Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn takes place on the fictional continent of Osten Ard, comprising several united international locations. Williams used several characters, both protagonist and antagonist, as point of view characters all through the novels, presenting the reader with an assortment of disparate and subjective viewpoints. A novelette set on the earth of Osten Ard, The Burning Man, was released in 1998 and later printed as a graphic novel. A sequel trilogy, The Final King of Osten Ard, started publication in 2017, following 2017's The heart of What Was Misplaced. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn takes place on the fictional continent of Osten Ard, dwelling to several united races, together with people, elf-like immortals generally known as Sithi, and Memory Wave dwarf-like mountain-dwellers named Qanuc. Most of those races have been dwelling in relative unity for decades, thanks to King John the Presbyter (also called Prester John), who is understood to have slain a dragon. When the primary novel opens Prester John's health in his superior age is failing and his sons, Elias and Josua, quarrel over who will ascend to the throne.

In the meantime, a darkish secret held by Prester John, and the ambitions of a priest named Pryrates, threaten the stability of the continent. Williams used several characters, both villain and protagonist, as viewpoint characters all through the scope of the novels. The series primarily follows Simon, a lowly kitchen scullion in Hayholt Castle, as he undergoes tutelage from Doctor Morgenes and is cared for by Rachel "the Dragon", the matriarch of the castle's kitchen and chambermaids. When King John dies, Elias takes the throne with the mysterious priest Pryrates as his advisor