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. ( )

So continuing on with the 2nd of the series which I had read before but had not completed. MST is one of my favourite series but I am struggling at times with Shadowmarch. There is a lot of travelling without achieving a lot. The two main human characters Barrick and Briony are not particularly likeable either. There are fortunately side characters who are more so. So it's a bit of a slog often. ( )

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 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. :) ( )

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. 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. ( )

So much happens, so many side by side threads, that to summarize it is really hard.
Ok, Briony escapes, ends up alone, is in the process of making contact with a possible ally. Barrick, with companions, is captured by a demi-god, escapes. Quinnitan is recaptured by the Autarch. ( )