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White Gold Wielder (The Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant #3)

3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 · rating details · 8,356 ratings · 88 reviews

Thomas Covenant knew that despite his failure on the Isle of The One Tree, he had to return to the Land and fight. After a long and arduous journey, fighting all the way, he readies himself for the final showdown with Lord Foul, the Despiser, and begins to understand things he had only just wondered about before....

Paperback, 476 pages

Published October 12th 1987 by Del Rey (first published 1983)

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Mar 16, 2008 Derk rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I pretty much wanted to see Thomas Covenant strangled, but I couldn't stop reading the darn series

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Oct 12, 2012 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Unlike other reviews I've read, I liked the second trilogy as much as the first. And I can understand why the author took almost two decades to tackle his third trilogy (The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever). I attempted to read the first trilogy when I was much younger than I am now, around 12, and just couldn't get into it. And not because of the "big awful" that happened near the beginning of the first book... just because I hadn't experienced enough life to scratch the surfa...more Unlike other reviews I've read, I liked the second trilogy as much as the first. And I can understand why the author took almost two decades to tackle his third trilogy (The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever). I attempted to read the first trilogy when I was much younger than I am now, around 12, and just couldn't get into it. And not because of the "big awful" that happened near the beginning of the first book... just because I hadn't experienced enough life to scratch the surface of the meaning of the books. The anti-hero has become more popular these days. And in the first trilogy, Thomas Covenant WAS a very hard hero to like. But his struggles are the same struggles that *I* have experienced in life. The journey through guilt, dishonor and disbelief to redemption is one that I have lived. Thomas Covenant was a real person, flawed, dealing with his life (and the "dream" of the Land) in the only way he knew how. And in the end of the first trilogy, he found that balance within himself, redeemed himself. In the second trilogy, we have TWO deeply flawed characters, but they are damaged in different ways. Linden Avery was driven by her powerlessness in the face of despair and death. Thomas Covenenant, in the second trilogy, was driven by similar demons, except that he had experienced redemption and was put to new challenges, the loss of what he had loved and saved. Both Linden and Avery in the end were able to turn their weaknesses into strengths, and redeem themselves. It was a vastly satisfying read. It doesn't MATTER if the Land is real or not. What matters is the journey of the main characters. And what they conquer in themselves in infinitely satisfying. I didn't know that there was a third trilogy until I was reading reviews of Thomas Covenant online (which I always do after reading a series, because I'm sad it's over and want to read other people's views on it). But I'm excited to start reading it... it's a series of four books, but the fourth hasn't been released yet. And Donaldson said he waited so long to start because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to bring the story to completion and due it full justice. In the end, he decided to face his fears and make the attempt, because the greatest thing he risked was failure. And in that, you can see that much of WHO his characters are is drawn from within himself. Which makes for the best writing. I would recommend these books to anyone. And I've seen them given horrible reviews. But people giving these books horrible reviews usually haven't read the entire series, and I'd wager my admittedly unimpressive bank account against the fact that they haven't struggled with some of the things that Covenant struggles with on a daily basis. If you understand the why of a person, you find their journey fascinating, no matter how unappealing they may seem when you first are introduced to their character. (less)

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Sep 01, 2012 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone

The Earth's crust was still cooling when I read this.

So, we come again to the last book in the trilogy. Things haven't gone well for the home team (but no spoilers). Our hero and the Doctor return again to fight for the Land.

In this novel, Donaldson surpasses his previous ending. Covenant takes actions that surprise not only his enemies, but friends as well. In this book he has finally come to terms with much that he was told/should understand, using that knowledge to force things to a victory.

S...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Zane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Yet again, a review of the whole trilogy rather than each individual book. No spoilers of the story variety. The gist, for those who want to skip the lengthy review: these three books are more action-packed and immediately engaging than the previous trilogy, and Donaldson continued to hold true to the strengths that made the first novels a pleasure to read.

This trilogy was the better written, for me. More action packed, more events-driven and easier to get into. The horrors being wrought on the...more

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Aug 24, 2011 Josh rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

While I enjoyed the series, and thought it was a fascinating universe with interesting characters, I had two major problems.

#1 - Both the first and second Chronicles are almost entirely composed of suffering and death. I've got no problem with dark stories, but spending days/weeks reading nothing but horrible events can take its toll. I often had to limit my reading to night time, because of I read early in the day I'd spend all day depressed.

#2 - Without going into any spoilers, I will say th...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Mark Mitchell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Even as "The One Tree" was the worst of the series in my opinion, this book was smashingly the best. Thomas Covenant and Linden Avery become an incredible (and unlikely) team as they, somewhat unwittingly, gather the tools and allies they need to face Lord Foul the Despiser, who lusts after the white gold ring which Thomas Covenant carries. Though Linden has been warned that Covenant is going to give the ring to Lord Foul, and though she has the power, with her talent of health sense, to take it...more

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Jan 20, 2009 Derek rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Much like the first trilogy, this is also a dark read, but oh, so worth the journey. Thomas Covenant has an equally-flawed assistant, and it is even more fascinating to see their issues interact than it was just watching TC make it through the first trilogy.

If you missed my review of the first series, you might want to read it, as I did a much better job with that one.

Mr. Donaldson remains extraordinary, and the Second Chronicles are just as worthy of all the praise heaped upon the First Chronic...more

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May 30, 2010 Surreysmum rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 1984, fantasy-fiction

[These notes were made in 1984:]. Bk. 3 of the Second Chronicles. As Linden Avery grows in capability and authority, Covenant declines, and it eventually becomes clear to him that he will have to give up his ring - as it also becomes clear that the circumstances which propelled him into the Land this time are going to result in his death. So, in the end, Covenant gives up his life, Linden with her "health-sense" defeats the Sunbane and restores health to the Land, and the enigmatic Vain turns mi...more

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Sep 07, 2009 Rives Mcdow rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book, and the other books of this series about Sir Thomas Covenant are the only books that actually made me sweat when reading them. They are intense. After reading this book, the first I read of the series, I said I would never read this author again. I couldn't help myself though, after I recovered from the first book. I started another one, and made my way through it. By the time I had read all the books in the series, I was more accustomed to Donaldson's writing style, and after reading...more

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Aug 25, 2012 Abhinav Neelam added it · review of another edition

I'll flesh this one out later when the immediate satisfaction of a spectacular finale has settled down and I can pick out more faults through the happy glare.

All I can say is Donaldson sets this up nicely - you always knew there was never going to a happy ending proper, but there *is* a fitting ending. And what an ending it is - bittersweet yes, but wondrously breathtaking, and epic enough to give closure to this immense trilogy.
Most of the rest of the book though , while typical Donaldson in...more

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Oct 24, 2012 OhWell rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-world

I read both The First and The Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant a couple of years ago. Somebody recommended the series knowing how much I missed Middle Earth... These are good books, but don’t really compare to The Lord of the Rings. Stephen Donaldson has created a highly imaginative and complex world, but the constant gloom and doom were too much for me... I also couldn’t relate to the characters.

One more thing to mention: I did enjoy the first trilogy more than the second one, so I don’t th...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Ken Baumbach rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Covenant set of series is a bit of a conundrum.

Pros: Vivid fantasy land with wondrous scenery and (usually) rich, compelling story.

Cons: The protagonists are hard to care about. Thomas Covenant is crazed most of the time and Linden Avery, well, let's just say she needs to be slapped upside the head. Donaldson tends use too many $10 words that throw the reader out of the story. He also tends to beat us over the head with emotion. Okay, we get that Linden is upset. We don't really need to wall...more

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Dec 17, 2008 Peter rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Honeslty, four stars is prett generous, it's more of a 3 1/2 but I wanted to separate it from my ratings of the previous two books. This book started out very slowly with way too much inner dialogue about contradictions and evil and good. It's not that I'm not interested in the concepts--I think the themes present in this books are interesting and complex. Donaldson, however, often forgets to keep the story going (or at least interesting) while he explores them (somewhat lazily) mostly through i...more

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Nov 11, 2012 David Sullivan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I picked up Lord Foul's Bane, the first book of the first Thomas Covenant series, while trying to recover from my first divorce. At first, the atmosphere seemed unpleasant. But the more that I read on, I came to realize that the image being portrayed strongly resembled my own life. I read on... and on... and became so totally absorbed in the book that I quickly found Stephen R. Donaldson's style and imagery to be something that I strongly related with. Within a matter of months I completed all s...more

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Mar 15, 2010 Judy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Fantasy

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy

I read this entire series. Unlike most series, it doesn't fade in interest after the first book. As the publisher states: "These books have never received the recognition they deserve. It's one of the most powerful and complex fantasy trilogies since Lord of the Rings, but Donaldson is not just another Tolkien wanabee. Each character-driven book introduces unexpected plots, sub-plots, and a host of magical beings so believably rendered you'd believe you might bump into them on your way to the bo...more

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Nov 17, 2012 Robert Day rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I seem to remember this being a dark and depressing fantasy about someone transposed from the world as we know it, where he has a corrosive medical condition, to another world or dimension or mad dream where he makes very slow and torturous progress towards completing a quest or saving the world or something like that. Six books I read like this (2 trilogies) and guess what - I've bought the first book of the third trilogy.

I'll probably read through this trilogy too thinking the same thing as be...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Brian Schwartz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction-fantasy

The second trilogy really pales in comparison to the first. It opens with promise as we see the Land, which Donaldson imbued with so much beauty and spirit in his first trilogy, warped and ruined. The first book was about action, reaction, and learning. Plots and subplots were put into motion and promised an epic battle for the heart and soul of the living Land.

However, Donaldson wallowed in lugubrious reflection, second guessing, and overwrought emotion. Thomas Covenant was an anti-hero. We wer...more The second trilogy really pales in comparison to the first. It opens with promise as we see the Land, which Donaldson imbued with so much beauty and spirit in his first trilogy, warped and ruined. The first book was about action, reaction, and learning. Plots and subplots were put into motion and promised an epic battle for the heart and soul of the living Land.

However, Donaldson wallowed in lugubrious reflection, second guessing, and overwrought emotion. Thomas Covenant was an anti-hero. We were supposed to root for him, but not like him. After all, his first act in the Land was to rape a 16 year old girl. He finds redemption in the first trilogy.

But he’s not very likeable in the second trilogy because he’s a whiny, petulant, mouse of a man. Every little setback turns into page after page of morose introspection. Covenant is cleansed of this narcissistic brooding by his immersion in the Banefire. But by then, it is too late for the reader because the remainder of the book is written from Linden’s point of view.

Linden isn’t very likeable either. She’s no anti-hero, although Donaldson makes a half-hearted effort at making her one. We learn that Linden killed her mother by suffocating her as she lie dying in a hospital bed. This would be a tragic and painful ordeal for a real person and would certainly fill them with guilt. But it lacks the despicable nature that creates an anti-hero. The seminal and defining event in Linden's life that makes her so unsure of her emotions is seldom referenced and does not serve as a defining characteristic. It seems tacked on.

Linden is also almost always sulking about something. Much of the second trilogy, especially the second book, is page after page of Linden brooding about something Covenant said or did. Reading the interaction between them was like hanging out with a couple who look for the smallest reasons to fight with each other and ruin your evening. You don’t want to hang out with them anymore and there were times that I wanted to put these books down and quit spending time with Mr. Doom and Mrs. Gloom, aka Thomas Covenant and Linden Avery.

The second book was pointless. Through 500 pages, little new information was revealed. The plot advanced little. The point of the book turned out to be false. It was as if Donaldson was cranking out words and storylines while searching for the resolution of his story – a resolution he did not find before completing the second book.

WHITE GOLD WIELDER brings some redemption to the story. We rejoin the main plot. As he head toward Revelstone with the goal of bringing down the Clave and ending the Sunbane, Thomas Covenant once again becomes a man of action. With purpose defined, he becomes a less brooding figure and a more heroic one.

The story’s climax is fitting and almost makes it worth enduring the second book. The climax is brilliant because it is rather anti-climatic, but revealing. At the beginning of the book, Foul tells Covenant that he will willingly hand over the white gold. The reader dismisses this as boastful bloviating. The anti-climax is developed as Covenant does just that. There is no epic battle, just simple surrender and self sacrifice. Foul is not destroyed. We find that Foul and his existence are as essential to the existence of the Land as is the staff of law.

The end of the second trilogy sets up another sequel which Donaldson would undertake almost 30 years later. Three books have been published in the FINAL CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT.

Reading this trilogy was frequently a struggle, but worth it for no other reason than it sets up the third Chronicles. No matter how badly Donaldson’s plots sometimes falter, he remains a brilliant wordsmith. His expansive vocabulary, his strong character development (when they are not overwrought with self pity), and his descriptive narrative make him one of the most enjoyable writers I’ve ever read. (less)

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Jul 25, 2011 Mathew Bridle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The second Thomas Covenant Trilogy comes to an end with a more than satisfying conclusion. As is the norm with Thomas Covenant we are treated to a fair number of introspective moments as indeed we are with Linden Avery. But not without good reason. The love between the two lead characters is complicated by their individual inept ability to quickly forgive. This is important as it shapes the closing the moments of the book and leaves us in an interesting predicament for the next book. I’ll spoil...more The second Thomas Covenant Trilogy comes to an end with a more than satisfying conclusion. As is the norm with Thomas Covenant we are treated to a fair number of introspective moments as indeed we are with Linden Avery. But not without good reason. The love between the two lead characters is complicated by their individual inept ability to quickly forgive. This is important as it shapes the closing the moments of the book and leaves us in an interesting predicament for the next book. I’ll spoil nothing here which makes writing this a bit more difficult.

If you are fan of classic fantasy that is beautifully crafted, vibrant and truly alive then you really should give his saga a try. The heartache felt by Covenant at the desecration of the Land that he loves fuels his rage at the Despiser, Lord Foul, to such an extent that he risks tearing the world apart with his wild magic.

The Elohim, Findail, and the demondim born, Vain, draw nearer to the revelation of their purpose. Findail constantly trying to kill Vain while Vain himself becomes more determined than ever to fulfil his purpose. The giant Swordmain gets to test her mettle against the cavewights with her loyal husband at her side while Thomas Covenant and Linden Avery go face to face with ravers and Lord Foul.

Covenant fears for those that willingly lay their lives down for him with no regard for their own. Earthfriend, is what the Giants of Dromond name him for truly he loves the land. By this stage in the saga Linden Avery has learned to use her sight to heal all manner of ills and injuries and ultimately she must face the raving of the Sunbane. There is so much that happens in this one book alone that a brief review such as this cannot do justice.

I would so love to give examples from this story and give my deeper thoughts to the reasons for events and how they might play out in the future but I resolutely refuse to spoil the story in way. So to conclude: The White Gold Wielder is a fitting conclusion to the second trilogy more so than The Power That Preserves ended the first. I look forward to reading the next our the last of which may even be out by the time that I get through the rest.

A well earned 8/10(less)

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Mar 16, 2011 Saga rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

A compelling conclusion to the Second Chronicles of TC, tonally warmer and more hope-laden than The Power that Preserves, where everyone just seemed to perish or drop dead. The story itself drags on a bit, particularly after the quenching of the Banefire at Revelstone, and upon the ice, but I can swallow that, much due to the characters themselves whom I've grown to like so much I don't want to part from them. If SRD ever wrote a separate book about The First and Pitchwife, I'd rush to buy one i...more

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Sep 27, 2010 Josh Meares rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

By the end of this series, I was pretty tired of Donaldson's consistently over-elevated vocabulary. Why use indefeasible when unbeatable works just as well? Or lambent instead of glowing, etc, etc. And what's worse he even used some of those super impressive words incorrectly. I was also tired of the incredible lack of self-confidence and unwillingness to talk, that were characteristic of the main characters. Not that it was necessarily bad, I was just tired of it. But other than that, good book...more

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Sep 02, 2010 Mykl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of the few series that actually had a very satisfying ending (Of course prior to the 3rd triology being released!). At times in the beginning the plot plodded along. Enjoyed seeing Covenant's ring truly becoming a symbol of his power and Covenant's realization of the need to limit his use of magic due to the possible destruction of the arch of time. Vain-Elohim connection was a bit weak in it's presentation. Not sure if there is enough steam for three more books but I am interested to find o...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Sue Thoroughman rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well-written, good character development but depressing! And Thomas Covenant, the main character, is really irritating with his anger and self-castigation. Half the time I just wanted to smack him. I have to say, though...I kept reading! Both trilogies, though I haven't yet read the third trilogy in the series. I don't think I will after all this time, since my main recollection is how irritated I felt with Covenant. Still...I kept reading through SIX books!

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Sep 12, 2012 The Amazing Teacher Mr. Walsh Walsh rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Arguably the best epic fantasy since JRR Tolkein (with apologies to Roger Zelazny and the Prices of Amber series), this is the last in the second trilogy of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever (read the other trilogy first to appreciate this trilogy). It is a terrific coda. However, I must note that it starts off with a violent act and should only be read after your parents have signed off on the mature themes.

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May 15, 2011 Rick Staten rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Interesting series but it becomes tedious after the first four books. You become interested in the characters but the constant despair and fact that nearly none of the characters escape any form of corruption makes it tough to read. That being said i understand that one of the concepts is what the characters become as they deal with their own corruption, faults, and despite.

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Aug 13, 2010 Curt Lorde rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The wrapup to Tom Covenant's adventure's. "My"arrogant opinion is that the second series wasn't necessary but sometimes you can't let go of something so tasty/wonderful/delicious as the times of Thomas Covenant and the devious Lord Foul. Here Tom rises to the occasion. And what a time it is. A fantasy series with roots in reality.

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Apr 29, 2013 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This series is as captivating as the first. Fun mix of modern world with fantasy world. I do wish there had been a little less rough language, and a little more marriage all around, if you know what I mean. Very enjoyable as a fantasy, and very interesting in its explorations of human nature and psychology.

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Aug 25, 2010 Andy added it · review of another edition

Shelves: x_from_andylib, genre_science_fiction_-_fantasy, yop1983, yed1983

1ST PBACK EDITION. 3RD BOOK IN THE SERIES: THE SECOND CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT. 1ST SERIES (THE CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT THE UNBELIEVER) CONSISTS OF: 1. LORD FOULS BANE; 2. THE ILEARTH WAR; 3. THE POWER THAT PRESERVES. OTHER BOOKS IN THE 2ND SERIES ARE: 1. THE WOUNDED LAND; 2. THE ONE TREE.

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May 29, 2010 Rusty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I loved the Thomas Covenant series and have read each and every one with eagerness and pleasure. This is the conclusion to the three book saga which sends Thomas back to Revelstone. His charge: beat the Clave and put out the Banefire in an attempt to slow down or force the Sunbane to recede. A very good read.

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Nov 14, 2009 Dave rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A great third-of-a-trilogy book.
The story wraps up quite satisfyingly after a long haul through more of the world of The Land then the first trilogy.

Of course, the book leaves open the opportunity for another sequel, of which volumes one and two are already out at the time of this review.

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Oct 22, 2009 Xopowo rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I didn't like this series (6 books) for one simple reason: the main character is a depressed whiner who refuses to believe in the fantasy world or his tremendous power. Even if it were all a dream, he should have used his power (for good) instead of being a coward.

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About Stephen R. Donaldson

Stephen Reeder Donaldson is an American fantasy, science fiction and mystery novelist. He earned his bachelor's degree from The College of Wooster and master's degree from Kent State University. He currently resides in New Mexico.

Stephen R. Donaldson was born on the 13th May 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio. His father, James, was a medical missionary and his mother, Ruth, a prosthetist (a person skilled i...more

More about Stephen R. Donaldson...

Books by Stephen R. Donaldson

Lord Foul's Bane (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, #1)

The Power That Preserves (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, #3)

The Illearth War (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, #2)

The Wounded Land (The Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, #1)

The One Tree (The Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, #2)

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White Gold Wielder (The Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant #3)

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