The Dragonbone Chair cover

The Dragonbone Chair

Memory, Sorrow & Thorn • Book 1

by Tad Williams

Narrated by Andrew Wincott

4.07 ABR Score (82.3K ratings)
★ 3.97 Goodreads (78.3K) ★ 4.44 Audible (4.0K)
33h 12m Released 2016 Fantasy

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

The book George R.R. Martin credits for Game of Thrones is slower, warmer, and somehow more rewarding for it.

  • Great if you want: epic fantasy that builds a world before it breaks it
  • Listening experience: deliberate slow-burn; rewards patience across its 33-hour runtime
  • Narration: Wincott's warmth suits Simon's wide-eyed wonder without going saccharine
  • Skip if: you expect GoT-style brutality — this is classical, not grimdark

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About This Audiobook

In the realm of Osten Ard, ancient powers stir as a dying king's reign draws to a close. Simon, a castle scullion with dreams far beyond his kitchen duties, finds himself thrust into a conflict that spans mortal and immortal worlds. When dark sorcery threatens to tear apart the fabric of the kingdom, this unlikely hero must embark on a perilous journey that will test not only his courage but his very understanding of good and evil. Williams crafts a richly detailed fantasy world where political intrigue, mystical forces, and personal growth interweave in an epic tale of destiny and transformation.

Andrew Wincott's masterful narration transforms this sweeping fantasy into an immersive theatrical experience. His nuanced character voices bring depth to Williams' extensive cast, from Simon's youthful uncertainty to the gravitas of ancient beings. Wincott's measured pacing allows listeners to fully absorb the intricate world-building while maintaining narrative momentum through action sequences. His performance captures both the intimate character moments and the grand scope of the unfolding epic, making the audiobook's substantial runtime feel engaging rather than daunting.