Discussion of Steven Erikson's Toll the Hounds (MBOTF 8) with A.P. Canavan (no spoilers)

Dr. A.P. Canavan (Professor Fireballs) and I continue our ongoing discussion of the Malazan Book of the Fallen with Toll the Hounds, book eight of the series. As usual, this chat on my channel is spoiler free, but more than one spoiler-filled discussion of Toll the Hounds will appear on A.P.'s channel, ‪@ACriticalDragon‬.

[@ACriticalDragon]

Hi Philip, thanks for having this conversation with me. I always appreciate your thoughts and perspective. Thank you, my friend/fiend.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

My dear nemesis, Professor Fireballs! It’s always fantastic to talk to you and learn from you, and if I can get an occasional elbow to land on your ribs, it’s all the better. Provided, of course, that I’m wearing fire retardant elbow patches . . .

[@JZHerrenberg]

Thanks for the stimulating conversation, Philip and A.P.! One thing I'd like to address. MBotF is called 'epic fantasy'. As you rightly say, however, the personal and familial play a huge part in this very big canvas, to a degree not often seen in other works of epic fantasy. And the reason is, I want to submit, because Erikson is very often writing tragedy at the same time. The epic is societal, recounts the history of a people, a community, or even the human race as a whole; tragedy is familial, recounts the story of a fatal disorder inside the family unit, which can become a metaphor for the state of society in general ('There's something rotten in the state of Denmark'). Erikson's greatness in Toll the Hounds lies in combining epic, tragedy and novel (it reads like a 19th century novel, updated). Erikson's 'novels' are epic tragedy for most of their trajectory, but in the very end reveal themselves to be 'epic comedy' ('comedy' in the Dantean sense).

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

So, epic tragi-comic fantasy? Excellent insights here, Johan, and I completely agree with your assessment of the series containing tragedy and comedy within an epic fantasy framework. Whatever we call it, it’s good stuff. 😁

[@JZHerrenberg]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy MBotF is sui generis.

[@imokin86]

I think Johan is on to something here, a very astute observation. It is an epic comedy in this old sense, a high comedy. It undermines or parodies some tropes only to reestablish their meaning at a new level.

[@RoxanaMagdaD]

I'm so happy the time for Toll the Hounds has come. I've been waiting for this to happen :) Needless to say your discussion was a lot better than I expected, which is a wonderful surprise, as I obviously expected a lot from you :) It was so beautiful and heart warming, that I am at a loss of words, and I'll just say THANK YOU! Can't wait to see the rest of the Toll the Hounds discussions. They will be perfect for this festive season and the end of the year, the timing is perfect. See you in the next ones :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Rox! Knowing what Toll the Hounds means to you, I’m happy we didn’t disappoint you for this one! We have one spoiler video recorded already, and it should be out Wednesday on A Critical Dragon. At least two more will follow, and I think they’ll be special. My very best to you!

[@RoxanaMagdaD]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy ohhh this is sooo sweet, Philip! More and more good news

[@gerdforster883]

I'm not going to lie to you, Toll the Hounds was the hardest book to finish for me. I bought it when it came out in 2008. I finished it a few months ago. All the books before it were a piece of cake. I loved them, I devoured them. Toll the Hounds not so much. I stopped reading a few hundred pages in, and then put it away. I tried again once or twice, but it just didn't work out for me. I reread books 1-7 several times. This one just kept on fermenting at the bottom of my TBR pile. Which also meant that I did not read Dust of Dreams or The Crippled God, because that wouldn't have felt right. Then you guys come around with your excellent videos, so I finally decided to tackle it because I really enjoy your talks, and wanted to be able to watch them all. I soldiered past my previous drop-out points and finished it. Took me three weeks (as a point of reference: The Cripled God took me a week). Did I enjoy it? Parts of it, yes. Do I love it now? No, not really. It is necessary to understand the series, but as of now, it is my least favourite Malazan book. However, I am looking forward to your spoiler-talk. I usually take a lot away from those and maybe it will help me to appreciate this book more.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, Gerd! You are not alone in your feelings about Toll the Hounds. That said, I do hope that our chats will make it clear why the book speaks so much to us. I’m still feeling the strange sense of “high” from it, and there’s so much there about the human condition. And, I will be happy indeed if our discussions add even a wee bit to your understanding of the book. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Barnes-ml9wg]

Deadhouse gates is the only book I slogged through.

[@martinsolvang8230]

I just finished reading Reaper's Gale for the first time as this video was released, and I planned to take a break before continuing the series. But watching you two talk about Toll the Hounds made me pick up the book right away. Malazan has steadily become my favorite series (together with Wheel of Time), and so much of my appreciation of the series comes from watching you and AP talk about the deeper aspects of the books. As I'm fairly new to reading books, and since English isn't my native language, I feel like I'm learning so much watching your and AP's discussion videos. It has made me develop a real interest in literature, which is a big turnaround for me since I "hated" everything literature-related when I went to school haha. I'm looking forward to watching the spoiler discussions after I finish Toll the Hounds!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much for this comment, Martin! This is the sort of comment that makes me happy and motivates me the most. Perhaps it’s the educator in me, but the idea that anyone would find our discussions motivating makes me believe that everything I’ve been doing here has been worthwhile, and that’s a wonderful feeling. So, thank you!

[@Johanna_reads]

Wonderful discussion on Toll the Hounds! The idea that the self has a part to play in redemption makes sense even when looking at the beloved redemption arcs we see in fantasy (another archetype/trope discussion suggestion for you two). You two nailed the themes in this book, and I enjoyed the diegetic, nested narrative part in addition to everything else. I’ve been saying that I feel as though the themes carry the story more than the story carries the themes in this one, so I feel validated hearing you say something similar. 😅 Looking forward to all the spoiler discussions!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, Johanna! During our midway chat with Erikson, he made it clear that he starts with themes when he writes and builds the story over them so that the themes become part of the landscape that is the story. In Toll the Hounds, those mounds that are the themes might protrude from the landscape a bit more. This burying of themes, I suspect, is one of the reasons for not only Erikson’s success but for the depth of his books. Thanks for watching!

[@EricMcLuen]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy SE gets less subtle as the series goes on. Can you get tintinitus from the incessant bell ringing while reading?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@EricMcLuen You could say the bells take a toll.

[@iCocaColaZombieGod]

One of the greatest books ever written IMO

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That is an opinion with which I wholeheartedly agree!

[@lukei4655]

I just recommended this video to someone today and started watching it myself and I have to say that it's a testimony to the text of this book that while you were vaguely discussing and subtly referencing things that are happening in the book I started to experience very strong emotions just casually remembering those things. It's such a powerful work. Thank you for sharing your reflections on it for all of our inquiring minds.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m so glad we were able to remind you of the experience of reading this incredible book. There are three spoiler filled videos on it on A Critical Dragon, one that includes Steven Erikson, who shared some excellent insights. All the best!

[@feral7523]

Diegetic - perversely/cruelly explained in such a way that I'll have to re-watch several times to make sense of the explanation!, apart from that great vid folks, have yourselves a great Christmas/holidays.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! Think of poor me, not being able to push the rewind button on A.P. while listening to him! It's a very useful concept to understand, though. Glad you enjoyed the chat, thanks so much for watching, and a wonderful holiday season to you too!

[@nickf9137]

I'm so glad to have this videos for when I finally finish reading one of these books. Toll the hounds by far took me the longest to finish so far but has been the most regarding.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Nick! On A.P.'s channel, A Critical Dragon, we have three spoiler filled discussion on Toll the Hounds, including one where Steven Erikson joins us. I'm glad the chats are helpful!

[@captainbritain7379]

I love this book, and the two of you did a fantastic job of describing what makes it so perfect.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! We did our best here while avoiding spoilers, but, of course, we'll be elaborating on a lot of this when we delve into the spoilers on A.P.'s channel. Cheers!

[@Thorbearius]

I am looking forward to this! These discussion are always so fun, educational, and rewarding to watch. I took a little Malazan break after Bonehunters to read the Age of Madness and Rythm of War, then eased back in with the collected tales of Bauchelin and Korbal Broach, and am now making my way through Reapers Gale, so I hope to catch up to you guys in time for your Dust of Dreams discussion.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm pretty sure you'll be able to catch up with us. We won't tackle Dust of Dreams until mid-January at the very earliest, I think. Age of Madness, by the way, is fantastic, in my humble opinion. My best to you for Reaper's Gale!

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

Ohhhh. And so it begins. I'm guessing you need a 3 parter to discuss this book. 2 parts being to discuss the last few chapters alone ;)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I can confirm that it will be at least three spoiler videos. Even then, I don't think we'll cover everything. We will put in a valiant effort, however. Thanks for watching!

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy yaaaaaaaassssss

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I'm so glad you mentioned AWE at the start here. And AP mentioned being shaken to our core. I had such a profound, genuinely profound experience reading this book, the climax in particular , that I genuinely found my self almost quaking reading some of it. And I took a moment after it to try and understand why. Yes, it was the attachment to the narrative, the themes, the characters, the audacity, the vision, but more so I think than anything, it was AWE of Erikson, that a human being, could put words upon a page, with such ambition, and such grace, and do what he did to my insides. Utterly in awe. And regardless how the series turns out now in TCG, I am forever a die hard fan.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@SpitfireStoryboards My guess is that you will discover more of that awe in The Crippled God, which is perhaps my favorite book of the series (depending on the day, I have three or four favorite books in the series -- ha ha!).

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy man I finished Dust of Dreams and absolutely loved it but when I came to put it on my wip rank list it was 6th!!! That's how good the others are. Tth is no 3 on my first time through. Mt no2 and dhg still on top

[@TheLittleX]

I think i will need at least a couple more month to grasp the scope of this story and it´s themes. A thing i´d like to add to your conversation is the concept of perspective of view. All the characters have different perspectives on each other. Usually the perspective is very narrow in the beginning. And many character archs lead to a change of perspective. And the idea that this story is told by Kruppe makes this even more interesting. Because it is likey that we just see the characters from his perspective (the story of Harllo and Snell may be much less good vs. evil as it is told to us). Anyway for me a key lesson is that we just see a simple perspective on the people we meet in life and it is worth it trying to understand their motives even if they do horrible things. It makes us better people. Next step will be The Prophet of Edan. I wonder which themes i will discover in that story!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

We discuss the matter of perspective more in the spoiler video on A.P.’s channel. Actually, there are two spoiler discussions there on Toll the Hounds, one with Steven Erikson. I enjoyed those discussions a lot since this is a very rich book. As for The Prophet of Edan, I hope you will find themes of love, connection, and transcendence along with a lot of action. Thanks so much for giving it a read!

[@smoothbrane]

Awesome, I'm gonna have to finally get through dust of dreams now to keep up with the conversation!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

We are happy to provide some incentive for you to read on. 😁 Thanks for watching this one!

[@rickhammer7204]

Almost always hate non-spoiler reviews.... What do you mean it's been 45 minutes already!?!? Such a great discussion!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, Rick! We do our best to make these non-spoiler chats interesting for those who’ve read the books and at the same time give those who haven’t read them a sense of what they’re about.

[@Rogue_VI]

Nice discussion. It didn't feel like 45 minutes, that's for sure. REALLY looking forward to the spoilers.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! The first spoiler video will be out tomorrow on A Critical Dragon, with two more to follow.

[@salomealhusami594]

Finally! I can't wait for the spoiler videos! Thank you so much!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Salma! The first spoiler video will be out on A.P.’s channel on Wednesday. More to follow!

[@salomealhusami594]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I can't wait! So excited to listen to your and A.P.'s thoughts on Toll the Hounds. Those videos that you are making are doing wonders to my reading experience! Thank you for your efforts! 💙

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@salomealhusami594 It is very kind of you to say so, Salma! Such feedback is highly motivating for us, so we are truly grateful!

[@robpaul7544]

Where some earlier books make us yell (or, well.. type) "WITNESS!" and pump a fist in the air.. This one makes us quietly say 'witness' whilst wiping away the tears

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Beautifully said, Rob. Beautifully said.

[@brush2canvas849]

Thank you, for this facinating introduction to Toll the Hounds and it's themes! Yes, some of those books shake us to the core. Barely into the series and even I fully agree with that. Ok, better get a couple more tissue boxes before I tackle the next Malazan book. Ps: A.P. now doing colour theory also shakes me to the core.🤯😁

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I feel like I should billing Erikson for the extra tissue boxes he’s made me purchase. 😁 My very best to you for your Malazan reading - and everything else!

[@brush2canvas849]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Right, second attempt as my first reply seems to have been deleted. Apart from thinking that billing Erikson for additional tissues is an excellent idea, I wanted to tell you about Newgrange, a neolithic passage tomb, that I think of when Erikson explains how he works themes. It's one of the most fantastic places I have been so maybe look it up.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@brush2canvas849 Oh, yes! I’ve heard of it, seen pictures. I’d love to visit someday. It’s a perfect image for what Erikson is talking about!

[@brush2canvas849]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I hope you get to see it some day! In the meantime I would suggest the lifestream of the solstice sun illuminating the burial chamber tomorrow morning. But dawn here is something like 3:30 am your time and there is no guarantee that there will be sun, so that'll really be pushing it especially if you have to work.

[@charissewagner5965]

This is the only video that I watch with a dictionary by my side. You two help me grow brain cells. Merry Christmas ya'll!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Brain cells are good! 😁 Thanks, Charisse, and Merry Christmas to you too!

[@mich7008]

No question this book for me had a much different feel to it than the others so far. And now I know why!! Thank you gentleman for deepening my experience with this book. I feel like if I had watched this before I read it it would’ve been hugely helpful. I also understand the narrator and who it was ( of course I was to chapter 23 before I had the aha moment). This installment has proved to be my most satisfying and emotional one so for. Loved this book so much. On to the spoiler chat and then the next book.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m glad you enjoyed the chat, Michael! There are three spoiler chats waiting for you on A Critical Dragon, the last with Steven Erikson. My best to you for the final two books!

[@cap-tavating5862]

My favourite book of all time. Been waiting for this one for months. Best character work of the series and the themes explored, as well as the story full of pathos just make it transcend fiction for me. They helped me work through my grief. I’d say grief is more the underlying theme of it, and that the main themes explored in the light of grief are that of catharsis, reconciliation and closure. Such a beautiful book

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

The first spoiler video, coming out Wednesday on A Critical Dragon, is mainly on grief. There are so many facets to how Erikson deals with the theme in Toll the Hounds that it’s something we took nearly an hour to discuss, after we chatted about the narrative structure. For the second spoiler video, we focus on Anomander Rake. And for the third we have a discussion lined up with someone special. Yes, this book deserves that many videos . . . and more. Cheers!

[@cap-tavating5862]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Thanks for responding as usual Philip. Great to know even as your channel is much bigger than it was last year you still take the time to respond. I’m so glad you guys are properly discussing the many facets of this book, it really deserves it. I’m super excited to see who this special guest is! I also can’t wait for you guys to start going through the Realm of the Elderlings

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@cap-tavating5862 I’m really excited to return to the Realm of the Elderlings next year. As for the mystery guest, I think it’s okay to spill the beans that A.P. and I will be chatting with Steven Erikson about Toll the Hounds. I’m looking forward to hearing his thoughts!

[@cap-tavating5862]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I hoped it was him! As unfortunate as they were, Eriksons circumstance really bled into TTH and made it such an emotive piece of literature. It’s really wonderful how he managed to create such an atmosphere and tone. Realm of the Elderlings is the only series that can beat Malazan for me. Best character work in the genre. I really hope you guys don’t take too large breaks between trilogies, I could listen to you two discuss the art of making toast for hours

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@cap-tavating5862 Ha ha! While I can’t promise we’ll get through the Realm of the Elderlings at a quick pace, I will most definitely enjoy returning to it with each trilogy (and tetralogy). As for Erikson, like other great writers, he draws from personal life experiences to portray the human experiences we all go through and wrestle with. There’s no doubt that going through something helps you to understand it better.

[@fantasticphilosophy181]

Still re-reading Toll the Hounds, and really enjoying the narrator's voice 🤗. Will be watching the spoiler discussions when i'm done (which probably will not be this year, i'm also taking my time) Thanks, and merry christmas!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

My best wishes for your Toll the Hounds reread! We have a total of three spoiler filled chats about Toll the Hounds on A Critical Dragon, and the third includes Steven Erikson, so there’s plenty of material for you!

[@JoshStockwell84]

Eagerly awaited!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

We have arrived, and there’s more to come! Thanks, Josh!

[@ExtraordinAri_96]

I recently finished the Book of the Fallen series, and of all the 10 books this is the one that I can't get out of my head. Minor Spoilers Below (probably being over-cautious) * * * * * * Toll the Hounds is without a doubt my favourite book not only of the series but in general. It is the single most powerful and moving reading experience I've had. A big part of that is down to when I read it - and I hope you'll forgive me for laying this out here; in early November of last year my dad died. I started reading Toll the Hounds a week later, aware that the book deals with love and grief but unaware of the specific ways the book is tied to those themes. Unaware of how directly I would be forced to face certain things. It made reading this book into - I think you had the perfect word, Phillip - a transcendental experience that, while painful, was instrumental in processing and healing. The Caged Bird poem at the beginning of Chapter 16 is one I find stays with me and I often come back to. Thank you for your in depth, and insightful conversation around this wonderful book. These things were never so precious.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for your comment! I'm glad you found the discussion helpful. As you probably know, Erikson wrote Toll the Hounds while dealing with the grief over the loss of his father, so the fact that you connected with it so much makes sense. My condolences for your loss. On AP's channel, A Critical Dragon, we have a couple other discussions on this book, and one of them includes Steven Erikson. I thought you might like to check out those as well if you are not aware of them. All the best!

[@ExtraordinAri_96]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy thank you Philip, I appreciate that. I have watched those spoiler discussions before and they're really wonderful, I'll probably spend some time going through them again this evening.

[@mythosthecat]

Toll the Hounds was my second favourite in the series behind Midnight Tides. Incredible book (especially Rake's part). Still though Forge of Darkness is the best book Erickson has written by a mile

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Rake's part is so profoundly awesome that A.P. and I will be doing a video just on that. It will be one of several spoiler discussions to appear on his channel, one of which is already recorded. By the way, I too am a fan of Forge of Darkness. Thanks for watching!

[@mythosthecat]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy ah I will definitely be watching that video! Looking forward to it 👍

[@EricMcLuen]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Recently finished Fall of Light. It was both very Malazan and un-Malazan at the same time. Miss the epigraphs.

[@safinan8008]

Hello to both of you!! Have a wonderful Christmas to both of you!! 🎄📖❄️☃️

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Safina, and the same to you!

[@MrRoro_su]

wishing you two a lovely new week

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

The same to you, my friend!

[@aysseralwan]

1:13:00 Tavore gave the speech a year earlier when they set sail for the Letherii empire. It's just Keneb or Blistig remembering the speech while they burnt the fleet or that's how I read it...

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I also recall that the “unwitnessed” speech is told as a flashback with Blistig as the POV, though I’m unsure of the timeline. Thanks!

[@Donkey_22]

Hi there! When do you two expect to discuss Dust of Dreams? Can't wait!!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I can’t be sure, unfortunately, but I hope soon. A.P. has been very busy with personal things and work, and those things have to take priority. But I’m ready for him as soon as he’s finished reading Dust of Dreams!

[@Gl1tch2263]

Only a couple hundred pages in but this one really feels like it’s going to be special. Not a ton has even happen plotwise, there’s just something so intriguing about his writing here. It’s been somber, playful and near 4th wall breaking at times. That first scene with Kallor has really stuck with me, up there amongst my favourite in the series. And he doesn’t even do anything; couldn’t spoil it if I wanted to. It was just so beautiful and fascinating to read. For me, existentialism and finding purpose have stood out as the key themes so far.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Sounds like you’re enjoying it, Mitch! In addition to the themes you mention and those we focus on here, one that Erikson emphasized during the spoiler chat we had with him on A Critical Dragon is love. Toll the Hounds is a book that will always haunt me in the best possible ways.

[@patchesglass1030]

In a way, one could consider Gardens of the Moon, Toll the Hounds, and Orb Sceptre Throne, as "The Darujiststan Trilogy" I dunno, just a funny thought I had. Love Toll the Hounds and looking forward to the non-spoiler chat. Thank you to Dr Beowulf and Professor Vermisilitude!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! I’ve been called worse things than Dr. Beowulf! In fact, it sounds rather catchy. 😁 I think you’re absolutely right about “The Darujhistan Trilogy” - an excellent way to think of those threads, some of which Esslemont brings to an excellent conclusion. Cheers!

[@MrRoro_su]

i adore narrators telling us a story . The forever sea by joshua philip johnson ( 2021) is a recent fave. totally reccomend

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@donnagrimes9220]

Hello Phillip! I have a request. Will you and AP please make some videos talking about Steven Erikson's book Forge of Darkness? This has become my absolute favorite book of Mr. Erikson's. I would love to hear a spoiler filled analysis on this great book. Any idea when the 3rd book from this trilogy is coming out? I would really appreciate if you could do this. Thank you in advance. Btw...love your channel.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, Donna! I don’t know when A Walk in Shadow will be out, but I know that Erikson is working on it. When it comes close to publication time, A.P. and I are very likely to reread Forge of Darkness and Fall of Light to do discussions on them. So, the answer to your request is: definitely! At this point, though, I don’t think even Steven Erikson knows exactly when he’ll finish. Still, I’m as eager as you are to get my hands on it!

[@donnagrimes9220]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Thank you Philip.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@donnagrimes9220 My pleasure!

[@JoshStockwell84]

This book is quite divisive in the series but I love it, my favourite so far. I think I fell in love with darujhistan since gardens of the moon. I also have a striking mental image of Kruppe flailing and dancing in front of the fire. The narrative structure really worked for me

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Same for me in regard to Darujhistan! As for Kruppe dancing, thank you for the image you just planted in my brain . . . I think. 😁 Cheers!

[@jona2486]

You guys are my favorite

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, Jon! We appreciate you too!

[@thatsci-firogue]

Started this immediately after finishing Reaper's Gale, really enjoying it so far

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s unlike anything else I’ve ever read - a brilliant statement on grief and love.

[@aysseralwan]

1:39:00 I guess Wither tried killing Udinaas cuz well he sided with his former war leader Silchas Ruin

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That whole scene is total chaos, but, yes, Wither is showing Tiste Andii loyalty there, I think. Cheers!

[@Yoda0VGs]

"thank you to your viewers for putting up with me" Oh dear sir, this video is as if Christmas came early :) Edit - spelling (it's early morning here leave me alone)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! No judgement for spelling errors here. Now, if we could put a red Santa hat on A.P., it would indeed seem like early Christmas. Thanks so much for watching!

[@aysseralwan]

1:51:00 Hannan Mosag gets killed I think by the Jaghut woman Ganoes meets in The Bonehunters in 7 Cities. Tho I could be wrong but that's what I thought her name was similar to Ganoes and Gothos but I can't remember but definetly starting with G

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Was it Ganath? Going off memory here, so I could be wrong. Thanks!

[@aysseralwan]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I looked up my notes and yeah you're right Ganath is her name. Yeah I think she's the one that killed Hannan. Also I totally like the married couple that invited her to drink with them Ursto and Pinosel and the reveal that they also are some gods or dubious beings that lived 100s of years at the least🤯

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@aysseralwan Yes, they’re quite a couple! They also appear again, but I won’t say when to avoid spoilers in case you haven’t read that far. Erikson is full of surprises, isn’t he?

[@aysseralwan]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy that he is for sure!

[@EricMcLuen]

These discussions seem both fun and frustrating at the same time. Hopefully you don't get sore tongues from biting as you reeeealy want to get into spoilers but can't. But the nesting of narratives is an interesting literary style SE probably had fun playing with.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

One does learn the meaning of restraint while making spoiler free videos. Fortunately, the release of the spoilers is imminent. Talk about catharsis!

[@EricMcLuen]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Yeah, have a follow up question/observation I can't ask for two books which AP alluded to.

[@Nathankthanks]

Just starting reapers gale, will see if I can catch up :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Best wishes for Reaper’s Gale, Nathan!

[@Vinnie2501]

For me. Possibly for a few of us. First read was jarring. There were stories (at the time) that I just wanted to speed read. This was actually the longest read time for any of the ten on my first read. Work got silly busy so didn't help. Was a shame I imagine. But do believe just taking us away from what we believed to be the main event at the time may not have helped either. Anyway. Further down the line. Second read. Blew me away. It could very be the best book SE has ever written. As a whole. There's also an examination here. About something we don't hear often within your conversations. Love. So many types of loves shown here. Not all good relationship examples. But so many relationships.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, Gareth! As a matter of fact, A.P. and I just chatted with Steven Erikson for a couple hours about Toll the Hounds. Something rather prominent that came up was . . . Love. So, I’d say you’re spot on. The spoiler videos are all going to be on A Critical Dragon (the first one came out today). Also, I completely agree with you about the perspective that the second read gives. Cheers!

[@Vinnie2501]

Thanks for the reply Phillip. I found the spoiler talk after this late last night. Dam you both. Made me late for work this morning. Now to finish.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Vinnie2501 Sorry about work, Gareth! 😁

[@Vinnie2501]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy just saw the start of your chat with SE Phillip. Made my day.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Vinnie2501 Awesome! I’m happy for it, and thank you for telling me. 😄

[@francoisbouchart4050]

Up until Toll the Hounds, Malazan had been a reread. I really enjoyed TTH, with Erikson balancing the heaviness of the themes with a playful narration and the humour. Without the humour, I could not have made it through the book. The humour in TTH is most reminiscent of the Bauchelain and Karbala books. In the end, Erikson broke my heart again and again. The theme of regret mixed with grief… 😢

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Beautifully said, Francois, and I think I know what you mean about the heart breaking again and again. There is also tremendous love in the book. Also, I completely agree about the Bauchelain and Korbal Broach comparison.

[@romppy6596]

My mans said Peak Fiction!! Lets gooo!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Peak fiction it is!

[@Barnes-ml9wg]

Just finished TTH. No Spoilers but......so sad.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s a tough one but also so beautiful at the same time.

[@Eliean77]

Funny, only the first 8 books are traslated into Hungarian. Toll the Hounds was sold as the last book of the series.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Wow! I hope they’ll translate the last two!

[@Eliean77]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Hope dies last. The original publisher went bankrupt, and it seems nobody wants to republish the series. Which is really sad.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Eliean77 Ah, that’s very sad. Perhaps someday another publisher will see an opportunity.

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

I am 200 pages into Toll the Hounds and already I've felt very touched by some of the characters and their longing and regret. Erikson's writing has never been so... dreamy and moody. Playful, but also oppressive and thick with foreshadowing. I'm writing a lengthy review as I work through it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

“Thick with foreshadowing” is absolutely correct! My very best to you as you continue through the book. Where will your review appear, Jeroen?

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I posted the link but KZbin doesn't like that, so it might have ended up in your spam folder. But there is a link to my review blog on my KZbin profile, under the About tab.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@jeroenadmiraal8714 Excellent! Thanks! And, yes, KZbin doesn’t like links in the comments.

[@LCD72]

Thank you for this intellectually stimulating discussion. I've learned new words and concepts: frame narratives, meta/hypo-diegetic levels etc. But...what about the cipher? This is the key to understanding the hidden Malazan meta-narrative that Erikson says is embedded in Toll the Hounds: ''I began to wonder if one could make metafiction a hidden meta-narrative embracing a postmodern, poststructural story. Turns out, the answer is yes, as epitomized in the Malazan Book of the Fallen (the cipher unlocking the metafictional element to the series is found in Toll the Hounds).'' This statement appears in this youtube discussion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5zPmnuFZtSfqtE I asked a while back - when it turned out you hadn't yet read the book, if you would discuss that cipher. Now you've read it, did it come up?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Hello, JG! Without making it explicit, we actually did touch on the idea of Toll the Hounds being the cipher to the series when we discussed the narrative structure of Toll the Hounds (the frame narrative and all that). We will be elaborating on that narrative structure in the first spoiler video to appear on A.P.'s channel. We can't make everything about its relationship to the entire series completely explicit yet, however, since it would involve major spoilers for the entire series. That said, we will certainly be discussing this notion of TtH being the cipher much more once we finish the series, and I know it's something A.P. intends to talk about at length. There are a couple excellent videos on this topic, by the way, one by Niflrog and another by A.P. Thanks so much for watching!

[@MrRoro_su]

🥰🥰💞💞

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you!