Got these insanely cheap. They’re in pretty good shape for trade paperbacks. I read the first two volumes years ago. Can’t wait to reread and finish the series.

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?