From Publishers Weekly
In this panoramic, vigorous, often moving sequel to The Dragonbone Chair , the scattered allies opposing the pirate Elias, high king of Osten Ard, and Ineluki, the Storm King, struggle toward a meeting at the Stone of Farewell in the ancient, deserted city of Enki-e-Shao'saye. The boy Simon, the troll Binabek and their companions carry Thorn, one of three swords critical to the defeat of the forces of evil. After surviving many perils, Simon becomes the only mortal to enter Jao e-Tinukai'i, last refuge of the elven Sithi, seeking their support. A small band follows Prince Josua, leader of the resistance against his brother Elias; they are betrayed by the chieftain of the nomadic Thrithings-folk. As Elias consolidates his power with the aid of the Norns, the Storm King brings permanent winter to a stricken land. Williams adroitly weaves together the tales of these journeys, heralding a suitably epic and glorious conclusion. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
The advancing might of Ineluki the Storm King and his undead minions threatens to lock the world in eternal winter unless the tattered forces ranged against him can discover the secrets of the League of the Scroll and unite humans, Sithi elves, and Qanuc trolls. Continuing the story begun in The Dra gonbone Chair (LJ 9/15/88), Williams fleshes out the familiar themes of epic fantasy with vivid, likable characters and exotic cultures. Recommended.Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

It is a time of darkness, dread, and ultimate testing for the realm of Osten Ard, for the wild magic and terrifying minions of the undead Sithi ruler, Ineluki the Storn King, are spreading their seemingly undefeatable evil across the kingdom. With the very land blighted by the power of Ineluki's wrath, the tattered remnants of a once-proud human army flee in search of a last sanctuary and rallying point - the Stone of Farewell, a place shrouded in mystery and ancient sorrow.

And even as Prince Josua seeks to rally his scattered forces, Simon and the surviving members of the League of the Scroll are desperately struggling to fulfill missions which will take them from the fallen citadels of humans to the hidden mountain caves of the Qanuc trolls...across storm-tormented waters to discover the truth behind an almost forgotten legend...to the secret heartland of the Sithi, where the near-immortals must at last decide whether to ally with the race of men in a final war against those of their own blood...

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In this panoramic, vigorous, often moving sequel to The Dragonbone Chair , the scattered allies opposing the pirate Elias, high king of Osten Ard, and Ineluki, the Storm King, struggle toward a meeting at the Stone of Farewell in the ancient, deserted city of Enki-e-Shao'saye. The boy Simon, the troll Binabek and their companions carry Thorn, one of three swords critical to the defeat of the forces of evil. After surviving many perils, Simon becomes the only mortal to enter Jao e-Tinukai'i, last refuge of the elven Sithi, seeking their support. A small band follows Prince Josua, leader of the resistance against his brother Elias; they are betrayed by the chieftain of the nomadic Thrithings-folk. As Elias consolidates his power with the aid of the Norns, the Storm King brings permanent winter to a stricken land. Williams adroitly weaves together the tales of these journeys, heralding a suitably epic and glorious conclusion. (Aug.)

Library Journal