dark fantasy

This one ranks right up there with The Illearth War, the second book of the first trilogy. Thomas Covenant and his companions sail deep into the Sunbirth Sea on a quest for the One Tree, from which Covenant hopes to fashion a new Staff of Law. Much of the novel (perhaps half) takes place aboard the huge Giantship Starfare's Gem. During this time the major characters have nothing to do but walk around on the boat or help with chores, so the pace of the book is clearly slower than that of the others in the series. Aside from a couple moments of excitement, Donaldson spends the bulk of the ocean sequences in developing the characters. We learn a lot more about Linden and she begins to understand her capabilities. Some of the Giants acquire distinct personalities as we spend days with them at sea. Vain is more perplexing than ever before, especially as we see how he interacts with Findail (a new character in the series). It becomes evident that these two will play some major role in the sequel "White Gold Wielder".

The story heats up in the second half, when Starfare's Gem is forced to make landfall at a fascinating but sinister port town called Bhrathairain. Here a plot unfolds to get Covenant to give up his white gold ring. We also encounter a deadly Sandgorgon, which I'm hoping will make a re-appearance in the sequel. This part of the story was my favorite. Also, the climactic events that occur at the objective of the party's quest are exciting and revealing. We learn why Lord Foul tainted Covenant with venom and get hints of the awesome might of the creature that formed the Earth.

The One Tree also has the most deaths of major characters so far in the series. So there are several tragic moments in the novel, which in my opinion gives it an element of realism and poignancy that the other novels lacked. This combined with the very good character development during the ocean sequences and the moving backstory related by the Elohim make The One Tree the deepest of the novels in the series up to this point.

The One Tree does not fail to dissapoint if you are a fan of Thomas Covenant. In an effort to return the Earthpower to the Land: Thomas, Linden, and some newly met Giants (along with Vain and some new companions) go on a desperate search for the powerful One Tree. In the first Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Staff of Law was destroyed, and Covenant plans to make another one from the wood of the one tree.

Many things happen in this book. Though, it is the slowest book in the series. But, the action scenes to make up for the lulls. Covenant must endure with the sake of the Land at stake. With his friends, (old and new) he must go on a trek that seems almost impossible.

Donaldson fails to dissapoint with this book. It is filled with some of his best work and moves the story ahead to finish in the wonderful 3rd book of the series. The One Tree is a book full of plot twists, intrigue, action, and adventure. Be sure to check it out.

the plan is clear: we want to get to the one tree and make a staff. but is it ever that easy? no. ravers are on their tail. the poison still burns. new enemies have to be dealt with. anchoring in a city for repairs, may not be the smartest thing. this book is D's slowest Covenant-book. some descriptions here i find unnecessary. but it's still great