Malazan Book of the Fallen: Top 10 Deadhouse Gates Characters

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for following along the first couple of books in the channel read along. Who were your favorite characters in Deadhouse Gates? Let me know below!

[@MrTheswayzeexpress]

In deadhouse gates, for me, coltaine for his nobility. So well written. As for memories of ice.... Whooo, you are in for a treat there Mike. Ohlala. And it introduces the bole brothers!

[@nevaidos]

Loved every moment that Kalam and Apt were together, but my favourite character was Kulp. Also loved Nil, Nether and Solmo. :)

[@jakebishop7822]

Duiker, Mappo, Felisin, and Coltaine

[@Rogue_VI]

You've said a couple times now that you don't care for seafaring stories. Does that mean The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is your least favorite Narnia book?

[@gabeguerrero7865]

Pardon while I get emotional: Mappo and Icarium meant a lot to me when I first read Deadhouse Gates. They still do. My father at the time was going through dementia. I would have the same conversation with him 20 times in a row in the span of five minutes. I didn't want him tell know that something was wrong with him,so every cycle I kept the same tone and did my best to entertain him in the same fashion so nothing seemed out of place. Even though my family was going through that tough time with him, it felt like none of my friends got how painful it is to see your father like that. If I remember right, we get clued into Icarium's condition when he kills those wolves and, the next day, wonders what happened. And Mappo brushes it over for him so he doesn't know. That got me. Got me real hard. Those two became my favorite fantasy characters right then and there because I felt that someone got it and was able to write it in a fantasy novel.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

An awesome finish to Deadhouse Gates! I enjoyed your list a lot, and I totally get numbers one and two - one of the great pairs in this series, and a model of friendship. Now for Memories of Ice!

[@Awesomnessticity]

The fact that different people reading the same book with the same characters can have such varied and heartfelt opinions on who their favorites are is a true testament to the author's genius. How boring it would be if we all felt exactly the same as everyone else. Our differences are what's so damn intriguing.

[@ACriticalDragon]

Very interesting list, thanks for sharing this. But you did my boy Duiker so wrong.... :) Looking forward to all your thoughts on Memories of Ice.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha. Duiker was a character I really didn’t click with until the last 2 chapters. And by then, it was too late.

[@omaramat4813]

I got from Duiker the same struggle that Mappo had doing the job they set out to do, in Mappo's case due to the unexpected friendship with Icarium, and in Duiker's case, his inability to mantain detached from the situation in order to objetively play the part of the historian

[@Washeek]

Duiker is an academic and he has an academic mind with all that comes with it (not just fancy words, but also cynicism and all that) can easily see how people would not connect with the character.

[@MtnAlchemist]

I really enjoyed Duiker and his transformation.

[@robpaul7544]

Duiker an academic? He was a lifelong infantry soldier who once spoke his mind within hearing distance of emperor Kellanved and was bombarded to Imperial Historian.. he couldn't even read at the time 🤔

[@RealHumanBean4U]

I know it's subjective but I'm shocked Duiker isn't on the list.

[@azulsimmons1040]

Coltaine was the iron will that carried them to their destination. He never left his men. He died doing his duty.

[@IskarJarak]

Who is your favorite character and why is it Coltaine? Great stuff buddy!

[@daniellehodgson9281]

I'm reading through this series for the first time and I just can't get enough of it! Thank you for doing this! I can't wait to see your reactions to all the books! Aptorian melted my heart. I really love how Erikson writes demons. I actually really enjoyed reading Duiker from the start, but I like the military strategy. Aside from that I agree with your whole list. It's hard to pick favourites though because he writes them all so well!

[@jajoba4012]

I’m currently 3/4 through Gardens and can’t wait to catch up with you guys on the read along Loving the first entry so far

[@teroril]

Fiddler and Hedge are one of my favorite duos in the series. :D I can't wait 'till you meet Tehol and Bugg! :D

[@MrTheswayzeexpress]

Tehol and bugg 🤣. For me the most entertaining characters are all the bole brothers.

[@Yungshamgod]

@@MrTheswayzeexpresssame 😎

[@BlackFish1989]

That take on Felisin is on point, exactly what I felt about her

[@mrmr9201]

I love how you've had the Malazan books in your shelf for years before reading it. I did the same with Wheel of Time (just started the Path of Daggers😬)

[@davidlarramore1990]

Hey, always enjoy your videos. Thanks for entertaining me. And that shirt is just tremendous. Love it. / I, too, wish people would stop telling you how much they like characters you haven't even met yet. Things like, "I can't wait until you meet....." characters that don't show up for 3 or 4 more books. And my favorite, "You're wrong about so and so, just wait until you see what they do in book 5 to so and so." As far as I'm concerned the way to play it is, until you mention it no need for me to talk about it. After you mention it, I will only discuss what you are talking about right then. Once again, thanks.

[@koleary1798]

I can't wait for your reaction to Memories of Ice! Of course, the 10 books are meant to be viewed as such but for me, it felt like an interlude occurred after book three. Major climactic scene, last time we see some characters for a while, we say goodbye to some dear characters altogether. Great book.

[@TheLibraryofAllenxandria]

Mike! Great list, though I WEEP at Coltaine's mid-list appearance, at least he appears there! Definitely not as big a fan of I&M as you are, but great list nonetheless! Also...poor Kulp.

[@MrsAngua23]

I'm on Dust of Dreams right now and Icarium is still my favourite character. So much history and I feel so much compassion for him. If we only look at Deadhouse Gates though, I have to also consider Coltaine and the duo of Gesler and Stormy.

[@feirceraven1249]

Duiker's my favorite from this book.

[@popkhorne5372]

He is likeable but to be fair he isnt that important as himself. He is mostly our window to the events of the chain of dogs. enough of an historian to assist to strategic meetings, watch battles from above, but also enough of an ex soldier to get in the middle of battles... and empathetic enough to be involved with the little things, good or bad amongst the refuges.

[@lucaswood8425]

Mine too. I loved Duiker. One of my favorite characters I’ve read in the past couple years

[@joshholmes1372]

@@popkhorne5372 Well, he had great commentary on compassion as well as maintaining a brave front in the face of overwhelming despair "sleight of hand".

[@maximasforrester8689]

Hell yes I love Duiker

[@demidrek-heyward]

man I'm like 100 pages from the end of this book and all I wanna do is watch Mike & other discuss the book. Must finish, don't want to be spoiled

[@omnitheus5442]

What? That boat you berated is such an interesting mystery ;) You'll learn to enjoy it.

[@dpeady78]

Nice shirt my dude and Duiker rules

[@talkamardesh7562]

My god pearl is going underrated

[@Jane-w]

Great video, I was surprised to see your ranking for some. My top 5 are: 1. Coltaine 2. Icarium 3. Mappo 4. Fiddler 5. Kalam

[@JamesI88]

Icarium and mappo and collectively number 1 for me. Each needs the other and each is all the more my favorite due to the other.

[@lionheartstanza]

Loved Duiker, surprised he didn't make the list.

[@justthesidekick5519]

Aptorian’s child terrified me just by how creepy it was

[@t_nordlicht1937]

Team Icarium / Kalam here. I'm excited for your thoughts on Memories of ICE, because - surprisingly! - there are some awesome (AWESOME!) new characters coming up.

[@CayugaSwift]

I might be mistaken here, but having listened to a bit of this (so far) and the video with Chase recently, I think it was missed that the choice of Felisin selling her body in the mines to make things better for Heboric was proven to be moot at some point (I forget exactly when in the book) where Heboric had informed Felisin that Baudin had been doing guard duties or helping the mining encampment in someway which is why they were able to live more comfortable than otherwise. I believe that was why Heboric believed Felisin was content with her life in the mining camp, however he didn't know she was unaware because the guy Felisin was spending her time with had never told her what Baudin was doing. It's been a few months since I had reread Deadhouse Gates and am on Midnight Tides at the moment so pieces of information could be getting jumbled together in my memory, so apologies if that is the case!

[@markb3534]

Liked Icarium and Mappo, as well. Especially the reveal that everything Mappo thinks he knows isn't the truth. Adds even more dimension to it.

[@6lillium]

In regards to Apt.... I've always loved that in the world of Malazan , demons are not traditional " demons" , and more often than not ,other dimensional beings.... usually badass, but not "demons" , or evil for that matter. They are more like familiars....

[@chadwhitfield6946]

I wouldn't call demon lords familiars. But your right in that there's not the religious connection must ppl have when they think of demons.

[@derekd.4156]

1. Kalam 2. Mappo 3. Fiddler 4. Duiker 4. Aspalar 5. Coltaine 6. Icarium 7. Heboric 8. Baudin 9. Kulp 10. Lull

[@djsuth7727]

Good list. For me I'd drop Apt and Baudin and include Bult and Duiker. I've started my re-read of Memories of Ice a day early ... it is a chunky book after all !

[@coreynagle804]

I just started the first book I hear good things im excited

[@elliotm6697]

Good luck! And don't worry, everyone is confused at the beginning

[@meris8486]

Yeah stick with it, book one was a struggle for me but I was rewarded for sticking through in the second half. Deadhouse is similar but the central conflict with the Whirlwind Uprising is far more investing than GOTM and it has an excellent second half. Coltaine man, what a guy

[@Ulmo90]

Duiker, Mappo, Icarium, Kulp, Fiddler, Apsalar and so on, many good characters in this one

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

Next book Mike's favorites- forecasting in no particular order -Gruntle -Kaladin Brood -Whiskey Jack -Anomander Rake -Ganos Paran -Hedge -Bauchalain -Itkovian -Korlat -Coll Left a couple potential names off due to spoilers.

[@CrapSandviche]

MIKE!!!! Saw you hanging out in da clubs with ya boyz!!! Let’s do the Bearded Fox and talk book nerds!!!

[@aysseralwan]

Wait I have to ask cuz of the pic of Kalam you used here: is Kalam stated to have long hair?

[@17GOREhammer]

SLAYERRRRRRR!!!

[@darkportents9835]

Sweet slayer shirt bro

[@EnzymeBondedConcrete]

Team Mappo and Icarium here, a lot of people gloss over their storyline in favor of Chain of Dogs, but their story will always be number one for me in this book.

[@zahven]

If you like animal companions, you’ll love Memories of Ice

[@carole5648]

Well, i do love Fiddler. but i'll try to stop telling you ahead of time. i don't even remember the parts of Kalam on the boat.

[@timecone57]

This book is so much better on sec9nd reading

[@talkamardesh7562]

1. Kalam 2. Pearl 3. Coltaine 4. Apsalar 5. Fiddler

[@Jinxywins]

Pust da gawd #1

[@theskyisteal8346]

You just called Apt a he? Her whole character is centered around her identity as a mother to those kids and almost motherly to Kalam too.

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

Calling Apt an animal side kick kind of gets me too, Apt is a sentient individual with personality

[@meris8486]

It's a slip of the tongue lol. I considered Apt a he until Shadowthrone explained that she used to be part of a demon lords harrem which is funny to think about. I like that she's this gross and terrifying monster but actually has a heart and her own goals. She does still feel like an animal companion, very Chewbacca esq with the voice thing.

[@garethbundy]

1. Duiker 2. Felisin 3. Mappo 4. Kalam 5. Pearl

[@waynestover1176]

I didn't dislike Felisin but her story was very tough to read through. The prison camp was just tough to read.

[@aysseralwan]

Nice ranking still hate Felisin until after Baudin and Kulp died and she got her humanity back

[@charlesgabriel5569]

Coltaine!!!

[@ΜιχάληςΔαβλάντης]

Duiker's mare is the best character.

[@treyg8148]

Mike there is something I've always wanted to ask you. If you,are so into Tolkien why don't you read more noble bright you like grim dark

[@brettmurray2473]

Good list but..... PUST #1

[@abdullahabid218]

How is iskaral pust not your number 1??? Just kidding :p

[@gypsyboomer]

Fiddler is a wonderful, tragic figure, but you are wrong about him.

[@sjkrum320]

Faison (sp?) frustrated me so much because of how mran she was to people who were being nice to her (compared to others) but, I have known people like her and her character is very much 3 dimensional and realistic. So she's great from a story telling perspective, I just dislike her. Is it weird the I pictured Daniel Jackson for Doiker? his "death" broke my heart....kind of like Daniel Jackson's "death" or deaths lol

[@odiums_taint]

mappo is way cooler than loial.

[@aysseralwan]

Icarium and Mappo aren't friends they're brothers

[@eshaanagarwal6081]

I understand Felisin, but I just don't like reading her chapters. The utter hopelessness and dejection is not something that I want to read, and the reason that I really couldn't get into Abercrombie. Not everything good has to happen to her, but just give her something man, something positive to even start balancing thing out. This world isn't grim-dark hopeless for the most part, but Felisin is, and that type of mentality is just not what I'm reading Malazan for.

[@mightykaiser8058]

Profile pic checks out...

[@timotheous86]

Iskaral pusk

[@JARHuygebaert]

I see myself as a fantasy veteran reader but I can't even get past the first half of Gardens of the Moon. It's not even telling a story in my opinion

[@meris8486]

I'm on the first half too. Feel like I need a notebook to keep track of the characters. The world is interesting, Anomander Rake has me intrigued and the battle in chapter two was cool. But I'm struggling to connect with the characters, most them feel like aliens rather than people. I was warming to... Paren? But then he had that scene where he's talking with the Gods and he came off casual and indifferent, when he should be freaking the hell out? Maybe it's just in the way the Audiobook reader chose to play it. I like Tattersail and Whiskeyjacks crew so far but I want more of them. Tokk the younger? And Adjunct Lorne? come off as inhuman which I guess is intentional given they've had there identity stripped away by the empire. The whole stuff in Durjistan? Is bizarre it reminds me of some of the interludes from the Stormlight Archive whose purpose is unclear outside of making the world feel bigger. The Alchemist dude was neat though, was there a twist that he is Cropper? Wasn't sure if I was just getting confused or if that was a reveal. Right now I'm just pressing on cause I've already come half way. Wondering if I made a mistake in not skipping to Deadhouse Gates.

[@brettmurray2473]

It's not a story. It's a tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen.

[@Yoda0VGs]

Prolly not for you then. And that's okay. Not every book is for everyone :)

[@ReallyGoodandKind]

Hot take.

[@mkgnlgt]

Okay guys, a few things... sorry... 1. It’s not a story in the traditional sense. It’s a pieced together history of a fallen empire as seen through the eyes of people who lived through it. 2. Stop. Just please stop trying to figure everything out chapter by chapter. You won’t. Can’t. It’s not an Easter egg hunt. People have read the series several times and find new things every time, that alone should speak about the quality of the writing... 3. This series, The Malazan Book Of The Fallen, is the most important work of fantasy since Tolkien, really. Is it the most popular? No. Is it important to fantasy? YES. It’s worth reading, for all the best reasons that great literature should be. Lastly. Just give Malazan a chance, read the first three books, they’ll change how you perceive the world: they’re what great literature is supposed to be, a challenge to who you are, what you think and how you feel... Apologies, rant over guys