The Final Chronicles of Thomas Covenant Is an Epic Failure

This is the third of three videos discussing The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, by Stephen R. Donaldson, one of the foundational epic fantasy series of the genre (and one of the most polarizing).

In this video, I cover the Third (and Last) Chronicles, published between 2004 and 2013, consisting of The Runes of the Earth, Fatal Revenant, Against All Things Ending and The Last Dark. Please note that I've tried to keep the review spoiler-free, so there isn't much discussion of plot details.

0:21 Initial reaction
0:47 Pre-read misgivings
1:46 Undisciplined and tedious writing style
3:13 Donaldson doesn't trust his readers
3:53 Frustrating bait and switch tactics
4:36 Excessive navel gazing
5:46 'Retconning' the first two trilogies
6:36 Antagonist overkill
8:22 Deus ex machina
8:55 Predictable plot resolution
9:18 Annoying protagonists
10:35 Unmemorable supporting characters
11:36 Overarching themes?
12:27 Conclusion

Links to my reviews of the First and Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant:

First Chronicles:    • Are the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant...  
Second Chronicles:    • Are the Second Chronicles of Thomas C...  

Other videos introducing different parts of my book collection are linked below.

Channel Overview:    • Welcome to the library ladder!  
Children’s Books Overview:    • 150 Years of Classic Children's Books  
Science Fiction Overview:    • Rare and Classic Science Fiction Books  
Fantasy Overview:    • Classic Fantasy Fiction Books - A que...  
Mystery Overview:    • Classic Whodunits and Noir Fiction  
Adventure Overview:    • Classic Thrillers and Adventure Ficti...  
Horror and Weird Fiction Overview:    • Classic Horror and Weird Fiction - Yo...  
Literature Overview:    • Classic and Modern Literature from th...  
Antiquarian Nonfiction Overview:    • Antiquarian Books About the World (a....  
Illustrated Books Overview:    • The Golden Age of Book Illustration, ...  


Artwork credits for this video:
mirk0.deviantart
lazyladyleo.deviantart
zorm.deviantart
Stephen Fabian
Seareach
Kaukomieli at gapintomirrorland.fandom.com
gapintomirrorland.wikia.com

#booktube #booktubesff