The latest saga in the New York Times bestselling world of Osten Ard concludes in the fourth and final Last King of Osten Ard novel.
The Hayholt is besieged by the Norns. Once the home of their immortal brethren, the Sithi, now capital of the kingdom of men, the fabled castle is under attack. And as the world is distracted by this strike against humankind, the Norns’ deathless witch-queen Utuk’ku turns towards the mysterious fateful valley called Tanakirú—the Vale of Mists.
Meanwhile, Queen Miriamele hurries to save the Hayholt and capture the treacherous noble Pasevalles, but arrives to discover the traitor has escaped.
And inside Tanakirú, Vale of Mists, the bond between Prince Morgan and Nezeru, a renegade Norn, has become something deeper and stranger than either of them could have anticipated. They journey ever deeper to the heart of the valley’s mystery, encountering wonder and horror, and come face to face at last with the ancient secret that has kindled the Norn Queen’s war—a secret that will destroy immortals and humans alike.
The latest saga in the New York Times bestselling world of Osten Ard concludes in the fourth and final Last King of Osten Ard novel.
The Hayholt is in flames. Once the home of the immortal Sithi, now capital of the kingdom of men, the fabled castle has been set ablaze by vengeful Norns. And as the world is distracted by this devastating attack against humankind, the Norns' deathless witch-queen Utuk'ku reaches out to seize the fateful, ogre-haunted valley called Tanakirú--the Vale of Mists.
Fooled by the Norn Queen's trickery, Simon and the Sitha Jiriki must now leave the burning castle behind to race to the forbidden valley. But the undead spirit known as Ommu the Whisperer travels with them, hiding in the body of Simon's granddaughter Lillia. Meanwhile, Queen Miriamele hurries to save the Hayholt and capture the treacherous noble Pasevalles, but arrives to discover the castle is on fire and the traitor has escaped.
And in Tanakirú, the bond between Prince Morgan and Nezeru, a renegade Norn, has become something deeper and stranger than either of them could have anticipated. Accompanied by Morgan's troll friends Qina and Little Snenneq, they journey ever deeper into heart of the valley's mystery, encountering wonders and horrors, only to come face to face at last with the ancient secret that has kindled the Norn Queen's war--a secret that threatens to destroy immortals and humans alike.
Praise for the world of Osten Ard“Inspired me to write my own seven-book trilogy.... It’s
one of my favorite fantasy series.” —George R. R. Martin,
New York Times-bestselling author of
A Song of Ice and Fire “
Groundbreaking.... Changed how people thought of the genre, and paved the way for so much modern fantasy. Including mine.” —Patrick Rothfuss,
New York Times-bestselling author of
The Name of the Wind "Tad Williams is
a master storyteller, and the Osten Ard books are his masterpiece. Williams’ return to Osten Ard is every bit as compelling, deep, and fully-rendered as the first trilogy, and he continues to write with the experience and polish of an author at the top of his game." —Brandon Sanderson,
New York Times-bestselling author of
Mistborn“
Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is
one of the great fantasy epics of all time.”
—Christopher Paolini, New York Times bestselling author of
Eragon "Building upon the revered history of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Williams has outdone himself by penning a 700-plus page novel that is virtually un-put-down-able.... Williams’ grand-scale storytelling mastery is on full display here. Not just utterly readable—
an instant fantasy classic." —
Kirkus Reviews (starred)
“Panoramic, vigorous, often moving.... Williams adroitly weaves together the tales...heralding
a suitably epic and glorious conclusion.” —
Publishers Weekly “Highly Recommended. [Williams] draws on many mythologies for the background of his fantasy epic...story spiced with
political intrigue and strong appealing heroes.” —
Library Journal “
A grand fantasy on a scale approaching Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.” —
Cincinnati Post 
