Malazan Book of the Fallen: Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson Spoiler Talk (Part 2)

Mike talks spoilers for the second half of Deadhouse Gates. This includes the sections Book 3 - Chain of Dogs, Book 4 - Deadhouse Gates, and the epilogue.
Purchase Deadhouse Gates here: amzn.to/3r2MOfc (physical) amzn.to/3dWO9QT (digital) amzn.to/3q2dDP6 (audio)
Purchase Malazan Complete Book of the Fallen here: amzn.to/2URdL7n (digital)
My guest Malazan Veteran for Deadhouse Gates will be the wonderful @Philip Chase ! Subscribe to his channel here: / @philipchasethebestoff...
Want to send Mike something? You can do so to the below address:
Mike K.
15201 Mason Rd
Suite 169
Cypress, TX 77433
Support Mike on Patreon: / mikesbookreviews
Join Mike's server on Discord / discord
Visit Mike's Amazon Wishlist: amzn.to/2zpHooW
Follow Mike on Goodreads: / mikesbookreviews
Follow Mike on Twitter: / zepp1978
Like Mike's Book Reviews on Facebook / mikesbookreviews
Follow Mike on Instagram / zepp1978
Follow Mike on TikTok / zepp1978
------------------------------------------------------
Theme music provided by Infraction
/ @infraction
Music used: Epic (No Copyright Music)
infractionroya...
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0(CC BY 3.0)
creativecommon...
------------------------------------------------------
#MikesBookReviews #Malazan #DeadhouseGates

[@stevelundin5705]

Erikson here. In literary terms, 'grimdark' is a relatively recent coinage, although what it seeks to describe has been around in Fantasy for a long, long time (Gormenghast, Conan, Kull, etc). To my mind, when I think of modern writers engaged in writing grimdark fiction, Mark Laurence comes to mind, and of course Joe Abercrombie and Anna Smith Spark. Definitions for 'grimdark' vary. Some are broad in scope (anything gritty) while others are more specific (nihilist and gratuitous violence). Shortly after writing Gardens of the Moon (the eight or so years before I was able to begin Deadhouse Gates) I began to think about how each subsequent novel was going to play out, and I found myself not only returning to, again and again, The Iliad, but also a slew of Greek plays, as well as the Anglo Saxon tale, Beowulf and then the Elder Eddas. And it occurred to me, in thinking about Malazan novels I was yet to write, that I would embrace the ancient form of Tragedy, and that these novels would be less Fantasies with tragic elements than Tragedies with elements of Fantasy. So, is there a distinction to be made between 'grimdark' and Tragedy (in the Aristotelian sense)? My answer would be: I certainly hope so. The difference rests with the reader (and authorial intention). Tragedy in the classical sense seeks to evoke in the reader/audience a particular emotional response that Aristotle called 'catharsis.' Basically, an emotional outpouring of grief and anguish that arrives viscerally, washes through and thereby cleanses. In more modern, psychological terms, one might look at that phenomena as experiential -- after all, each of us will indeed experience grief and anguish at points in our lives, and living through those moments are difficult, and a work of art that evokes the same emotions (to whatever lesser extent) has value in a preparatory sense. That said, for you newcomers to the series, it's not all tragic. Tragedy was my starting point (it had minor representations in Gardens of the Moon), but my end-run was going to make a few twists to the literary form. Lastly, I recall coming to a realization when I was writing the final scenes of Deadhouse Gates, that grand tragedy needs to be answered in some way, and the grander the tragedy, the smaller the gesture of humanity needed. Not sure why I felt that, but I followed my instincts. Maybe this is where things deviate from all definitions of grimdark. The gesture of humanity in Deadhouse Gates, the answer to the Fall and all that surrounded it, was made with a small vial of healing, and two dying dogs. The juxtaposition seemed vast, and yet it also seemed to fit. The Epilogue kind of does the same, but more closely tied to the imagery of the Prologue. So I'll close by saying that in all that's to come, look for the gestures of humanity: that's where you'll find the flicker of light in all the gloom and despond, and that flicker is worth noting, just one more candle on the path, and yes, the path will take you somewhere. Personally, I don't see gestures of humanity in the nihilistic form of Grimdark, unless that gesture is a middle finger.

[@jessi4894]

Wow, this was really insightful to read, thank you. I really enjoyed your series, even if it took me four tries to get into Gardens if the Moon. I'm so glad that I kept trying to see what it was people loved about these books and stuck with them.

[@alexwallachian7720]

Thank you so much for these wonderful explanations!

[@mikesbookreviews]

First, thank you so much for watching and commenting. Second, this is a fantastic way of putting it. Have you ever considered being a writer? Ha. Great point about Mappo and the dogs. I felt that Mappo was very much the heart that this book needed and perhaps that’s why he, and Icarium, resonated with me so much. I think my explanation of that G-word is that as a first time reader of the series, it is what I’m feeling. But I’ve heard enough from the veterans about how much compassion, empathy, and just plain humanity is a major theme for me to think the entire series is that way. Whatever it is, I’m really enjoying it and can’t wait to continue. Thanks again for the chat!

[@vince.nguyen]

Thanks for sharing this distinction Steven. As a common fan of fantasy these comments are profound - it certainly brings my appreciation for the novels to the next level. I've recently started my first reread so your participation in these discussions and appearances on Booktube could not have come at a better time. And thank you Mike for the continued coverage and for stirring the conversation!

[@kifonis]

bent and roach are everything. tyvm

[@veronicag.6205]

The end of the Chain of Dogs...Coltaine...Duiker...it was the first time this series wrenched my heart out of chest, threw it on the ground, and stomped it to smithereens. But it wasn't the last.

[@brastongray2480]

Me: "Man this book is pretty brutal and dark, but I didn't cry once through the darkness" Mappo: *Heals two dogs* Me: *bawls my eyes out*

[@IVIisery]

Honestly Mike i was like 350 pages in and so confused with everything I was flirting with the idea of giving up. But I stuck with it and was able to find a bearing. I've just got to get used to the fact that these books are gonna take me a few hundred pages to sink into this world. These books are insane.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, these a different sort of beast than I’ve ever read.

[@t_nordlicht1937]

Something I love about Icarium is that hints of his machines and stuff are hidden in so many parts of the books. Anyone noticed his machine in Gardens of the moon in the palace?

[@Kruppes_Mule]

One thing to remember about the chain of dogs and coltain is that they didn't fail. They managed to protect and migrate 10,000 refugees across a continent while being pursued and ravaged by opposing armies. While the army ended up having a gruesome end they completed their task as impossible as it seemed to be from the start. It's easy to focus on the dark elements but there are things that aren't just death and tragedy.

[@shawngillogly6873]

Exactly. They saved the refugees. Ungrateful though some may have been.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

When we chat about Deadhouse Gates, I'll give you my theory about why Malazan is not grimdark. It's going to be a blast! Also, you definitely get half credit for the guess about Baudin. The friendship between Mappo and Icarium is indeed powerful -- I love that arc too. You will see more of Fiddler! And, yes, the Chain of Dogs . . . It's awesome to hear your thoughts about everything, and I can't wait to discuss all this with you!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I await my education.

[@shawngillogly6873]

I would suggest Erikson uses the forms of Grimdark to subvert the nihilism of the subgenre.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@shawngillogly6873 Well said! I would describe grimdark as more existentialist than nihilistic, but you’ve expressed my line of thinking in a way.

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

I really need to hear how 10,000 people (children included) being strung up on crosses isn't grimdark

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@ThisIsJaysWorld I’ll do my best!

[@anderslofgren8235]

I love this book and I think the Chain of dogs is one of the saddest, most brilliantly described tragedies I have ever read. And Duiker knows how to deal with nobles :-D :-D I'm currently on a re-read (listening) and I'm on Memories of Ice and I have to say Ralph Lister is a god among narrators! He is amazing and keeps me awake and listening even when I'm dead tired. If you ever go for the audiobook, enjoy Mr Lister's excellent narration!

[@ianmoone318]

You have walked the Chain of Dog, you are one of us now

[@mikesbookreviews]

🐗

[@djsuth7727]

Fear not Mike, in contrast to Deadhouse Gates Memories of Ice is all unicorns and rainbows. You'll be ever so happy back in Genabackis

[@mikesbookreviews]

😂

[@gertvc858]

😂

[@teroril]

Deadhouse Gates really is a difficult read, but if you can get through it, the 3rd book is magical. Easily the book that took me the shortest amount of time to read!

[@mikesbookreviews]

That’s what I keep hearing.

[@hopeprevails3213]

Oh boy, Deadhouse Gates absolutely crushed me back in the day. Everytime I think of Squint I immediately get moved. Probably the most devastating moment I've read. And, what to tell you, Mike, so glad you're enjoying the ride (if you can even say enjoy lol!) and get ready for quite the emotional rollercoaster in Memories of Ice.

[@jonnyfevertv3170]

I did not enjoy reading this book the first time. I knew nobody who read these books and was taken aback that it didn't seem to be a continuation of GOTM. By the time I'm in the 3rd book, I realized how important the second book is to the overall story arc and kicked myself for the rest of the series for not paying better attention to book two. Upon reread years later, I view this book as amazing.

[@BrantMarcksson]

Same here.

[@587monster]

Started the read along and couldn't help myself. currently on midnight tides.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It happens.

[@Mr13chapters]

One of my favourite books from the series

[@t.hussain921]

I loved this comment on the discord - "Kulp is underrated.. and over-ratted" 😂😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

Too soon.

[@IskarJarak]

gold

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

I love seeing people come to this series, having read most of the books multiple times I can hardly wait until you reaction to the next one...and the one after that...oh and the ones following that....these two years is going to feel really long waiting for you to finish.

[@liviathemalazanpotatonoob5014]

priceless reaction to the end of the book! very similar to mine. Days later, I just could not get it out of my head....

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Lmao buck up baby!!!! I’m loving the read along. I struggle with the first 50% but the second half was amazing i burned through it. Onto MOI!!!

[@Rogue_VI]

Chain of Dogs is SO brutal. I finished reading Malazn BotF nearly 10 years ago and I still think about it quite a lot.

[@adsm6464]

The Chain of Dogs is still probably the most impactful part of any Novel I have ever read. I'm quite passive and detached while reading usually. I never realised that anyone could conceive of something so tragic and execute it so well. I remember commenting on a reading order video and saying that I would never be able to look at a row of trees the same way again (dramatic but exactly how I felt right after finishing DG). If I wasn't sure I was going to see the series through before that point, I certainly did afterwards. Funny thing is that there are many more moments in the series that hit just as hard, so I underestimated Erikson even while praising him to the roof. That's legendary in my mind.

[@jenniferobin7260]

This book was definitely harder for me to latch onto that GotM but I’m going to continue with the read along. I just kept thinking - Good Lord when is something good or uplifting going to happen!? I’m not one to shy away from dark content but sheesh..and combined with the fact that I only really understood about a third of the book... it was rough.

[@MP-on1xf]

Chain of Dogs is something I still think about after 4+ months.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can see that.

[@similarrose5811]

I absolutely love Deadhouse Gates. That ending was incredible and then the prologue gave me chills.

[@chickenmonger123]

Hmm... Malazan being grimdark? Maybe isolated moments. However the arcs aren’t complete. And there are moments of triumph similar to the darkness. As vivid as the dark is it isn’t the primary hue. And you get the sense that the world rewards goodness and punishes bad. It however does not respect life for life.

[@biggestbadQM]

I reckon that's why the books are so long. You get punched in the guts so hard.. then Mr. Erikson gives you just enough time to heal.. before he jams a knife in! That kinda torture takes time! Enjoy 🤕

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m glad I scheduled it like I did. I don’t think I could have emotionally handled picking up MoI immediately.

[@jeremiahlaust304]

Honestly being "in the moment" is the best way to do your first read through.

[@judewakefield7213]

I'm glad you pushed me to finish, this was a special experience. Coltaine's death, his horribly unnecessary death, infuriated me. His sacrifice was first inspiring then all its value seemed tainted by the pointlessness of his ending.

[@nickf9137]

Already onto Memories of Ice and it truly just gets better! The depth of this world thematically and history wise is stunning.

[@a.fleming4211]

Most of your questions seem to be RAFO. The rest I am more than confident that Philip Chase will help ya out with.

[@sernoddicusthegallant6986]

I think it depends on whether you consider Grimdark to be a matter of content or tone. In terms of its content, Malazan definetely matches or even surpasses most grimdark books with all the messed up stuff that happens. But tonally books like First Law are far more consistently cynical, while the dark content in malazan is juxtaposed with the hope. I think Erikson is very simmelar to Stephen King tonally, they both show some of the very worst humanity is capable of but they also compare this with the best of humainty; the heroism, empathy and courage. Stephen King's IT has *that scene* in the sewers that everyone talks about, it highlights our own indifference and lack of compassion when it comes to the suffering of people we dont know, but it also has a bunch of kids using their love for eachother and camaraderie to stand up to all their darkerst fears and demons. Deadhouse Gates has one of the most harrowing depictions of genocide in fantasy, it also shows the incredible courage and determination and sacrifice that the Chains of Dogs goes through in their quest just to save people they dont know. And its parts like that which you rarely find in grimdark.

[@chickenmonger123]

I will also remind everyone, that the grimmest darkest parts are no worse than history attests some of the very kings and generals we praise to have done. And many have done worse for less. If you want to limit your reading experience about nations warring and don’t have the guts to be realistic about what that by definition includes, it isn’t grimdark you are avoiding. It’s human dark. Especially as you point out so well, when the tone remains human in either regard. With hope, and determination, and honor, and love, and life in the midst of horror. Because sometimes you need to talk about that in order to illustrate the points you are trying to make. Like when someone uses the f*ck word in articulating a vital and needed thought, in the appropriate time. I never feel the violence is less than appropriate for its constituent elements. And though I’d not suggest it for young audiences, any who can take a highschool history class covering WWI, WWII, Genghis Khan, many European wars of earlier periods, Roman Republic stuff like Punic Wars, and any other history can and should be able to contextualize the brutality of that violence as truer and more honest, and also more monstrous than much of the actual fantastical brutality here. And perhaps even a bit less than realistic in that the world isn’t even bloodier for the types of power that exist in it in the end. Certainly if you gave one of our great leaders power like that, many would do worse. And still the series does not worship the fact. It searches for and revels in the light in in the world. Less of the actual focus in the main characters is actually their brutality, than the struggles they have in face of a world like that, and how they can rise to fight it. For the sake of living.

[@maximiliangerboc]

Hahaha loved that intro - I started Gardens of the Moon with the read-along on discord, but my curiosity has gotten the best of me and I'm on House of Chains now. Thanks for the motivation to get this series started, but I'm way too into this to slow down. I think you're probably responsible for several people in situations similar to mine. Thanks again man - can't wait to see more videos on this!

[@epicgamer2727]

I knew that the ending would get you, I’m glad that you got to experience it with the rest of us. It’s one of those moments I always come back to as one of the most memorable of the series

[@mikesbookreviews]

It met the hype for sure.

[@cindyb5841]

Confession time I almost bailed but am really glad I didnt. Wow did this book really play with your emotions. I found myself only being able to read 50 pages in a sitting sometimes less depending on what was happening I found it emotionally draining at times lol. Time for a fluffy read now and looking forward to Memories of Ice. Thanks again Mike for putting this read along together!

[@dominicpinchott7432]

I'm here and in it. Just silently following along though. I enjoyed Deadhouse Gates for sure. I like the perspective that it's the story of WWII, which is bigger than a few people or a few places.

[@akellerhouse83]

I'm hanging in there with the read-along. I fully intend to continue until the end. I'm having to hold myself back from reading ahead, actually. I just don't participate on Discord. There's just too many people on there and I don't feel like I have anything to contribute. I love this series so far!

[@tammaraliberty]

Same. Too many on discord but I read it. I follow more on Facebook

[@Furniture121]

You need to re-read the series to pick up all the hints given in the early books, I'm on my third full re-read and I am still picking up things I missed the first two times.

[@mattnewman1274]

Oh Mike you've read the two shortest books, your really not 1/5 of the way through this as later books are twice as long as GOTM! HAHA glad you enjoyed!

[@savage1764]

'Very well, permit me, if you will, on this night. To break your hearts once more. This is the story of the Chain of Dogs. Of Coltaine of the Crow Clan, newly come Fist to the 7th Army...'

[@illuminatelair8084]

cant wait to see mike's reaction to Kharsa who in my opinion is the most badass character in the entire series.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

Witness!

[@slavelle45]

Wow, I just finished Deadhouse Gates and I am still processing my thoughts and emotions. I share alot of your questions and reactions Mike. I don't really know how I feel about this story yet. Two books in and all I can say is that I like MbotF and I don't. I certainly would not want to live in this world. If you are not a mage or an ascendant, then you are screwed! Saving two dogs wasn't enough humanity for me. It seemed appropriate for that character to make that decision. But I developed a ton of respect for the author. The creativity, the complexity, the maturity, the depth of this story is phenomenal. My hats off to Mr. Erikson. With that said I will continue with Memories of Ice and see how I feel after that read. Love your channel Mike. I have been watching since you began WOT. Happy New Year

[@hellobellaxo1766]

I’m not sure I would have read Malazan if not for this read-along. So thank you for that! I was a bit intimidated by GotM at first, but I enjoyed it much more than I’d hoped I would! But I must say Erikson’s writing improved a LOT in DG. This book gripped me from the start, to be honest. The prologue was quite shocking and I just wanted to know more. I think I’m hooked now! Really looking forward to Memories of Ice!

[@mikesbookreviews]

So happy to hear that! This was my hope when I decided to make it a read along.

[@annarien4333]

Been looking forward to this reaction and to see whether the end of the book would live up to all the warnings from us veteran readers and YES! I take it that it did did. And yes, Chain of Dogs offers up some of the most gruesome things I ever read (though Memories of Ice says 'hold my beer'). You have every reason to look forward to more from Seven Cities, the follow up books that take place there are amazing. Heck, all of Malazan is amazing. The best fantasy series out there, to my mind.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If it gets better from here I might need some time off when I finish this series.

[@annarien4333]

@@mikesbookreviews it does get better. And more epic. But also easier to read and less painful at times. This story is taxing on the reader but worth coming back to over and over again.

[@infinittrob9409]

Totally invested for the long haul now Mike, just trailing behind a bit. That last 150 pages just flew by for me. Though grim and at times dark (though not said together) there seems to be hope in a rebirth for Duiker and Coltaine coming soon.

[@SiJayEunsoo]

Enjoying the ride I think is a good way to go about this series. I might have certain things I’ll ask about but I’m not going to try and make sense of every little detail. I’m going to enjoy being the 3rd wheel in the journeys of these characters.

[@TrafalgarL4wyer]

I’m definitely in for the long haul. The second half of this book was so redeeming. I’m amped for MoI

[@auqua6477]

Duiker's last chapter crushed me, did not know I liked him that much until then. I also spent the end of the book until then missing Kulp. The scen with Coltaine outside Aran reminded me of a scene in The legend of Arslan except more brutal so I saw where that was going from the start.

[@leighellencarson]

As someone who could be considered a rookie in this sub genre of fantasy/SciFi, I just want to say I thoroughly enjoyed your obvious passion for the subject matter. Even when I’d never even heard of the series/author. 😂

[@stuart1346]

I’m on part 4 need to binge it quickly to watch this 🙂

[@mjdaniel8710]

I am reading Dust of Dreams for the 3rd time and love it just as much as the first, and yes, the series does not let up, it actually gets more intense, and I don't think it gets much more like Grimdark than The Snake

[@thomaswootress-reidt101]

Mike I'm on book 4 and your intro still left me feeling threatened 😂 Dadmode engaged lol

[@bikash5706]

Hi Mike just finished DHG today, I know I'm way behind the schedule but I haven't bailed and I guess I'll be with u till the end, my be a little behind the schedule.

[@jonnyfevertv3170]

My quote from previous video: New readers half way through Gardens of the Moon: I'm not afraid Yoda: you will be, you will be. Hahahaha

[@theskyisteal8346]

Pretty sure the prophecy in chapter 1 tells us that Felisin will be Sha'ik Reborn. "Two fountain's of raging blood! Face to face. The blood is the same, the two are the same and salty waves shall wash the shores of Raraku. The Holy Desert remembers its past!" The fountains are Tavore and Sha'ik Reborn. Their blood being the same refers to the fact that they are sisters and I don't remember the finer details of ending so I don't recall the meaning of Raraku remembering it's past.

[@lukei4655]

I can’t even think of Squint’s scene without crying. Thank you for having this read-along. I’m very happy that so many new readers are being introduced to this series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

My pleasure. Happy to be a part of it.

[@morganziegler7351]

I'm with you Mike and I will be to the end of the read-along! I just happened to get through House of Chains before you announced your read-along, so I'm waiting to jump back in with you all when you catch up to me with Midnight Tides. So excited! I remember I had to put the book down at the end of Chain of Dogs and run and tell my husband (who doesn't read at all) the messed up shit that was happening in my book because I couldn't process it solo. What an ending of a book. I was absolutely like you in my read of Deadhouse Gates in that I didn't particularly care for Duiker's POV chapters as much as everyone else's, but by the end I was absolutely sobbing.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I love telling my wife when craziness happens in what I’m reading and she just “that’s nice dear” me.

[@violetbliss4399]

It's weird because to me at the time, and probably there were just less labels then, but I didn't really consider it as military fantasy or grimdark or such, it was more that it struck me to have such emotionally charged buildups and the setting served to display relationships fractured or lovely, and that's really what started to draw me in about the series as I progressed. Well, that and Erikson's insane ability at delivering memorable dialogue and scenes.

[@IskarJarak]

This was a great video too. I'm so glad you loved it by the end, and it's funny because you love so many of the same parts that really stuck out to me the first time around. Mappo & Icarium--the bros! Fiddler getting in on the bromance too. That Chain of Dogs. Pormqual the #####! MALLICK RELL!!!!!!! Coltaine, Squint. All so good. Most of the stuff you weren't totally clear on are totally just RAFOs, so you're rocking and rolling my friend. Thanks for putting your floodlights onto this dope ass series!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Now it feels like I can move on to Memories of Ice. Thanks for watching, my friend!

[@CounsellorofMoonsSpawn]

Great spoiler talk! I think you're going to love Memories of Ice! It's the book in which you kind of start to understand the bigger context too.

[@kyles.5569]

Hell yea mike+philip collab hype!!

[@TeamSnitchSeeker]

I think my feelings about this book were very similar to yours Mike. I'm still processing it and there is so much amazing as well as horrifying imagery in this book that requires time to ponder. Looking forward to the next one, but grateful that your schedule gives time for pause.

[@Mark-iv6yg]

Mike, happy you’re enjoying the series, really looking forward to that collaboration with Chase, keep reading man, cause I’m just half way through my reread of Memories Of Ice and dude, pretty sure it’s gonna rock your world!

[@MattonBooks]

You’re not wrong Mike: it *did* start with a D&D game. They moved it to another rule set you’ve never heard of and understandably couldn’t care less about 😜, but it started with D&D.

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

I preferred the first half (Books 1 and 2) more than the second half, but I did enjoy Kalam's story more than anyone else's. Also Felisin. And I did feel like this book was darker and grimmer than anything else I have ever read.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Really? Huh. Seems almost unanimous that folks like the second half better.

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

@@mikesbookreviews I'm admittedly, weird. LOL

[@liberTvalance]

I had to start over, half way through book 2. Glas I did though. That ending was awesome.

[@timholland1764]

Just finished this book, so I guess I'm a little behind on this. I do agree with a lot of what you say about the series and book two. Really liked book 2 and looking forward to book 3. I definitely agree that book 2 was very dark, and I have to say that I think we get too concerned about whether something is "grim dark" or not. I feel like any good fantasy consists of elements that could be epic, grim dark, horror, humor, romance, politics, mythology, etc. It's like a sliding scale, but in the first two books, I would definitely say that there are very dark elements (especially in this book), but he's not as dark overall as Abercrombie. I also don't agree with people who say that Martin is grim dark. He has elements of that in his writing and other elements that are not. Thanks for the great content.

[@HeyItsMeDukeYee]

Mike: I don't understand azath houses at all Also Mike: Proceeds to describe what azath houses are XD

[@mikesbookreviews]

Did I? It was just a guess ha ha

[@zahven]

@@mikesbookreviews you’re really a lot better at this sort of thing than you think you are. I wouldn’t get too caught up on details, but you understand a lot of the broad ideas pretty well. You’re where you should be at this point.

[@JakeHowsamLowe]

So happy the book came together for you the way it has! And so excited to see you start Memories, one of the all time great fantasy books!

[@ReallyGoodandKind]

Keep plugging along Mike! And yes, the Unready can catch these Ghost Hands

[@mikesbookreviews]

🙌

[@derekd.4156]

Heboric looked at duiker crucified but his god blinded him so he could not see it was duiker, the man who he owes his life. Then the god laughed. That part hurt. The other was mappo and Icarium at the end when icarium did remember anything and repeated his cycle. What a bleak and heart wrenching ending

[@cfosburg]

Loved this discussion of the second half of Deadhouse Gates. 😃👍

[@BlueberryPickles]

I think there's probably more people still reading along than you realise, it's just that we're not participating in your discord as much. I'm still reading (and loving it!) but have stopped frequenting the channels because I found it was really hard to discuss what was happening at certain points without people constantly saying "RAFO / you'll see more of this later / just wait until book X / you don't know the whole story yet!". Obvi 'veterans' have just as much right to participate in discussions, and they were always 'nice' about it, but it really felt stifling sometimes that we could never really discuss things that are happening NOW for us. It's not fun to be constantly reminded that there are 8 books left in the series... we're well aware of that, we're just trying to talk about and discuss book 2! Some of us formed a private group chat with only first time readers and our discussions are a lot more fun because we allow each other to speculate wildly without yelling "rafo" every 5 seconds. We did give it a really good try in the discord channels for over 2 months, but the discussion there just isn't allowed to flourish well. If you were open to the idea of having a seperate channel for first timers then I think people would be drawn back in... but it's also perfectly understandable if you don't want to 'split' the readers that way.

[@barrilrayder]

Just finished the book today, Mike, I´m loving every bit of this journey so far. Can´t wait for May and Memories of Ice.

[@mackenzienelson6997]

I just finished it last night and wow, what a ride! I am so glad to be following the series with you and the group.

[@danteish3re]

So as I said last time accelerating the reading schedule would be a good idea because the books only get bigger and more expansive and keeping track of all the details while taking that much time reading other things you're going to miss and/or lose track of things

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hood’s balls, I heard you the first time. And just as I said then, everyone involved in the read along prefers this pace. Even Mr. Erikson recommended this for a first read.

[@EricMcLuen]

Its not grimdark, they saved the dog. For me Squint was more emotionally draining as you were expecting bad things to happen to Coltaine once it got rolling. Squint was completely out of the blue and in a lot of other books he would have been almost a hero rather than being crushed by what he had to regardless that it was a mercy. AP still hasn't forgiven Erickson for killing Kulp.

[@MoniqueChambers]

Mike i finished deadhouse gates yesterday and gave it 5 stars on my goodreads The friendship between Mappo and Icarium is indeed powerful. I'm so excited for book 3 next month for 2 months yay

[@williamaddison-atkinson8244]

Don't worry Mike, I'll still be reading the series!!!! Can't wait for book 3

[@mikesbookreviews]

⚔️

[@TysonPJ]

This, is what I have been waiting for.

[@jessi4894]

I have a super unpopular opinion in that I felt bad for Felisin. Her whole story arc was a tragedy, and I feel bad for her the whole time. She made bad choices and became corrupted by her environment. But the fandom hates her a lot, and her story was the hardest for me to read.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m right there with you. The Felisin hate is something I find stupid.

[@ryanlee6214]

I’m on my 4th reread and loving every minute of it. Still finding new things I’ve missed before. Love your thoughts on the series so far.

[@farhad_s]

Haha I got the same feeling as Kalam had to start from scratch and 'levelled up". Also, I initially got the same impression from the Laseen scene.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I felt like I was rolling before each move.

[@illinirick1]

I have always read Duiker as Dwy-ker, as is squire. Just sounds easier to my ears than so many of the other pronunciations.

[@dejanvranic8833]

I have just started to read the 4. book, House of Chains. So no spoilers here. I understand the Deck of Dragons as a card game like Tarot that certain people can read to try to understand whats going on. The cards are devided into different house's that represent different realms and magic conected to it. Each card has a role, like a king, queen, knight and so on. Each card is also a representation of a certain character from the world. The Houses the cards represents can be compared to houses from GoT. I think the whole Malazan book of the Fallen is about the deck of Dragons and the power struggle between the Houses and characters represented in the deck. Some of them are Gods, semi Gods or acendent beeings that try to shape the world in their interests. This is why I belive there are no clear villains in the book, but I might be wrong. 😅 Just my thoughts after reading the first 3 books.

[@mikevisser2736]

Oops! Although I watched a few videos of yours in the past, starting on this series in January was completely accidental. Well, I guess there's no choice but to read along now! Being at two thirds of the second book, the sudden self-imposed deadline of March 31st is terrifying and motivating.

[@SuperBearnut]

Deadhouse Gates is not grimdark, because while Erikson shoots the dog (the trope), he does not literally shoot the dog (the doggos survive).

[@mjdaniel8710]

The series may not be grimdark as a whole but there sure are some strong grimdark elements and moments to it throughout

[@armchairgravy8224]

The end of this book is so harrowing. I can really see Erikson's archeologist background shine through. It's like I can feel the moment when he quit looking at the bones and started seeing the people who made them.

[@Sense008]

The ending of Deadhouse gates left a lump of lead made up of sadness and rage in my stomach on my first read.... Very devastating. I agree Deadhouse Gates is a very dark book in the series. It also sets up a lot of stuff for later. I think many people (me included) have a problem with the description Grimdark for MBoTF because Grimdark has a very specific definition, that simply does not work for MBoTF, though I have to admit Deadhouse Gates is very Grimdarky, but I think as the series progresses (or when Philip presents his theory) you might change your mind :)... Anyway as a veteran reader of the series I am very much enjoying these spoiler talks. It also makes me want and jump in and answer your questions, but that would really be to the deficit of your first read through plus you specifically have told us you don't want that, so I manage to restrain myself hahaha.... I'm looking forward to the Philip Chase Video

[@alexwallachian7720]

Yeeesss I've been waiting for this

[@billyalarie929]

"what if they fail miserably?" that's just called history.

[@piderman871]

Re: Kulp's death: There's a scene in the first half of the book where Kalam wants to kiss a cusser rather than be eaten by those rats. And Apsalar agrees with him 😬

[@wjamimah7772]

I’m ready to go back and see my baby daddy Anomander Rake in book 3 😝😂

[@Ulmo90]

Gotta finnish up part 4 so that I can watch this

[@HeyItsMeDukeYee]

I personally think that the conventional definition of "grimdark" is too broad and can thus basically describe most of modern fantasy.

[@Mostafa77766]

Not an easy series to pick up, but hell! I'm having a blast.

[@justthesidekick5519]

Im in for the long haul! Looking forward to memories of ice in April

[@brontosa5351]

Will no one mention the wonderful Firewind shirt? Till the end of time baby

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

I've already read it twice...i think trying a third time was kinda like...i'm procrastinating. My review probably wont be up til end of march or mid April.

[@ryanoneal8480]

Thank you for not presenting these books as some insurmountable achievements to read. Are they maybe a bit more difficult to read then some, yes, but so many reviewers have turned readers off. You've made them very accessable.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I hate how fans of the series chase off new readers by telling them it’s impossible to read.

[@ryanoneal8480]

@@mikesbookreviews haha yes, plenty of blame to go around! Regardless, I love how you've taken this position of not needing everything explained immediately. That's been a huge frustration when listening to some other booktubers!

[@fernandogarcia3957]

I expect you will enjoy the Bonehunters then...

[@shawngillogly6873]

The tragic friendship of Mappo and Icarium...oh dear. The Shai'ik Reborn question is RAFO for The House of Chains. But I do think Erikson presented it as only one of Apsalar or Felisin could have accepted the Apocalypse and survived. The entire Ascendancy question might be easier if you look at it as "Mantles" from superhero stories or Dresden. That isn't a precise analogy. But I think it more or less holds true for the claimed titles. And Iskarel Pust wishes he was Kruppe. I'm sure someone disagrees with this take. 😉