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

[@PoopKingg]

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. 😉 )

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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! :)

[@skyojanicpreitisic6560]

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

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yes, do it!

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@johnpolidan3892]

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

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Awesome, I hope you enjoy!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@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..

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

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

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thank you Philip!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@SomeJustice19k]

Full breakdown in one hour? This video could be 6 days long and you still wouldn't be able to cover everything. Undoubtedly the best fantasy series ever.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

lol good point. More like "most full breakdown I could do in one hour"

[@billyalarie929]

But it is probably the best breakdown of this thing I’ve ever seen. So there’s that.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kylepinion]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@christopherspriggs4179]

52 minutes of someone chatting about Malazan! Yeahhh I’m in.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Lol happy to be of service!

[@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!

[@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…

[@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!

[@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!

[@Benjamin-w41]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@larryhodge3107]

Well I finally finished Malazan last night; the main 10 anyway. Took me forever to get through that last book; not because it was bad though. Because it was the last book, lol. I did the same thing with Memory of Light, the last WoT book. Took forever to get through it; it felt like I was about to lose an old friend or something. This series gave me some of the same feelings. I loved the world building most of all. This has the best world building in the genre and it's not even remotely close in my opinion. Everyone points to LotR as being the gold standard for world building and for several decades they were correct. But not anymore. Both WoT and now Malazan have outdone LotR in that regard. And Malazan is the new king of the genre. I loved the little character moments Erikson sprinkled throughout the series. And I'm not talking about just with the main cast either. We would have a major battle in one chapter that would be epic and blow your mind. Then you were with a few of the surviving marines just talking about random stuff and have nice little moments with random side characters that just tugged at heart strings. Those moments were great and reminded me a lot about why I feel in love with the characters from WoT. But unfortunately he didn't do enough of that nor did he sustain it with most of the characters. At lot of them would have that one moment but then nothing else; some few would have multiple moments; Fiddler obviously comes to mind, that's why he is my clear favorite now from Malazan. Karsa also had several moments. Gesler and Stormy too. And some of the side characters had multiple moments as well. But overall I feel he choose to concentrate more time on building the world at the expense of the characters. I really feel that he created more interesting characters than Robert Jordan did in WoT but he didn't flesh them out nearly as much as Jordan did his. I think if he had the characters would have felt more real to me and it would have resulted in a higher ranking. While I don't quite love the series as much as you do I definitely see why so many say it's there favorite of all time. For me I have it ranked 4th on my all time list. I thought it might sneak in to the top 3 and knock Drenai Saga down a notch but the climatic battle wasn't as good as I had come to expect from Malazan and that kept it at #4. So my top 3 are unchanged and still WoT, Stormlight & Drenai. I'm going to hold off on reading Novels of the Malazan Empire for a little while. I've been itching to read the Faithful and the Fallen from John Gwynne so I'm going to do those first. Then I'll either go back to First Law or on to Novels. Either way I'm going to read those in a few months. In a couple years I would like to reread the main 10 again. There was so much going on that I know I missed a bunch of stuff and I think on a reread I might appreciate it even more. I reread WoT ever few years and I expect I will do the same with Malazan as well.

[@neutral_10]

I do not think Stormlight should be put up there since we have yet to see its conclusion. Rhythm of War is also a hit-or-miss book.

[@larryhodge3107]

@@neutral_10 both Stormlight & Malazan have actually moved down a spot. First Law jumped all of them except WoT. I like the characters better in all the series ahead of Malazan and for me characters is what makes a series. Stormlight isn't finished and RoW wasn't the best installment but the first 3 books are more than enough to warrant it being on my list. It may fall or rise depending on the next installment though.

[@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!

[@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.

[@christopherspriggs4179]

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

[@nathanriddington]

@@christopherspriggs4179 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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@trlspann]

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!

[@donaldkehler7029]

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

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You have great taste!

[@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.

[@carnissa]

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

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thank so much!

[@littlebookbin]

I’m so glad I’ll actually have the help of an useful wiki page that won’t spoil the book to death

[@daveasmer3353]

Hands down best epic fantasy ever written!!! When Coltaine got to the city just to get gates shut and him being left to die with his soldiers was one of the best moments in any books...

[@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.

[@RLX5201]

Great video Matt and I love your enthusiasm for this series, sadly it wasn't for me and I forced myself to finish it before truly realising that. I can't imagine anything worse than having to take notes or use a PowerPoint (huge credit to whoever created it) while reading a book. I read for fun, and that feels like being back at school. Biggest red flag I think is when you said (and I fully agree with this) that Erikson wrote this not caring whether his readers understand what is going on or not. Shame, but not every book will be for everyone I guess.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah not every book is for every person. I dislike a TON of books that are beloved by the fantasy community - it's just natural that it happens.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@randallk6812]

Malazan is one of those series that could benefit from a manga adaptation so that more people can experience it.

[@danielgwynne7266]

I feel like manga would help it a lot more than movies or tv since inner dialogue is a lot easier to do and the budget would be a lot less of a problem

[@oliviertrudel2384]

bro 10 huge and dense books like Malazan in a manga? are you crazy lol it would take 1000000000 volumes lmao

[@nikkan3810]

@@oliviertrudel2384 it takes skill but can be done.

[@oliviertrudel2384]

@@nikkan3810 heavily doubt it. These books are far too dense to be told through a manga. It would quite literally take hundreds of volume to do it and still maybe more

[@nikkan3810]

@@oliviertrudel2384 If you go literally line by line, sure, but that's not how a visual medium works. A lot of the things on the page can be translated into pictures in a way that only leaves dialogue to worry about. Don't underestimate manga artists. Their skill in this is beyond insane.

[@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!

[@MachoSquatcho]

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

[@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!

[@shadyrebob5999]

I read the whole series several years ago. It was really pretty good but very hard to get into. I tried explaining it to someone once and could not. Lol. I've often thought about a re-read but man, its a tough read. I think some of the characters are among my favorites in literature but the overarching story, whew, where to start.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

I'm excited about a reread because I know there's so much I missed that I would get the 2nd time.

[@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!

[@ernstbrehm1135]

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

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You are most welcome!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@harrycorbiniv]

The long content is GOATED

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Thank you Edwin!

[@joshholmes1372]

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

[@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.

[@andrewmiller8410]

This is really cool and interesting. I don't read much (gasp!), but I have always been into writing and definitely into fantasy world-building since I was way younger, just kind of kept it as a hobby with all my side projects and such. My problem when I start to peek into the realm of wanting to read fantasy fiction, is that I have no idea where to start. I tried an audible once for some high-rated fantasy series and it was absolutely miserable and boring to listen to. I refunded it. I have this weird texture-cringe reaction to holding and feeling the pages of books, so I don't really do those. And then I don't like to stare at the screen any more than I have to with my work in VFX and smartphone habits, etc. But if a book or series is good enough, interesting enough, I'm sure I would find a way to consume it. You have pretty much sold me on this series. I am super interested and will be looking more into this. Thanks!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

I would be happy to recommend you a great fantasy audiobook. What types of topics are you into in books, video games, tv/movies?

[@andrewmiller8410]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews All kinds I guess.. LoTR is cool and all, but I thought those books were boring, sadly. Maybe if I read them now that I'm much older, and know so much more about the world, maybe I could benefit from a re-read there. Honestly, listening to you discuss here about the series' no hand-holding, "trust" in the author, big question marks and lots of mysteries and ideas to just accept - it felt similar to the worlds of Dark Souls. Even the philosophy aspect. I love that idea where the writing itself can be interesting and thought provoking. One of the reasons I used to write more and be into things like poetry. I like high and epic fantasy - I freaking love badass knights and armor - but I get bored if everything is always elves/dwarves/dragons, so much so that I used to make an effort to not use any of those elements directly in my own projects. I can like scifi as well, from West World to the Matrix to Cowboy Bebop. Horror, Mystery are always appealing. Dark Fantasy like the world of FromSoftware's recent games is obviously really cool. Oddly enough, I even like VERY stylized games and animations - just something that came with my career path. Things with charm like Legend of Zelda (Wind Waker especially), or some good ol' JRPG's.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

​@@andrewmiller8410 The only problem with Malazan is that it's so complicated that you essentially MUST read it in book form, on audio you will miss way too much. If you are looking for audio, I think "The First Law" might appeal to you. Not only is it an incredible series beloved by fantasy fans, but it's also darker in nature (starts out light, but don't let it fool you...it's grim), and the audio narrator is the greatest in the history of audiobooks.

[@TexasFriedCriminal]

I found the prose artlessly obtuse, many characters unengaging or wannabe cool home brew mary sues and worst of all, there was a old soldier stereotype called Whiskeyjack. That name alone had the power to ruin any immersion I had managed to muster. There are aspects I liked and some of the world building I glean from videos and secondary sources that made me curious about it.

[@eddiemccabe4585]

Masterpiece,plain and simple .❤

[@joevesayaporn]

This is great thanks. I'm just rereading the series for a 2nd time (on midnight tides currently) I just say 2nd time round has been 100x times more enjoyable as having a vague understanding of the characters and world helps you notice other things. Best fantasy series ever in my mind

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

I absolutely cannot wait to read it for my 2nd time!

[@charlieburrows7490]

Me too! exactly the same. First time round I stalled at book 8 and couldn't carry on years ago. I started the series again last year and now on Midnight tides,,and second time round seems, more enjoyable and understandable.

[@joevesayaporn]

@@charlieburrows7490 the world is so different to other fantasy novels, then each novel jumping to a different continent and story really threw me off, but now I'm ready for it (plus use the malazan wiki) it's just mind blowing.

[@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!

[@lagseova]

Listening to this video reminds me of why not a lot of people have actually read James Joyce's Ulysses. Novels as advanced puzzles limits the readership. If you need to seek information constantly from outside the books yo make sense of the stories what's the point. Who has the time to do this for ten novels?

[@ashnair7]

I’ve read LOTR, HP, HDM, GoT and the first 3 Stormlights (loved the first two, oathbringer was a slog). That’s it as far as my fantasy experience goes… this video makes it sound right up my alley but it sounds daunting af!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Don't be overwhelmed by it, just take the plunge. It feels too much at first but before you know it you'll be making sense of everything important.

[@80NG5]

I don't find Malazan any harder to read than say A Song of Ice and Fire, sure they are both not light reading but I think part of what makes them epic and so satisfying to read is the elaborate why they are told. I hear people going on about how it's hard to understand but I don't share the same sentiment. I hear even people who love Malazan say this, so this isn't to say that it has something to do with people not liking it. I do however think that preference and familiarity with the way they are told has a lot to do with it. I personally cannot stomach Brandon Sanderson's prose and cannot even get myself to finish a book. I don't think they are bad or less than I just don't think they are for me.

[@Paromita_M]

Great video. Thank you for this.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

You are most welcome!

[@flyingsquirrel1486]

AYYYYY TEHOL AND BUGG MY BOYS I was cackling throughout their chapters it was SO good

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

It's ridiculous how good at writing comedy Erikson is.

[@NobukotoTV]

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

[@adibis.vanced]

5 minutes in, this is NOT spoiler free.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

It talks very lightly on the plot, but I don't think it actually spoils anything.

[@adibis.vanced]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews sure but the thing about ka'chen chammal magic and gravity, for example, is something I thought was very interesting and the reveal was a nice surprise when reading the books. I agree it's not a spoiler in the strictest ssense. I also understand that making any review with zero spoilers is close to impossible.

[@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.

[@hunterramey8180]

Started reading GotM. Yea it feels a bit disjointed but I’m sorry I kinda dig it. I’m already invested. So much mystery and cool moments. Everything in the world feels so fluid. I’m excited for what is to come.