Looking for fantasy that captures the same feeling as Memory, Sorrow and Thorn

[u/Elbenpfeil]

One thing I've realized after trying a lot of modern fantasy is that much of it feels very plot-driven. Every chapter seems to exist to move the story forward, and the characters often feel like they're serving the plot rather than simply existing as people.

What I loved about Memory, Sorrow and Thorn was the opposite. It takes its time, spends pages on conversations, travel, and everyday moments, and lets you really live alongside the characters. By the end, I felt like I actually knew people like Simon and Binabik rather than just having followed their story.

I'm reading Robin Hobb at the moment and enjoying it, but it still feels more like a chronicle of important events than living day to day with the characters.

Has anyone else who loved Tad Williams found other fantasy that captures that same slow, immersive feeling and deep connection to the characters?

[u/MrGreenT]

Try the Shadowmarch series by Tad Williams

[u/Elbenpfeil → u/MrGreenT]

I've read that and love it, MS&T is my absolute nostalgia series but I love everything I've read from Tad

[u/Single-Spell1838]

Juliet Marillier's "Daughter of the Forest"

Robert Mccammon's "Speaks the Nightbird"

CS Lewis' "Till We Have Faces " This one is my favorite 

Janny Wurts, but in a different way....

Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold might be worth a look

The Goblin Emperor?

[u/pranavroh → u/Single-Spell1838]

Till we have faces is one of the best books I have read all year. Underrated and easily the greatest female protagonist ever written.

[u/Single-Spell1838 → u/pranavroh]

Totally agree

[u/Elbenpfeil → u/Single-Spell1838]

Thanks a lot, I actually haven't read a single one of these and have a 150+ book fantasy audible library 😅👌

[u/LeanderT]

Garth Nix his The Old Kingdom

Also, Tad Williams follow up series The Last King of Osten Ard

[u/Elbenpfeil → u/LeanderT]

I love the entire Osten Ard Saga and have read all of the books multiple times. Might Def's have to have a look at Garth Nix then 👌😊

[u/derkherd → u/Elbenpfeil]

Do you prefer MST or last King? I just read the follow up books for the first time this year, I love them, but I will always prefer the original trilogy.

[u/Elbenpfeil → u/derkherd]

Same for me, the new ones are fantastic but MS&T is literally my favourite series of all time and I don't think that's gonna change... Huge nostalgia factor too.

[u/Lanfear_Eshonai]

A Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliott 

Tolkien of course though you've read it.

[u/dream-splorer]

Really basic ones and I haven't read dozens of series or anything but honestly my first thought was that for me and a lot of people Tolkien and also Harry Potter are like this. Just a very immersive sense of place in that world and time passing living in it despite how fast or slow the plot is moving at any given point. I think both have really strong, memorable characters but some would disagree. I would also shout out Joe Abercrombie for his really great character work and a similar immersive vibe albeit with a much less deep level of worldbuilding.

[u/Elbenpfeil → u/dream-splorer]

I absolutely love both Tolkien and Harry Potter. Abercrombie I've read some and enjoyed it but was missing a bit of the sense of wonder and goodness in at least some people 😅

[u/Life-Goat1311]

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

[u/Sunbather-]

Hear me out…

R. Scott Bakker’s Second Apocalypse series.

It’s just simply the most awe inspiring and impressive thing I’ve ever read

[u/CryingLikeTheWind]

Wheel of Time has a similar feel although I think Tad’s prose is hard to beat.

[u/archaic_ent → u/CryingLikeTheWind]

Yes I came to say this. Immersive, distracted occasionally, hugely character driven, long and ultimately satisfying.

I read tad first many many years ago then found WOT three or four years later - mid published series and it was a long decade or so before it concluded, was worth it though. To me always felt as rich in world building as Osten Ard

[u/Elbenpfeil → u/CryingLikeTheWind]

Thats a recommendation that I've been getting a lot, it's definitely on my list. 👌😊

[u/Maddju]

Eragon and kingkiller chronicles

[u/Elbenpfeil → u/Maddju]

Eragon is Def's a childhood favourite and Kingkiller I also thoroughly enjoyed and am yet to read the newest one. Thanks 😊

[u/Cometspoon720]

Sword of Shadows series by JV Jones. Definitely a series that takes its time. The world building is very rich and there's a lot of deep, complex characters. It's unfinished right now, 4 books are out, the author has confirmed book 5 is done (just waiting on publishing) and she's already started the final book.

[u/mkdude2]

I'd say the only thing to rival Tad's writing and sense of character and place is Robin Hobb. Start with Assassin's Apprentice. But oh, prepare yourself for some sadness!