The War of the Flowers

Ok judging from the fact that there are no reviews about this book, I'm assuming it wasn't very popular. I really enjoyed this modernized telling of a modern fairy world. It starts off a little slow but like many of Tad's books there is an endless chase you just can't wait to read through. It was exciting and I highly recommend this book. I also am hoping that one of Tad's book will be made into a movie. I'm dieing to see how Hollywood would interpret his books.

Tad Williams struck a resonant chord with me with "The War of the Flowers". I should state that I read a good bit of Fantasy fiction, including some of Mr. Williams other books, and do generally consider him, Robin Hobb, George RR Martin and Robert Jordan to be the apex of current fantasy writing. With that being caveat, it should not be surprising that just as that Tad Williams' prior books tended to focus on in depth-characterization and setting, rather than raw action or discordant perspectives (Martin), so too does 'The War of the Flowers'. Moreover, 'The War of the Flowers' utterly succeeds within that caveat. Set in the land of 'Faerie', a mortal, Theo Vilmus, arrives through suspect means. A 'loser' at ~ age 30 in 'mortalia' prior to his advent, Theo comes of age while unwillingly, and to some degree, unwittingly, assisting in a civil war.This relatively simple story succeeds in several outstanding ways: (1) It, like many non-Fantasy fictional brethren, is told in 1 book-- and not scattered over many.(2) The setting is fabulous: Sprites, Nixies, Doonies, Goblins, Grims, et al. In place, used 'accurately'. The class warfare(neo-marxist???)/condemnation of industralization may, to some, go over the top, but it's appropriate for the Neo-Victorian backdrop of Faeries(3) The primary Protagonist is fabulous: Theo, as with Simon way back in 'The Memory...' Trilogy, is an angst-ridden, relatively indecisive ne'er-do-well at the beginning, who successfully migrates to adulthood by the end (nevermind that he's 30 to begin with as age doesn't make one an 'adult').(4) The secondary characters are outstanding, with special kudos to both Hellebore and Applecore. This book sat on my bookshelf for nearly 5 months before I read it. What a mistake. Being followed closely by only "Golden Fool" by Robin Hobb, this is unquestionably the best Fantasy book of 2003. Finally, while it was self-contained in only 1 volume, I assuredly hope Tad Williams revisits the land and time he created. Wonderful. Magnificient.

_War of the Flowers_ starts out with a standard device in fantasy literature of the fey variety: Theo Vilmos is a singer in a California rock band. His band-mates are barely out of high school and at the age of thirty, he's beginning to wonder whether he's ever going to grow up and make something of himself. A series of personal crises sends Theo to a cabin in the mountains to sort things out. Soon enough he finds himself drawn into Faerie, where he is a pawn in the power struggles between several noble families.There is so much to like about this book! First off, Tad Williams is just an incredible writer: his characterizations are deft and realistic, his descriptions of both places and experiences are moving and his vision breathes a needed note of originality into an increasingly over-used theme. WotF uses many of the standards of faery lore to paint a very different picture than one might be used to seeing, and I found it incredibly absorbing.There's a lot of darkness in this book, but there's humour, too, and a sense of irony that struck me as a very true depiction of the way a mortal mind might work when trying to make sense of things that just don't cop to this-world rules. There is not, however, that overblown sense of magic and mystery to which many writers succumb when trying to tackle the subject. We're shown a Faerie that is a super-real reflection of our own world rather than one that is awe-inspiring on a spiritual level. Probably not all readers will appreciate this take, as it makes for uncomfortable reading at times.Williams also manages to reconcile different faery mythologies in a way that makes sense, so that there's room in his world for both the more human, Tuatha De Danaan type fairy and the Victorian Flower Fairy. And he gives a reasonable explanation for culturally different kinds of fairy lore while totally dispelling the notion that all mystical beings must live in some idealised 5th century Tuath. I really appreciated this.As far as plot itself goes, there isn't a whole lot new here. It's what Williams does with it that makes WotF an incredible read.If you're looking for the same old superficial take on Faerie that some writers dish out this book is probably not for you. If, however, you're looking for an absorbing challenge that will make you think. _War of the Flowers_ is a great choice.

Recently I've gotten back into reading fantasy and science fiction novels. After completing the Song of Fire and Ice Series by George R.R. Martin (which by the way I thought was amazing), I began and finished Salvatore's Dark Elf Trilogy and Icewind Dale Trilogy (loved these fast paced well crafted reads). Still hungry for more I read the Riftwar Saga by Feist which I really enjoyed. Although I'd purchased a copy of Otherland for future reading, I'd never read a book by Tad Williams, and so when the bookstore clerk recommended this book I decided what the heck I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did. Easily the best of all the recent fantasy (as well as past) reads I've ever had. I loved this novel. Theo is a fascinating character. Williams does an amazing job descirbing him and sharing this character with the audience. Unlike the previous reviewer, I thought the novel picked up incredible amounts of steam once Theo traveled to Fairie. I loved the characterizations, and Williams ability to make a ready feel like he's right in the middle of a scen is down right amazing. I could not stop turning the pages or racing home to read more of the novel. I've now raced out and purchased the Dragbone Chair so that I can begin to experience more of the imaginiation of this most incredible author. I loved this novel, and you will too...I'm just sorry this is a one parter and I'd love to continue reading about this fascinating world of Fairie which Williams has created. Buy this book, you will not be disappointed.

Minor league California rocker Theo Vilmos feels he is at the bottom of the food chain when matters turn worse when he loses his pregnant girlfriend. Thirty, alone, and his music going nowhere, Theo feels down. He decides to get away to relook the direction of his life that seems to be in free fall. At his mother's remote cabin, Theo finds an ancient looking tome handwritten by his weird Uncle Eamon about another realm, that of Faerie.Soon Theo is shocked to learn Faerie exists when the sprite Applecore arrives at his abode. She escorts the reluctant musician through the gate to a magical land that quickly seems quite dismal to the visitor. War appears everywhere so much so that Theo feels his home planet seems relatively peaceful. While Theo begins to learn secrets about his gene pool, he falls in love, but this is a land in which life is not precious so he must show caution to survive especially when bombardier dragons attack.This stand-alone fantasy is a great satirizing of current conditions on planet earth as seen through a looking glass mirror. The story line is extremely dark and grim yet often humorous as the plot shreds anything and everything of proud filled boasts about our compassionate great society. Theo is a fine character who serves as the center of the myriad of subplots, but it is the cantankerous, nasty Applecore who steals the show with her tinkering and editing of words of wisdom. A tad wordy, perhaps, but fans of Tad Williams, which probably includes Jonathan Swift, will appreciate this cutting faerie tale.Harriet Klausner