DLC Bookclub - HOUSE OF CHAINS - MALAZAN BOOK OF THE FALLEN - Chapters 25, 26, and Epilogue

Jeff and Lana finish their read of the fourth novel in the Tales of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson, House of Chains.
They start off with a NON-Spoiler topic, discussing the finishing of books. Do you have any rituals when you read that last page?
Then, they discuss in detail the events of chapters 25, 26 and the Epilogue
Special thanks to Emily Bachynski for the DLC Bookclub theme song. Find more of her work at www.badbuddy.b...
Link to the reading guide mentioned: docs.google.co....
DLC Bookclub Discord: / discord

[@stevelundin5705]

Iskaral Pust and Kruppe and their mules? Hold that thought. In fact, hold many thoughts, as you will be heading for a modest break with Midnight Tides. With respect to the House of Chains as a title, there is a kind of fractal thing going on, thematically. But the one at its most human scale, is that of the house of chains that is family, in this case, between two sisters. This is underscored by Felisin's thoughts on how such a chain breaks (its only means of breaking). The armour she dons, of course, calls back to the armour imagery in her thoughts at Baudin's death: and here facing Tavore, it is that armour's weight -- and the weight of the sword as symbol for violence, anger and revenge -- that betrays her. While internally, stripped from Shaik's influence, we finally see her most vulnerable thoughts, underscoring the useless burden of external armour. I have always believed that, if I am to guide readers to a place of deep emotion, I need to experience the fullness of that emotion first. That said, my reaching that state actually precedes the writing of the relevant scene. Although the last two sections with Felisin are short, they probably took as long to compose as the previous entire chapter. I would slow down for these crucial passages, weighing every word, balancing the sentences just right. There is something that happens in the writing of those scenes that, in a way, delivers the greatest personal reward for me as a writer. Not the big battles, the ferocious fights. Not even the most inventive settings. No, it's getting those handful of words just right, and while I have my own sense of whether it worked or not, that pales in comparison to when I hear a reader tell me that, for them, those few sentences and those handful of words, did the job. So, thank you. This fourth novel rarely makes the favourite list among the ten, or so it seems, which makes me appreciate your kind words all the more. Thanks again.

[@CannataJeff]

I can't believe I didn't catch that the House in House of Chains could refer to House Paran! Seems so obvious in retrospect. Brilliant.

[@claytonhomer3096]

The fact that this book is commonly listed near the bottom of peoples lists shows the insane quality of this series. The ending to this book is one of my favorites of the series. There is one thing that I love to highlight that shows just how incredible SE is as a writer in his foreshadowing and his word choice. The attention to detail is masterful. I will remind you of Gardens of the moon when Ganoes has been killed and is sitting at Hood's Gate and Oponn comes to him offering him a deal. The exact line is: 'Even for the gods,’ she replied, ‘death awaits, an uncertainty hiding deep within them.’ She paused. ‘Make them uncertain.’ The creature cackled again, and again cut it short. ‘Reciprocity.’ ‘Of course,’ the sister responded. ‘I’ll look for another, a death premature. Meaningless, even.’ The apparition was silent, then the head creaked in a nod. ‘In this mortal’s shadow, of course.’ ‘Agreed.’ ‘My shadow?’ Paran asked. ‘What does that mean, precisely?’ ‘Much sorrow, alas,’ the apparition said. ‘Someone close to you shall walk through Death’s Gates … in your place.’ Now ask yourself: who is Oponn? The god of chance. Fast Forward to the end of this novel when Tavore is walking towards her sister to kill her. What word choice does SE use when describing it from Felisin's perspective? He says this: No chance, in fact, for much of anything that could now return to her, memories warm and trusting and reassuring. Instead, Tavore had dismembered their family. And for Felisin, the horrors of slavery and the mines. But blood is the chain that can never break. Tavore was now twenty strides away. Drawing out her otataral sword. And, though we leave the house of our birth, it never leaves us. Little kids follow their older siblings around like a shadow hence the line that the death would be in his shadow. A death premature. Meaningless, even. We know if Felisin knew why Tavore did what she did, and if she had been able to take the helmet off and let Tavore see her, the death need not happen. He also uses the words "No chance" this officially tells us that this is the payment. Felisin's death is the fulfillment of the promise made to Ganoes by Oponn. It is so subtle and brilliant. A lot of other writers would shine a light on it. Erikson allows his readers to find it. So much so that he said he didn't capitalize the C in chance because he thought it would be too obvious. This is the attention to detail SE has hidden in these books. I hope you re-read them some day to find more, there are so many more. I am loving re-experiencing these novels as you go through them. Thank you, Lana and Jeff! Editing in one final thought about the discussion you had, on a previous episode, about the title of this book. I had to hold off commenting because of the above quote which holds the answer for me, personally. The surface level reading is the book is about the literal House of Chains(the formation and attempt to get it into the deck that is taking place in the novel.) However, I know Erikson is a multilayered writer, and to me the title is revealed in the aforementioned quote above: "But blood is the chain that can never break....And, though we leave the house of our birth, it never leaves us." To me, the title is about the blood chains of the House Paran.

[@claytonhomer3096]

I love how Erikson foreshadowed the end fight with the goofy fun Birdshit Scorpion story. Their army was actually two hiding as one. Chefs kiss.

[@blablah6958]

I am reading the series for the fourth time now and never catched that 😂

[@Jabberwhorl_Cronstadt]

A lot of people bounce off of HoC because of the subversion of the climax. You're expecting another epic battle between the two armies, but instead you get this weird ghost battle that happens mostly off screen, and then the world's shortest one-on-one fight. But MY GOD if it isn't one of my favorites for exactly those reasons. Another battle would've been exactly that, just another (exquisitely written) battle. And having it all culminate in that heart shattering scene between the sisters where not a single word is said? My god. Genius. Long live the underrated House of Chains.

[@ColinsCornerYT]

I don’t interact with your guys videos often, but felt that I certainly should be because it helps support yall especially as fellow content creators. I’m also on my first journey through Malazan and just wanted to say how much I throughly enjoy watching your guys videos and hearing you both think through these books. Every time I finish a section of reading you guys discussed, I immediately go and watch before continuing my reading. You amongst so many amazing Malazan fans and other content creators, have enriched this reading experience tenfold for me and I appreciate what you do!

[@TBaggins96]

When it comes to post book rituals, one that I find particularly satisfying with Malazan books in particular is to go back and read the prologue with the full insight of the novel to see how Erikson forecast the story to unfold. And with Midnight Tides, just prepare yourself for total Malazan culture shock! It's definitely in the upper tier of these novels.

[@slidenaway]

Omg!! Ooohh boy!! I will say for the millionth time - you two are the target audience for Malazan Book of the Fallen. You get credit for giving it your all and wanting to love it - but still. It’s fate lol Thank you for sharing your emotional reactions with us. I teared up 3 or 4 times this episode just listening to YOU tear up. These books are THAT good, but also you both do them so much justice. I’ve just decided - you are now my official favorite Malazan reactors/content creators/whatever. And there are a LOT of them okay. What to even say about the book… this ending!! You hit all the points and you got all the things. I’ll just mention a few of the things I love: - Karsa and his changes. Learning mercy. Turning away from a fight (with the Malazan army). All the incredible things he did (killing 2 Hounds of Darkness chief among them) - the anti-climax of a ghost army solving the big battle problem, and that not being close to the main focus of the convergence. Unexpected but perfect - obviously, the ending of Tavore and Felisin. I mean I hate it for its sadness but I love it for its beauty. Tragedy in the truest sense of the word. Also shout out to you both for siding with Pearl and Lostara for not telling Tavore the whole truth. I’ve argued with people who say they should have told her and I’m like noooooooooo!!! What good would it do!!! Okay that’s enough. Thank you again for taking us along with you on this journey. Hope to see another Steve interview in a couple weeks, then on to a novel that is many people’s favorite in the series - Midnight Tides!!!

[@daniellehodgson9281]

The enthusiasm and depth in which you are approaching this series is so wonderful and fun! I had a similar journey with House of Chains. I immensely enjoyed Karsa's whole arc. I also really connected with Felisin and Tavore. It's so beautifully tragic. Every book in this series became my favourite book as I read them. I always look forward to hanging out with you two every week. Can't wait for Midnight Tides!

[@believer773]

Thanks for sharing your journey through these amazing books Jeff & Lana.

[@evangiddis]

Dude your Bidithal voice is on point

[@christopherwurtz650]

I get the feels while I'm reading Mr. Erickson's prose but for some reason hearing you read them out loud chokes me up. Well done, looking forward to your recap of Midnight Tides (One of my favorites so far).

[@EricMcLuen]

Highly recommend watching APs video with Erickson breaking down the duel scene. It might have a minor spoiler you referenced here but doesn't really affect anything and you might appreciate it. And again, Erickson goes bonkers but it just works. Off to Lether.

[@EintheCorgie]

That scene with Felisin and Tavore really got me, because as a woman with an older sister, I have lived that experience where we didn't see eye-to-eye or know how to communicate as teens/younger woman, and come out the other side of that period with a really strong relationship, having put in the work to understand and relate to each other. You can just feel all of that lost potential. They could have been there for each other in ways that would have eased burdens. Instead, Felisin dies, and Tavore moves on, none the wiser, but more alone. I find it especially amazing that Pearl and Lostara immediately agree to lock away their knowledge of the event. It would have killed Tavore, and Tavore has important shit to do.

[@SouravUldyssian]

Such a beautiful ending to the book, and loved seeing your reactions to this. You are really the core target audience of this series, who can appreciate even those points that many people don't like. Many people don't like the ending of this book as it is not as grand and epic as the last two books, thus missing the point of the Felisin Tavore tragedy. This ending is so personal and introspective, that I love it a lot. Regarding the ascension of the Bridgeburners, remember that along with the Tanno song, Paran also blessed them at the ending of the last book inside Moon's Spawn. The line of Trull weeping for Onrack, as Onrack cannot weep, is one of my favorite lines in the entire series, and displays the concept of empathy so well. Excited for you to start Midnight Tides. Can't wait to see your reactions.

[@drewbu]

Midnight Tides is probably my favorite so I'm glad you guys are there. Your conversations are always fun.

[@Perrylump]

Argh! After discovering this a couple of weeks ago I'm all caught up and have to wait a week for the next ep.

[@Plaeya01]

Excited for you guys to read Midnight Tides it's my personal favourite so far

[@liviathemalazanpotatonoob5014]

I relate so much to Lana when it comes to reading. 😂 Goldfish memory here as well! Not just with books! Movies, tv-series, and other things. Unless I get obsessed with them. And then they're in my thoughts A LOT! After I finished The Crippled God I could not read anything for months. I was somehow stuck in just thinking about the books as a whole... book. It was and still is my Roman Empire 😊

[@angeldevilson]

Time to groove and talk about books! Woot!

[@sammybowker7823]

Yeah this was easily my favorite of the series so far, and I said the said thing after memories of ice lol. Karsa is one of the best characters in the whole series too, WITNESS

[@StarUnreal]

House of Chains is a book that I was not able to fully appreciate when I first read it. It really grew in my estimation after I finished the series and looked back at what each book was really doing. It used to be my least favorite outside GotM, but has risen several spots since that first read. One thing I'm curious about for when you both begin Midnight Tides: Do you notice an immediate jump in prose quality? Certainly, there's a noticeable improvement between GotM and Deadhouse Gates, but I've also always felt a very surprisingly large increase in the beauty of the prose in Midnight Tides vs. House of Chains and the prior books.

[@dreddiknight]

This tragedy is heart wrenching, and i love it.

[@eugenemurphy6037]

Gamet's redemption was fantastic. I remember having the "obvious" realization or rembereing, 'oh S&%*, Tavore doesnt know its her!" Delightful novel, Long live Karsa Orlong. PS I have slowed down my book 5 reading to wait for the DLC gang haha

[@feral7523]

For most readers it takes a re-read to truly appreciate this book what with so many threads combining and you gaining a small sense of understanding of the grand scale of things going on around the planet, hats off to ye. Keep the fun coming.. looking forward to Midnight Tides.

[@NicWormwood]

I'm just like Jeff when I finish a book, I like to peek at the next one rather than jump right in. The next Malazan book I immediately looked at the cover, then maps, and the cast as soon as I finished this book but haven't actually started it yet. As for bookmarks I'm all digital now but when I was reading traditional books I would always grab a piece of trash but then use that same little corner off an envelope for three or four books in a row and kind of get attached to a gum wrapper or whatever it was that had gone through those stories with me.

[@rotomwash7138]

The ending broke me. How Anti-climatic it was just added to the pain I'm feeling. I am literally sobbing as I write this. 4 3 1 2.

[@jwe09335]

For physical books my bookmark is always the receipt for that book.

[@jayheywood9635]

love it

[@szokocsrobert]

Jeff, I finsihed rereading HoC a couple of weeks ago and when I got to the last scene with the Liosan (getting blown up), I was thinking how much you'd love that bit when you reached it. :D I don't remember if you mentioned this in any of the episodes but did you catch the implication that Pearl is possibly Anomander's grandson? It is a detail I noticed only on this second read. I love listening to your discussions, looking forward to the Midnight Tides episodes!

[@SouravUldyssian]

Are you sure thats Pearl or Topper? Because Topper is the only one who is described as being half Andii.

[@szokocsrobert]

@@SouravUldyssian Yeah, Pearl. First, Andarist mentions that Rake's children are restless wanderers like their father, that's why they are not with their children who live on Drift Avalii. Then later Pearl has a conversation with Lostara that goes: "'I, on the other hand, am one-fourth Tiste Andii-' She started, breah catching. 'You are?' He looked back, surprised. 'You didn't know? My mother was from Drift Avalii, a half-blood white-haired beauty - or so I'm told, as I have no direct recollection, since she left me with my father as soon as I'd been weaned.'" So Rake probably had a daughter with a human woman. That daughter (the "half-blood white-haired beauty") then had a son with a human man. That son is Pearl.

[@nojohns1748]

Yes! we have finally reached ,my favorite chapters of the entire S.E.R.I.E.S.

[@volsere]

Pearl with the Wet Bandits energy from Home Alone with that calling card

[@fluffypenguins]

I want ya'lls reaction to midnight tides the most can't wait til you get there

[@Tremain]

I think part of what makes this one fall kinda low in most people's ranking is the fact that the entire book is building up to this clash between this two armies and two sisters and in the end there it isn't the big battle everyone was expecting and it ends up feeling a bit anti climatic. Also it might be because its sandwhiched between Deadhouse Gates, Memories of Ice and Midnight Tides, all of which are usually near the top of everyone's rankings. That said, all the books are extremely good but some have to be the favorites. I am glad you guys loved it, your enthusiasm is contagious and retroactively made me enjoy the book more. Poor Felicin will be missed, but I think I will miss Lana's "whiny Felicin" voice even more. On to Midnight Tides, which to me is a masterpiece.

[@dlasis]

The theme of glory is also about being witnessed by others. Hence, the Toblakai's "witness" tagline when they are about to do something glorious.

[@dentonholmgren4886]

I can't wait for midnight tides, going to be and amazing discussion

[@eugenemurphy6037]

Y'alls Raraku real-estate "buy early" jokes killed me

[@moresoysauce5489]

Im also in the camp of people who are dumbfounded to hear people put this in the bottom tier i mean my tier list so far is: in terms of lookijg at the books individually for quality its 4-3-2-1, in terms of enjoyment at the time of reading ill rank 4-3-1-2 (i had a weird time with DHG), but in overall context of the greater story and appreciation its 4-2-3-1 only because book 4 elevates book 2 for me since it acts as a prequel to book 4 which is the best book in every way for me so far. Im waiting extremely impatiently for us to start the next novel. I'm reading 3 other books and 1 audiobook right now but every time i look ay my shelf i just look at midnight tides with a deep sense of longing 😂 I pray to god SE comes on next week then we can just into MT

[@sammybowker7823]

That's almost exactly how I'd explain my ranking too lol

[@Theophoby]

Great

[@slidenaway]

First let’s gooooooooo