A great step-up from its prequel Shadowmarch, Shadowplay continues the complex story of the Kingdom of Southmarch and related events. Things that played little to no role in the first book are really at the forefront here. I have to admit that the epigraphs at the start of each chapter were pretty much one of my favorite aspects of this book. Throughout the book, the epigraphs depict the same story of the Godswar of the Onyenai gods and the Surazemai gods, just viewed from three different viewpoints: the fairies, mortal folks on Eion and the Xandians. Fascinating. So close and yet so different in outcomes.

There are still quite a few of different character viewpoints in this book, and I am sure it makes sense from a larger point of view, but some characters are just not that compelling. The whole arc around Chert is still rather boring, and even though I am interested in finding out what kind of backstory Elan M'Cory has, the poet Tinwright is not my favorite.

Speaking of not my favorite, I really do hope that by book 3 Barrick will not be as aggravating as he continues to be. It's very hard to care for him at all. Gyir the Storm Lantern was a lot more likeable than Barrick, and that's saying something.

Unlike Shadowmarch, in Shadowplay things actually happen, and you get some backstory about the whole conflict. My guess is that events will soon culminate at Southmarch. I can't wait to find out more about Qinnitan and her role, what that creepy autarch Sulepis is up to and how it will all weave together.

In summary, Tad Williams writes in his usual style, verbose and somewhat heavy, and in stretches still too boring, but he's back to writing epic fantasy, and that's my favorite genre. If the next two volumes continue in this vein, I will be pleased. Another Memory, Sorrow and Thorn this is not, unfortunately, but it might come fairly close.