Is Malazan Book of the Fallen the series for you?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I really appreciate your honest thoughts here, and I think potential readers would find this video helpful. While I’m a slightly different reader in some ways, you did an excellent job of discussing your take on the prose, military aspects, magic, length, philosophy, trauma, world building, and humor. Thank you! 🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that!

[@bmoneybby]

In other words: The semester is over and you passed the final.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@bmoneybby Ha ha!

[@maisamabbas9464]

I understand that every person has there own tastes. But I really enjoy book with destructive battles and I am really grateful that Erikson has wrote the my type of book. Btw Malazan is my first ever fantasy book and yet I do not feel overwhelmed or lost, it just keeps getting interesting. I am currently half way through deadhouse gates

[@ACriticalDragon]

This was a fantastic video, Brittany. Thank you for posting this. I really enjoyed hearing your perspective and how you approached the books.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Thank you, I appreciate that! I’m greatly looking forward to a reread one day.

[@believer773]

Thank you for all the great vids and thoughts on Malazan B. Your library of these videos is one of the best out there and will be a great resource for Malazan newcomers and endlessly interesting for vets like me. So lots and lots of forever gratitude to you all the way from Colorado! Can't wait to see what you're up to next

[@BookswithBrittany]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed! ☺️

[@oniflrog4487]

Hi Brittany! Great vid. I think there would be a lot less frustration around Malazan if readers had this in mind when going into the series. In that respect, I think this summary is going to be really useful to a lot of prospective readers. On a more general note, following your read-through of the series these couple of years has been a joy. What I liked the most: I think you brought new perspectives to the proverbial table ( new perspectives specially to us entrenched in constant discussion, debate and argumentation on the series with other fans, most of which are on their n-th reread xD ); also, the balance you strike between appreciating the series while keeping your identity and tastes, pointing out what didn't work for you. On 10:10 : Erikson himself has discussed this throughout the years on interviews. The goal is to explore tropes, events, beliefs, ideas, archetypes(some may argue "deconstruct" them) and provoke self-reflection. It is up to the reader to follow along in this inner process and arrive at a conclusion by themselves. In my opinion, this is how respect towards the reader looks like :P It's kindda like discussing with someone without purporting to be *lecturing* them. Also the series is ambiguous in many respects, by design, which allows different interpretations of many aspects, subplots, characters. I think this makes the discussion of the series much more rich. Anyway, sorry for the textwall. Thanks for the content.

[@BookswithBrittany]

I completely agree with what you said. I do see that as a form of respect as well. He certainly is doing something unlike anyone else and I have so much respect for that alone!

[@marsrock316]

"discussing with someone without purporting to be lecturing them." Yes, exactly. So many writers spoonfeed and handhold, insecure about trusting the reader to understand what's being shown and instead just outright telling them. "Did you see what I did there? Did you get it?" The fact that Erikson doesn't do that is one of the main reasons I was drawn to the Malazan series.

[@bonniestevens4329]

I started Gardens of the Moon last week and I am really enjoying it. Everything you said you did not enjoy I am loving. I love military planning and well written battle scenes. 🐱‍🐉

[@BookswithBrittany]

Aw yay!

[@bryson2662]

Love this video. I will definitely share in the future when I recommend Malazan

[@BookswithBrittany]

Aw thanks! ☺️

[@dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla1664]

“Love is about mutual respect, apart from attraction.” ~George Best “Walking distance to the Riverwalk “ Dr Suez 🤗 Dr Carl

[@TheyTalkPolitics]

I love how honest you are about the most popular books. You're not afraid to say that they are not perfect. That's why you're the best!

[@BookswithBrittany]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@Kaladin_Stormbringer]

Meanwhile at the Malazan Dealership Salesman Hall of Fame announced: Phillip Chase Books With Brittany Iskar Jarak Andy Smith A.P. Canavan I'm so glad that so many booktubers have given Malazan spotlight I can't wait to start the series thanks guys! Brittany thanks for the awesome vid and always keeping it💯

[@BookswithBrittany]

Thank you for the support ☺️

[@smithlady]

And @Raf Blu!!!

[@thebluejay1593]

Dont know where my dinosaur is Brittany sorry! Hahaha honestly I’m so emotional that you’ve finished Malazan. Im at Toll the Hounds atm and im dreading to approach the end cause i dont wanna finish it! But it has been great to follow youur journey, your recaps are amazing and you have done so much for the series. Your videos a year ago helped me so much to continue the series!

[@BookswithBrittany]

Aw so glad to hear that! Can’t wait to see what you thinking upon finishing ☺️

[@imokin86]

This was a very interesting take on the series! Thank you. I'm not a fan of military fantasy, but Erikson's writing about battles actually makes sense. His battle scenes have a meaningful interplay of plans and strategies versus actual experience of the fighters. Interestingly, you felt that his writing is wordy. I didn't at all (in the first 5 books I've finished now), but I'm a second language reader and might have a different perspective. To me his writing is quite packed, he does show a lot of things in the background. And these detail-rich descriptions are relatively concise by themselves.

[@SarahAsYouWish]

Thanks for this. It seems like your positives and negatives would line up well with mine. It’s quite helpful.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Aw glad to hear that!

[@LiteratureScienceAlliance]

Really great balanced series review! Also getting me pumped to pick House of Chains up soon, almost recovered from Memories of Ice

[@BookswithBrittany]

I can’t wait for you to start that! My fav 🙌🏻

[@benjamincrowhurst5998]

Great video, Brittany. Recently bought the first one and will start the series soon. You helped give me an idea what to expect without really giving anything at all about the series away 👏

[@BookswithBrittany]

Yay, goal achieved!

[@Johanna_reads]

Excellent video, Brittany! Erikson's prose is my favorite right now and the world building is phenomenal. I also started this series in 2019 and wish I had the bandwidth to retain all the details. 😅 🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

I’m so envious of those that are able to!

[@joshyaks]

I read "bandwidth" as "sandwich" and was momentarily confused.

[@BookswithBrittany]

@@joshyaks you don’t use a sandwich to retain details of the books you’re reading? Wow. Ok. 😆

[@joshyaks]

@@BookswithBrittany LOL!

[@joshyaks]

@@BookswithBrittany I still wish I had a sandwich...

[@elenichamou1791]

I'm so intrigued to read this series even though it intimidates me! Great video btw🐊

[@BookswithBrittany]

Sometimes that can be a good thing! :)

[@trewaldo]

Very interesting points and objective takes. Great job, Britt! Now, this series is slowly creeping in to my ever-growing TBR list. 😍🤓🥰

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

It is definitely a great series already read the first three books 👍

[@BookswithBrittany]

Enjoy! ☺️

[@OneMoreMeme_INeedYou]

I think you did a great job of outlining the various aspects that make up this series as well as presenting/elaborating on them in way that would inform readers wether those aspects would be positives or negatives for their tastes. One of the best of these type of videos I’ve seen. I’m looking forward to hearing your feelings on The Crippled God! 🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

Aw thanks so much!

[@giannimanzano9266]

For someone who is on the fence about reading this series, this video and your others on Malazan are helping paint a realistic picture of what to expect when I do begin this series. It sounds like I will continue to focus on my TBR so that once I am done I can dedicate my sole attention to this series 🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

Aw I’m glad to hear that!

[@marsrock316]

"dedicate my sole attention to this series 🦖" So you are Soletaken?

[@kylebell6414]

"Arriving after the Battle for the Spire along with her kin, Korlat encountered the remnants of Whiskeyjack's old squad. Fiddler played "My Lover Waits" to summon Whiskeyjack back so Korlat could see him one more time on this side of death". This actually made me tear up. This series is amazing. Thank you for talking about it.

[@BookswithBrittany]

☺️🤍

[@kylebell6414]

@@BookswithBrittany are you going too read Path too Ascendancy?

[@ReadByAndy]

What an amazing and insightful video. I really loved the genuine opinions and the balance between « pros and cons ». Malazan is a series that has been intriguing me and I feel like I have so much more comprehension of the series as a whole now. Thank you Brittany!

[@JolienReads]

Thanks for this Brittany, I needed this video so much! I also quite dislike battle scenes (reason why I the FATF series didn't work for me) but everything else you mentioned, especially the beautiful prose and the mysterious magic system. I feel like a lot of negatives and positives you mentioned would be the same for me and you liked it a LOT so this gives me hope 😄

[@BookswithBrittany]

Glad it was helpful to you! ☺️

[@bloodynine9017]

First law is really good. I am going to read Malazan because of your video!

[@BookswithBrittany]

Enjoy! ☺️

[@thatsci-firogue]

Series length/density does scare me as long as its interesting, which is why I struggled with WoT cuz I wasn't interested or cared about a few of the more prominent plot points. Tho I did start to love a character I had previously disliked which should make my re-read of Books 4 and 5 a more enjoyable experience.

[@BookswithBrittany]

I definitely don’t want to read any series this long again for a bit.

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@BookswithBrittany typo, I meant doesn't scare me

[@Alejojojo6]

Yeah I hate to read about battle scenes, still fine with planning but I think we are the same in that. So, I would say that other than this, the series has all the ingredients for me to love. The more complex and realistic in a way a world is, the more I like it.

[@mich7008]

As I am just starting the last book of this series I can really see how your thoughts on the series as a whole would’ve helped my journey through these great books. Nothing would’ve have changed my mind about starting and finishing it but it would’ve really prepared me for what I was in for. So many of you all on Booktube have been so integral in my read of this series and I’m so grateful for you Brittany and others. One thing I will never get is how you all are able to read multiple books/series while for example reading something like Malazan! Beyond my capabilities! Great channel and thank you.

[@justinfelber9646]

Thank you so much for convincing me to read Malazan and being so honest In all your reviews, I've had Gardens of the moon on my shelf for a few years while basically reading every other fantasy series from GRRM, Abercrombie,Jordan, Gywnne, etc. I've been reluctant as some people (even lovers of the series) have basically made It sound like there Is no emotion or connection with characters and skipping around the world only gets more confusing which honestly put Me off a bit. You're positives about connections between characters and families and humor we're exactly what I needed to hear, Unfortunately like you mentioned some can very very crass but overall you seemed to enjoy the characters and relationships they developed. Thank you again for this video and will def be tuning In for more recommendations 🙏

[@yuhalane]

I really appreciate this breakdown on things to look forward and to look outfor when venturing a new series. Overall I am still weighing the pros over the cons, but I am very glad to know all these prior to starting the series. Thank you 🦖!

[@BookswithBrittany]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

So far im enjoying malazan deadhouse gates is my favorite just started reading house of chains and felisin is my favorite character in the series 🥰💝💖😇🌟

[@BookswithBrittany]

Aw yay, she’s a fav of mine as well!

[@Akuma60]

☄🦖 How dare you not love every tiny detail! Hahaha. I don't even love every song on albums I think are absolute masterpieces, or bands I love. Tor actually has a wonderful chapter by chapter discussion series. One was reading it for the first time, the other rereading. It's really good for remembering details. I see now why you like the first half more. It really comes alive the next time around. Honestly I dnfed the first time on Midnight Tides. It took me 6 months to read the series again with Esslemont included. Speaking of, he really doesn't get credit due. His books get increasingly intertwined with the main series especially going from Stonewielder on. Orb, Sceptre, Throne is a direct sequel to Toll of the Hounds for example. As far as magic goes, even the characters don't understand how it works.

[@BookswithBrittany]

I really do need to pick up his books. I’m nervous.. are they as dense?

[@Akuma60]

@@BookswithBrittany Actually that's what I think people take issue with. They are breezy in comparison. I read them as much order as possible with the series. He gets much better as a writer as he goes along. He's just not as literary towering as Erickson, I think he's more kind of like Jordan to Erickson's Tolkien. You get much more background of the world like the Stormwall/Stormriders, what happened with Laseen/Mallick (or as I call him 🖕Maaaallick🖕!!), who the Segulah are, Assail, ect. Also he does horror aspects very, very well. Outdoes Erickson by far on that account especially with the weirdness. In one the jungle really is a living breathing character of it's own and I never thought of the jungle before as he wrote it and he nails it so well that I still think about it at times. It's realistic while being Howardian/Lovecraftian at times. Oh and aspects of the Crippled God himself factor hugely in them. Remember that he broke into pieces?

[@safinan8008]

Hi 👋 thank you for this video, having two points of view for these book series. Happy reading to you!! 📖😊

[@BookswithBrittany]

You too!

[@marsrock316]

This is a great, balanced way to provide an overview. Excellent job. I'm tempted to mention the antithesis to your approach, but I'll resist the temptation...

[@BookswithBrittany]

Let’s hear it!

[@marsrock316]

@@BookswithBrittany well, that would be a certain booktuber who turned her decision not to read Malazan novels into a monetized personal attack on the author. At least one of her friends did an "Unhaul" video as well, which came across as smug and self-righteous. Anyone who does an unhaul video needs to get over themselves. Of course, if you've done one I will immediately retract my statement. :P Sure, these people are amateurs. But it's a legit approach to say I didn't like this, but you may. AP Canavan did a recent video about reviewing styles and approaches. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH3EmmyqfZKJZsU

[@ashlynhale3369]

Loved this video! Your video like this for Dune is what convinced me to try the series and now I love it! I think one day I may try Malazan but right now with the WoT I don’t think I can handle another long book series, especially if it has a lot of military aspects to it. I do love beautiful writing though which is what is so enticing.Thank you so much!😊

[@LarryHasOpinions]

great vid, im pretty sure i want to read it but i hadnt realised military side of things (which i dont necessarily love) was as prominent 🐊

[@BookswithBrittany]

It felt like it to me at least!

[@the_shake2921]

Awesome video thanks a lot for your thoughts, Since you mention the humor you should check out the Bauchelain and Korbal Braoch novellas. They are fast read and I often had to LOL that people around asked what I was reading. The Crack'd Pot Trail novella also had some awesome prose.

[@ladrac198]

Finished Midnight Tides last night and started Bonehunters this morning and I'm LOVING the series

[@BookswithBrittany]

Aw so glad to hear!

[@JohanHerrenberg]

Well done, Brittany. You have a very clear-eyed view of the series. The positive far outweighs the negative, as is only right for such a masterpiece. I read the series in one go, and it took me nine months. My main negative is too much and similar-sounding philosophizing, especially in the second half of the series. I got the sense I was lectured to, which I dislike intensely. Still, I will be re-reading the series in the future. 🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

I’ve definitely heard a similar complain from others as well!

[@Syurtpiutha]

I've discovered that while I don't really enjoy battle scenes in wars, or the strategy, I DO really like it when attention is given to the logistics of it. So I may not be super-invested in the battle (though I am invested in the survival of characters I really like), but how they are getting there (how they keep troops fed, the kind of terrain they have to cross, the kind of conflicts that arise from shortages and stuff like that). I love Malazan, but I tend to get lost in the greater scope of the battles. I also suck at Real Time Strategy games, but do pretty well in small unit tactics games (and non-building missions in RTS games). Now, the schemes that the Powerplayers and Gods have going, playing fast and loose with alliances, philosophical conflicts? That stuff I love.

[@BookswithBrittany]

That’s great you’ve figured that out!

[@joel6376]

>difficult to keep track of I started reading it when book 3 was published - I stopped around book 7 because of the gaps between and I couldn't remember what was going on due ~5 years since reading book 1-3. I enjoyed it but I felt was missing too much. Have reread and enjoyed since he finished book 10. I think a lot of modern critiques miss out of the history here and what malazan and asoif was back when it was first released. Both were very different.

[@wiebsche]

When you said how hard it is for you to read through battle scenes with a lot of strategic planning etc., my only thought was "Oh girl, you are gonna hate a memory of light" :D It was exactly the same for me, I honestly just pushed through to be done with the wheel of time series... But then again, I never thought Sanderson would turn the series around for you again, yet it seems he did. So maybe you'll like it :)

[@BookswithBrittany]

Ohhhh noooo 🥲😭

[@Rendref]

@@BookswithBrittany it is nothing like Malazan there, though. Easy to read, and nothing is bugged down in everyday's battle planning. It's Sanderson, after all.

[@bbthrashcan4857]

Same LMAO

[@akashas6012]

,Thank you for your honest review. This a really good review

[@billyalarie929]

the prose is just SO good, it's so CONVINCING 🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖

[@melsbookshelves]

🦖🦕 This was definitely super helpful!! I have the first malazan book on my shelf but didn’t know if I was ever going to pick it up. I think it may be something I start but not until after I finish WOT (currently on book five and trying to read one a month) ☺️

[@BookswithBrittany]

That’s a great plan!

[@jarltrippin]

Just started Gardens of the Moon. I'm only 30 pages in but I'm already very intrigued. What's surprising me about it is the suspense. I can tell it's building up to something but I have no idea what and it's very exciting. I know I'm speaking too soon here, but so far it's not as hard to follow as the internet made out.

[@BookswithBrittany]

It won’t feel that way for the first 4-5 books. The last few were really overwhelming.

[@jarltrippin]

@@BookswithBrittany Ah, I thought I spoke too soon. Well, thank you for the heads up and thanks for responding. I hope I have it in me to finish this series haha.

[@BookswithBrittany]

@@jarltrippin you can do it ☺️

[@dakvitamin]

I want to start this series but keep putting it off. I feel overwhelmed because I am afraid to start it, so I search and found your video.😍 Thanks.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Hope it was helpful ☺️

[@tomsativa]

Not your average book series that's for sure..❤finished the books last week. Very much appreciated going along that ride and it's unlike anything else out there. That said, I'm rly enjoying other genres/styles n heavier/lighter reads that I have balancing now. Malazan world is still heavy on the mind, def reading more Erikson soon

[@BookswithBrittany]

I can totally understand that!

[@MetalGildarts]

Got me more excited to read Malazan next year. Just need to finish up Wheel of Time this year.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Good idea!

[@MetalGildarts]

@@BookswithBrittany I also appreciate your candidness about the things you didn’t like about Malazan.

[@charlestruppi7793]

On book 4 and loving it. Agreed though that it’s not for everyone.

[@MrLGDUK]

I'm sure there are people out there that can retain all manner of minute detail from starting a series all the way to finishing it, but I'm certainly not one of them! The re-reading opportunities have a definite appeal, but it puts into perspective what an undertaking it is for readers to tackle such an epic series and what an incredible undertaking it was for Erikson to create it. Great video 🦕 [I thought you might appreciate a vegan dinosaur]

[@BookswithBrittany]

I’m not one of them either 😅 Aw I do appreciate that very much ☺️

[@mikem1585]

I originally gave up on Malazan early in book 2, but I’ve been thinking of giving it another shot. I enjoyed Gardens of the Moon, but then I was confused about what was happening in book 2. I’m much more well read in fantasy now, so I think I’m better prepared.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Yes that would definitely help!

[@MrKevmomoney]

Yes Malazan is a complicated world and by complicated we’re talking 500k + years of history. The reader is just inserted into this world in specific windows of events and it’s up to you to flesh out the world. If someone is looking for diversity or representation in fantasy you got Quick Ben and Kalam two of the most bad ass black characters in fantasy. One is a Mage the other is an Assassin. On a lighter different note you ever read Guy Gaveriel Kay? Tigana or Lions of Al-Rassan. If not check them out. To me their like reading a pretty stained class window.

[@benjamnlchen]

Agreed. Reading Malazan is like going to a creative writing class and studying passages while being entertained by the vast tapestry of imagination. 🦖🦕

[@rametl9703]

Amazing discussion! Thank you so much for allowing a great insight into the series and a recommendation for newcomers! 🦖🦕

[@BookswithBrittany]

☺️

[@coleton7048]

I'm going to start this series before the end of the year. Wish me luck. 🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

I think you’re going to really enjoy it!!

[@EricMcLuen]

Very well put. He can get wordy and likes some big or obscure words I had to look up. Or his ability to create such an emotional attachment to some characters with a low page count. But at the same time, he can also be very brief. "I am done." 🦕🦖 🔗🐶 🕯

[@BookswithBrittany]

Chain of dogs and the candle. I’m crying.

[@EricMcLuen]

@@BookswithBrittany That is what these books can do long after you have read them.

[@jayalister8166]

🦖 From what you have said. malazan would have worked very well as a graphic novel or a partial graphic novel especially when you have excessive sentences or paragraphs describing situations and what not. on the flip side it engages your imagination too, which is necessary. especially in this day of age.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Oooo I disagree, I think so much would be missed in that format

[@lenapakalniski2632]

🦖 Your videos are just so helpful for me to decide if this maaaaaaaajor committment is really worth it... I now think it will be, I'm trusting my love for epic wars lol Thanks for your help🙌🖤

[@BookswithBrittany]

Aw glad it helped ☺️

[@Rendref]

What! There are a lot of recaps of these books online. Three companion guides for first three books. Malazan wiki has recaps up until Bonehunters, I think. And there's a TOR reread, they recap every chapter, it is brilliant. Wouldn't understand anything in this series if not for TOR recaps, haha. Hated Erikson obfuscating way of writing and describing events that are ON THE PAGE right now, lol :-)

[@BookswithBrittany]

I don’t think there are concise recaps imo. They’re very very long

[@Rendref]

@@BookswithBrittany haha, very true. They are as concise as the books themselves :-)

[@morgoth9846]

Anomander Rake is the reason I got into Malazan

[@SLEEPTHIEFofficial]

I’m on the last book in the main series, read the three prequels and side stories. To be honest along with all of the great aspects and creativity, I found this series exhausting and unsatisfying in so many ways. I’ve never read a book series where almost every important confrontation or climactic scene is underwhelming. Honestly struggling to finish the last book because I just don’t care anymore.

[@BookswithBrittany]

I found the last three a struggle as well. I’m glad I read it, but I enjoyed the first half much more than the second

[@SouravUldyssian]

Can we please have a discussion video comparing the similarities and differences of Malazan and ASOIAF? Not a versus battle or which is better. An actual detailed analysis of themes, plot structure and world between the two series.

[@teadanilovic4909]

Ohh I totally understand the battle scene part, I don't care about those things as well so I guess Malazan will wait a bit 🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

It’s definitely very prominent in the series !

[@tomryan3768]

Pros: Great world building and characters Cons: wait...how many NEW characters does this book add?

[@BookswithBrittany]

LOL!

[@degentrified]

Ahhh I've been calling it mah-lah-zon

[@Akuma60]

This deserves it's own section. Traumatic and triggering events. I had one that I still kind of take umbrage with in book 9. It still would have been brutally awful not matter what. However it seemed out of character for the victim and left field culturally for the people. That would have stood out enough for at least a mention by other people, certainly by ones who viewed them as barbaric. You took a very classy view on the other stuff. "I don't care for it, some of it disgusted me, but that's my personal view" kind of thing. There have been some who barely read any of the books whom take things out of context/don't understand what they're talking about/angry that reading's hard sometimes/just want clicks/just need serious therapy and a good hard look at themselves who have used some passages, misquotes, devious slanting of events to try slander and cancel Erickson. To the point that at times he doesn't want to interact with fans anymore at times. It's certainly a shame because there was the likelihood that now that you're done that he would have discussed some of these things with you. Quite likely on your channel. DMs (if you requested) or comments at the least

[@BookswithBrittany]

I would still love to have another discussion with him on my channel. I’m sure it would be unlikely. Unfortunately, I was part of that drama when it happened. Such a shame. Thank you for recognizing that I was just trying to voice my reading experience while being respectful

[@Akuma60]

@@BookswithBrittany Oh I get it. Sometimes I stopped to think about some things that don't phase me but I could certainly see why they would be upsetting to some. And honestly some of it should be, I feel that it's kind of the point as opposed to being pointlessly gratuitous for the sake of vulgarity

[@wemarti]

Great vid, but now I'm more conflicted than before lol

[@BookswithBrittany]

Oh no!! I’m sorry!

[@kitt5208]

Apologies if this is answered in other videos on your channel, I just found this video by googling about Malazan. Have you read Stormlight Archives or any of Brandon Sanderson's other books? I love them and am wondering how they compare to this series. What you said about the series in this video makes me want to give it a shot. Great video, thanks!

[@BookswithBrittany]

I’ve read almost everything by Sanderson, not a huge fan of his :/ Malazan is definitely way different though!

[@k.enterante]

I’m not so much in the know I guess but great video! 🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

🦖☺️

[@risebuddy1420]

2:48 that’s the exact reason I hate reading stephen king >.< I already bought the first 8 malazan books so I guess I gotta deal with that. Won’t be easy :(

[@BookswithBrittany]

Wait what reason?

[@risebuddy1420]

@@BookswithBrittany using a lot more words than are needed to get the point across. That not away bad for me but I hated it with stephen king books 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BookswithBrittany]

@@risebuddy1420 ah I gotcha. It’s one of my fav things haha

[@Andre-xl2oe]

So... The question on everyones mind... When will you continue with all the other books, less military (well mostly), less assaults (if any), the ice books are even less wordy... For me, I'm still in my reread (been a while) before I start the god is not willing. And those 🦖 are a one of a kind fantasy race. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the series, it was great to hear and follow your journey.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Yes I definitely plan to! I’m just not sure how soon it will be :)

[@0Tommy]

I really REALLY envy you for having the 10 malazan books in your collection, I´ve been looking for them for like 5 years but I haven´t been able to find them all in the same format and publisher (wich is tor books). I only have 1, 2, 4 and 10 in paperback format and tor publisher, the rest I simply can´t find them anywhere unless it´s mass market paperback and I hate mass market format or delacorte press wich I do like but I think the tor ones are more stylish. Do you have any suggestion to where I can look for them? I would really appretiate it.

[@BookswithBrittany]

The majority of them are all on Amazon!

[@TheCrazyCanuck420]

Brit, maybe a video for the average reader would help folks firgure out if Malazan is for them

[@LusipherPE]

⚔🦖 thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience reading this series :)

[@BookswithBrittany]

It was fun to share my journey with everyone

[@curioussoundwave2275]

I didn't like the first book at all. I didn't much like the second either. However, I have a friend who loves the series and says I'll appreciate it after the third book. I haven't decided if I'm going to do that or not because three books is a lot of work just to finally have a good time. Like you, I also don't like battle scenes or anything like that very much it's a bit dull because once you've been through one you've pretty much been through them all. It's always the same things just in different places.

[@BookswithBrittany]

I can definitely understand that. The third book is usually what solidifies it to people as a fav!

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

Are you planning on reading the prequel series by Eric Stevenson 🤔

[@BookswithBrittany]

Eventually!

[@roeybason6659]

🦕 I think the darkest fantasy I’ve read till now is the Broken Earth trilogy. While many moments were dark and disturbing I didn’t feel like it was too much for me. Would you say Malazan is on the same level or is it even darker?

[@BookswithBrittany]

imo 100x darker. Not the same level at all

[@roeybason6659]

@@BookswithBrittany I think whenever I’ll give it a go I’ll do so with caution.

[@edsheeran1243]

I'm beginning to feel like I'm the only person left who still hasn't read this yet 😭

[@alvatriestoread8405]

I really don't know if I wanna do the Malazan thing... Maybe some day. But not today.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Completely understand!

[@thatsci-firogue]

Sorry my previous comment had a typo in it, I meant long series DON'T scare me, as long as its interesting.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Ohhh!

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@BookswithBrittany but yeah taking a break from long epic fantasy series after Malazan and Dark Tower is on the cards for me

[@TheCrazyCanuck420]

Malazan isn't for everyone. I can only say how I got into it, (your channel along with others). I looked for something GRRM like and wanted a lot of content per page (not knowing what I was in for :)). I totally see how it's a series for veterans but I was just someone tired of waiting for GRRM to finish his work and didn't find it that bad to connect the dots between works, and the content just blew my head off.

[@TheCrazyCanuck420]

I realized that can be taken the wrong way. If you are just looking to get into a new series, this series lets you in series, the hard part is getting past the stuff that authors don't bother with which is a shame. Maybe it's just me but if you are not gunho with malazan after the half way through deadhouse gates it might be a hard read. Then again maybe wait a bit and have the same expedience the rest of us had, I suspect it'll be better :);.

[@midnightfox6378]

I think the reason why you get bored of Malazan is not the reason you say, instead it is because Erikson has so short sections and shifts between so many characters. Two pages and then goes to someone else. That makes you tired and makes Erikson a boring author because at once when you start to know someone he changes to someone else. The series would have been much better if you stayed for a story 100 pages until it was done like the Beginning of book 4 where you follow Karsa for a long time.

[@justincantelo7623]

🦖🦕🦖🦕

[@BookswithBrittany]

🦖☺️

[@erikpaterson1404]

Not even a discussion, read it

[@charlierose9831]

🦕 🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

🦖☺️

[@shawngillogly6873]

There's no way every part of a 10 book series is going to appeal to everyone. No more than every song of my favorite artist appeals to everyone. I mean, Neal Peart was a genius. But he wrote Tai Pan and I Think I'm Going Bald. There are going to be aspects that seem more slog. For me, it's the Tiste Edur. Every time they enter the story, I struggle not to check out. Which means Midnight Tides, which polls as the favorite book of Malazan fans almost every time, is my least favorite. By miles. As in, if it was a standalone and not committed to the series, I'd have DNFed it. And I have to force myself to finish it on rereads of the series. Spoiler I find Reapers Gale more satisfying as a result, though. 😁

[@BookswithBrittany]

Absolutely. I appreciate when others can accept that it doesn’t have to be on the level of perfection to everyone. Midnight Tides and Reaper’s Gale are two of my favs!

[@WickedGoodBooks]

🦖HoC next month :-)

[@BookswithBrittany]

Yay! ☺️

[@darren2880]

🦖

[@BookswithBrittany]

🦖☺️

[@lucianaetrigan]

🦖 🦕

[@anangryscorpion5838]

🐱‍🐉🐱‍🐉🐱‍🐉🐱‍🐉🐱‍🐉

[@BookswithBrittany]

☺️

[@carole5648]

🦖🦖🦖🛸

[@BookswithBrittany]

☺️

[@planet6288]

🔥🦖🔥

[@BookswithBrittany]

🦖☺️

[@dnovess]

🦖🦕🐢

[@BookswithBrittany]

🦖☺️

[@ssj4rit]

I’m only halfway through book 8, so far my ranking is: S: Memories of Ice, Midnight Tides, Deadhouse Gates A: Reaper’s Gale, Toll the Hounds B: Gardens of the Moon, Bonehunters C: House of Chains Also, imo, sometimes the sexual humor in Malazan is tasteless. Like Shurq Elalle basically forcing herself on men, or in TtH where one guy uses a life or death situation as an opening to grope his colleague. Really odd.

[@Henry-jp3mc]

Skip. I lasted 2 books.

[@MN-wg8qd]

I hadn't read too much fantasy and then got into Malazan. There were good parts, but it mostly felt like a slog through 7 books before I had enough of it. I tried to theorize why I didn't like it because some people absolutely loved it. After reading more fantasy and more in general, I've come to the conclusion that the series is largely trash and is held up by a minority of fantastic moments. The juice isn't worth the squeeze to me. Books 1, 3, and 5 were pretty damn good. 2 was the most overrated book I've ever read, 4 was the worst in the series, and 6 and 7 suffered from an enormous amount of bloat. The sad part is that Erikson can write interesting stories and characters as evidenced by the first act of book 4, but the rest of the characters are cardboard and he switches POV too much and has too many random plots and anticlimatic events. There isn't any connective tissue to the story and the characters and plot aren't compelling at all.

[@BookswithBrittany]

Interesting perspective.

[@Chadstephen2005]

🦕

[@BookswithBrittany]

🦖☺️

[@DylanDoesBooks]

I'll read Malazan when people start pronouncing it properly

[@skodedickinson6544]

She is - how the author pronounces it, I'll assume his way is the right way

[@DylanDoesBooks]

@@skodedickinson6544 yeah I know I was being sarcastic

[@BookswithBrittany]

It was a hard switch 😂 now the old way sounds wrong in my mind haha

[@briankregg6329]

It sucks!!!!!

[@SelectiveApathy82]

It's pronounced Maa-luh-zaahn

[@Alejojojo6]

No it's Maa-lah-zan