is missing although from time to time my interest level rises and I am engaged. Too many characters, perhaps? It's a huge story, I'll grant Williams that, and he is eager to tell it from different angles. The characters are off on their separate quests now, some alone, some in small groups. Briony is beginning to 'wake up' from her princessy entitlement and Barrick is struggling on, obnoxious and in pain, Vansen is a true mensch and sticks with Barrick and the Qar soldier. (The best thing in their story continues to be the bedraggled foul-mouthed raven who attaches himself to them.) Briony eventually attaches herself to a traveling troupe and that is actually rather engaging for all it is a trope. show more Qinnitan is doing all right for a bit, but by the end, all three of them are back in the soup pot. I will continue out of stubbornness, but I might not if I weren't on holiday. *** show less
The ruling family of Southmarch has been scattered. King Olin Eddon remains a prisoner of the traitorous Lord Protector of Hierosol while his daughter, the Princess Briony, is chased from her childhood home by the family's power hungry cousins. All the while Briony's beloved twin, Prince Barrick, follows an ill-fated compulsion that's been laid on him by a powerful Qar warrioress. As Barrick blindly and eagerly does her bidding this fierce mistress sits at the front gate of his castle home with an army of blood thirsty fairy folk, her eagerness pulled taut as a bow string. Twilight, it seems, has finally descended on the Eddons.
Shadowplay is the second book in the most recent tetralogy from Master Williams. His intense and (what I show more consider) highly skilled world building offers plenty of substance for even the most die-hard fantasy reader. The story is told from many perspectives in alternating chapters so that what might otherwise be an overwhelming tome is very readable. I've read Williams' Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy and his Otherland sci-fi tetralogy and can't help but notice that recognizable themes and characters are being rewoven in Shadowmarch to create a different but familiar tale. While this should seem repetitious there are enough new ideas to make the well known bits very comfortable and enjoyable. I can't wait to get my hands on book three! show less
Shadowplay is the second book in the most recent tetralogy from Master Williams. His intense and (what I show more consider) highly skilled world building offers plenty of substance for even the most die-hard fantasy reader. The story is told from many perspectives in alternating chapters so that what might otherwise be an overwhelming tome is very readable. I've read Williams' Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy and his Otherland sci-fi tetralogy and can't help but notice that recognizable themes and characters are being rewoven in Shadowmarch to create a different but familiar tale. While this should seem repetitious there are enough new ideas to make the well known bits very comfortable and enjoyable. I can't wait to get my hands on book three! show less
8/10
Williams revels in detail and it can almost bog down the story, which is why I gave this book an 8 instead of a 9. The story itself continues to be complex and layered, with surprises galore. I found myself caring about many of the characters, cheering their victories and holding my breath through their setbacks and dangers. They have their flaws and weaknesses but strengths and depths as well. Although I must admit still being unable to warm up to Barrick—such a whiny fellow—although he does keep going despite his woe and despair.
A fellow reader commented, ”Our characters [are] still all over the world and bad things are happening.” That pretty well sums it up.
Williams revels in detail and it can almost bog down the story, which is why I gave this book an 8 instead of a 9. The story itself continues to be complex and layered, with surprises galore. I found myself caring about many of the characters, cheering their victories and holding my breath through their setbacks and dangers. They have their flaws and weaknesses but strengths and depths as well. Although I must admit still being unable to warm up to Barrick—such a whiny fellow—although he does keep going despite his woe and despair.
A fellow reader commented, ”Our characters [are] still all over the world and bad things are happening.” That pretty well sums it up.
While I enjoyed the book, it definitely had a 'middle' book feel. Much was revealed to the reader (if not the characters) and I'm already trying to predict certain outcomes. One thing that I'm liking is that the bad guys aren't evil incarnate. We don't get to know them as well as our heroes in this story, but what we do see is not one dimensional.
Members
- Recently Added By
Lists
Books Read in 2024
4,623 works; 126 members
Author Information
128+ Works 54,248 Members
Tad Williams Tad Williams grew up in Palo Alto, California. He didn't go off to college after high school, he was more interested in living on his own and supporting himself. Williams therefore began a long string of collectively bad part time jobs. He stacked tiles, made tacos, sold shoes, peddled insurance, collected loans not all at the same show more time and worked at other things in his free moments, such as writing, as well as, several years in a rock band, hosting a radio talk show, making commercial and uncommercial art, acting, and others DAW was the first to publish Williams, accepting "Tailchaser's Song," which became an big success. It never occurred to Williams that his books wold not sell and indeed they have not stopped selling since the beginning. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Some Editions
Series
Belongs to Publisher Series
DAW Book Collectors (1393)
Work Relationships
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Shadowplay
- Original title
- Shadowplay
- Alternate titles
- Shadowplay: Volume Two of Shadowmarch
- Original publication date
- 2007-03
- People/Characters
- Yasammez; Hendon Tolly; Briony Eddon; Barrick Eddon; Quinnitan; Vansen (show all 8); Autarch; Olin Eddon
- Important places
- March Kingdoms; Shadowline; Southmarch Castle
- Dedication
- This book like the first volume, is dedicated to our children Connor Williams and Devon Beale - who, since the first dedication, are a couple of years older and louder, but still quite fabulous. I flinch with love every time ... (show all)they shriek at me.
- First words
- De oudgedienden in het huishouden waren al meer dan een uur op zoek naar de vermiste prins, maar zijn zusje wist waar ze moest zoeken.
The older ones in the household had hunted the missing boy for an hour without result, but his sister knew where to look. - Last words*
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Vansen liet zich op zijn knieën vallen, stak zijn armen in de lucht om de goden te prijzen, en terwijl de Funderlingen bezorgd toekeken, wierp hij zich languit op de grond, lachend en huilend tegelijk, en drukte hij zijn gezicht tegen de stenen vloer, dankbaar eindelijk weer vaste grond onder zijn voeten te hebben.
- Original language
- English
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 1,513
- Popularity
- 15,145
- Reviews
- 25
- Rating
- (3.82)
- Languages
- 7 — Dutch, English, German, Hungarian, Korean, Polish, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 27
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
- 7