BookBingeMemory, Sorrow, and Thorn Books in Order
The short answer
Tad Williams · 3 books
- How many books?
- There are 3 books in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, published 1988–1993.
- Is it finished?
- Yes — the series is complete; it ends with To Green Angel Tower (1993).
- Where to start
- Start with The Dragonbone Chair (1988).
About 2,600 pages — roughly 40 hours of reading
A kitchen boy is swept into a war against an undead sorcerer-prince in this genre-defining epic that inspired George R.R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss.
Here is the complete Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn reading order — all 3 books by Tad Williams, in the order you should read them:
Reading order
- The Dragonbone ChairA castle scullion is thrust into a war for a kingdom's throne after the death of a beloved king unleashes long-dormant evils.1988783 pages
- Stone of FarewellScattered allies flee a usurper's forces and race to uncover the truth behind three legendary swords that may be the key to salvation.1990733 pages
- To Green Angel TowerThe struggle against a resurgent, ancient evil comes to a head as armies and old secrets converge on the High King's seat.19931,083 pages
Good news: for this series, reading order and publication order are the same — just read straight down the list.
On our lists: Completed fantasy series · Completed fantasy trilogies
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Get BookBingeFrequently asked questions
How many Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn books are there?
There are 3 books in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series by Tad Williams, from The Dragonbone Chair (1988) to To Green Angel Tower (1993). Together they run to about 2,600 pages.
Is the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series finished?
Yes. Tad Williams completed the series with To Green Angel Tower in 1993; all 3 books are out now.
What is the first Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn book?
The Dragonbone Chair (1988) is book one, at 783 pages. A castle scullion is thrust into a war for a kingdom's throne after the death of a beloved king unleashes long-dormant evils.
Should I read the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series in publication order?
Yes. For the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, reading order and publication order are the same — The Dragonbone Chair (1988) through To Green Angel Tower (1993).
How long does it take to read all Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn books?
About 2,600 pages across 3 books — roughly 40 hours at a page a minute. The longest is To Green Angel Tower (1,083 pages); the shortest is Stone of Farewell (733 pages).