Empire of Grass

Empire of Grass, the second enthralling instalment of Tad Williams' epic series, The Last King of Osten Ard, invites readers back into a world where grand and perilous battles unfold. Once a land steeped in the tranquillity of three decades of peace, Osten Ard is on the brink of chaos as new threats loom, driven by age-old rivalries and the awakening of dark forces.

As King Simon and Queen Miriamele sit on the throne, their realm stands at a crossroads. The uneasy alliance formed by their allies in Hernystir with the sinister Queen of the Norns allows her fearsome armies entry into mortal lands. Nabban teeters on the brink of civil war, caught in a struggle that pits brother against brother, while in the vast grasslands of the Thrithings, nomadic tribes unite under a banner of superstition and an enduring animosity towards urbanites. Amidst this volatile landscape, tense treaties and fragile alliances are strained to breaking point with each passing day.

Despite the internal squabbles of the High Ward, which is riven with distrust and intrigue, the looming spectre of war is inescapable. As relentless battles and ominous dark magics ravage the kingdoms, Simon and Miriamele must unravel the enigmatic curse of the Witchwood Crown. This deadly enigma presents not only a puzzle but a veritable threat that could bring the downfall of everything they hold dear.

While fear and avarice drive leaders and laypeople alike to betrayal and ruin, a select few remain steadfast, unaware that their courage and choices might dictate the survival of their world. In a tale imbued with elements of high fantasy and gripping suspense, Williams masterfully spins a narrative where the fates of dozens intertwine, revealing that heroism can come from the most unexpected places.

Praise for Tad Williams resonates throughout the fantasy genre: George R. R. Martin credits Williams' work as an inspiration, citing Empire of Grass within his favourite series, Brandon Sanderson lauds the Osten Ard saga as Williams’ shining masterpiece, and Patrick Rothfuss acknowledges its significant impact on contemporary fantasy, including his own storytelling. With accolades from Christopher Paolini calling it one of the great fantasy epics of all time, this novel is a must-read for fans of richly built worlds, intricate plots, and profoundly moving character arcs.