Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams | Why I Decided to Read

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey bookworms! I'm super excited to finally be getting to this series & I hope you'll come along with me on this quest. You can join the Discord using the link in the description if you want to chat with me and the others making the journey. Merry Christmas!

[@thomaskittock2866]

Hey Mike! I've read the first two books, but not the third. Excited for you to start!

[@eddiec2711]

I’m just Glad your finally reading Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, I’ll be doing my Re Read of this with you guys on your discord.📚

[@pillarmusic1641]

Favourite Harry Potter book?

[@H.Iversen]

Tad Williams is the master of atmosphere. The man has a way with words that is something special.

[@LancelotVantuyckom]

Even in the first chapter you notice this. I read it first when i was 15. Enjoyed it immensly

[@lenelenore]

I’m an old bat, and I read this series back in the day, and loved it. It’s because of these books that Tad Williams has always been an autobuy for me. I’m so happy for you to read these for the first time!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I like to think of it as "wise," my dear.

[@lenelenore]

@@mikesbookreviews Oh, yep, I have wisdom just oozing out of me at this point. I'm like a wet dish-sponge of life experiences. 😉😆

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I have a feeling your brother won’t be disappointed with your response to Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. Awesome video, Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh no, my brother will always find a way to be disappointed in me ha ha

[@mastersal4644]

@@mikesbookreviews if you love it I am anticipating him taking all the credit. Looking forward to it

[@FrancT-]

I appreciate older fantasy more and more every day. Tolkien awakened my love for fantasy and writers like John Gwynne remind me why I love fantasy in the first place! Heck, even Tolkien reminds me why I love fantasy still, with his stories like The Children of Hurin, which is amazing and grim as well. I love modern fantasies like Mistborn, Stormlight, First Law, etc. But that classic fantasy setting will always be more exciting to me if they are executed well. Like, an urban fantasy written today will be an enjoyable read for me with memorable moments if done well, but a fantasy in the style of ASOIAF or Memory, sorrow, and thorn will always be more memorable to me, despite the saturated market!

[@gidonidus]

Children of Huron is the most underrated Tolkien book IMO it is almost as good as The Hobbit and LOTR! It is also a fantastic tragedy, it's the first book that ever made me cry!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, Gwynne and Michael J. Sullivan have that throwback to classic 80's fantasy feel while not feeling dated. I love that about them.

[@FrancT-]

@@gidonidus Totally agree! Thúrin's character is fascinating. It reads like a Greek tragedy, which is an amazing accomplishment if you ask me.c

[@Dylankiwi1]

Children of Hurin is amazing, definitely the most underrated Tolkien novel.

[@overscanpaul]

It starts off like a reasonably standard fantasy quest, but it goes somewhere much more interesting. My second favourite series by Tad after Otherland. A great book, which inspired many authors.

[@iWizard]

I’m definitely up for the readalong. And now we’re going to have to talk about The Dragonbone Chair during our chat in February. Looking forward to it!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can't wait!

[@alexfrederick3404]

This series is wonderful, with absolutely beautiful writing. I took my time, reread chapters, and wrote down many memorable passages along the way. Your brother is right ...

[@mikesbookreviews]

I truly do hope so!

[@williamallen2413]

I read these about 25 years ago, maybe more, and I definitely need to read them again. I will join you in January.

[@gator7082]

I don't blame you, the grimdark genre can wear on you after awhile. I've been reading the original Dragonlance trilogy for that same reason. A nice palate cleanser and takes me back to my AD&D days. I guess I need to check this series out also.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, I like to think I've got this black heart but even I need a little sunshine now and then.

[@wardo1602]

Yes, Dragonlance is a great palate cleanser, and fun read. I just re-read Chronicles and Legends in the last two years.

[@gossamerabba]

Hoping you've seen this "It’s official! Dragons of Deceit by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, published by Del Rey, will be released August 9th, 2022. We’re returning to old friends while introducing a new heroine to the classic world of Dragonlance." very excited!

[@williamcurcio7367]

Easily my favorite series of all time. Never has a book series drawn me in so deeply. Just fantastic.

[@Tralala001]

Mr. Williams gas been on my radar for 2 or 3 years now, and I figure since there's a read along, I would join in!

[@jnwhite13]

I read this a few years back got through the first book and really loved it. I went in blind just knowing this was an influential work. Really liked the first and wanted more. Started the second one and for some reason only made it 3/4ths through. Might pick that one up with you all in February and try and push through to the end.

[@mikesbookreviews]

These things are always better in a group read.

[@jayspeijer614]

MS&T is hands down my favourite series full stop. I am limping along with your Malazan warband and it says here that Erikson cannot tie Williams' shoes. The Tolkien resemblance probably stops at more clearly defined good vs. evil characters than the shades of grey' found in popular grimdark stories today, but having said that there are still some surprises. While not as meandering as WoT, as dark as ASOIAF, or as hopelessly convoluted as MBOTF, don't delude yourself in thinking that Williams' epic tale is simplistic. It just reads better than those other series because, as you have astutely predicted, Tad employs a beautiful writing style that doesn't have you scrambling for the nearest dictionary or multi-page list of, largely marginal, characters. Prepare to really enjoy epic fantasy once again.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sounds exciting!

[@MrRutty1984]

I'm reading it because I want more traditional fantasy in my life. Wasn't going to read this yet but when I saw Mike was doing a read along I thought awesome I'll move it up on the TBR. Can't wait to start.

[@mikesbookreviews]

*nods in approval*

[@BradyTStudios]

I think you'll really enjoy it. I feel like Tad's work doesn't get the recognition it deserves even outside of MST. Hope you enjoy and read more of his works in the future!

[@davidr9104]

That reading exerpt alone has me hooked. That is so beautifully written!

[@pboyle2112]

You are in for a treat! MST is one of my personal favorites. Hope you enjoy the ride.

[@epicgamer2727]

I read the series backwards originally when I was a kid I got To Green Angel Tower not knowing there was two books before it lol. Your reading them will give me a good chance to reread the original trilogy before trying the sequels so this will be fun!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have a friend who started Wheel of Time on book 8. Wild.

[@cmmosher8035]

I know my kindle version has a whats gone on before. Hopefully your copy had that as well.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Just did a read-along of the series in my Discord a couple months ago! It’s super worth the journey. Hope you enjoy!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm pretty sure I will.

[@adventureswithJacqui]

This is my favourite video you have done so far! Great intro. I still have my first edition battered copies, I will never part with them because I love them so. I'm so excited for you to read them and to discover his prose and story telling.

[@Raechill92]

These are some of my favorite videos that you create. Another excellent intro! I’ve heard about this series, but didn’t know much about it. As a huge ASOIAF fan, this may be right up my alley. I may join the group. I’m so sorry, but I just couldn’t with Malazan. I made it to book 4 and had to throw in the towel. Love the shirt!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m 70% through book 7 and I get it ha ha

[@christopherdoolan925]

Just started re-reading. It’s as good as I remember. You will love it.

[@tylerblack301]

I’ve read The Dragonbone Chair and enjoyed it a lot! So I’ll be joining the warband for books 2 & 3. Happy holidays and happy reading!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Happy to have you along!

[@Praetorian_Rex]

I bought the books in Memory, Sorrow & Thorn a month ago. Not sure if I'll read-along with you, but it's a funny coincidence that I bought them right before your announcement to read them. Whether or not I'll follow your read-along I'm really looking forward to read them!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Do what works for you, my friend.

[@noellematzinger7884]

I know I'm just now seeing this video from a year ago, but I have been seeing Tad Williams' name on the shelf at Barnes and Nobles and I have been led to those books because of the covers. But I never heard anyone really talk about him/his books but after seeing this and seeing the first non-spoiler review for the first book and the titles for the other videos you posted. I think I'm going to have to give it a shot! Thanks Mike! May my TBR list grow ever longer.

[@BlackSpade2013]

That open man. HOLY CRAP dude. I think that was my favorite one you've ever done.

[@barrilrayder]

great thoughts as always Mike. I´m in for the read-long , can´t wait. It would be cool if you did a discussion for each book, spoiler full with someone else, dor example Jimmy from the Fantasy Nuttwork, given that you´re not gonna do spiler talks like for Malazan. Ps: still here for the malazan read along.

[@dugonman8360]

A lot of people got into fantasy in different doors. Most entered through Lord of the Rings and traveled Middle-Earth, other through wheel of time and some with a song of Ice and Fire. I, however, feel like I'm lucky to have entered through Memory Sorrow and thorn and traveled Osten Ard as my personal introduction at the ripe old age of 14. I adore this series and I'm so happy to see more and more find joy qnd beauty in this series.

[@mattbennett3589]

I started listening to this last week. Really liking it so far. I definitely plan on getting physical or ebook versions because I want to see the words, sentence structure…and how some of this is spelled.

[@veganabolic8893]

I will definitely be joining in with you guys in January!

[@dinocollins720]

I bought it! Cant wait to read it with you and the community next month!

[@dericksmith2603]

It's interesting because I never really thought of MS&T as particularly Tolkienesque. Classic fantasy sure, but I think it definitely differentiates itself. You're in for a fun ride.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hmmm. We shall see.

[@JLchevz]

yeah I think the same

[@tyrson4331]

I think it’s a bridge between Tolkien and those 90s fantasy authors

[@veganabolic8893]

I've had it on my shelf for a long time too lol Will be reading it with you in January 💪🏼🤓📖

[@odiums_taint]

bought these a few weeks ago, looking forward to starting the read in january!

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Wonderful video. Great intro!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I look forward to finally being able to talk with you about them!

[@willp2877]

I am nearly half way done with book one. Started Dragonbone a couple months ago. It's so good, I am taking my time, to truly chew on the beautiful writing. Fully dedicated to read both trilogies just based off of the strength of the first half of book one. & then I saw you, MIKE HIMSELF, was going to take it on. I will be reading along with you. Yes, I will.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Let's get it!

[@caseywestrope3357]

Tad Williams’ prose though! 🤌 Looking forward to doing a reread with you!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can't wait!

[@joshdakota01]

Wow man awesome intro! That music fit like a glove! 👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! When I heard it I thought it sounded like what I’ve imagined this series to be.

[@RaabStephan]

Looking forward to reading along with you in January!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Happy to have you!

[@Buchertn]

Super stoked for this I was at my local used book story and found the whole trilogy in the current trade paperback!

[@CallmeJochem]

This couldn't have come at a better time! Currently reading The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe and will start Memory, Sorrow and Thorn in January. I'm so excited about it 😁

[@mikesbookreviews]

Same.

[@xJillie]

Ok, you’ve sold me. Going to start this early next year!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yes!

[@tomsativa]

Finishing book 2 now so glad yall are gonna be reading this

[@ptjogara]

I totally get what you mean about your older brother. My brother's bookshelf was my library growing up as well :)

[@genghisgalahad8465]

I love the epic thoughtful intros with the moving art and narration and on point music!

[@jenniferarmstrong7722]

I can't wait to follow along with this. I have had to take WOT and Malazan alot slower. Im always excited to hear your thoughts on this series. It seems like a classic people recommend over and over. Yay!! ❤

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, I need some classic fantasy back in my life.

[@nataliem4434]

Memory Sorrow & Thorne is one of the best old-school fantasy of all time, you're going to love it! Also the very best elf-analogue races I've EVER read.

[@ceberuss_yt8266]

The Michael Whelan covers are stunning! I read the first one 15-20 y ago but never finished the series. It’s been on my tbr since then.

[@justjuanreader]

Seriously excited to read this soon!!

[@valindawalsh2805]

I had planned on reading this series about a month before you started talking about it. Think I'll join you for the read along 👍

[@gabekarl82]

this series have been on my radar since HS, I never got around it, because I got distracted with the cool stuff like The Matrix, video games, Final Fantasy and many more .... I might join you guys this January, but not sure yet with all the books I want to read in 2022

[@gegamst7323]

It's a great series which I will definately re-read at some point. And personally I love tropes and the whole "chosen one" concept, as long as it's done right. I like grimdark too but I think we need more of the traditional epic fantasies, especially in these troubled times.

[@markredman426]

This is a brilliant series. I was lucky enough and I'm old enough to have read it when it was first published. Williams is superb at world-building, I would even say one of the very best. His characterisation is just as good as Robin Hobb. Good luck on the read, hope you love it and become a fan!

[@livriomer]

I read Otherland by Tad Williams, and it was awesome. I hope I can read this series too.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have that one on digital.

[@livriomer]

@@mikesbookreviews It is pure scifi, although it looks like fantasy. And I think it was the best series I have read this year

[@Clockingsmiles]

My absolute favorite fantasy series 😍😍😍😍

[@mikesbookreviews]

Seems the folks that love it REALLY love it.

[@samdaniel684]

Just finished MST and on my way to Last King of Osten Ard. Will read Heart of What Was Lost in the meantime. I also just stared the First Law trilogy, very good!

[@metalgearsenshi]

This book has been on my Goodreads for some time now and I definitely want to join in and read something with the channel together. It's nice to be able to read a book in a community and look forward to hearing how others like and dislike it especially since I'm real late to joining Malazan. Tried. Disorganization said, "HA, no."

[@mikesbookreviews]

Heh. Yes, this will be much more loose of a read along than Malazan.

[@Ouroboros0451]

I really enjoy your music fueled intros. Keep up the good work Mike! Early Merry Christmas.

[@mastersal4644]

Omg loved the intro reading !! Got me hyped Also - I agree about balancing the grimdark. Have you tried hopepunk incidentally. Tropes are candy ! Waiting for you to finish to bump this up the TBR mountain

[@atom0191]

Love your videos, Mike!

[@markb3534]

Looking forward to it! Reread for me, but I am up for it!

[@Keith_KC8TCQ]

Great series, and I am glad they are getting some recognition. I first read them YEARS ago, and Tolkien's books I give them a re read yearly. Same with David Eddings Belgarian/Mallorean and the accompanying books.

[@jackson-285]

Merry Christmas Mike! I’m going to have to bump this up my list, I agree I’m in the mood for some good old fashioned tropey fantasy. Also I’m a little late to the Malazan warband but just got through Deadhouse Gates and have really enjoyed your coverage! I myself have been pretty confused to date but have been loving the series so far.

[@ShaqPlaque]

I'm down to reread this. Been a couple decades. I remember really enjoying what Tad Williams did with the 'chosen one' trope

[@elcee8]

He’s an amazing writer. I’ve read one his stand alone books, but have not picked up this series. Will have to do so

[@MrJohnp93]

Looks like I'm on board for my first readalong with the channel

[@tomdoell811]

This is my favorite fantasy series of all time, to the point where I'm unfortunately kind of dismissive of any others. Nothing else has captured my attention as much and it's hard to compete. I read it early on in my youth and now after a long break, the story continues on as an adult with tad williams writing all these new books. Can't wait to see how it all ends. Hopefully the film or television universe recognizes and recreates it one of these days as a faithful high budget movie series or a show. I think a cartoon or an anime is the best choice.

[@fantasticphilosophy181]

The thing that struck to me the most when rereading this series a few years ago was how much G.R.R.Martin must have loved these.

[@juricadogan3870]

Yes, he explicitly cites it as biggest influence for ASOIF.

[@Tomnefffable]

Merry Christmas! A year ago I asked my friends what I should read after Song of Ice and Fire. Wheel of Time, Mistborn and this series were recommended. I've decided that I'm reading it! (After Mistborn)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome!

[@cmmosher8035]

So back when i was 12 or 13 my Gran sent me a box of books and one those was Dragonbone Chair. It was early enough that i had to wait for Green AngelTower to come out. It certainly throws back to quests, elves, dwarfs and magical swords. Its not as blatant a LotR homage as Shanara or even the Eye of the World. I hope you enjoy it.

[@cmmosher8035]

Actually, i am reading Malice right now and Corban's early story has a similar feel to Simon's. Not the same story but the same feel.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sounds great!

[@thingshappenedpr]

Got into this series recently as well and for almost the same reason. Wanted a comfy read where I could just get lost in a vast, beautiful world and didn't mind the slow burn at all. Saw the first book at a thrift bookshop years ago and it grabbed my attention from the first glimpse at the cover. Didn't buy for a long while until this year and so far am loving it.

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

I’m down for at least the first book. I’ve seen this in stores since I first started reading fantasy. I’m finally ready for it.

[@susinok]

I need to re-read these. I read them when they came out, but I honestly don't remember anything other than I loved it at the time.

[@evelynparmley6043]

I'm about to start reading the dragonbone chair too! I picked it up because of Brian Lee Durfee's channel.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Brian has been quite the cheerleader for me to read this series.

[@evelynparmley6043]

@@mikesbookreviews I’m enjoying all the classic fantasy recommendations he gives. Keep up the good work Mike. I’m enjoying the channel. I started Empire of the Vampire a few days ago, and it’s pretty awesome so far.

[@nickfoster9350]

"Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn," along with "The Last King of Osten Ard" are my favourite fantasy series of all time. The most recent installment, "Into the Narrowdark" is the best fantasy book I think I've ever read. Tad Williams' character and world building are second to none, in my opinion, and I am eagerly awaiting the final book of the series. Nowadays, people take time off work when a highly anticipated video game is released, but I think I'm going to take a few days off work so I can devour the final installment.

[@thejosh2099]

Lovin' that Zelda mug, Mike! Looking forward to starting Dragonbone Chair. I might even have to start it before the New Year.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! That was a Christmas gift from one of my Patrons. She's the best.

[@victormedina9154]

re reading Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn for the 3 time right now glad this series its getting more exposure

[@mikesbookreviews]

I was surprised to the reception when I said I was going to do it because it seems like no one talks about it on booktube.

[@highwayharry]

I’ll be joining in on this read along. I am still on the Malazan read along but not really enjoying it. I’m kinda hate reading it, but I want to complete the series. Tad Williams seems more my style as Asoiaf is my favorite series along with wheel of time and kingkiller. If tad williams writes anything like Robin Hobb or Rothfuss I think I will really enjoy this series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Man, I am struggling with Reaper's Gale.

[@Alkemisti]

I was a child in the 1990s when I saw the Finnish translations of these books in my local library's shelf. I thought someday I will read those. I almost always stare at them for a while when I go to the library. Now, thirty years later, Mike made me think I could actually borrow them next time and read.

[@wardo1602]

You are amazingly well-prepared for this series! :) Seems as though everyone has provided good commentary on why it's a worthwhile read. I'll just add that the characterization and writing is so good that book length means nothing here. I love being lost in the story, and not concerned about how long the book actually takes. It'll be over too quickly, no matter what.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Definitely. I don’t read as a race. If I’m loving the world and characters I don’t want it to end (i.e. The Stand could have been 500 pages longer and I’d have loved it).

[@bobgdn]

This is the series that got me back into reading fantasy a few years ago. I think I may join you guys and do a reread. Hopefully the prequel book I ordered arrives before the end of the year.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Outstanding.

[@tabarnakopoulos]

I first read that series somewhere in the mid to late 90's ( about 25 years ago ) and I am re reading now, in 2022, for the first time since. And what a damn good story it is! I forgot most of the details, bu I vaguely remember the main story plot!

[@am3703]

Me: "Oh cool a readalong, i've owned those books for a while now" My TBR: "Inconceivable!" And I only just started midnight tides . . . so many books so little time, at least it's the holidays!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's a grind, the ol' TBR

[@JoanaSousaReads]

I'm going to start this in February ☺️ i wanted to read it bc of the channel called grey area she mentioned this a lot after got S8 and how people are sleeping on this amazing series. Then i was on a liveshow with Jimmy nuts to talk about the forgetting moon and he convinced me and Abby salter to read it ☺️

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent!

[@simonedwards9450]

I’m starting the whole saga tomorrow including the prequels and the sequels. Starting with dragonbone chair - CANNOT WAIT! :-) love the idea the main character shares the same name as myself

[@jimmyfortuna-peak4639]

On my tbr but I don’t think I’ll read it for another few years or so. Looking forward to see what you think of it.

[@sully8495]

Im gonna continue reading the second book,

[@hardstroker947]

This will be my first readalong. I’m looking forward to itz

[@supernorry3847]

I have never read it, but i always see the (fan) art and it looks so intresting, so gorgeous. I really want to read this someday.

[@kreegalobunsen602]

Mike, if you find yourself liking his style, you should try Tad's science fiction tetralogy: "Otherland." He might be best known for that work, in fact. It's a treasure.

[@morzansreddragon]

I bought the first 2 books a while back and I want to read them sometime soon. Maybe I should join.

[@christopherstorey1125]

I will see if there are any copies at my local used book store and read along

[@mikesbookreviews]

Good luck!

[@andybarker8787]

18 months late to the party but this video has convinced me to re-read TDC. I tried to read it 20 years ago but struggled. Hadn't read a lot of of adult fantasy then and it may have just been to complex for my taste at the time so I guess I'll see.

[@April_Davis]

You got me interested, for sure. Now I gotta get moving so I can start with you. 🙂

[@mikesbookreviews]

One per month, so plenty of time to catch up if you can't start on January 1.

[@muppet1011]

I grew up reading Tad Williams and this series. The first book is slow but I love it, It’s a comfort blanket of a fantasy series.

[@JackiesBookLife]

I loved this series and have the sequels too just ready to read! His scifi series was quite good too. He does livestreams on his Facebook page - nice guy! I noticed that Martin has also been influenced by Steven Brust too.

[@anna_rn]

I hear you. I just finished Dragonlance the Chronicles trilogy and I loved it. Yep, it’s a bit cheesy but it is nostalgic. Great shirt btw! 😁

[@mikesbookreviews]

I spent the last few years building up an immunity to iocane powder.

[@s.g.3898]

@@mikesbookreviews Just don't start a land war in Asia lol

[@TRUc972]

Book 7 of Malazan saw me off 😂 I’ve gone to short sci fi books as I was desperate for a change. I’ll be interested to see what you think of this series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Reaper's Gale is tough.

[@bruceyt6303]

It sounds like you have the right mindset going into this. Especially when you can understand the setup that Fellowship was doing for LOTR. This is my favourite fantasy series. It saved me during one of the roughest periods of my life. Hope you enjoy it.