Stone of Farewell

The second volume of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn deepens the world and raises the stakes. Simon and the scattered allies of Prince Josua must regroup at the Stone of Farewell while the Storm King’s power grows. Williams expands his cast and his world, introducing new cultures and deepening the mysteries of the Sithi.

Why Start Here

Do not start here. Begin with The Dragonbone Chair. Stone of Farewell is the middle volume that bridges the setup of the first book with the climactic third. It is where Williams hits his stride as a storyteller, balancing multiple plotlines with increasing confidence. The Sithi sequences in particular are among the best passages Williams has ever written.

What to Expect

A multi-threaded narrative following several groups of characters as they converge toward the Stone of Farewell. The pacing is more consistent than the first book, with less setup and more forward momentum. Around 589 pages. The worldbuilding continues to deepen, and the emotional stakes become personal alongside the political ones.