Looking for an epic world building fantasy series.

Have you tried the dune saga?

>Looking for an epic world building fantasy series.

Without a doubt, the novels of **Tad Williams** set in the world of Osten Ard.

It changed my perspective on fantasy **forever**:. It showed me that fantasy could be morally grey, complex – and not rely on (unrealistic) wholesomeness.

There are two trilogy’s and a number of books that serve as prequels or ‘bridges’ between the two main series.

The first series is called **Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn** and features the following novels:

1. “*The Dragonbone Chair*”
2. “*The Stone of Farewell*”
3. “*To Green Angel Tower*”¹

Williams also wrote a novella entitled “*The Burning Man*”. It’s set in the same world, but very tangentially connected to either series. But it’s still a great read.

Nearly 30 years later (in 2017) , Williams decided to return to the world with a new series called “**The Last King of Osten Ard**”. This series consists of the following:

1. “*The Witchwood Crown*”
2. “*Empire of Grass*”
3. “*Into the Narrowdark*”
4. “*The Navigator’s Children*” (Scheduled for release in November 2024)

During this period, he also wrote a bridge novel entitled “*The Heart of What Was Lost*”. It takes place shortly after the first trilogy.

Plus, there are two **prequels** – both of which are set before BOTH trilogies:

1. “*Brothers of the Wind*”
2. “*The Splintered Sun*” (Tentatively scheduled in Fall 2024.)

***Every one*** of these books are fantastic. The world-building is incredible.

For example, the primary religion is definitely based on Medieval Catholicism. The various countries/peoples seem to be based on cultures a s vast as Medieval England, Early Wales, Inuit/Indigenous culture, the Viking/Scandinavian peoples, and a Roman Empire/Italian States amalgation.

The “antagonists”² are clearly based on Japanese legends/culture.

The only criticism is that they are ‘otherized’ by being clearly written and described as non-human/Fairy-based.

But every book is incredible. Williams’ world building is just as good as GRRM. Who, by the way, said the first trilogy greatly influenced ASoIaF.

What’s a shame is these books are viewed in the US as strictly genre (*ie*, fantasy). While in Europe, Williams and his work are received & reviewed from a much more intellectual perspective.

The very first book in the series (“*The Dragonbone Chair*”) is initially very Tolkien-esque and precious in its homage to him & TLotR. But it takes a very hard turn away from that 1/3 through. And then you realize that was the set-up – to make you comfortable before it pulls the rug out with its surprising darkness.

But it’s not grimdark just for the sake of it. Like GRRM, Williams wants to show you this type of world would not be all cuddles & tickles.

IMO, I think it’s better than ASoIaF in many ways. It saddens me Williams hasn’t gotten the amount of recognition he deserves for his work. First off, all the books are brilliant. And second, he has been excellent in providing books on a reasonable schedule and not stringing readers along with false promises.

I hope this helps – and I hope you give them a try.

¹(Book 3 is known as one of the largest novels *ever* written. Literally. It had to be split into *two books* for the paperback conversion)

²(The first trilogy heavily deals with unreliable narrators, xenophobia, genocide, and land appropriation. So by the end of the first series – it’s clear the “bad guys” have a valid reason for vengeance.)