MALAZAN - Full breakdown of the BEST fantasy series of all time!

[@Poopy03D]

They told me Malazan was too hard to read. They failed to mention dinosaurs with sword arms.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

LOL!

[@MaticustheRed]

I just started it, and I was shocked, SHOCKED by the swordarmasaurs.

[@HamedRaza-bo3mt]

Wait till you meet dinosaurs with lasers

[@ettuShaggy]

Umm, I would have started reading this a long time ago if I’d known!

[@THBEnterAktion]

There’s dinos with swords for arms!? I’m reading tomorrow haha 😂

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yes...I realize that I have glitter on my head. I have a daughter, and she loves spilling glitter everywhere.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

@@hobbitholebooks832 imgur.com/vxcS6x4

[@M4cTr1cK]

haha - that's so wholesome

[@jessezigg]

Years ago, my "tough guy," fireman husband was at the fire station. One of his buddy-coworkers finally asks, "Do you have f'ing GLITTER on your FACE?!? 😂😂😂 (Same reason. He had a 3 year old daughter at home. 😉 )

[@Kruppes_Mule]

Something I recommend to people when they start the series is to read Erikson's essay "Deconstructing the Siege of Pale" after they finish chapter 2 of GOTM. He has a brief forum post and then a PDF which he's taken and marked up the text and put his thought process in the margins. This essay really helped me to sort of see how he writes and the things he expects (or hopes) you pick up on. If you haven't read that essay I highly recommend it. His website is full of good stuff but spoilers are around so be careful. The Pale essay has no spoilers though. You can go there immediately after chapter 2 with zero worries. I don't think youtube allows links but googling "Deconstructing the Siege of Pale" should get you there.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yes great suggestion, thank you for this!

[@Kruppes_Mule]

​@@brontosa5351 Alrighty then. Easy solution go read something else. Amazingly simple eh?

[@tinyspeaker]

This seems unnecessary. There's nothing wrong with not having all the information and details. People should be okay with not understand and absorbing everything. It normally comes to you by the last page of each book anyway.

[@jessezigg]

So, you've FIRED UP my enthusiasm to get going on this! I thank you for taking the time to point new readers toward your "helpful hints." Your joy and enthusiasm for the series is palpable and contagious!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

I hope you love it! :)

[@bmajdov]

Starting my 4th reading. The strangest thing about this book is that the MORE TIMES you read it, the BETTER it is. Absolutely the best Series ever written.

[@sierra5360]

I suggest audiobooks. Makes re listening very easy and you can do it while doing chores ect. I do it when I’m going to sleep. It’s great

[@Hosea405]

I've been reading it once per year for the past 5 years

[@joshholmes1372]

So true. I always find new connections that just make it better

[@chilliewhk]

It's so satisfying seeing how well everything fits together in a reread. Also the dread of know something especially bad is coming up.

[@joshdunlap7766]

I'm only about 30% of the way through Memories of Ice and it may already be my favorite series. I still can't stop thinking about the last 25% of Deadhouse Gates!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah Memories of Ice is incredible. Get ready for an incredible rest of the book!

[@turtleanton6539]

What happened

[@matarax]

I've been looking so hard for a fantasy series that is intricate, serious, and has new ideas. I wanted it to be super philosophical and metaphysical. I am trying the first book for the second time and now see the brilliance. But then you said a god from other dimensions, advanced dinosaurs with sword arms, and magic that creates black holes and entropy. With the added badassness of Anamandor Rake and the Hounds of Shadow, I am fucking SOLD on reading this series to the end. This is exactly what have been looking for. Ever since The Dark Tower (my favorite series) I couldn't find something so unique and cool. Thank you for the high recommendation.

[@tinyspeaker]

This is far, far better (more professionally written and less self indulgent script) than many videos on Malazan, and I'm someone who's read book 1. I'd very much enjoy a breakdown of the books from yourself, one by one, plot and theme.

[@lowo1]

Hi, Thanks for the video. I’ve been a fan of Erikson’s work for over 2 decades. Read it in my late teens. What I enjoyed most about it, is the different POVs. His writing style does a good job of making each POV a vested story that threads into the larger theme of the books.

[@indyman_123]

Matt, my guy, I can't thank you enough for actually getting me to start the Malazan journey. You are one of the few people (the very first actually) who swayed my thoughts, and introduced me to the amazing world of 'Wu.' Forever grateful!

[@skyojanicpreitisic6560]

I always knew Malazan was something I wanted to read, but this video just made it absolutely essential

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yes, do it!

[@michaelsanderson1171]

I’ve been reading this series for easily over a decade, and I’m only on book 6. I’ve reread the first 3 three times; I’ve read some of the esslemont books; I’ve taken breaks; I even went back and read the first prequel, thinking I’d do it chronologically (mistake!). Anyway, I love love love the whole experience. It never ceases to amaze me. I’m no spring chicken and my only hope is I can get through all of it before I kick.

[@sandbagsATG]

I think I first read the end of deadhouse gates about 7 years ago now and I've definitely never forgotten it. Bought the audio book so I could listen to it every once in a while. Such a well built and profoundly touching end to a story.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yes it really is. So glad you loved it!

[@mdc123-v2v]

The reason people fall at GOTM is because they struggle with letting go, so many authors provide little reader agency and and we as readers are used to being spoon fed the narrative is easy to digest chunks. GOTM is the first book I ever read that demands every single bit of your attention but gives back absolutely nothing in terms of narrative. If you don't just go with it, you'll be reading skimming back every few pages convinced you maybe missed some character intro or plot detail. It's a liberating book that taught me the art of letting go and just reading with no preconceptions of plot or narrative.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah very well said.

[@neutronshiva2498]

I dont think I've had nearly as much trouble reading this book as most people seem to, but what you said is definitely how I felt reading GOTM. Its truly such a weird book that dumps you into middle os some conflict, with no explanation at all and once you start thinking maybe you finally get what's going on, it just ends :D

[@midigee]

GOTM wasn't an easy takeoff for me- Deadhouse Gates however was even much harder to get into because I had expected a direct sequel that would pick up where GOTM had left off. As soon I came to terms with the fact that the rules here were different, I got completely lost in that universe. So in essence I just had to unlearn how I read conventional fantasy novels and learn how to read Malazan books. By The Bonehunters I just couldn't get enough. I've just finished Kellanved' Reach (which is my favourite) and have now picked up Forge of Darkness.

[@aniruddhsathe2420]

So what are your view as this is the first fantasy novel im starting

[@dmitriykolesnikov2553]

I found it very hard to become invested when the characters seem to know a lot more than you do but don't bother telling you. In GOTM, the stakes, motivations, and actual events on page are really hard to understand. "Why should I care about this?" is a question the book mostly doesn't answer.

[@TheMattyNation]

Know this is an older one for you Matt, but it’s convinced me to get into the series. Started Gardens last year on audiobook, but gave up as it was hard for me to follow. Seems this series needs a different approach (for first read through, at least), and I’m going to read a physical copy with the audiobook as well as check out the resources you mentioned. Seems like fun! Thanks for your tips, haven’t heard anyone else give them. Wish me luck!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah audiobook is not the right way for this series. I love audiobooks in general, but not for this one.

[@yonkiamuerte]

I started reading this series because of the high praise you gave it in a couple of your videos I've watched before, I'm going slow because I'm reading other stuff, just halfway through the first book but it looks very very promising, you have good taste sir.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Awesome! Keep going, the ending of the book is EPIC

[@Johanna_reads]

What a thorough breakdown and guide you’ve created here! I didn’t know about those slides. While I was lazy with additional resources, they are good to know about, and I did take notes. I also appreciate that you acknowlege that this series is complex and confusing at times. The perspectives of those who have finished The Crippled God vs. the perspective of someone reading the series for the first time are two vastly different things!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thanks Johanna! Yeah I think many reviewers underplay how confusing it is. But I think it's better to just be honest about it but also say that this is okay!

[@BuriedUnderBooks]

This is my favorite series of all time. I read the main 10 books over the last two years and can’t wait to reread them. I own the rest and am dying to crack into them. One of my favorite things about this series is how un-Tolkien it feels. Most series or worlds or stories feel derivative of Tolkien’s mythologies and characters but this is just so original it blows my mind.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah well put about being "un-tolkien"

[@holyheretic3185]

I recommend you do path to ascendancy, first one is dancer's lament. Its my favorite series outside the main ten and the three now are definitely in my top ten

[@johnpolidan3892]

Thanks Glitter Matt. You convinced me to read Malazan. Well done.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Awesome, I hope you enjoy!

[@merrybezzus3353]

Definitely going to move Malazan up on my reading list! Had no idea the companion guides and breakdowns were so through! Very enlightening, Thank you Matt!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

So happy I was able to provide some help!

[@thomasmains6101]

I love that you said if you read 30 pages a day it'll take a year to read. Motivated me to give it a shot again, 30 pages is a lot more manageable than when i was trying to read a hundred pages of malazan a day

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah take it easy, it's a dense series so reading quickly isn't the greatest idea here.

[@ethanradley5432]

Just bought gardens of the moon, wanted a massive series with just a bunch of creativity, a world to get lost in, I think I have found what I’m looking for.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You are in for an incredible journey. Enjoy!

[@mephistoxarses8585]

.....and you'll never leave!

[@shinigami2502]

you put it beautifully when you encourage new readers to continue reading in spite of the difficulties in malazan. tbh, the more i read fantasy, the more i appreciate Erikson's style of exposition. whilst it is beneficial to the readers to have the author to hold our hands, there's just something authentic and realistic watching two characters talking about the Warren without me understanding anything. its given, since they live in Malazan world and i'm not. in time, the right information will come to me to make sense of malazan world

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah very well stated!

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

Wow your timing can not be more freaking PERFECT!!! Just received all 10 books last week and I am 200 pages into Gardens of the Moon. Your previous videos/reviews on these books gave me the courage to just order the entire series and I'm sure I will be thanking you later. The internet had me intimidated about this series but 200 pages into GOTM and into the book that most people have slightly negative reviews on.......I am loving it and am able to grasp what is going on. But thats only after 200 pgs......so this may be a naive take at this time.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

No this is the most confused you will be. And if you like it so far you are guaranteed to love the series. You're reading the most boring part of the series right now.

[@bradywedshot4936]

I’ll be starting Malazan around June. Thank you so much for the video. I’ve listened to Erikson’s interviews and just the way he discussed it made me want to give it a go.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

I hope you absolutely love it!

[@aCoolName460]

Did you start it? I'm about to finish gardens of the moon and I'm definitely a little confused but it's definitely getting crazy enough that I'm sucked in anyway.

[@bradywedshot4936]

Just started it today. I’m slightly biased though, I practically worship Erikson’s interviews and writing advice. I’d be shocked if I didn’t love it. All that pressure on these books and I’m not worried at all.

[@aCoolName460]

@bradywedshot4936 you'll definitely love it then. I just finished deadhouse gates, and it's fantastic! Coltaine and kalam are my favorites from this book and I'm definitely enjoying the series a lot now.

[@moonbot7613]

Great timing! I’m a little behind on getting started on this series but can’t wait to start and discuss on your discord.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Awesome, enjoy!

[@mich7008]

What a great video AND resource for the Malazan world! Yes Matt I am one of those who have only read the 10,The Witness and Kharkanas books but you have convinced and convicted me to dive into the other books! I really wish your breakdown would have been available when I began Malazan a year and a half ago. It would have saved me a whole lot of time stumbling onto the outside resources you mentioned! So helpful and thank you Matt!!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

I bet you are going to love a lot of those Esslemont books!

[@tuffguy0134]

First time reader, just finished The Bonehunters. This series is so amazing. Thanks for this great video.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You are most welcome - enjoy the rest of the series! You are almost there!

[@midigee]

Y'Ghatan took my soul with it For me that was the most intense thing I had ever read.

[@jan2bratt]

You have convinced me! I think this will be my year of immersion in Malazan. Looking forward to utilizing all the extras you pointed us to. Thanks!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

So glad, I hope you enjoy!

[@coffeedude]

This is such a great video idea! There are lots of complicated series that would surely get new fans after being encouraged with videos like these

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thanks, that's my goal in making this video!

[@Benjamin-w41]

These long breakdowns are some of my favorite videos on your channel. The few that you've done are amazing.

[@ScottnCarol4JC]

My favorite series of all time as well. This video motivated me to start a 3rd re-read and use the extra resources you mentioned.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Awesome, enjoy!

[@reggieswilliams]

Thanks!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thank you Reggie. That is super nice!

[@katiebugkatie_reads_alot1563]

Great video! I am reading the series for the first time and am about halfway through Deadhouse Gates. Thankfully I am doing this with a group of people, a few of which have read it before, so I knew going in that I wouldn't really know what was going on for the first few books, so I'm just enjoying the ride and trusting that I'll be able to put pieces together later. I had no idea that there were so many other books connected to this world! Not sure if I'll pick any of them up, but I guess that will depend on how I feel about the main 10 when I'm done.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah when you finish the 10, if you are obsessed keep going - but if not, best to just move on to other things.

[@fantasyfanatic6038]

Thanks for this awesome video, Matt! This is getting me more and more excited to dive into this series eventually. Also, Dinosaurs that have swords for arms? That sounds so fricking cool!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah, and some people ride on top of them as well. It's really bad ass.

[@Alex-jo6rb]

This was amazing thanks so much, super keen to try this series but I can get lost and confused even in non Malazan books so I appreciate you linking the resources

[@brianrogers4344]

I read GOTM a couple years ago and wasn't in a rush to continue the series. Your excitement about Malazan encourage me to pick up DG. What an ending. There's still plenty that I don't understand, remember, or even like, but I can now appreciate how people can get obsessed with this story. I'm definitely motivated to keep going with MOI.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

It is such an impactful ending, I will never forget it. Enjoy MOI!

[@brianrogers4344]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Update: I'm now a Malazan convert. About 25% through MOI and am totally sold on reading this whole series.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

@@brianrogers4344 So awesome to hear! MOI is AMAZING - enjoy!

[@groofay]

I'm currently making my way through Gardens of the Moon, this is genuinely a helpful video and I love how you made an hour-long video about the series without spoiling anything.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thank you, and enjoy!

[@cappy2282]

I started with Gardens of the moon as well and it may seem daunting at first but it becomes much easier as time goes on

[@fhyppa]

I enjoyed Gardens of the Moon highly, but I found the second book very boring and not enjoyable. I am girding myself for the third. I have not had a series go from very high regard to very low so quickly.

[@cappy2282]

@@fhyppa lol wow I love GOTM but i thought Deadhouse Gates was a little better and where the series started really opening up

[@fhyppa]

@@cappy2282 We each look for different things. I did not like the new characters, jarring change of feel, and the pace. The third book looks more up my alley, though from descriptions.

[@ShelfCentered]

What an ambitious video! I like what you said about Erikson's philosophical musings being really accessible. I'm constantly blown away when I read this series ... and then there's a huge, epic action scene that blows me away on a John Wick level. Great video, still working through as I do

[@ShelfCentered]

Totally agree, doesn't get more epic, even lord of the rings doesn't get there in world building which is why I eventually put Malazan above the sacred LotR.

[@ShelfCentered]

Yep, best endings I've ever read anywhere bar none.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thanks, and yeah I'm not normally one for philosophy but most of his is super easy to digest and really, really well done!

[@Sourpatch_kidzz]

LOVED this video. Thank you so much for doing a quick summary of ALL the Malazan books! Greatly appreciated!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You are most welcome!

[@TheEdgeOfMyHand]

Best non-spoiler Malazan video I’ve seen and that’s saying something. Gives me the kick I need to restart Deadhouse Gates after needing to stop for a couple months. Thanks!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yay! I hope you enjoy!

[@wiesehuman2682]

Thank you Matt I really enjoyed this video. Its facinating to me how different each of our taste can be even though we are all fans of the same series. You put Blood and Bone and Fall of Light almost at the very bottom of your list, yet for me both of them would be a contender for my favorite book in the series. One thing i do feel Esslemont does a bit better then Erikson is in how new recruits views on going to battle changes with their expierence. The best examples of this for me is Nait in Return of the Crimson Gaurd and Suth in Stoneweilder. I felt the same as you about Night of Knives the first time i read it, but the second time i read it i liked it way more and actaully appreciated the smaller story. Thank you for some of the hints, Im defintely going to check out that podcast.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Fantastic breakdown, Matt! Thank you for the enjoyable video!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thank you Philip!

[@janeb9698]

Awesome! This is amazing because I literally just start Gardens of the Moon yesterday. It took me two hours to get through the prologue because I kept taking notes and was drinking in the prose. I’m used to fantasy writers not being able to write all that well (Terry Brooks). This guy is on another level entirely. Truly amazing. And the worldbuilding. I have no idea how someone stays organized enough to build something of this complexity. I’m so impressed and am loving it so far.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Wonderful, so glad you are loving it!

[@mdc123-v2v]

Don't take notes. It won't help you. Just go with it and accept that nothing you'll read in GOTM will make sense, he's not like Sanderson, you won't connect ANY of the narrative points because in the first book there are none. Just let the scale wash over you.

[@Jabberwhorl_Cronstadt]

I took notes, too, for the first 6 books. Not so much so I could grasp and absorb everything. That would be impossible. But just because it helped me get immersed and more comfortable, overall. And I hear you about that prologue. For some reason, that image of an old weather vane squeaking in the wind above a burning city was extremely vivid and striking. The prose is so gorgeous (and only improves throughout the series). It really stuck with me.

[@janeb9698]

I loved the weather vane description!!! I’m quite a ways in now. Still taking notes but not as many as in the beginning. Notes help a lot!

[@joevesayaporn]

Did you read more books in the series?

[@annpv888]

Thanks for the video Matt! I'm excited to start Malazan this month and it's mostly due to your love for this series.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Awesome, enjoy!

[@DanExploresBooks]

I read Gardens of the Moon and Deadhouse gates this last couple weeks and am blown away. Posted some thoughts. I am so excited to begin the journey. It is not as daunting as it might first appear if you just hold on to some big picture things and general who's who. I know I missed a ton of the nuance but what did fall into place at the end of each book was a chefs kiss. Deadhouse Gates' ending will be remembered for a long time. Can't wait to re-read both of these books.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah I often think of Deadhouse Gates ending on a regular basis. It's will forever stick with you! Enjoy Memories of Ice!

[@DanExploresBooks]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Oh my ****. I just got my first intro to.... Munug's master... I'll just say. Chapter 2 of Memories of Ice might be the bombest chapter and intro to what sure seems to be a villain I have ever seen. Quick Ben's encounter. Wow!! Wow wow wow!!

[@DanExploresBooks]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Hey Matt. I read the next 2 books and am Midnight Tides. Just checking in. ha

[@josephwilson-doan4163]

The humor is definitely one of my favorite things about this series so far.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

And you haven't even met the funniest characters yet! Strap in!

[@stevenredpath9332]

The humour is important to counter point the very sad parts. In a series of this size you have to have laughter to go alongside the very sad moments.

[@myself2noone]

What humor?

[@josephwilson-doan4163]

@@myself2noone In a word: Kruppe.

[@myself2noone]

​@@josephwilson-doan4163He wasn't funny.

[@322aareyn]

I stopped after Midnight Tides like 6 months ago (it took me like 6 months to read due to a reading slump)... this got me excited again so thanks

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

YES! Enjoy!

[@loganjohnson7039]

Love your videos Matt!! I’ve never really considered reading Malazan because it seemed so intimidating, but your constant praise for the series has definitely moved it very high up on my TBR. Thank you!!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yes, don't be intimidated!

[@Arthur_CNW]

Doooo iiiiit! Absolute masterpiece.

[@BooksRebound]

It's a masterpiece and honestly the intimidation factor is overblown imo. It's not really much more confusing that Game of Thrones. You just need to accept that not everything is going to make total sense. But most stuff gets at least partially explained within a few pages of you questioning something.

[@brentritchie6199]

Wonderful review very insightful thank you, how the author kept track of all this and made it so detailed and complex is beyond me. A work of true genius and so enjoyable.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

It really is a work of genius, 100% agreed!

[@execbb9939]

Thank you for thei compehensive guide / overview of the Malazan seriers. It helps put things in perspective and has some cool tips that I want to check out after I finished GOTM.

[@kurtbeck3400]

Great breakdown, Matt, thank you! I wish I had known about these guides before I started reading the series!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah me too! I didn't realize they existed until a couple books in.

[@jeremyfee]

Thank you for this video. I appreciate how comprehensive it was. I've only read the first book so I was glad there wasn't any spoilers.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

My pleasure! The series only gets better after the first book, enjoy!

[@MrHighlander666]

I've just started House of Chains (book 4) and am absolutely loving the series, I agree I was a little lost while reading the first book but boy does it pay off! I'd say that if you are put off this series but have read Song of Ice and Fire with no problems then Malazan should probably be your next stop. As an avid fantasy reader character deaths are nothing new to me but to genuinely feel grief from reading a novel is extremely hard to do, Erikson smashes this out of the park in a way I have only experienced once or twice before. So glad there is so much more to explore from this series, I cannot wait!

[@marconacher01]

Thank you, Matt. Great video, as always. That’s it, I’m sold. I was reluctant to start the main series. After listening to you, I now want to read all the books. I think we’re living through a golden age of fantasy literature. Will it ever end? I hope not.

[@berserker8884]

Man, as someone who absolutely adores philosophy, poetic writing and tragedy(I assume it is a massive tragedy from what we learn in MBotF), you really sold me on Karkhanas lol. Toll the Hounds is my second favorite book in the series and I LOVED the Andii sections in the book, which is probably unusual. I'm currently reading Return of the Crimson Guard and loving it, but man do I just want to drop it and read Karkhanas instead! Especially because I am very interested in the history of Tiste, their civil war and in characters like Hood. Im super impatient and want to just CONSUME all things Malazan! Well, I will finish RotCG and Stonewielder and then switch to Karkhanas, because I don't think I could wait any longer.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Oh yeah, you will adore Kharkanas then, especially the second book.

[@coltaine503]

The way I approach starting a scifi or fantasy series is to be simultaneously a passive and active reader. Sounds contradictory but it works. I am active in the sense that I mark or question parts of what I am reading. I am passive in the sense it that I want to let the author work his magic, get a quiet feel for his style and adapt my reading to it. This style helped especially very much with this series. So by the end of Gardens of the Moon I knew that this would be a series I would finish. The leftover plot points, what looked like underdeveloped characters, all that didn't matter. I knew all that would be reconciled by the end.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah very great style you have there!

[@ActionMan153]

Finished book Four, surprised to see how much time was spent reading about Karsa, honestly kinda nice the way most of the other characters were followed in the narrative. I loved the series as soon as I read deadhouse gates, the dynamic between Mappo and Icarium was amazing

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah I agree, it was a little offputting right away how much Karsa was being followed, but then it really clicked with me and I really enjoyed that break in pace.

[@gustavolamego9913]

wow this video is amazing. I am finishing wheel of time now, and want to start malazan once Im finished, but I was scared of beeing overwhelmed with starting malazan after it. But after this I am excited to start it probably next year!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yay! I hope you love it!

[@Summ3rFru1tz]

I'm on my first read through! I've just started Midnight Tides. I'm guessing you were talking about Tehol and Bugg. Their banter is absolutely phenomenal! I agree, the way Erikson writes humour is just amazing. Kruppe and Iskaral Pust are 2 of the funniest characters I've ever read 😂

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah I was talking about Tehol and Bugg - put I agree Kruppe and Pust are laugh out loud funny.

[@thecrown11]

Planning a re-read of this, my favourite series of all time and just got a massive warm dose of nostalgia seeing this comment mentioning tehol & Bugg, Pust and of course Kruppe. Esselmont could’ve easily written a solo Kruppe book - what a great character, mind you there are loads of those! Roll on reading no.2!

[@trlns59]

Very timely video. One of my goals this year is to read the whole series. I got stalled at the start of book 4 last time around. I’m ready to go all the way baby!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You got this!

[@danbe6280]

I just started with Gardens of the moon yesterday, thank you for the pdf hint and your pros/cons assessments (for me everything you said it's a pro).

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You are most welcome. Enjoy!

[@donaldkehler7029]

Thanks for the great video Matt! This is my favourite series of all time!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You have great taste!

[@zengaming6128]

Just started Gardens of the Moon because of your infectious passion! 40 pages in and I'm intrigued so far. Not understanding all the details but starting to connect some dots here and there. Less confusing than I feared though. It's not like an impenetrable wall level of confusing (such as Finnegan's Wake)...More like hearing a new dialect of your own native language for the first time...For now at least

[@icetech6]

Just keep reading.... nothing is spoon fed and it clears up.. The Malazan reddit is an amazing place also.. they don't allow spoilers but can help figure things out if it's needed..

[@marcow.4846]

Thank you for the excellent video - really got my hyped even more👍. I had already decided to start Malazan Book of the Fallen again this year (I already tried some years ago, but I DNFed in the middle of book 3). I will take notes as recommended and use the presentations, so I feel well prepared this time 😁

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah you'll get it without a doubt if you do that! Enjoy!

[@TheMarcelbruno]

THIS is a breakdown! Fantastic, thanks

[@cappy2282]

In my humble opinion Malazan Books are by far the best fantasy series out there. Every book in series (from both authors) = top notch/heavy duty 10 outta 10 and I will always revisit them every couple yrs (I'm actually re-reading *Orb Sceptre Throne* now). 2) I almost gave up on first book (GOTM) because i felt overwhelmed and confused but if you take time, be patient and learn how world works you're gonna have a good time. This isn't a series u want to speed through. U gotta chill, reflect and find your Zen lol. Love these books because they've brought me a lot of joy. I wish I had all the books in hardcover. Karsa is my favorite 😂. 3) U did great job with this vid, good stuff my friend 🙏 4) Glen Cook inspired Erikson and his stuff is also amazing. "The instrumentality of the night" books are special 📚

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thanks so much, that is super kind of you!

[@cappy2282]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews You have true appreciation for the series and I applaud you good sir 👍😁

[@joshholmes1372]

I dont think some of ians stuff holds up quite as well. But they arent bad

[@cappy2282]

@@joshholmes1372 Ya I usually enjoy Ian's stuff but I can understand what ur saying. I was pretty disappointed with *Kellanveds reach* and *Forge of High mage.* Meanwhile Ericksons *God not willing* was really good IMO

[@NobukotoTV]

Thanks for the inspiration to read the series. Great video, new sub

[@Heathennation1976]

So I've read fantasy and been reading books for a long time fantasy was not always my favorite genre until about 10 years ago I have the first three books in my library but this series is very intimidating because it's 10 books I'm one of those that likes to start a series and read them all, so I would have to devote a lot of my time to it,your view is really good I'm definitely going to read them one day I don't see it happening this year maybe though, we'll have to see,great review either way I really am excited to read it when I do

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah it's a huge commitment to be sure. I did the same and read them all back to back and it took about 6 months.

[@alexfrederick3404]

Wow. I am half way through the Wheel of Time, and I love the slow pace and the world Robert Jordan has created. Something tells me I'd love Malazan. However, I have no desire to take notes .... but maybe you get out what you put in, like anything else! Thanks for another great video!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You DEFINITELY don't need to take notes. But I would highly suggest you use the PowerPoints.

[@ThatGuyBeingAGuy]

I didn’t take notes and was fine. It’s 1000 times bigger and more complex than Wheel of Time though.

[@nathanriddington]

@@ThatGuyBeingAGuy And 10x better IMO

[@stevenredpath9332]

I have read the series twice and don’t take notes. I admit I got a bit lost in both readings (less in the second reading) but managed to work out just where things were at. The first time I ended up reading as the books were published so had time in between the novels but managed while the second time I had all of them to hand which meant I could deep dive into them without worrying when I would get the next one.

[@gritgrimdark]

Hey Matt, been lurking on your videos for a bit now. Great stuff! Have to say, you and I are very similar in our take of Malazan. I think it is time for a re-read!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thanks so much. I'm really looking forward to a reread soon as well!

[@TBRKyle]

This is a spectacular overview. I'm currently 40% of the way through Memories of Ice and while I've enjoyed the series, this is the point where everything is fully clicking into place (I think I finally have all of the 7th Squadron straight). I've set a 30 page a day goal now 😄

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Awesome, get ready for a JAW DROPPING ending to that book. And yeah my goal was 30 pages when I was reading it as well. It's not something you want to blaze through.

[@carnissa]

Awesome channel, Matt! Subscribed =) Cheers from Brazil o/

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thank so much!

[@asymptoticspatula]

Hey Matt, I've been slowly reading through Book of the Fallen, and right now I'm about 20% of the way through Book 2 (Told you it was slow!), and so far I am loving it. I am a little confused but not overly. I absolutely love the sense of scale and wonder so far, and of course the prose is great as well. I just wanted to drop in and say thank you for convincing me to give it a chance.

[@ranzheng3856]

The PowerPoint slides are so good! Reading GotM could have been so much easier if I had those slides back then!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah they are an absolute life saver when it comes to these books!

[@Waylander777]

Just discovered your channel!! We love the same books! Malazan sits proudly in my collection as my favourite! Five Warrior Angels is now in my sights! Have to ship into the UK though. All the best Alex.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thanks so much - I hope you love Five Warrior Angels! Hop into the discord when you are done and let me know your thoughts if you want, would love to chat with you about it.

[@Waylander777]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews I ordered a copy to be shipped to me, coming end of February. I'm already excited about! I'll look into Discord, don't currently have that app.

[@noname3609]

​@@Waylander777 Are u a fan of David Gemmel? Which are his Best books if I May ask? 🙏

[@Waylander777]

@@noname3609 thanks for getting in touch! Yes I am.... Start with Legend. Deathwalker. Any of the Drenni books are good. Waylander the slayer... Theres a few of those. The Swords of Night and Day. I'd also recommend the Troy series... All Awesome!

[@noname3609]

@@Waylander777 Thank you so much for your awesome reply.I ordered already Legend and Chronicles of Druss. I also plan to read Waylander and some more stuff u mentioned if I find him enjoyable. He influenced John Gwynne and Abercrombie after all. 🙏

[@burge2695]

I'm about halfway thru gardens and im loving it! Also I'm taking notes which i enjoy

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

If you love Gardens you are going to LOSE your mind for the others. Gardens is one of, if not the, weakest in the bunch.

[@burge2695]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews yes I've heard the others are superb and I'm very excited because I'm really enjoying what im reading so far..i just finished lonesome crown so i thought hey why not start malazan

[@burge2695]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews ps::: beer mug is the true hero of the books 👍

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

@@burge2695 he really, really is!

[@seanhalpin87]

The depth that I noticed you're talking about, I noticed in deadhouse gates when felisin and crew end up in the underground city, which they had no idea what it is. (It's been a year or so, so my memory is murky) and it was really interesting for them, and myself.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah that's when it really hit for me as well.

[@RedFuryBooks]

This was extremely helpful - thanks! I'm starting Deadhouse Gates in about a week.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

No, problem - happy to help!

[@RedFuryBooks]

The Google Slides is a game changer!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

@@RedFuryBooks yeah it makes a HUGE difference they ride the line wonderfully between helpful but no spoilers.

[@Alex-jo6rb]

Oh no, the google slides link doesn’t work anymore :(

[@JohnS-gf4sz]

Never read the books, but listened to the complete series of the audiobooks 2x, about three years apart…the second time was glorious…

[@ChristianBullock]

I need to get back to this. Big WoT fan, about to finish all of the First Law books, and looking for something to get into. I had read the first three books of this series but didn’t stick with it for some reason.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yes, get back to it with the reading guide this time!

[@ernstbrehm1135]

Thank You for this!!! Definitely needed this👍🏼

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You are most welcome!

[@irocz5150]

This full breakdowns are so helpful. Thank you for this. By any chance you have a breakdown of Cosmere?

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

I do not, but I'll consider doing one in the future! My next one will be Realm of the Elderlings.

[@OnZFlyStudio]

I was looking through names during the 9th book and that's how I got a spoiler about some characters in a tower following a fiery child in the 10th book -.- sucked to learn early because I am sure it would have made me put the book down instantly. Still cried.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

LOL @ the last two words of this. Glad you still liked it!

[@joshholmes1372]

Chain of dogs is one of the most insane story arcs of any media...ever

[@Daniel-ti9vg]

Deadhouse gates was really hard to me, I was about to put it down. But fortunately I haven't and now I really enjoy Memories of ice.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah Memories of Ice is a lot more digestible than Deadhouse Gates. Glad you like it!

[@StealnSoulz105]

I liked the first book, but I have started deadhouse gates probably 6-7 different times and just cannot get through it. I’m gonna give it another go soon though

[@yvesandrethevenot3489]

I had to put down the fourth Book. Just way too boring and a disastrous prose. I give up.

[@sam.ramphall]

The first time I read GOTM I stopped reading Malazan for a couple of years, it felt so awkward at first because of the same reason you stated, about Erikson dropping you in the middle of the world and you have to figure out things as they happen, which is almost the exact same thing I thought when I finished GOTM. Then picked up DG and could not let it go until I reached about halfway through DoD. The issue is that because of work I could not complete the series, and just last christmas I made myself a present and bought all 10 books in hardcover. I started again from GOTM, but now that I know some stuff I reeeeeally enjoyed it, and I am already halfway through HoC, can't put the books down, and listening to two different podcasts that discuss the series and now I have to add a third one!! I just can't get over the writing style, scope, characters and the sense of a world that is so fleshed out in a book. I have read lots of fantasy as well and it doesn't compare. It is like if I mixed a lot of the other authors I've read, and picked the best trait of each one, maybe I could get a story that could stand aside MBotF, and that is crazy. To finish this, I don't know if you have read Legends of the Otori, it is a different kind of fantasy and I highly recommend it. I would love to see you review it

[@MachoSquatcho]

If Fiddler doesn't make you smile; you're dead inside.

[@raswartz]

Great breakdown. Agree that Malazan is difficult, but difficult in a good way. I would say this is "light spoilers" rather than no spoilers, especially for some of the races.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah I think there's no hard and fast definition. I've found that when I say this level of spoilers usually people say that it's not spoilery. But I think you are probably right.

[@harrycorbiniv]

The long content is GOATED

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thank you Edwin!

[@Psynister_PBP]

I really like the series. For me, the biggest Con is that the main characters change from one book to the next. Sometimes we go back in the 3rd book, sometimes it's yet another group of main characters in that book. I don't mind hundreds of points of view, but some books have all PoV characters that I really just don't care about, but I know if I skip it, I'm going to miss something important. The series does have some of my favorite characters and favorite scenes from any fantasy novel, though. Certainly worth a read.

[@Psynister_PBP]

I appreciate the comments on the individual books. I've been "reading" Toll the Hounds for 2 years, and I hate it. I don't know what's going on, I don't care about the POV characters enough to want to see what happens in the next chapter, I just want it to end. If the last 3rd is the good part, then honestly, I might skip chapters for the first time in my life to just get there.

[@kevinford4229]

This is the video I have been waiting for! I’ve read A Song of Ice and Fire, am working my way steadily through Wheel of Time and can’t wait to experience the mac daddy fantasy series Malazan Book of the Fallen!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

I hope you love it!

[@PageTurnersbooktube523]

Just started Gardens of the moon and ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT!!!!

[@icetech6]

I hope you enjoy it... if you don't understand anything just keep reading... the writing style is different and takes getting used to. Easily my all time favorite series.. it kinda changed what/how i read...

[@whatMickreads]

What great timing! I'm starting Gardens of the Moon in the next few days 😁

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Perfect!

[@alb_reuel]

this is the best overview of this book on youtube

[@theotang681]

i am listening to all ten books and then i will read the ten books. i freaking love malazan book of the fallen. the characters, karsa orlong, and the crazy magic systems and the black humor found within the stories, the weird names and the strange demons, talking puppets and acorns!!! there is just something about these books. truly unique.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

So glad you are loving it!

[@tkinsey3]

I've been reading Malazan off and on for over ten years - I got as far Bonehunters in 2013 before taking an extended break (I moved, got a new job, etc). I got back into it a few years ago via the audiobooks (which weren't around in 2013) and got as far as Midnight Tides before I flamed out again. I -do- really enjoy them, and someday I will finish them. Unfortunately, this is a rare series where I don't think audiobooks will cut it (too dense of a story, and I honestly really disliked the narrator for Books 4-10), but I also genuinely don't know when I will be able to find time to sit and read them in the way they deserve. This may just be one of those things where I read a few pages a day for years. Hopefully, I am not actively dissuading potential readers - that is not my intent! These books are EPIC and INCREDIBLE. They are just also a real time/brain investment. Great overview, Matt!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah I think the quicker you read through these the better it is from an absorption perspective. You may have to either find more time to read or move on to something else. But maybe the slow burn could work for you (I hope it does). Thanks for the kind words!

[@TowerBooks3192]

Ok I had to stop watching the video at around the time you discuss the technology dinosaurs. I know the series is good and intimidating and I only read the first 2 books (which to this day the struggles of Coltane haunt me) and you finally convince me to bump the reading of the third book up my list after I finish Fall of Giants by Ken Follet.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Many people think the third book is one the best books of all time. Enjoy!

[@FredsFolly]

Would someone be able to source that interview where Erikson gives his answer for what Malazan is about?

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

It's originally in Spanish: caballerodelarbolsonriente.blogspot.com/2017/12/steven-erikson-no-hay-nada-para.html