Hi,

Stephen Donaldsons latest edition to his 'Thomas Covenant' series was released in '05 I was suprised to find out. Has anyone read this? Is it as good as the first two series? The Thomas Covenant books were my favorite read of my youth. Better than Tolkien in fact (IMO). Anyone any opinions on this latest book or the earlier ones?

Thanks, Jan.

hey Honza, I clicked on this thread cause the title sounded interesting.

So, I'm thrilled to find its about the Thomas Covenant books. I loved the first three, kinda struggled a bit through the next three, and haven't thought about them for years, so this reminds me that I should re-read 'em.

I also think Donaldson is far superior to Tolkien!
I'll have to check out this recent one.

Yes, I'm going to check it out too. I've ordered it from Amazon. Not totally sure I could read through more of Lindens/Covenants anguish, particularly the way Donaldson lays it on, but I'll definitely keep this book for posterity.

The latest in the "Chronicles" series has just been released. Its called "A Fatal Reverent".
I have not read it yet, or "Runes Of The Earth" either, but maybe oneday I'll settle down to reading these last instalments of what was my favorite books of all time when I was younger.

I read Runes of the Earth when it first came out. I can't remember details too well now, but overall while I enjoyed revisiting the Land again, the book itself was a bit of a disappointment.

However I'm now in the middle of Fatal Revenant (lying open on my bed as I speak write), which I'm finding a lot more satisfying. I have a feeling in fact that from the direction it's going, it'll end up 'justifying' Runes, making it a lot more enjoyable on the re-read.

One thing I've noticed though is that he's moderated his diction a little. Reading the original books I was having to look up words practically every few pages (and I was by no means poorly read at that point). While I guess my own vocabulary has expanded in the intervening years, I do think there's been a distinct shift away from the more extravagantly high diction. On the one hand it was a distinctive, even defining part of Donaldson's style, and as such I do miss it a little. On the other hand I think he's matured as a writer since then, and his prose is a lot smoother, less strained. I should clarify though, this is no harry potter. He still writes in a more elevated style than any other contemporary fantasy author.


To Ishmael, re your comment that Donaldson is far superior to Tolkien. Would I be right in guessing you read Tolkien when you were in your mid teens maybe? That's how it was for me, and I found it mildly enjoyable but little more. Then reading it again years later as an adult (inspired by the movies, I admit) I discovered something utterly different to what I'd remembered. I've found it's been the same with a lot of other people too. It's a book that can be approached when you're younger, and you think you have it's measure then, but you can appreciate it in a whole new way when you're older. Just thought I'd put that out there, as someone who loves Donaldson, but re-discovered in Tolkien what I now think really is the best fantasy book I've read .

And now, back to Fatal Revenant

Hi Reckoner,

I'm glad you are enjoying "A Fatal Reverant" and that it makes "Runes Of The Earth" more worthy.
I loved your comment about Donaldsons diction! I used to have to look up words all the time too; lol. Words like 'apotheosis', 'puissant' etc.
From what you say its sounds like Donaldson is still on the right track. I'm glad I've got the new books and will delve into them someday.
Maybe also re-read 'Lord Of The Rings'.