One-line Summary:

In “Stone of Farewell,” the second book of Tad Williams’ Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, Simon embarks on a perilous journey to find the lost sword Thorn and save the world from the evil forces of Ineluki the Storm King.

The Quest for Thorn:

After the events of the first book, “The Dragonbone Chair,” Simon, the kitchen boy turned hero, finds himself burdened with the responsibility of finding the legendary sword Thorn. With the Storm King’s forces growing stronger, Simon must locate the weapon to fulfill his destiny and protect the land of Osten Ard. Joined by his loyal companions, including the mysterious Sithi warrior Jiriki and the wise old man Binabik, Simon sets off on a treacherous journey across the perilous lands.

As they traverse through dark forests, treacherous mountains, and haunted ruins, Simon and his companions encounter various challenges and adversaries. They face dangerous creatures, encounter ancient magic, and uncover long-forgotten secrets that shed light on the history of Osten Ard. Along the way, Simon’s own abilities and understanding of his role as the Dragonbone Chair continue to evolve, shaping him into a true hero.

The Power of Prophecy:

Throughout “Stone of Farewell,” the power of prophecy plays a significant role in shaping the events and characters. The ancient book, “The Prophecies of the High King,” holds the key to understanding the past and predicting the future. Simon and his companions must decipher the cryptic verses and unravel the secrets hidden within the prophecies to guide them on their quest.

The prophecies not only guide the main characters but also influence the actions of other key players in the story. The manipulative and power-hungry Prince Elias, for instance, seeks to fulfill his own interpretation of the prophecies, leading him down a dark path. As the lines between good and evil blur, the characters must navigate the complexities of fate and free will, ultimately determining the fate of Osten Ard.

The Battle for Osten Ard:

As Simon and his companions continue their quest for Thorn, the forces of the Storm King amass, threatening to plunge the land into darkness. Ineluki’s minions, the Norns, wage war against the mortal races, spreading fear and destruction. The fate of Osten Ard hangs in the balance as the final battle between good and evil looms.

In the climactic showdown, Simon must confront the Storm King himself and fulfill his destiny as the Dragonbone Chair. The outcome of this epic battle will determine the future of Osten Ard and the survival of its inhabitants. Sacrifices will be made, alliances will be tested, and the true nature of heroism will be revealed.

• The power of prophecy shapes the events and characters.
• The quest for Thorn leads to the uncovering of ancient secrets.
• The final battle between good and evil determines the fate of Osten Ard.

“We are all bound together, the living and the dead, by invisible threads.”– Tad Williams

In “Stone of Farewell,” Tad Williams continues to weave a rich and immersive fantasy world filled with complex characters, intricate plotlines, and epic battles. The quest for Thorn, the power of prophecy, and the ultimate battle for Osten Ard drive the narrative forward, keeping readers captivated until the very end. As the second installment in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, this book sets the stage for an epic conclusion and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Simon’s journey.