Malazan: ‘House of Chains’ by Steven Erikson | Book 4 Spoiler Review

[@andyzzzore1]

Just recently came across your videos, and absolutely love them! Having read the series eight full times over the years now it is so lovely to see a first time reader's take on these books that mean so much to me. Just wanted to say hearing your feelings on Tavore brought tears to my eyes, she and Fiddler are tied for my favourite characters in the series. You perfectly captured everything i love about her - that mystery and tragedy. Stoicism and cold iron, everything held close to her heart.

[@NerdyKathi]

Welcome and thank you so much for the very kind compliment. I am so glad you are enjoying the videos. I hope I can do justice to the books. I adore Fiddler and I think Tavore could develop into a favourite as well.

[@TBaggins96]

Karsa's moment when he throws Siballe into the water made me burst into tears personally. I think you're gonna love the change of pace in Midnight Tides. It's at the same time probably the funniest of the books but also one of the most heartfelt and tragic. It's truly amazing all that Erikson accomplishes in book 5 alone.

[@NerdyKathi]

I'm half way through Midnight Tides and I forgot to mention that scene between Karsa and Sin'b'alle. That was a beautiful moment.

[@anangryscorpion5838]

Your Malazan reviews/discussions are always such a treat for me to listen to, brings me back to all those feelings that I had reading the series for the first time myself.

[@NerdyKathi]

You couldn't have paid me a greater compliment, thank you. ❤️

[@vinodvagadurgi414]

It's great to see your reviews, I just finished the bonehunters boy it was fun

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you. I'm very much looking forward to Bonehunters.

[@Johanna_reads]

Wonderful review! I’ll never forget the tragedy between sisters and the transformative journey of Karsa in this book. I loved what you shared about Tavore! Seeing aspects of her character rather than being told. Witness! ❤

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the review. Tavore is still such a mystery. Witness! ❤️

[@Jedi_Mind_]

Kathi !!!! Great review 🥰 I luv seeing your pets 👍 Your videos are so well paced and thought out, you bring a lot of life experience to bare on your analysis that others can’t match. Thanks so much kathi 😀

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you very much, I appreciate that. I'm so glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@maxnewellmz8025656]

I'm glad you liked Trull Sengar on your your first read because I didn't but later he became one of my favorites especially in the reread. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Midnight Tides because that is my favorite book of the series.

[@NerdyKathi]

What a banger start to the book so far. I am very much enjoying it.

[@drawyrral]

Thank you for talking about my favorite books.

[@NerdyKathi]

You are very welcome. They are becoming some of my favourites.

[@Gr33ners]

Oh wow, what a Halloween treat! I’m really glad you took the time to speak about Stephen Erikson before getting into the review itself. Another great Review / Video. Midnight Tides is one of my favorites and I just already know you’ll love one specific duo! 😉 WITNESS!!

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Like always I'm looking forward to the next book very much, though always sad to see the end of the last. But that's what re-reads are for.

[@slidenaway]

Another brilliant review, thank you Kathi!! Listen, we love the ramble. That’s what these books are for!!! Talk as long as you want 😊 I’ve watched many dozens of Malazan reviews and I’ve only said what I’m about to say to one other reviewer, which is the DLC Bookclub (check out their Malazan content!) and that is: you are the *target audience* for Malazan. No joke. Even if not every character/plot lands for you, you have a really clear understanding and appreciation of everything. Even if you don’t enjoy some things, or think maybe something didn’t totally make sense - overall it really works for you. That means you’re absorbing the themes, you’re okay with not understanding everything at first, and you see the vision. Also helps that you enjoy the humor! Which is an underrated aspect of Erikson’s writing in my opinion You’re spot on that friendship is a strong theme of the series, an often overlooked one. The duos in this series are unmatched, there are so many outstanding duos. Don’t worry, more to come, and easily one of the best is in Midnight Tides! I loved the detail you went into about everything, and in particular your love and appreciation of a few characters: namely Karsa, Tavore, Felisin, and of course Fiddler. Those first 3 are somewhat controversial, but the true blue Malazan fans love them all, and there you are 😌 and while it’s easy to LIKE Fiddler, only the true blue Malazan fans LOVE Fiddler the same way you do ❤❤❤ Also, the fact that you loved the ending says a lot. Again, this ending is controversial among the fandom - a LOT of people don’t really dig it. But not you, cause you’re on the right wavelength!! Erikson really is an incredible writer isn’t he? Another thing you called out that I love is how he keeps hitting you with emotional payoffs books later - all the references to the Chain of Dogs, characters reacting to Whiskeyjack’s death… I don’t know many other series that can call back emotions like that, or that do it so EFFECTIVELY. Okay that’s QUITE enough rambling 😂 thank you again, see you soon for Midnight Tides!!! (Pro tip: you’re gonna LOVE IT)

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you, Chris. It means a lot to me that you enjoy these reviews and I am very appreciative of the great compliment you pay me when you said that I am the target audience. I am intending to watch the DLC Bookclub but as this is my first read through Malazan I'm deliberately keeping away from viewing reviews as I don't want it to influence my reading of the books. Given some of the heavy themes in the books perhaps some don't want humour in them, but for me it's an essential part of life. I love those unlikely friendships and I'm starting MT tomorrow. Karsa, Tavore and Felisin are such a critical part of the series, in at least 2 books. You may not love them but you have to appreciate how Erikson handled them. Fiddler rocks! Jordan also does it very well in WOT, reminding you of powerful emotions in later books. It was a favourite though emotional moment for me in the book. Thank you again for the wonderful support you show me with each review. 🥰

[@slidenaway]

@ you’re very welcome!! I don’t always type out long YT comments, but a lengthy review deserves a lengthy comment :) You’re right about Jordan and WoT, he absolutely does the same kind of thing. Silly of me to forget honestly ! Thank you for the thorough response, that’s what this is all about! Chatting about awesome books with smart people 😁 keep up the great work, and have fun with MT!

[@SouravUldyssian]

Such an incredible review. Always love your insights, and love seeing your take on the events. I loved House of Chains and didn't have any complaints with it. I liked the ending, and the fact that its a more personal climax rather than a big epic one. Regarding Bidithal and why he was kept around. Shaik, Leoman, Loric and Heboric all knew that Febryl and Korbolo, both would betray Shaik whenever they get the chance. The only reason they hadn't yet was because of Bidithal. Bidithal despite being probably the most vile character in the series, had two things going for him. One, he was really powerful as a mage, and Febryl/Korbolo couldn't do anything as long as he was around. Two, he was always loyal to Shaik no matter what. This is why they needed him at least until they had beat the Malazans. Once the Malazans were defeated, Shaik planned to get rid of both Bidithal and Febryl, but until then she needed him. The most powerful theme / real world parallel of Bidithal's mutilation of Felisin, was good people turning a blind eye to evil to suit their purpose. Shaik, Heboric, Leoman, Loric all cared about Felisin and are all decent to good people. They knew the threat of Bidithal to Felisin, yet chose to do nothing and put it off, as they needed him. This happens so much in real life, where good people tolerate evil because it is convenient to ignore that to suit their needs, and innocent people suffer because of it. Also what Bidithal did to Felisin was not just rape. It was female genital mutilation, which is a horrible practice and still happens in some parts of the world, and Erikson wanted to highlight that.

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you, Sourav. I truly value your opinion. I've responded to your comments on Discord but wanted to repeat here that you made an excellent point about expediency over morality. I remember cases of female mutilation, which is so appalling and telling of humanity. Erikson certainly doesn't shy away from difficult subjects.

[@chadia25]

Loved this. Thank you. ❤ I had the same feelings about Karsa. Felisin was indeed extremely sad. 😢

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you so much. Glad I'm not alone in liking Karsa. And yes Felisin's story is tragic.

[@DimitrovStefanLachkov]

I enjoy very much your reviews of the series and I can't wait to hear your thoughts about the next book which is my favorite.

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you. I am so glad you are enjoying the reviews.

[@MagnenoAlexWilkins]

Havent commented but im going through the series for the first time as well. Im on book 7 but took a break to read an Esslemont book but i love hearing your thoughts and passion for these books

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you very much. I’m also going to read the Esslemont books, provided I like the first.

[@MagnenoAlexWilkins]

@@NerdyKathi knight of knives is ok...... Doesn't really capture his later works but people often consider his books spinoffs and worse criticism is that it's fan fiction which it just isn't. Ian is co creator of this franchise. As him and Steven came up with all of this together. I was watching an interview just the other day and Steven said he didn't feel too bad about killing off WhiskeyJack because it wasn't his Character. It was Ian C Esslemont who created the Character in their DND sessions together. Return of the Crimson Guard is a much better introduction to what Esslemont will do with the rest of his works.

[@craxanshards3139]

I read the series a few years ago now, but still love listening to people talk about it. Deadhouse Gates is my favorite of the novels and then Midnight Tides. Unfortunately for me, I loved the first seven novels, but the last three not so much. I know most people seem to love the last two, but I guess I'm in the minority there. Anyway, loved the video and the "ramblings". Looking forward for checking out more.

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you very much. I find it interesting that despite you not enjoying the last three books you still love watching reviews on the series. I’m hoping I love them all though of course it may not be equally.

[@Coleton2573]

Wish I could give this video 1000 likes. Wonderful review. I'm so excited for Midnight Tides!

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you so much 🙏. I hope I did the book justice. I've been looking forward to Midnight Tides ever since I finished House of Chains.

[@mathewvance6882]

I’m very much enjoying these videos. While the ‘anticlimax’ for the two armies is somewhat divisive among the readership - according to rankings -, I couldn’t agree more with your review. Hope you also enjoyed the antics of Corabb Bhilan Thenu'alas.

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you! I can see it being divisive but there's a lot to be said for leaving you thinking of tragedy. It's not like we haven't had some great epic climaxes already. I'm starting Midnight Tides tomorrow. Can't wait.

[@Chance.Dillon]

Here a month late to catch the discussion before listening to the midnight tides video! Sorry I’ve been absent 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@NerdyKathi]

No need to be sorry. 😊 The videos aren't going anywhere and I very much appreciate you watching.

[@call_me_pebble]

Oh no you've passed me by! I'm only about halfway through with House of Chains now. I'll be back to hear your thoughts when I've finished. I'm hoping they are positive 😬

[@NerdyKathi]

I usually would read one after the other but this series benefits from taking your time and dwelling on them. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the book, as always. 🥰

[@MagnenoAlexWilkins]

Also Karsa was a direct response to people claiming Erickson couldn't write a traditional 1 person POV for very long. This was very much a i of course can but prefer not too let me prove you wrong.

[@NerdyKathi]

I had read about that as well and he did prove them wrong.

[@MagnenoAlexWilkins]

One other aspect that may make you appreciate karsa more. He is basically Erickson's answer to Robert E Howards Conan the Barbarian. Howard was young when he wrote his stories and often used Barbarism as a means of a kinda purity from society. As society gets bogged down by so much politics and things like slavery which conan despised and despite being a thief Conan was an extremely honest and morally good character throughout. But Howard wanted to critique society and civilization through the lens of Conan. However steven Erickson was Older when he was writing his stories and wanted a more nuanced take on similar beats...... Is Barbarism........... Really better then Civilization. Which of course has many flaws in of itself. But Karsa was the answer to that.

[@NerdyKathi]

I had read that and I’ve read Jordan’s take on Conan as well as seen the films, but I haven’t read Howard. Conan was, I think, more idealistic than Karsa. In some ways the Teblor were more pure in their beliefs but also more insular and arrogant. It was an interesting exploration.

[@dkmoon7543]

Witness.

[@michaelibk418]

WOW 6000 👍👍👍👍👍

[@NerdyKathi]

❤❤

[@Castabulan]

Karsa Orlobg is one of the best of the characters of Malazan.

[@NerdyKathi]

He's such a complex character. I really liked him in this.

[@michaelibk418]

Sadly I can’t watch this video because I haven’t read the books. But as you continue praising the series I did something I normally don’t do. Bought two books at once from an author I haven’t read anything 😅

[@NerdyKathi]

I know, I’m sorry Michael! I’ve been thinking about that and am considering adding a short spoiler free summary in the future. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the series.

[@michaelibk418]

@@NerdyKathi No that wasn't a complaint from my side;-) I like your reviews they are great I have no problem to wait till I actually read the book. At some point there is just no sense to make reviews without spoilers especially in a series with several books, its totally fine:-)

[@slidenaway]

On the topic of whether or not to include non-spoiler thoughts - tough call. You might get a few more views that way? Not that’s it’s only about views of course. I doubt it’s many people but I believe there are a few people out there who will watch the beginning of a video like this despite never having read any Malazan. So if you want to put a 5 minute non spoiler summary/rating up front for those folks, it wouldn’t hurt. But I also think you really don’t need to - up to you!!

[@NerdyKathi]

Views don't concern me. They should but they don't. However I have some loyal subscribers who will miss out when I have spoiler filled reviews. I think it's a good idea to do a short spoiler free summary. Thank you!

[@vinodvagadurgi414]

I would suggest you read the bonehunters and then take a break

[@NerdyKathi]

I'll think about it. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@bjminton2698]

Discussing a good book with other readers is much fun, isn't it? I have started 7 or 8 different fantasy series and completed only 1 🫣. Shiny new things keep distracting me - lol. I'm loving Will of the Many, BTW. So glad Erikson has many more Malazan adventures for you to enjoy!! Do you plan on reading the ones by Esslemont as well?

[@NerdyKathi]

It's my main reason for having a channel. I'm always seeing new perspectives or interpretations of books which enhances my reading experience. I'm usually pretty good at continuing with series but we can all get distracted by the new. Yes I'm going to read Esslemont as well, provided I like his books.