Discussion of Steven Erikson's The God Is Not Willing with A.P. Canavan (spoiler free)

[@TheyTalkPolitics]

Getting ready to start Gardens of the Moon because of you two.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Awesome! I hope you'll enjoy it, and feel free to ask questions, Joseph!

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

It is an absolutely amazing series, I really hope you enjoy.

[@brush2canvas849]

• Slightly grumpy intro from A.P. with minor fireballs ✅ check • Lots of banter and questionable puns ✅ check • Insightful discussion of themes with more teasers than is good for one video ✅ check Looks like A.P. and Philip are having another Malazan discussion. Thanks to both of you for this great introduction to The God is Not Willing. I'm about half way through and have only read the first two books of MBoF but would definitely confirm that it's possible to read this book without having read any of the other Malazan books. Looking forward to the spoiler discussions!

[@ACriticalDragon]

That is really great to hear. I 'thought' that this book could be read and enjoyed without in-depth knowledge of the world, but it is great to get confirmation. Sorry for being slightly grumpy, I clearly failed in my goal. I always aim for fully grumpy. 😁😁😁

[@brush2canvas849]

@@ACriticalDragon ah, we all have an off day once in a while.😁 It is certainly possible to enjoy this book without previous or minimal Malazan experience. It's almost a bit unfortunate that both you and Philip insist that knowing MBoF will lead to a richer reading experience of TGiNW. And I don't doubt that this was the case fir you both. But it gives a bit the impression that if I haven't read Malazan my reading experience might be inferior. Which it's not. It's just different because I can't miss what I have not experienced. My reading experience is probably as rich and satisfying as yours just out of completely different reasons.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@brush2canvas849 That's a great point you raise here, and I'm glad someone with that perspective is weighing in. Since you've read the first two books in MBotF, you do have some context, but the it's the fourth book, House of Chains, that provides the vast majority of the "background" to the story in TGINW. Is this background necessary to read TGINW? No. It would be a disservice to TGINW to claim that one needs to read anything else before enjoying it and getting a ton from pleasure from it, as you say. I'm actually really glad to hear you're finding the book so engaging because I think it's a great introduction to the most important themes that Erikson delves into in MBotF. In that sense, perhaps TGINW could be a fantastic thing to read to prepare one for what's coming in MBotF! I'd be very interested to see how your reading of TGINW informs your reading of House of Chains if you decide to read it one day, and that too could be very cool.

[@brush2canvas849]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I totally agree that TGiNW would be an exellent intro into Erikson's writing and the Malazan world. I would actually recommend it to anybody who is undecided about Malazan as it's not as big a commitment. But at the same time it has all the main elements of Malazan like themes, the army humour, and structual elements like epigraphs. It looks like I've got over my Deadhouse Gates shock. (Famous last words?) So will probably continue with MoI next month and House of Chains early next year. I actually read Rejoice before I started TGiNW. Another book that might be a good intro to Erikson's writing. Even so completely different it's themes are very similar to TGiNW.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@brush2canvas849 Well said! Having yet another possible entry point into the Malazan world is a good thing in my book.

[@ACriticalDragon]

Thank you for the great discussion, Philip. We have entirely too much [fun/laughter/banter - please delete as appropriate] doing these chats.

[@brush2canvas849]

Too much what? Puns, fireballs, bad jokes? Oh, hold on, maybe too much fun?😜

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Whenever we have too much of anything during a Malazan discussion, I say we blame Steven Erikson. It's clearly his fault! 😁

[@ACriticalDragon]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Bah... I sort of fixed it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@ACriticalDragon Excellent! I’m glad you left some options there!

[@christopherfly9374]

"My house is older than your country" made me laugh out loud. Comedian Billy Connolly used that in one of his stand-up bits. One of my favorites from him.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’ll have to look that up - thanks, Christopher!

[@Leroy510]

I’m happy to say I’ve finally started reading the Malazan series (almost finished with GotM), and absolutely love it so far. It’s a level of fantasy writing and storytelling that I’ve been looking for. Luckily, it’s not nearly as confusing as I thought it would be, but maybe my expectations were a bit skewed from watching a year’s worth of videos warning of this notion. But I’ve got guys like you and AP to help me along, and to thank for turning me onto a series that I know I will just sink my teeth (or should I say canines?) into. Looking forward to one day reading The God Is Not Willing!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm delighted to hear you're enjoying GotM so far, Leroy! To hear that our discussions are helpful to folks reading the series makes my day and is highly motivating for me, so I appreciate the kind words more than I can say. Thank you!

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

Welcome to a much larger world x

[@Leroy510]

@@SJ-GodofGnomes21 Thanks, I'm excited. So excited I went ahead and just purchased the remaining 9 books, so now I'm committed, haha... This series was something I was hesitant to get into, but like I mentioned, it turned out to be more manageable than I expected. All the positive KZbin chatter certainly helped me take the plunge.

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

@@Leroy510 Enjoy my friend, there is nothing quite like the first time read. Remember First In, Last Out.

[@mattbennett3589]

Present and accounted for. Just started House of Chains last week. I won’t read this for a long time, but I enjoy hearing y’all discuss anything…so here I sit.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Matt! We appreciate the support! Also, The God Is Not Willing delivers huge payoff from House of Chains, perhaps the most important of the ten books in MBotF in relation to TGINW.

[@marsrock316]

Just started House of Chains this week and finally met Karsa. It's pretty clear he's warped by his grandfather's view of his supposed glory days and the resulting tribal thinking. I really warmed to Karsa's father (an instance of historical/evolutionary shift away from raider culture?), though I haven't seen any references to him, so don't know what impact he will have on Karsa's development. I am glad that one of the prior videos I watched explained Karsa's use of killing "children." Otherwise it would have come across as more horrifying. So after I finish this volume, I can just skip to the new novel and not read the remaining six in the main series? :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@marsrock316 You actually could do that skip if you want. However, I will warn you that it would spoil at least one major character’s death (and other things) that happens in the MBotF. Personally, I don’t tend to be bothered by such things, but I find it’s good to warn people.

[@alejandroga666]

Oh man oh man oh man the day is finally here.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

We waited for this, but we couldn't wait any longer! More content on the way, including a discussion with Steven Erikson on TGINW.

[@alejandroga666]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasycan't wait for that interview. Would you say that it is inevitable like a flood inexorably running towards you ;)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@alejandroga666 That’s an incredibly apt simile!

[@leestoico8318]

Is it fair to say that Steven's writing is a little bit tired? I mean the 10 books are such a realease from the writer perspective, I was wondering btw

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@leestoico8318 Given what he’s accomplished, that’s an understandable question. However, I found The God Is Not Willing to be some of his most vibrant writing, and I’m confident in saying he still derives joy from his craft.

[@charlesgabriel5569]

Was wondering why no one was talking about this ! Thank you!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

More discussions on the way, including one with Steven Erikson! Be on the lookout on A.P.’s channel. Cheers!

[@Altruismisreal27]

Excellent chat! You make this book sound fascinating, and thank you for the discussion🤗

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks so much! I deeply appreciate you watching our discussion!

[@sethulakovic3722]

Ahhhhhh! My copy arrives Tuesday. 😩 So looking forward to being able to discuss this with you and AP, Philip. Almost here.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Fantastic! I look forward to reading your thoughts. Happy reading, Seth!

[@RoxanaMagdaD]

I've been waiting for you two to discuss TGINW, I'm glad that day has finally come. The amount of puns and fun in these videos always makes me smile! :) Thank you for the great conversation, and insights. The perfect balance between scholarly content and shenanigans is still here and I love it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Yes, it’s a good thing I bring all that scholarly content to balance A.P.’s shenanigans! 😁 Thank you, Rox!

[@RoxanaMagdaD]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy hahahaha and in the comments you too, bring the shenanigans :P You and A.P. both have a great and refined sense of humor, and this gives a great tone and dynamic to your videos. Thank the gods, there are tons of good books in this world, and hopefully your collaboration will go on for a very long time

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@RoxanaMagdaD I hope A.P. and I will keep talking about books with each other even past the point when we’ve become eccentric old men. Well, one of us is already a wee bit eccentric, I suppose . . . 😁

[@barrilrayder]

Fantastic as always, gents.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! It’s easy to have discussions about excellent books!

[@bryson2662]

Been looking forward to this

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

We aim to please!

[@fantasticphilosophy181]

Read this a few months ago, so i didn't really need this (but enjoyed it very much anyway 😊) Looking forward to the spoiler talk!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m glad you enjoyed the discussion! The two spoiler talks to come will be fun too, I hope.

[@hanspeter4845]

Well I will definitely check out The God is Not Willing, but first I wanted to start The Black Company or The Wheel of Time so it could take me a while. :D

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It sounds like you have a lot of excellent reading ahead! My best wishes with all of it, and I hope you'll enjoy TGINW when you get there.

[@Johanna_reads]

Wonderful discussion and nothing wrong with starting with a smile! 😁 Although this book has a slightly less theme-based approach than previous one, you had attention with every theme you two discussed. Have to add that I literally love your puns, Philip!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Hee hee! I literally decimated A.P. with those puns, didn’t I? “Decimate” is another word he loves to hear abused. The next time you chat with him, be sure to work it in somehow - the less appropriate, the better. 😁 Thanks for watching, Johanna!

[@Johanna_reads]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Done! 😁

[@alexwallachian7720]

I've been waiting a long time for some TGINW discussions. Thank you very much! Looking forward to the spoiler talk

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Happy to oblige! There will be two spoiler talks - the second with Steven Erikson - so hopefully we will scratch that itch!

[@JohanHerrenberg]

Finally! Great general discussion, gents. Cannot wait for all the spoilery goodness to follow! Btw, from now on I'll think of you two as The Segue Boys.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, Johan! The Segue Boys - sounds very smooth, and so seems appropriate 😁. See you in the spoiler videos!

[@ChristmasLore]

Great discussion. It was lovely to listen to you two converse about such a delightful author. (But, I'm sorry to say, in ...many ways, it reminded me of the best, and the worst, of my days in the Academic World.)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks! I hope we didn’t give you any terrible academic flashbacks! I too have many fond memories of grad school along with a few less wonderful moments. Erikson’s books are indeed delightful and, I would say, sublime. Thanks for watching!

[@Stelfc]

Hi guys another thoroughly enjoyable watch, over last year you have both blossomed in to a regular morcame and wise double act both compliment each other perfectly. I thought book was excellent the bar was set so high after Crippled God, but this was such a good read, no one humanizes characters especially flawed ones the way Steven does and make us feel sympathy for them and often gives them some form of redemption in the story.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Beautifully said, Stephen - “no one humanizes characters, especially flawed ones, the way Steven Erikson does.” I might just need to quote you someday in a video because that expresses what I believe about his writing so succinctly, which is why he’s my favorite author. Cheers!

[@R1glet]

5 more days and i can read the greatest author again

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I wish you much joy in your reading!

[@EricMcLuen]

Just finished last night so now I get to watch more vids. As an intro to Malazan, perhaps. Although the worldbuilding is pretty sparse. They style also is a bit different as it on a much smaller scale....and on just one continent. One thing that might disappoint is that the ochre count was only 2 but undulate was at three. The only reason for the latter was the first two uses were about 5 pages apart it seemed and Sean Astin's video at the behest of Daniel Green and detriment of Merphy Napier was hilarious.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! I missed Sean Astin’s video, but I did see Merphy’s where she objected to the word “undulate.” I have some research to do now!

[@LiamsLyceum]

Well darn I started Gardens of the Moon. That seems off topic, just thought I'd let you know. I started yesterday, I decided to be a rebel and read Blood Follows yesterday in the morning before starting GotM. Over 100 pages in and really enjoying it!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m delighted to hear you’re enjoying it so far, Liam!

[@cmmosher8035]

I do love that the 500 page book is the shorter more accessible novel.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s a great Malazan read, and it’s accessibility could make it an interesting entry point for the Malazan world.

[@robpaul7544]

Aargh, shite! I wasn't prepared, expected you to procrastinate a bit longer. 😅 I'm so looking forward to reading this, especially after letting the anticipation build on purpose. Guess I'll start asap 🤓

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Happy reading, Rob! This discussion is spoiler free, but the ones coming out on A Critical Dragon are full of spoilers (including the one with Steven Erikson). So, no more procrastinating! 😁

[@MrRorosuri]

the puns , the puns 🙌🙌🎉

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

What's a discussion with A.P. without any puns? 😁

[@nickcarlson2708]

This book made me ugly cry. Rather awkward as it happened walking down a busy street reading on my phone. Damn pollen!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Fortunately for me, I read in my bedroom, so only my wife and daughters make fun of my allergies.

[@epicgamer2727]

I am conflicted on if I want to read this yet (I have a copy finally!) or if I want to first reread the book of the fallen to prepare xD it’s a tough choice.

[@feral7523]

Nah you'll be grand maybe read Esslemonts stuff to round out the picture more fully than start this.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It's a tough choice, indeed! I don't know if it helps you at all, but I didn't finish my reread of MBotF before diving into TGINW, and I'm happy I didn't put it off any longer.

[@MrRorosuri]

dropping 💞💞💞💞

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you!

[@MrRorosuri]

malazan is so big 😅

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ten Very Big Books!

[@gerdforster883]

Damn you two to Hood's furry scrotum! After finally wrapping up the main 16 last night with Assail, I had planned on a break from Malazan for a while, and read some other authors for a change. Now I am tempted to promote The God Is Not Willing from the bottom of my tbr pile to the top.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

The god is not willing for you to stop reading Malazan books, Gerd!

[@gerdforster883]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy But I have to read The Eye of the World first, before the series starts on Amazon.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@gerdforster883 Fair enough! Enjoy!

[@SubFlow22]

If a raging feminist decided to impersonate Erickson, this is the book she would write. The book was awful.