A review of Steven Erikson’s Forge of Darkness

[@IskarJarak]

Great video-don’t worry about the haters on pronunciation! This is perhaps my favorite aspect of the whole series! It didn’t do well commercially, but it’s some of SE’s best stuff IMO! 🙌💪🙏❤️💯 great stuff!!

[@IskarJarak]

“This” being Kharkanas!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m not as well read as you are in Erikson’s work, but I agree with you in the sense that The Kharkanas Trilogy seems to me even more quintessentially “Erikson “, if that makes any sense. Thanks much for watching and commenting - much appreciated!

[@IskarJarak]

Philip Chase agreed! Deep, contemplative stuff... great vid!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Iskar Jarak Thanks for the encouragement!

[@omnitheus5442]

I think when ppl get hooked on the series it will do well. Just need to give it time. I picked up my two copies of both books but I am only halfway through Toll the Hounds... It'll eventually do well!

[@Managarmr999]

Love this review. Incredible world building and just such a deeply creative taken on a fantasy origin story. I personally see the Azathanai as being similar to the Q in Star Trek. And Draconus and Olar Ethil are as terrifying as they are fascinating.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Great thought in regard to the Azathanai! Erikson is a Star Trek fan, so you never know. Cheers!

[@therope340]

Very eloquent reviewer. You have another subscriber.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

The Rope Awesome! I appreciate both your comment and the sub. Thank you! I’ll be reading and reviewing Fall of Light a bit later this summer.

[@jordendarrett1725]

Just found your channel, the content isn’t lacking in quality. Keep your foot on the gas, I see you growing much bigger in the near future!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Jorden Darrett Thank you! I definitely appreciate the encouragement. I plan to turn out at least one video per week. It’s a pleasure to hear from you - interacting with some fellow fantasy fans has been the best part of this.

[@oniflrog4487]

Great review. I just finished FoD and started FoL not long ago. Looking forward to watch your review of it!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed the review. Forge of Darkness really impressed me with its depth, and it was also helpful in confirming what I was sensing about Erikson's writing from reading the Malazan books. I've got a lot of reading to do beforehand, but I'm getting pretty excited for my Malazan reread and plan on releasing a video on each book as I read it. Thanks for commenting -- much appreciated!

[@oniflrog4487]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy One of the aspects I liked the most about Forge of Darkness was the self-conscious, meta-narrative element it had. Erikson speaks to the reader almost directly when Blind Gallan is making his introduction, you know, all about the "list makers" that won't judge him lightly if he doesn't get all the dates and facts right. To me, that's Erikson talking to the reader about the fact that The Book of the Fallen is a historical document, and as such, it does have errors, biases and tergiversation. And Kharkanas is even worse than that in terms of accuracy because it's from one poet to another. So the "list makers" are the readers that focus more on the encyclopedic aspect of the series instead of the theme and prose(of which I guess we are all guilty, to varying degrees). The aspect I find more interesting about your reviews is that you don't judge Malazan exclusively by traditional High Fantasy standards. You seem well-read in other genres. And Erikson pours so much from those other genres into his work. That's awesome, really.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@oniflrog4487 Beautifully said! I too had the feeling that Erikson was speaking to me through Gallan, especially in his more philosophical statements and in his assertion that there are "no singular stories". I felt like Erikson was saying to the reader, "Don't expect this story to be focused on some hero -- that's not what I do since those narratives are distortions that soothe people by allowing them to feel they are bigger and more important than they really are (since they identify with the "hero")." Something like that, at least. Thanks for the kind remark about my reviews. I'm a fantasy lover who happens to be an English professor with a specialization in medieval literature. I also teach a course on fantasy novels, one I developed. It's great to read your comments -- much appreciated!

[@OneMoreMeme_INeedYou]

Fantastic video. The fact that before you even talked about what the book was about, you started talking philosophy is what makes Kharkanas as well as Erikson's writing in general special lol. You show a deep understanding and respect which I as a fan of these books appreciate. What I loved most about Forge of Darkness is (as Iskar has put it) luxuriating in the prose. I was entranced by the tone, craft, narrative framing of chapters with relation to use of POV, and the way the book, chapter by chapter, scene by scene, paragraph by paragraph, line by line just flows like water, until you hit that perfectly placed last line and just look back and say to yourself: "wow." There are some sequences punctuated with a single line or set of lines that stay in my head for days. Not to mention that even though its chronologically a prequel, it's spiritually a sequel to the main 10 as it follows up on themes and plots from those books. As Gallan says in the first line "So you have found me and would know the tale." We went through all 10 books of the main series and like an archaeologist, over time has finally uncovered the heart that lies at the center of everything. It makes those books so much better as his circular storytelling always does book after book when you look back. I just finished Fall of Light and I have to say I loved it. As usual you kind of have to just surrender yourself to the experience but it makes the highs even higher than they were in FoD and have some of Erikson's greatest moments imo.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

OneMoreMeme_INeedYou Thank you for this beautifully phrased comment! It’s a pleasure to read your reaction to Fall of Light, which makes me even more excited for that read. I appreciate your thoughtful words and the encouragement. More and more I feel like the world Erikson has created (along with Esslemont) is opening up for me, and I’m anticipating a wild and wonderful ride. The goal was to prepare myself for a more informed reread of The Malazan Book of the Fallen, but so far the Kharkanas Trilogy has proven worthy of the journey for itself. I love the idea you express about Kharkanas being spiritually a sequel. Thanks again for the lovely comments- much appreciated!

[@RoxanaMagdaD]

oh, perfectly done! Thank you! :) I highly appreciate your videos and input!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for watching! Forge of Darkness was an important read for me since it clarified a lot of things that I was groping toward while reading The Malazan Book of the Fallen.

[@RoxanaMagdaD]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy It was the same for me. Also the deeply philosophical nature of the Kharkanas books is very appealing to me

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@RoxanaMagdaD Same here - I love the depth and the internal thoughts. They change the pacing, so it’s an adjustment from the usual thrill a minute. But, wow, these books stick with you!

[@whispersofthewind8401]

Again bravo, not only for the really good reviews but also for reviewing some great books that booktube rarely, if ever, touches. Erikson had said that he wanted to try something different with the prose on this trilogy. I believe he took some Shakespearian influencies. Anyways, really excited to go into this sometime after the Crippled God and about the upcoming The God is Not Willing.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

This and Fall of Light were important for me in getting a grasp on Erikson’s style and especially what he does with perspective. They’re also deeply moving books with some narrative risks that put me in awe of Erikson’s writing. I can’t recommend them enough to any Malazan fan!

[@whispersofthewind8401]

Erikson said that he will write that last book pretty much for the few people that liked his other two. And while it is a damn shame they didn't sell well, he will write A Walk in Shadow in the same style he commited, which is one he quite liked, and I think we can expect some pretty bold stuff in the last instalment.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@whispersofthewind8401 I’m very glad to hear that, and I for one am happy that he’ll keep the style consistent. I just hope more Malazan fans will catch on to the brilliance of Kharkanas!

[@callinicobo5991]

Great review. I've just finisehed the book and I'm on the second chapter in "Fall of Light". The book is amazing and could be my favourite by Erikson. It's epic, and tragic, and really really dark at several pionts, but brilliantly written. I love the monumental passages, but also little things like Varandas saing "I kill trespassers", wich reminds me "Assail" by Esslemont. Thank you.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@callinicobo5991 I’m so glad you’re loving it! Here’s hoping we get book three soon!

[@tomsativa]

Much love brotha Dr. Chase! Currently on ch 3 of this and it's great. Was interested to see if any reviews were out in booktubeland. Ty, good sir, as always!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! I hope to reread Forge of Darkness and Fall of Light shortly before Walk in Shadow comes out, so eventually I’ll have more videos on them. Also, I was in a chat with Kal on his channel, Really Good and Kind, on Kharkanas earlier this year.

[@FranzBrehme]

Loved your take on the meaning of art vis-a-vis blindness! Pure gold here! Deeply in love with your channel.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks so much, Franz! Forge of Darkness was an amazing read for me, a real breakthrough in my understanding of Erikson’s writing, specifically his bold narrative strategy and his acknowledgment that no individual stands alone. I love the sense of interconnection there.

[@FranzBrehme]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I am with you in those feelings. hahahaha. Steven and Ian are masters of worldbuilding. Steven narrative sometimes is poetical. Amazing! :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@FranzBrehme Very much so - there’s real poetry in his sentences, and his prose is one of the things I most admire.

[@Bunny_Aoife]

I would like to add my opinion on the issue of pronunciation when it comes to names and such in works of fiction. I'm Austrian, so English is not my native tongue but I do try to read books in the language they were written, as far as I am able, that is. Interestingly, while pronouncing (in my head) the proper words the way they are meant to, I always pronounce names and other fictitious words as we would pronounce them Austria. And I would argue, as with the landscape and everything else, that the beauty of reading is the application of the own imagination onto the guidance of the text.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for that insight! Ultimately, you are correct about the beauty of the reading experience that goes on in our minds and happens regardless of whether we pronounce the names “correctly”. I try to go with an author’s preference when I know it, but I wouldn’t insist that someone else pronounce a name a certain way if they have an alternate preference. As you say, the important thing is the reading experience. Thanks for the comment!

[@gerdforster883]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I nowadays mainly follow the pronunciation of the later audio books of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, partly because it is in a way easier. The only thing where I differ are the apostrophes. I studied american archeology and in the mayan languages an apostrophe indicates a glottal stop, so I follow that model.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Gerd Aust I did not know that - I’ll have practice my glottal stops! Thank you!

[@msj7872]

That's why I prefer reading conventional books v.s. graphic novels. I like that my imagination fills in the look of everything.

[@SannasBookshelf]

Great review! You seem to capture Erikson's writing so well. I've tried to describe his books to friends, and it isn't easy...

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Sanna's Bookshelf Thank you! I agree that Erikson’s writing eludes description, but it creates a big and deep impression. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@metro6567]

Videos from this channel just started popping up in my recommended list, and I'm glad they did! Looking forward to seeing your channel grow.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Academic Armadillo Thanks so much! To be honest, I’m not sure why my videos started popping up, but I noticed an unusually large number of views (by my standards hitherto) a short time ago. Anyway, I hope to keep cranking out a video each week. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@WMax-rm3ue]

Would love to ask the opinion about the Ian C Esslemont's series of Novels of the Malazan Empire, do they worth to read or must-read ?thanks

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

W. Max I have not yet read Esslemont’s Novels of the Malazan Empire, but I’m starting his Path to Ascendancy soon. Next year, when I do my Malazan reread, I will include Esslemont’s Novels of the Malazan Empire. I don’t think they are essential if you just want to read The Malazan Book of the Fallen. However, my understanding is that they’ll enrich your understanding of the Malazan world. I hope that helps!

[@WMax-rm3ue]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Thanks a lot :D

[@monksean]

Thank you for your review. Just finished the main series earlier this week and have just dived into this book. When I was starting the main book series, honestly, I scoffed a bit at the idea that someone would want to devote more time to shoot offs of a large series that is quite a feat in and if itself to finish. Years later, I finish the main series and I'm surprisingly so hungry for more Malazan. The shake story arch in the crippled god in particular really got me super interested in jumping into this particular trilogy first. I'm glad to hear that it is in keeping with the high standards of the main series. Thank you!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I think you’ll find some interesting parts in relation to the Shake. Kharkanas is a different read from Malazan in some ways, but it’s one I love. I hope you’ll enjoy it!

[@robpaul7544]

Great review! I think you've captured on an important feature of Erikson's writing with the wave analogy. Love the idea of his story as a video showing a stretch of coast, the characters being waves - non of them driving the plot, but all of them forming the image. Waves interacting, bouncing off each other and swallowing each other. And then introducing flotsam, rocks beneath the surface, tides, and rain and wind. I loved Kharkanas and hope you enjoy the next one as well. And I hope you inspire many more to read them. 👍 On a complete sidenote - Mike's Book Reviews is doing a buddy read of Malazan in 2021/22. Maybe you'd be interested in joining the discussion on his channel or Discord? Either way, hoping for plenty more Erikson conversations 🤓👍

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Rob Paul I love your elaboration of the wave analogy - beautifully said! I’ve recently started following Mike’s Book Reviews (and Iskar Jarak too), so I would definitely love to be in on that discussion. It might actually be perfect timing for my Malazan reread. I’m excited to read Fall of Light later in the summer too. Thanks, as always, for your excellent comments!

[@garyodom474]

Is there any word when we can look for the third book of this series?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Alas, I have heard no word recently about book three, but I’m hopeful for news about it this year.

[@theserpent6070]

Another good video. I’ve only read the first two books in Malazan so I won’t get to this one for a long time

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

The Serpent I would agree that you should finish the Malazan books first. Perhaps the third book of The Kharkanas Trilogy will be ready just at the right time for you! I still need to reread The Malazan Book of the Fallen to gain a stronger understanding of it, but Forge of Darkness makes me even more excited to do that.

[@theserpent6070]

Philip Chase maybe, but I’m starting a few new series including aSoIaF so Malazan may take awhile.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

The Serpent So many great books, so little time!

[@theserpent6070]

Philip Chase yep!

[@ev3261]

Thank you for the review, Malazan is my favorite fantasy series. I need to pick this up and read it soon.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I absolutely recommend Kharkanas to any Malazan fan. It’s a weightier read than even Malazan, but the rewards are amazing, and it has helped me understand Malazan much better. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ev3261]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy ok, that's it, I am putting it as my next read! I think I'll also do a reread of the main series, and maybe finally add ICE books to it. Thanks for the great reviews of Malazan in your channel, I was looking for someone who read it all.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@ev3261 I'm starting my own Malazan reread in two weeks, and I too will be including Esslemont's Novels of the Malazan Empire. Yesterday, I just finished reading the third book in Esslemont's Path to Ascendancy, the prequel trilogy that shows how the Malazan Empire was founded -- loved it! I'm filming the review soon.

[@JZETH_]

I’m intrigued by the idea that there are no protagonists or central characters. The fact that we would be living in all of the characters is interesting and the way you described it sounds awesome. I’m starting Malazan next year and I’m hoping to get into more of Erickson’s work in 2021

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Joe's Review Journal It’s truly different from any other fantasy I’ve read. Erikson is obviously brilliant at so many aspects of writing, but it took me a while to understand and get used to the perspective he takes in the his books. The more I read, the more I love his writing! Thanks for the comment- it’s always good to hear from you!

[@anangryscorpion5838]

Such a great review! It sounds like Forge Of Darkness has everything that I loved about the original 10 volume series and then some. It's strange, while the world of Malazan is complex etc, enjoying it is as much about understanding the themes and concepts Erikson talks about in his text as it is the world and plot itself, in my case anyway. Looking forward to more videos from you as always!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ryan Copeland Beautifully said! When a book is, as you say, about themes and concepts as much as the world and plot, that’s a sign of greatness. Of course, the very best writers disguise the themes in the plot, and they don’t hit you over the head with them. Erikson is a great example. I’m glad you watched - I always enjoy your thoughts!

[@bryson2662]

Damn fine video. Can't wait for Fall of Light

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Bryson Bennett Thank you! I’m really enjoying getting to know Erikson’s writing. It’s unique in several respects, including the breadth of perspective. I wasn’t prepared for it when I read The Malazan Book of the Fallen the first time, but more and more I’m appreciating Erikson’s genius. I appreciate your encouragement!

[@allanwidner9276]

Jaghut are always fun, I loved every time they showed up. Humor so dry as to be desiccated, so subtle and layered it slips right past you until you stop and realize a joke sailed over your head.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Long live desiccated humor!

[@paulinetayloe9988]

I can't make up my mind withere to read the fall of light before or after the god is not willing book?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Fall of Light follows Forge of Darkness, taking place long before The Malazan Book of the Fallen, whereas The God Is Not Willing begins a different trilogy that happens after The Malazan Book of the Fallen. Whichever you decide, I hope you’ll enjoy it, Pauline!

[@jimave]

I’m about 80% done with FOD and like all of Erickson’s books, I struggle with them. Most of the time I don’t know what is going on! I get lost with all of the characters and POVs. Not sure why I keep reading/listening to his stuff.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Sorry to hear it’s a struggle, Jim. I’m not an audiobook listener, but I imagine that Forge of Darkness would be very difficult to follow as an audiobook, at least for me.

[@farahrammu9539]

Do you have goodreads, because I would love to follow you on that, since subscribing to you I have not only purchased your recommendations but have also enjoyed reading them! I am so glad that I found someone who does not read the stereotypical books that all the 'booktubers' read

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Farah Rammu Thank you so much! It’s very kind of you to say that, and I appreciate your encouragement more than I can say. I don’t have goodreads yet. To tell you the truth, I’m very much a newcomer to social media, and KZbin was sort of an adventure for me. The greatest thing here is the community of book lovers - I’ve found the vast majority of people I’ve interacted with to be quite generous and kind. It’s always great to read your comments- thanks again!

[@farahrammu9539]

​@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy The only social media I have is KZbin and Goodreads so do not worry about your lack of socials! Let us know when you end up getting one - if you want an account that is - cannot wait for the next video and your next video with your daughter too!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Farah Rammu Thanks! I definitely have the most fun in the videos with Reshma, and she’s very nice to humor me by appearing.

[@jiminy300]

Subscribed...for the malaz content

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Danish Ahmad Awesome! I’ll be doing a video on Fall of Light a bit later this summer. Eventually, I’ll be doing a reread of The Malazan Book of the Fallen and making a video on each book. Thanks for the sub - much appreciated!

[@richnewman]

I dig Erikson, though it took a couple tries to get into him. The first time I was distracted by the awesome Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson, the second I was sidetracked by cyberpunk great "Neuromancer," but the third try it finally latched onto me.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Erikson probably wouldn't mind that you were distracted by Donaldson's books. I'm pretty sure he's cited Donaldson as a major influence on him. I'm going to be doing a reread myself of Malazan, and I'm hoping to love it even more. Thanks for the comment!

[@kingplunger1]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy He did say it was a major influence and called it the single most important work of adult fantasy.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@kingplunger1 Sounds like an influence for sure!

[@benjaminmolina3456]

I've purchased the majority of the original book(9). Sadly, I've only gotten Midnight Tides and Memories of Ice, can I read these and not spoil the series for myself?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Benjamin Molina I would read all of The Malazan Book of the Fallen books first. Once you’ve finished those and you’re ready for more, take on The Kharkanas Trilogy, which takes place loooooong before Malazan but includes some of the most long lived characters in the main series. That said, I don’t think The Kharkanas Trilogy would have major spoilers for Malazan so much as as it gives you some cool background knowledge of characters you know from Malazan. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for watching!

[@benjaminmolina3456]

Philip Chase How much has Erikson expanded his series? Does the Kharkanas trilogy come after the original decaology?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Benjamin Molina My understanding is that Kharkanas takes place thousands and thousands of years before Malazan. Erikson is working on another trilogy about Karsa Orlong, though I don’t know much about it. He’s written some stories about Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, and of course there are his friend Ian Esslemont’s six novels set in the Malazan world (they created this world together). I’ve only read the ten Malazan books by Erikson and now this first book of Kharkanas, but I intend to read all of it at some point. Plenty to look forward to!

[@donfannin6485]

I am lazy so I am listening to audible. This is a difficult book because I can't go back and renew the character in my mind. And there are so many characters. I once read War and Peace and thought that was a lot of characters. Many fantasy books have even more. I was actually planning on reading the Malazan series but got confused. Hope to still get back to that. If you can it is probably better to read it than listen to it. But I am lazy.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m pretty sure I’d be confused if I tried listening to Malazan audiobooks, but I wish you the absolute best, Don!

[@IskarJarak]

And how about that brothers relationship?!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Excellent point! I neglected to mention Silchas Ruin and Andarist, but their relationship with Anomander is beautifully portrayed.

[@IskarJarak]

Philip Chase haha, you had a much more interesting analysis-I’m just the common rube who’s like “I love the brothers” 🤪

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Iskar Jarak Ha ha! They are very cool!

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

Once I'm done with malazan I will be reading this series 👍🙂😊😉

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Kharkanas is Erikson at his most Eriksonian. At least I think so, though I’ve no idea if he’d agree! Anyway, it certainly added a lot to my love for the Malazan world.

[@MrShaiya96]

Highly reccomend gene wolfe. Another level

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

MrShaiya96 Thanks for the recommendation! I haven’t read Gene Wolfe before, so I appreciate it. Any books you’d advise starting with?

[@MrShaiya96]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy well, he writes sci fi just as much, but he's best known for his fantasy quartet, Book of the New Sun.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@MrShaiya96 Thanks! I actually associated him more with sci fi for some reason, but Book of the New Sun is on my radar now!

[@THX-bz8bi]

Shadow of the torturer is awsome

[@onagolator]

Thank you for the review (glad I discovered your channel!) On pronunciation (sorry!) your interlocutor doesn't have it quite right I'm afraid. I think he/she may be taking things from the audio books which are not necessarily correct, SE himself has said neither of the two audio readers used for the books contacted him regarding pronunciation and are therefore "all over the place". Either way though, there's a very good interview (audio only) here on KZbin called "An Evening With Steven Erikson" where one can hear him pronounce many of the... disputed... words and phrases. Well worth a listen.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! I'm glad you found my channel too. I will definitely check out that video with Steven Erikson. I try to follow an author's guidance when it's given, but I honestly don't mind how people pronounce names in fantasy since it's really about the story more than anything. Thanks for the helpful comment -- much appreciated, and I hope to hear from you again!

[@paulinetayloe9988]

Philip chase you said your a dr? What are you a dr of? If you don’t mind me asking.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Hello, Pauline. I have a PhD in English literature, which makes me a doctor, but not the sort who can save your life!

[@paulinetayloe9988]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I never knew you could do a phd in English literature, you seem such a smart sweet guy, that was, my fav subject I hight school English not as a second language, besides having a strong point in computing and technology as my strength but out of the two subjects was English what I loved most of it was reading the story’s answering questions and re looking that story up to find the answer with in the story I so miss that, I was never good at essays but I did become a journalist for my hightschool paper, try to creat my first book that only ended up having one chapter then I lost the notion, it’s almost good to know someone who liked the subject, Infact it was my schools priest that got me into it he used to say that the answer was I’m the word alone all you had to do was know the meaning of the word, iv been interpreting things since then, I even read the bible once from genesis to revelations at once yip I was a bit eccentric back then well in a good way if you know what I mean lol I gusse I calmed down in life but I say to myself why do readers love reading so much like we’re looking for something or the answer, my throught would say why do we need to look for the answer we are looking for when we all know all we have to do is be positive and believe in our self’s and take it, as iv always said we humans are so blind in life that we can’t see the answer is right in front of us all this time allways have to do is take it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@paulinetayloe9988 I absolutely agree, Pauline! It’s best to be positive and believe in yourself. That attitude can carry you far in life. My best wishes to you!

[@Andre-xl2oe]

I use the same pronunciation as you... Tiste andii is for me definitely tis-te andi and Ma-la-zan with "a" sound as in hall... I dont think it's any issue, doesn't make me enjoy the series any different. And yes kharkanas was slow. But agree completely with your assessment.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Andre Thanks! Glad to hear that I’m not the only one. I’m not picky about pronunciations of names in fantasy and would never insist on people being “correct”. I doubt Erikson is too picky either, but when I became aware of how he pronounces some of the names and place names, I thought I would do my best to honor that. In the end, whatever pronunciations you use, it’s the story that matters. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@msj7872]

Every fantasy/sci fi that I've read I mispronounced a lot of name, places, & races. It's only through videos like this that I get to hears the way the author intended.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m still learning to pronounce some of the names in the Malazan world. I suspect it will be a lifelong endeavor! 😁

[@TonyHasnip]

When it comes to the pronunciation of words and places, it doesn't matter if you pronounce it differently to the authors. They aren't right or wrong and neither are you. Why? It adds character to the world and makes it seem more real and diverse. As in real life, names and places have different names and pronunciations depending on the speaker and where they are from. In just a few hundred years, the English language has changed a whole lot. People of the UK, USA and Canada pronounce many things differently despite speaking a common language. The Tiste Andii are hundreds of thousands years old. They're likely known by many names throughout the world and those that know them as Tiste Andii will pronounce it differently to each other. You should stick to your own pronunciation as you read it to keep it authentic.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Great point!

[@x-11116]

weird dreams, you say? i think toll the hounds can wait until i read this series!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Without giving away anything, things happen in Toll the Hounds that are in some sense the fruition of what happens in Kharkanas, though the third book hasn’t come out yet, so some of this is speculation. Best wishes with the read!

[@x-11116]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy oh, thanks!!

[@tinytownsoftware3837]

Soooo, who's the main character? 😂

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! Excellent question!

[@savageire]

Doesnt matter how you pronounce them.