Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is a seminal epic fantasy series frequently described as the bridge between the classic style of J.R.R. Tolkien and the modern grit of George R.R. Martin. While it is widely praised for its beautiful prose, immersive world-building, and historical importance to the genre, it is equally known for a very deliberate, slow pace that requires significant patience from the reader.
Pros
- Highly influential series that served as a primary inspiration for George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire
- Excellent prose and deep, immersive world-building reminiscent of Lord of the Rings
- Successfully balances classic epic fantasy tropes with darker, more contemporary themes
- Highly rewarding narrative for those who push through the initial setup
Cons
- Notoriously slow and 'plodding' pace, especially during the first book
- The protagonist, Simon, can be difficult for some readers to connect with or care about initially
- Reflects the 'doorstopper' style of the 80s and 90s, with some sequences described as being longer than necessary
Caveats
- The series is part of a much larger 'Osten Ard' saga that now includes multiple sequels and prequels
- While it inspired ASOIAF, it remains more of a classic 'good vs. evil' story with orphans, princesses, and quests
Best for
- Fans of classic epic fantasy who enjoy a slow-burn journey
- Readers interested in the history and evolution of the fantasy genre
- Those who appreciate high-quality prose and detailed world-building
Avoid if
- You prefer fast-paced, action-heavy narratives
- You have little patience for long introductory periods where 'nothing happens'
- You are looking for a direct stylistic clone of A Song of Ice and Fire's political grit
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 122-month half-life. The evidence is drawn from a consistent set of discussions in r/Fantasy with a median source age of approximately 376 days.
Sentiment
35 positive (78%) · 9 mixed (20%) · 1 negative (2%)
Trust + time weighted score: +76% · raw score 76%
What redditors said (10 of 45)
Tad Williams's Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy is very much in conversation with The Lord of the Rings. Sometimes as homage, others as deconstruction.
To fully appreciate the series, you probably need to first read the earlier Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series that follows the humble beginnings of the king.
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn taught me that it isn't tropes that put me off, it's writing and/or prose.
I really love memory sorrow and thorn. It seems to be polarizing, but I really dig it. ... the first book has a lot of setup, but once it gets going it’s great.
Tad Williams Memory Sorrow and Thorn isn't mentioned anywhere nearly as frequently as the others, and deserves more recognition.
You should the memory sorry and thorn trilogy. Tad Williams’s prose is beautiful and Martin has said it’s one of the inspiriations for game of thrones
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams. I see where people think it starts slow. I loved the world from the start. Terrible stuff is happening but to me the world is a cozy escape from the get go.
Happened about a gazillion times while reading Memory Sorrow and Thorn. GRRM liked it a lot, and it shows
The Cursed, Duncan Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Williams Perdido Street Station, Meiville
Tad Williams's Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. Often dismissed in current discussion as old-fashioned epic fantasy, but he's actually doing exactly what you're reaching for.
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