GARDENS OF THE MOON by Steven Erikson - No Spoiler Review (Malazan Book of the Fallen 1)

[@billyalarie929]

Frankly this review starts at 2:05

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Appreciate the time stamp haha

[@billyalarie929]

@@thefantasynuttwork I honestly thought about it after I did this and worried I was being rude and accidentally suggesting you were wasting time (which, I don’t think that, to be clear, but sometimes you wanna get to the meat of it! Haha) but I’m glad this was appropriate :-)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@billyalarie929 oh no problem at all, sometimes I go off on tangents hahah. It's appreciated

[@ManCarryingThing]

saw the thumbnail and clicked faster than ever. so happy you're reading this!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Ayyy thanks mate 😬

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m glad you liked the quesadillas! It was fantastic to hear your thoughts. Anomander Rake is indeed a cool name, and I really enjoyed your thoughts on the characters. The connections really grew for me in the next couple books - I needed tissues for both Deadhouse Gates and Memories of Ice. One little (hopefully helpful) point is that Pale is actually in Genabackis - it’s north of Darujhistan. The world definitely opens up in the succeeding books. Excellent video! It would be a huge honor and pleasure for me to chat with you anytime on things Malazan, my friend. Cheers!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

We will definitely be chatting soon friend! Damn I actually thought Pale was further away, I knew I'd get something wrong with this review hahaha. I see A LOT of potential for these characters and their ties together as the story grows on scope..this is going to be excellent!

[@ACriticalDragon]

Fantastic. The dinner scene is one of my favourites from the book. I am really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the rest of the series as you progress.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I've heard you are also a big fan of the dinner scene! I'd love to chat Malazan and fantasy with you sometime 🤘

[@jakebishop7822]

It's worth noting that I basically didn't read any glossary stuff while reading this book, or series and while i'm sure it lead to me missing things, I do not think checking the glossary is 100% necessary, for people who are willing to live with not understanding some stuff.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah fair, but you're like an AI compared to me so my dumb brain needs it hahaha

[@jakebishop7822]

@@thefantasynuttwork If there is one thing Malazan has proven, it is that my brain is not an AI

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@jakebishop7822 compared to mine** lol

[@jenniferobin7260]

I did the same Jake and I think that future rereads will be very enjoyable and interesting because of it.

[@Catablepon01]

Have to admit that it was only after book 5 that I realized that the glossary even existed

[@TheBookCure]

So glad to hear that you enjoyed this one, Jimmy. I think we look for a lot of the same things from our fantasy novels, so this gives me hope for my own experience with the series!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I think you'll love the subtleties!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Kruppe likes this video and so should you.

[@EricMcLuen]

Another member of team Kruppe.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@EricMcLuen how does one pronounce this name btw lol

[@EricMcLuen]

@@thefantasynuttwork I will always say it like croup, but is apparently kru-puh.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@EricMcLuen I kind of like making it sound pretentious and saying Croop-aye

[@jenniferobin7260]

I 🥰 Kruppe!

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Tremendous review! It was so cool to see your take on book 1-you’re in for such a treat with the next few books you have no idea! Erikson as a poor character writer is hooey, but no doubt some of his best character work I think is done within single books rather than across them. Can’t wait to see more of your Malazan vids and an eventual chat with AP Canavan!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you so much! Had a lot of fun doing this one and am excited to make more videos and chat with some new friends about the series

[@maddy0119]

Excited to get this series sometime soon! This review and Riddhima's have really convinced me that this series is oversold on how hard it is to get into. Hoping I'll be able to jump on the hype train.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'm glad you're thinking of jumping in..Ridd and I can always answer questions and such as you go too 😎

[@lilyloves768]

People think that Erikson can't write characters??? Wow 😐 This is my favorite series of all time. Hope you enjoy the journey.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you Lily 😊

[@IskarJarak]

Very cool, glad to see the series getting so much love and attention! Great video!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you Iskar!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Would love to have you on for a discussion at some point 😁

[@IskarJarak]

@@thefantasynuttwork Hit me up-I’m always down to chat Malazan!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@IskarJarak hell yes!

[@anotherpawn]

I'm on Blood and Bones now (book 5 of NotME) and I just wanna thank you for getting me into this series. I finished the main series last year and it's been such a great experience. Keep up the great work!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@anotherpawn love to hear it!

[@richardadcock5450]

Your enthusiasm and the way you explained your experience makes me want to pick this up. I have been thinking about it. Heard a lot of mixed reviews.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It’s well worth the attempt

[@BaldBookTuber]

Kruppe rules, and I appreciate you properly acknowledging it.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I loved his parts and especially the reveal at the end. So much subtle foreshadowing for it and Kruppe was just hilarious as well

[@pranavprabhu8609]

Magnanimous Kruppe approves of this video.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Kruppe is so slippery...

[@thatsci-firogue]

It's amazing just how much is just *there* on a re-read. Erikson truly is one of the goats of Modern Fantasy.

[@tmrogers87]

Excited to start this story, looking for any recommendations to chapter-by-chapter podcasts. I am such a slow reader, and appreciate spoiler-free podcasts of that style to help me get oriented as I go on this journey!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@tmrogers87 I’m not aware of any but check out Iskar Jaraks channel

[@tmrogers87]

@@thefantasynuttwork love the interaction on a 2-years late comment!

[@Kryten52]

I'm so glad I went ahead and started this series because of this video! I am about two-thirds into Gardens of the Moon and I gotta say I'm intrigued as hell. I truly love the unique voice of it and like you said, the confusion drives me more and more into it. The magic is wild as hell and the role of the gods and their meddlings hold a ton of weight over everything. Hell yeah.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Love hearing this!

[@JamesI88]

I said the same exact thing about how there are so many different fantastical elements thrown into this book but it feels real and grounded and never cheesy.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It's quite unique in that regard

[@coleton7048]

Between this video and the discussion Johanna had on her channel with Books With Brittany and The Reading Witch, I'm no longer intimidated by this book and just looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'm so glad to hear that

[@patsmythos]

It was great hearing your thoughts -- your take on the confusion factor was great. I feel better knowing there are resources to help you through. Makes me confident I could give Malazan an honest try one day!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

You definitely could, there's also some first law feeling to whiskey jacks crew IMO. the humor and such. Always here to answer any questions when you get around to reading it

[@shawnturpin197]

I started reading this series in January with the thought that I'd read a Malazan book then read some other books before moving onto the next book. Eff that, I'm reading this straight through until I finish the series. This is amazing. I love the confusion and lack of hand holding. The epic scale with the history and races extending back hundreds of thousands of years is something I haven't seen before and I love it. Wait until you get to books four and five and you'll get some extensive character development. I think the first quarter of book four may be the best part of the series and I just finished book six.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Wow that's some high praise. I've heard the books get better as they go on, which is great!

[@brettwaddingham3296]

I'm only a third through this video so far and you're saying all the things I like about fantasy, Jimmy. I think this will slot into my TBR as Sanderson writes books 6-10. Thanks for this overview!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'm glad you liked it, hope you enjoy the book 🤘

[@stever8147]

Awesome video Jimmy. Absolutely nailed it!!! Anomander Rake is such a cool character. 2 books into the series and he's definitely my favourite. I was put off starting this series with the whole talk of needing spreadsheets and a PhD to follow it, but that's not how I found it to be. I think you nailed it with where it sits on the scale and that will hopefully encourage others to give it a go. Great work as always!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you felt I did a nice job. I was pumped to make this one!

[@benjaminmolina3456]

Anomander Rake is awesome! His sword is badass. Frankly, I loved how Malazan challenges the reader in a respectful way. In the dinner I was waiting for that confrontation. Erikson`s prose is just amazing.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'm very much enjoying the trust Erikson has given me to figure things out

[@barrilrayder]

So glad you liked it, Jimmy. Anomander Rake is dope in every possible way. I agree about the lore and worldbuilding, they are so massive, interesting and mysterious and what I really like is that learning about it never feels like a infodump, the exposition is always given in context and while we are with the characters. The Azath house stuff at the end was confusing for me too but it was so unique and different that I actually loved it. Anyway, I recently finished Memories of Ice and is sooooo goooood and I think you´re gonna love it too because you learn a little bit more (quite a bit) about the T´lan Imass. Thank you again and I dying to hear your thoughts on Deadhouse Gates.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks Barril! I'm here for any and all things about the T'lan Imass

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

Excellent review!! I had a whole TBR list for 2023......but Amazon had to let me know there was a sale on all 10 books in this series. I was anxiously awaiting for the White Luck Warrior to be delivered and decided to pick up Gardens. Such a mistake!!!! My TBR List is ALL FREAKED UP NOW!!! lol

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Embrace the chaos!

[@warpgate_x]

Best Malazan review on YT. Honest,enthusiastic and not pretentious at all. Great work bro!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hey thank you! That means a lot

[@MoeWanders]

This is honestly one of the best reviews of Gardens of the Moon I've watched (and I've watched quite a few!) :)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@MoeWanders thank you so much!

[@alynam82]

I enjoyed Gardens of the Moon, and I'm still relatively new to Fantasy. I've been a horror fan and I love historical fiction, so walking into Malazan, and GOTM, it really hit the mark for me. It has those horror elements, and even more so the fact that Erikson is an archeologist (or anthropologist?) gives those historical vibes. And those next few books also got some twisted, dark horror feels as well. I've only got up thru book 4 so far, but what makes GOTM different from them is that as a first book, it's a lot tighter in pace. A lot happens, and happens quickly.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It's true, I definitely felt that history and horror stuff as well. Hoping the pace doesn't suffer too much because I was very happy with GOTM pacing lol

[@thereadingstray7423]

Kruppe is very pleased with this video!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I am always here to make Kruppe happy hahah

[@storytoob]

Splendid review Jimbo! As a Latin person, I truly appreciated the quesadillas analogy. Muchas gracias, Carlito ❤

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Ayyyyy thanks man

[@storytoob]

@@thefantasynuttwork going to make my way through some of this Malazan booktube content backlog. Figured I'd start here 😉

[@indyman_123]

Thank you for getting me to start the Malazan journey!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Awesome, enjoy it!

[@believer773]

Hi friend, you're right that some of us have been waiting for you to start this journey. From what I've seen of your videos you will definitely enjoy this on a different level than any other series. Just always remember that Malazan is a journey so pack your bags and go!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go to the deep end 😁

[@KH554]

Glad to watch your video! I am currently going through the series in audiobook form, and the narrator is fantastic. I was warned that Gardens of the Moon would be a bit less engaging as it was just helping us flesh out Erikson's world and characters. Many more loving and surprising characters to come! I found further books do much to help bring understanding to the magic used in the series. One thing I caught is that not everyone in the series knows about magic. Some people don't believe it exists. The convoluted telling of the story feels like how you would read a lot of the characters -- thrust into an alien world with no understanding of the beauty and horror. The physical descriptions done by Erikson helped me keep my feet during the climaxes in further books. Also helps us appreciate what a beast Calahm Mecal as he goes around rugby blocker assassin style.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

The descriptions do go a long way for sure. Narrator is really good!

[@CounsellorofMoonsSpawn]

Great review! GotM is really only the tip of the iceberg. There are lots of tonal shifts actually, and different continents and locations are quite disctinct. Also, there can never be enough Anomander-love!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Good to hear and thanks!!

[@mich7008]

I just finished the first book and I honestly wasn’t sure I was in the right frame of mind or had the capability to read this series. As I started I thought I might not finish it. But as I read the last words I had chills….. literally I had chills. I loved this book and am excited to press on. Great review and channel!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks for that Michael. One of things I wish I had talked about more in the review is how rewarding and epic it felt when all the plot strings came together at the end. Was really well done and made the confusion worth it

[@mich7008]

@@thefantasynuttwork no question about that!! It was very satisfying!

[@iremainteague5653]

I think I will pick this book up. You've convinced me to give it a try.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I hope You like it!

[@lewisshemery2585]

Baric Dondarrion has to be my favorite fantasy name of all time

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Soooo good

[@jakebishop7822]

Who were these people telling you Erikson was a crap character writer

[@thefantasynuttwork]

There's a lot of them haha

[@shulgi582]

well, he *isn't* the best, mainly because he has a bijilion characters to work with, but he is far from crap lol.

[@Smlmusic2650]

Good review, I'm really looking forward to reading this series.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@Onion42069]

I’m 15 and this is the first fantasy book I’ve read 3 and a half chapters so far some of the other reviews say that this book is super confusing but I have found that I understand it very well and I’m really enjoying it

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Glad to hear!

[@mccrme]

Erikson has some pretty grand literary ambitions. Nearly every sentence is dense with layers of meaning and themes. I love Malazan and the characters are great (I don't understand why anyone would say the characters aren't good) but it's not a casual read.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It's extremely rewarding that's for sure

[@cap-tavating5862]

As someone on book 8 it only gets better. An amazing series

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That's great to hear 😎

[@berentook]

I have been scared to start Malazan for a while now but i think i might just take the plunge.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Jump in with me hahah

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

It gets better with deadhouse gates gardens of the moon was a bit confusing but I did got into eventually 😉

[@andrewstrongman305]

Pale is in Genebakis, not far from Darujhistan. Deadhouse Gates is largely set in Seven Cities. I first read Gardens of the Moon not long after it was published. I couldn't understand a lot of what was going on, but I was hooked anyway. I wanted to experience more of the Malazan world, and the journey of discovery never really ends. I bought each book in the series as soon as they were available, and my copies of Deadhouse Gates, Memories of Ice, and House of Chains have fallen apart.

[@alejandrorubio305]

Great review, Jimmy

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you!

[@romalohase9147]

Nicely done!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you 🤠

[@jojothepirate87]

I finished the series about 4 years ago and I feel compelled to read it again. I'm trying to fight off the compulsion until I finish my current reading project.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It’s always calling me back

[@nelzar]

I didn't love Gardens because I didn't find myself caring for the characters, but I still plan to eventually give Deadhouse Gates a try. I think people overplay the confusion aspect of it. There are clearly some things here and there you aren't supposed to understand at the moment, but otherwise it was a fairly coherent and straightforward book. Great video, Jimmy.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you Nelzar!!

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

Deadhouse gates is so much better than gardens of the moon do far it's my favorite in the series already read memories of ice will continue with the series 👍🥰🙂🌟

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@cynthiaholmes5124 good to hear 😎

[@samtrott776]

I’ve been looking for something to fill the whole that WOT left when I finished it so you’ve convinced me, I’ll take the dive!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I hope you enjoy Sam!

[@edosaomoruyi1]

LETS GOOOO! YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT ISSS🐐🐐🐐

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'm ready to do this shit!!

[@kingofhearts642]

My experience was so similar to yours. On top of the reputation the series as a whole has for being challenging to read and hard to follow, all I kept hearing about book one is that it's a "rough start", that you have to force yourself to "push through" so that you can get to the eventual payoffs later in the series. I had the same pre-conception about the characters too, I was not expecting to get attached to anyone, at least not so much in book one. But by the time I was even just a couple chapters in, I was having a blast. Like you said, the confusion isn't so much frustrating as it is intriguing, it made me want to dive deeper into this world and narrative. And I loved the characters! We aren't allowed to get as deep into their heads as some other writers will do, but like you I literally found the full cast of main characters so compelling and interesting.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Glad to hear someone sharing my experience

[@charlesburge2564]

From someone who is absolutely a spatial reader, the book’s descriptions of distance and height are so appreciated and it’s a huge plus for me to read it

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah it’s definitely a personal thing for me. Also it makes sense he would include them as he was an archaeologist

[@DavidDecero]

I need to pick this back up! I tried to keep up with a read along earlier this year, but quickly realized this is something I'll have to read at my own pace. I enjoyed the characters as well. With my limited exposure to the series it seemed like Erikson did a good job of quickly conveying the personality of each character. Which was probably challenging as there are so many. lol

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah they all have good personality, at least for me. You're so right too, your own pace is important with this series because of how different everyone's experience can be with it

[@jaymorningstar244]

This series has become my most favorite I believe (still having feelings) over WoT. I believe listening to it read on Audible has made this more enjoyable for me though. It is a series (just finished Memories of Ice /cry) that makes me want to go back and listen again.

[@DionysusSCII]

I never got too curious curious until the midnight tides storyline...but after that I couldnt help but steamroll through the end of Crippled God.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah 4-10 went so fast for me

[@demidrek-heyward]

Any day now I'm expecting Jimmy to unveil his Brando Sando moment where he reveals he secretly has read 5 long epic fantasy series & already has recorded/edited hundreds of hours content, all without telling us. I'm ready!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Could you imagine 🤣

[@readingreignbro5680]

Anomander IS a badass name and even cooler when you break it down(literally, just googled this, 😆) .............Ano = Time, Mander = to walk aimlessly. So, I interpret that as Wanderer of Ages, or Time Walker. And rake is a tool used to smooth or GATHER. What does his sword do? My mind is blown. Their are so many layers of meaning to everything in this series. Happy reading, friend.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yes exactly! There's a lot to sink your teeth into!

[@MattonBooks]

Yes, Anomander Rake is hands-down the baddest ass name.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Soooo good

[@kgrant67]

@Billy Alarie who was the book reviewer you said was probably the biggest influence on you deciding to read this? Sounded like rhythma but couldn't find it. Thanks for a great review!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Riddhima was the channel!

[@wormemperor4167]

Your review makes me want to pick up the book and see what all that Malazan fuzz is about :-D After First Law and the Expanse it will probably happen^^

[@thefantasynuttwork]

A lot of great stuff to read 😬

[@wormemperor4167]

@@thefantasynuttwork Yeah the age old problem: So many books, so little time^^

[@thatsci-firogue]

I really liked GotM but Deadhouse Gates was when I fell in love with the series. I'm only on Midnight Tides (I'm caught up in a couple other books right now) but Malazan is already a Top 10, probably Top 5 favourite fantasy series of all-time for me. Am I often left in the dark? Yes But am I ever bored during a Malazan book? Hood's Breath, No!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hoods breath! Hahah, DHG has started our well, and very very grim haha

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@thefantasynuttwork I know you hate in-world curse words (I kinda agree) but Hood's Breath is a good one lol Yeah DHG is pretty dark... the Seven Cities stuff is my favourite parts in the series so far

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@thatsci-firogue his in world swears sound great. It's all about the weight of a word you know?

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@thefantasynuttwork yeah it's weird to hear "curse it" or whatever when an f-bomb will do

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@thatsci-firogue I think fake swear words need to have a sharp ending with weight like Hood has that but "storms" doesn't. Doesn't make an impact.. I could probably make a video all about this 😂

[@heretic124]

Can't wait for your review of Memories of Ice. It's the book that sold me on this being the best fantasy epic ever. (I haven't read Stormlight yet) I love the challenge of reading this, of not everything being shoved down my throat and having to figure stuff out on my own. Regarding characterization, it's not a weak point. Books are written from perspective of characters and sometimes those characters have different knowledge about the same stuff. For me it even adds to the depth of the world. There are lies, there is misinformation. As in real life. And some characters may feel poorly written but it's not entirely true. Those people probably didn't finish the series or they're straight dumb. Once you're done with this go for Black Company series. It's what inspired Erikson and you'll see similar army atmosphere and humor there. It's just as grimdark if not more.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'll likely try Black Company at some point for sure

[@aspirant7713]

Where can I buy Trade paperback Version of Malazen Book of the fallen? in UK preferably. Plz anyone help!!!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I did ebay

[@TheLibraryofAllenxandria]

Great review, Jimmy, and super balanced! You have a lot of the same feelings as I have, while acknowledging that everything isn't perfect. I think he has some really good characters as well, but every single one isn't a mastercraft as is sometimes claimed. But I'm known for my hot Malazan takes, despite loving the series. I do not like Rake, for example. 😜 Most everything becomes pretty easy to understand come book 3 and there's definitely setting diversity, though it's more of a jump in books rather than interbook. The military engagements though...that's some good stuff.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hey thanks man! Seeing how you enjoyed the series and what you got from it made me more comfortable with just reading the basic story of Malazan without having to delve too deep into a lot of themes and such, so thank you! I'll have to bring you on for some Malazan talk in the future 🤠

[@TheLibraryofAllenxandria]

@@thefantasynuttwork yes! I would love that!

[@sw3dge]

Characters and Erikson's prose both blew me away in this one.

[@fantasticphilosophy181]

For me, the moment we entered Darujistan through Kruppe, i knew i would love this series, loved him. Also, Raest is awesome! 🖤

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Raest!!!

[@ladrac198]

I'm on book 5 right now and it's just kept getting better!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Love to hear that!

[@EricMcLuen]

Mandy Pu is just completely over the top but beware the wiki. Nice shout out of that dinner scene. AP does an entire vid on it. There is a lot going on. It is a good example of how Erickson slips in a lot of exposition but seems completely natural. It is a balance between confusion, patience and curiosity. I am anticipating you will love a character in book 2 which will put you in agreement with Allen. And on the flip side, it is only 10 books compared to the 16 Hobbs. Which I am starting Liveship when done with Sword and Citadel.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'm so excited to watch more AP, he's terrific. Also fair trade, I'll read Malazan and you do Hobb. We both win! Haha

[@TheLibraryofAllenxandria]

Fingers crossed he loves that character.

[@MGWorldwide]

Pale is on Genabackis about 300 miles south so while 300.miles is 300 miles it's not like the North to Dorne in ASOIAF. 7 cities is rather Arrakis-like

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah I messed that up haha

[@vijayagali849]

Can you plz tell me on which order did you read cosmere , bcoz I want to first read stormlight archive so badly .

[@thefantasynuttwork]

You can start with Stormlight if you'd like

[@vijayagali849]

@@thefantasynuttwork But some say you will miss somethings and they say that we cannot enjoy stormlight archive as much as who has more cosmere knowledge by reading other books , Thank You .

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@vijayagali849 read Warbreaker before book 2 or 3

[@vijayagali849]

@@thefantasynuttwork k thank you bro

[@vijayagali849]

@@thefantasynuttwork But one last thing bro is it enough for rhythm of war bcoz everyone in reddits say that , it connects everything in cosmere.

[@yusuffulat6954]

Anomander Rake is indeed a cool name :)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Might be my next pets name 😂

[@brendanekin5947]

I have 250 pages to go. It is confusing at times, but the characters are great! I am reading GoTM slowly and reflecting a lot, trying to puzzle it out. This is a very good sign to me.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'm so glad you started it, if you ever need help or just wanna chat about it just hit me up in th discord. Gonna be a fun ride 🤘

[@brendanekin5947]

@@thefantasynuttwork Legend! Thanks. That file you sent me is really helping! Hope you're enjoying DHG!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@brendanekin5947 glad to hear it and thanks man 🤘

[@Azwan1415]

I read this many years ago and just didnt understand it. After seeing this review im going to give it another go.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I hope you enjoy it more this time 😁

[@noneofyourbusiness3288]

5:45 I actually think not reading a wiki or guide is the way to go. If you dont get frustrated by a bit of mystery that is. The thing that makes Malazan so unique imo is how the main reading experience is getting random hits of dopamine dispersed over several books and rereads every time something "clicks". When you see how the different events are connected and you grasp the implications of a seemingly random action or metaphor on a second or third read. That is what Malazan is all about for me. Reading a wiki would ruin that.

[@drawyrral]

I love listening to first timers talk about Malazan.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'm glad 😅

[@ra1k_0]

Do you have the ISBN for your copy? Finding it hard to get a standard sice that isn't gloss 🙂

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Let me look, there is a little gloss look to this one that didn't show much on camera.

[@incitatus4227]

Could you elaborate on how being an advanced fantasy reader helps with this series? I only read Name of the Wind and the First Law trilogy so far, fantasy-wise, and I wanted to jump into Malazan. A lot of people say you it helps to have read other fantasy stuff before it, but I don't really understand what exactly is meant by that.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Nah don’t worry about that, in fact I think looking back that less experience can benefit this series because you don’t have expectations of how the story should be structured or executed. Erikson approaches narrative and characters in a way that isn’t as prevalent in fantasy. I say dive in and have fun. Godspeed

[@incitatus4227]

@@thefantasynuttwork Thanks so much for your opinion! I read the first 70 pages now and it's less confusing or esoteric than I thought, so that's nice. It's still fantasy, after all

[@curtjarrell9710]

I think a man my age (I'm retired) has no business picking up a 23 volume series of novels, many weighing in at 1,000 pages, and not lose his sanity. I hope all the fans love it. There's so much to read I'll be OK if I don't read it. Thanks as always for your review.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Appreciate it!

[@noelnovels6511]

This is making me want to pick up Deadhouse Gates like ASAP 😭 What is your definition of a hard magic system? Because I said that it was, but that might be bc I have no clue what it really means. Lol. The magic confused me and it seemed like there were a lot of rules to it, butttt idk tho 😂🤷🏻‍♀️ I also really enjoyed that dinner scene as well, but every time Tattersail was on the page I was absolutely loving it. Also agree that that bit at the end was anti- climatic!! #unapologeticallyteamkruppe lol P.s loving the new setup!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks Noel! And hard magic system is sort of loose to define but I judge it as it has a resource pool that we can count and track and has many rules in place for it. The best example would be Mistborn I think. Where as here Quick Ben can just open a Warren and we aren't sure why or how he's granted that power. Pretty sure there's no super set definition though hahah

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

You definitely need to read deadhouse gates I absolutely enjoyed it and it wasn't as confusing as gardens 😉😇

[@Benjamin-w41]

How would you rank all 10 books in Malazan Book of the Fallen?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hard to say tbh, I think my hot take about the series is that I loved all ten and never found a low point. Top 3 would probably be Bonehunters, TTH, and MT

[@Benjamin-w41]

Interesting!

[@jeremykimble5604]

Hey man where did u get that big ass book for gardens of the moon. I want one

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I found it on eBay

[@trill_nathan]

As you said, Erikson isn't weak at character writing. But despite my love for the series, the indirect characterization coupled with the large cast does make it difficult to latch on to them as much as my favorites in other series

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah I think this is a very true statement and will likely be the case for me as well. Like I really enjoyed them, but I won't be as attached as let's say a Fitz or Tyrion

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

I definitely read this book slowly because there was times that it was a little confusing I had an easier time with deadhouse gates and memories of ice going to read house of chains in August 🤔🙀😊

[@thefantasynuttwork]

DHG seems to shift POVs more naturally

[@CurieBohr]

Did you say, rhythm ma’s channel?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Riddhima

[@currangill430]

Update: I just finished the prologue of Malazan, it's def better this time around. I think after I finish Shattered Sea I'm gonna start Malazan. I'm prepared for a 10 book epic!

[@currangill430]

You and Phillip Chase convinced me to try again.

[@v3rmilli0nair3]

Anyone who says Steven Erikson can't write characters has never actually ready Steven Erikson lol

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I liked them 🤷‍♂️

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

That is so true he can definitely write characters 👍

[@Izzyzilreads]

I got about halfway through the first book before I put it down. Sure it has epic scale and cool creatures but none of the characters were the least bit interesting and the plot often felt too disconnected (I know it reconnects later) I will eventually give this another try but I wasn’t impressed on my first read

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It’s def not for everyone

[@Izzyzilreads]

@@thefantasynuttwork I will come back to it because I want to at least say I’ve given the first two books a try. But I was super disappointed by it, the magic and world was cool but that was it.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@Izzyzilreads I’d just move on, too many books to read that you’ll like more!

[@currangill430]

From my understanding this is a world building focused series. Would someone who is a character driven reader appreciate this series?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Malazan has some of my favorite characters, it's a totally different approach to characters but it's valid and for me effective

[@currangill430]

@@thefantasynuttwork How does it compare to let's say ASOIAF or First Law?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@currangill430 it really doesn't, which is weird to say but it's completely it's on thing. Like when I want to read Malazan, there's nothing that can take that place. It's so unique and it's distinct

[@currangill430]

@@thefantasynuttwork Okay that helps. People kept advertising it as a world building focused only world. So I avoided it causs that didn't sound like my jam at all. I'm a character reader lol. I love ASOIAF/FL for example for their Jaimes, Cersei, Tyrions, Glokta, etc. Yes they have history and a great world but I don't really read them for that.

[@safinan8008]

Garden of the moon book was confusing..... but it was amazing it added eventually.. 😊😊😊

[@Avzigoyhbasilsikos]

That’s the second dopest name, after miles Teg and celebrimbor

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah!!!

[@asterrashter4637]

Lord anomander rake, is great but even his other names mane of chaos, son fo darkness is awesome.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yes!! All around bad assery

[@tylerblack301]

So which sword is better, Dragnipur or Nightblood? After reading GotM it’s definitely Dragnipur and you can see where Sanderson got his idea for Nightblood.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Has that ever been confirmed that this was the inspiration? Because I totally thought this same thing

[@jakebishop7822]

@@thefantasynuttwork I think Nightblood is more inspired by Stormbringer the main sword of Eldric. People accuse Erikson of copying Stormbringer, but he also has never read Eldric

[@EricMcLuen]

@@jakebishop7822 He has said he had not at the time. ICE has stated he had. Homage was the term he used.

[@jakebishop7822]

@@EricMcLuen ah, that makes sense, thanks.

[@tylerblack301]

@@thefantasynuttwork I guess I’m assuming that’s where Sanderson could have gotten the idea for Nightblood. But it makes sense.

[@derrisreaditbefore]

luckily there are lots of different teas :) Happy you're enjoying another huge series, and between all of the booktubers who are reading Malazan this year, my vicarious experience is a good one :D

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you Derri 😁

[@crystalsingh7325]

Yay! Hope you love this series. It's the best! 😀🤩

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I had no idea you were a big Malazan fan, this brings me joy!

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

I'll try reading it again. I thought the book was a stinker. Everyone loves it and I simply don't understand why. I suppose I was spoiled by some of the other things I'd read in the genre at that point and it paled in comparison.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Different strokes for different folks is all. Not everyone loves it, but we who do really enjoy discussing the series. GOTM is the weakest entry of the series in some ways, so maybe the future ones would work for, but then again they may not. No big deal, cheers!

[@MrSnivs]

Book of the Malazan is the best fantasy series you never feel good about recommending to other people.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

This is spot on 😂

[@DonovanGG__]

I want a Malazan screen adaptation so bad. I will accept nothing less than a HBO show or a movie series directed by Denis Villeneuve with Hans Zimmer doing the score😂

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@DonovanGG__ same same

[@afantasybabble6222]

In my opinion, people really do a disservice to the series by making it so intimidating. Yes, it's confusing since you are thrown in the middle of things but you just have to go with it. Something that threw me off was the instant love that came out of nowhere. It just seemed out of left field and contrastred with the complexity of the book.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

You know that's actually true and I think I'm gonna bring that up during my spoiler talk I'm going to have, speaking of the insta love

[@ShelfCentered]

Spot on! I like to show why those scary things are good