So much could have gone wrong, but everything went right.

During 1988–1993, Tad Williams released his work of epic fantasy, the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy. This trilogy was widely recognized as a masterpiece, having inspired George R. R. Martin to write his somewhat more popular series!

Williams recently began writing a sequel trilogy, Last King of Osten Ard. Like the first trilogy, the books are highly reviewed and very long. Indeed, each “trilogy” is released as four books due to publishing limitations! Now to the book at hand.

Brothers of the Wind is a prequel that exists 1,000 years before the original series. Since the Sithi are eternal, the book is able to focus on early events in the lives of a couple very important Zida’ya—Ineluki and Hakatri. If you’ve read the Osten Ard books, you’ll recognize that first name as the Storm King.

Here’s why I say so much could have gone wrong. How do you write about an immortal race existing alongside humans separated by 1,000 years of history and make it feel believable? Williams succeeds. And here’s the real miracle: this prequel novel clocks in at 250 pages—little more than a journal entry for Mr. Williams!

Brothers of the Wind is a thoroughly engaging account of a far-reaching tragedy that handles themes of slavery and autonomy, love and duty, with grace. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys the land of Osten Ard.

Williams, Tad. Brothers of the Wind. DAW, 2021.