Malazan traps my heart and soul | Memories of Ice Review | SPOILERS +7 mins spoiler free

Hello there! New Malazan reader reporting back for more!
Previous Malazan videos:
Gardens of the Moon: • Malazan might be every...
Deadhouse Gates: • Malazan is an onion | ...
Chat with AP Canavan (A Critical Dragon): • Malazplaining Malazan ...
0:00 No Spoilers
7:28 Spoilers
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[@ACriticalDragon]

Ah, dear Carlos, how Kruppe finds himself bathed in the soothing balm of your fond regard! Verily, it is as if the gentle caress of a summer breeze upon his countenance, lifting the burdensome veil of anonymity that shrouds his humble existence. Your appreciation, like a wellspring of rejuvenating waters, nourishes Kruppe's spirit, infusing him with a vitality akin to that of a sapling reaching for the sun's loving embrace. For in your admiration, Kruppe discerns the subtle echoes of camaraderie, weaving threads of connection that bind us in the intricate tapestry of fate. Thus, with heartfelt gratitude and a twinkle in his ever-discerning eye, Kruppe extends his thanks, knowing that in your esteem, he finds solace and companionship amidst the tumultuous currents of existence.

[@storytoob]

Hahahaha fantastic 😂❤️ Lo! Friendly dragon of a critical disposition. Kruppe finds this comment tickles his tummy as if a feather were wiggled along it. A rumbling chuckle full of warmth rises within Kruppe threatening to burst out into a hearty guffaw.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Wonderful to hear your thoughts on this beauty, Carlos! Your words on Kruppe and Anomander Rake especially make me excited to find out how you'll react to future books, especially Toll the Hounds (book eight), which seems to be one of the more divisive books in the series (I predict you'll love it). Also, well said about other elements, such as the humor. And, yes, Erikson is indeed on another level when it comes to the epic. For House of Chains in May, you're in for something different, but that is true for every Malazan book. Have fun!

[@storytoob]

Thank you Dr. Phil! Yes, I have a good mate whose favourite is Toll the Hounds, one.of the few it seems. And from what he tells me I could very well find myself in that camp of TTH lovers. Finished just in time to read a lot of old medieval stuff next month! 'A cannae wait fir it', as the Scots would say 😂 Very intrigued by house of chains, but I suspect I'll be fine with whatever Erikson decides to do

[@danielgwynne7266]

@@storytoob among the actual malazan fandom tth is pretty well loved. The 2nd most agreed upon thing after gotm being the worst of the 10 is tth being the best with like 28% of people. In the 2023 poll

[@Rogue_VI]

@@storytoob Toll the Hounds was my favorite

[@thefantasythinker]

You're just getting warmed up my friend. So much awesomeness yet awaits! Nice thought meandering. I love being reminded of all the stuff I love about these books.

[@storytoob]

To echo Itkovian, I am not yet done 😜 Cheers!

[@Rogue_VI]

I love Kruppe. To me, his levity and self effacement is all an act. He's way smarter than he lets on. He does all of that so people WILL take him lightly, thus freeing himself up to do the things he wants/needs to do to accomplish his ends with minimal interference.

[@storytoob]

Yessss! Oh yes it's obviously an act of course, but it's that certainty that people won't take him seriously that is the whole point. It's what I was getting at in the video in a roundabout way haha. It also doesn't mean that he's not just naturally that way and just enjoys being that way and plays it up Although he somewhat overdoes it too, and underestimates some of the people around him and their ability to see through him. Or, maybe he doesn't, and just doesn't care. Love it

[@sigurd9143]

So nice seeing people getting into Malazan. It's by far my favorite book series off all time. I'm on my second re-read right now and it just gets better every time I read it.

[@storytoob]

Wow second reread! That's cool.. cheers for watching!

[@MattonBooks]

I’ve said it to you many times in all the places, but I so love watching someone fall in love with Malazan for the first time. 😍 This is maybe my #1 of the BotF. Indeed, epic as fuuuuck! 😀

[@storytoob]

It's turning into quite the journey Matt! Cheers man! I shall catch ya in all the places to chat House of Chains (currently in the first section)

[@claytonhomer3096]

So glad you are enjoying Malazan. I can only speak for myself directly but I think I have a fair analogy of how Malazan feels to me. I equate it to something like an epic Prog Rock band(Rush, TOOL, Pink Floyd, Coheed and Cambria). They make long, complex songs with amazing musical compositions and often deep lyrics. To people who are inclined to like that music, it can become an obsession, that can ruin a lot of other music for them. You can still enjoy a good pop song or general rock track, but you will always search for the next epic complex songs. I will still read and enjoy most other fantasy books, but after a short time I will forget stuff quickly. Malazan books live in my brain at all times, and I randomly think about sections and have to find it and re-read it. It is unlike anything else I have read in that regard. For me, Malazan was a wonderful, double edge blade, that gave me everything I ever wanted or knew I could want. While this is amazing it has left a Malazan sized hole it my heart that I haven't ever found a piece to fill. The most common phrase I say after I finish a book is :That was good, but it was no Malazan. I hope it continues to "tickle your pickle" as you say. Haha. Cheers!

[@storytoob]

That's very interesting! I read fairly broadly so I've been grown quite used to reading things are just good and things that are outstanding in many genres so it's not something I'm too worried about. Some traditional fantasy for example still has things I love that I don't necessarily get out of Malazan, and Malazan may even help to increase my appreciation for that as well

[@thatsci-firogue]

51 mins?!? Buckle up, lads!

[@moderncaleb3923]

I absolutely loved Lady Envy and co's storyline, the Segulah are badass and the banter between the characters was some of my favourite parts of the book. I'm loving the Malazan Series so far, I'm up to Midnight Tides, good luck with the rest of the series!

[@storytoob]

Cheers! Yessss I really enjoyed that storyline - the seguleh are a really interesting nugget of world building

[@bookswithnate]

Another great review of Malazan, Carlos. Like for real m8. I think MOI is the perfect fantasy book. Really just brings in all of what makes fantasy great and what makes the series great. Kruppe is a homie. Currently reading Toll the Hounds and you see a lot of characters from this book and GOTM come up again so hope you continue to enjoy the series and get to that point

[@storytoob]

Cheers Nate! Wow you're flying with the series! I certainly intend to carry on this year yep!

[@SouravUldyssian]

This was a brilliant analysis of the book. You delved deep into the thematic aspects, and touched on themes that are not that apparent. Cheers. Memories of Ice is definitely a hallmark of high fantasy as well as a literary achievement in general. It is perfectly balanced like you said. Though I love Deadhouse Gates a little more, MOI is unparalleled in its epicness. Itkovian's embrace scene and his funeral scene will be etched in my memory forever. House of Chains will be totally different, so let's see how you like that. Just be ready to encounter something drastically new and different.

[@storytoob]

Thanks Sourav! Given how different each book has been so far in terms of tone, I'm excited to see how House of Chains is structurally. From what I've heard, I'm intrigued. Cheers!

[@Cyriax71]

Wonderful discussion and review. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the rest of the series. I will be starting Toll the Hounds for the first time soon.

[@storytoob]

Thanks!

[@kevin.jenkins]

I watched every second. Great review, great video. Now you get to WITNESS 🔥

[@storytoob]

I am not yet done.

[@ColinsCornerYT]

Great video man. You covered so much, and well…that’s cause there’s so much to cover 😂😂. I love that you and I picked up on the same types of themes. Also, you mentioning that bit about Josiah Bancroft got me excited to try Senlin Ascends. HOC here we come!!!!

[@storytoob]

Yeeeeeeah boiii

[@JosephReadsBooks]

This was great!

[@storytoob]

You are great!

[@erikhenriksen2470]

It had you chained you say? Interesting phrasing!

[@storytoob]

Pun very much intended 😂

[@bardsandbooks]

Great video! Very much felt the same on a lot of your thoughts. Excited to share our thoughts on House of Chains 🤘🏽

[@storytoob]

Thanks Usman! When are you getting to HoC?

[@bardsandbooks]

@@storytoob closer to mid-May. I’ll post in discord when I start

[@Jabberwhorl_Cronstadt]

My brother in Kruppe, he is simply the best character, possibly of all time? So how could you help but love him? Shouldn't be controversial! 😂 And while I do believe his general disposition has some truth to it, it's also a front to hide just how powerful he is. No one suspects the bumbling of who is constantly stealing treacles and tarts! There is always that sneaky side to consider with him. He is the Eel after all...

[@storytoob]

Yay! I yes I agree there's a facade he puts up to hide his true power, but that's also who he is. I love seeing those little moments of wisdom, generosity and power underneath the bumbling buffoonery

[@liviathemalazanpotatonoob5014]

The payoff in Memories of Ice? Can't wait for you to get to the end of book 10! ❤

[@storytoob]

Sweeet

[@jedthefroggy]

I've been reading this book for about 2 years now. I love it and I also am intimidated by it. Perhaps finishing it will disappoint me because it will be over. The scenes are so strange but so good. I'm about halfway through (maybe more) and so far my favorite part is Gruntle and the building, HOODS BALLS! I'm so pissed I can't watch the spoiler section yet, but I will when I finish the entire book. I sure hope Toc the Younger makes it out okay.

[@storytoob]

Amazing stuff! HOODS BALLS indeed! 🤣 I think after 2 years, the end of this book will feel like the monumental end of a journey. Love that for you!

[@ladyfox6705]

I've just started reading Malazan for the 1st time, and am having trouble putting Gardens of the Moon down! I can see little foreshadowing-sprinkles littered about, little things people say, odd bits that make me think hmmm XD There's much to consider and ponder over, but I haven't found it that confusing tbh - you just have to pay attention really. Am VERY MUCH looking forward to continuing on with this remarkable series 🙂and do believe that Malazan may become a firm top favourite! (Oh, obviously I've not watched for spoilers, but I left my 'Like' 🙂)

[@storytoob]

Hey there! Yay.. hope you continue to enjoy (although enjoy isn't a word I'd use for Deadhouse Gates haha) thank you 😂

[@ChobThomas]

Damn straight it is!

[@dlasis]

Listening to everything you have mentioned on this video, it sounds like you already have this series figured out. Are you sure you're not a Malazan vet? Kidding aside, prepare for more shocking events in the rest of the books. Erikson will repeatedly make you feel new to the world. It's insane how he does that. This review is approved. You may proceed to the next one. :D

[@storytoob]

Haha cheers Dom! We go on. I am not yet done.

[@dlasis]

@@storytoob how do we influence Yolanda to read Malazan? 😆

[@storytoob]

Trying my best on a daily basis mate 😂 (but I gotta read The Power of the Dog)

[@storytoob]

I’ll get there🤣 (this is Yolanda)

[@dlasis]

@@storytoob to Yolanda, I will literally cry real tears when you at least reach the end of this book. woot!

[@PhilBrillant]

Itkovian! A true man.

[@kah-thurak]

Memories of Ice and Deadhouse Gates are my favorite Fantasy books. I think Erikson is more proud of the later books in the series, but for me this is the peak of High Fantasy.

[@storytoob]

What an exciting time to be alive!

[@slidenaway]

Hey! Rambling is fine, this video was great! Since it seems like you need the reassurance 🙄 😂 seriously tho, no one expects you to mention EVERYthing that happens in the book no matter how long the video is. Unless you say upfront “I’m gonna mention EVERYthing that happens in this book !” Anyway. You said a lot of great stuff. You’re right this book is basically perfect. Now you see why it frequently is a favorite of the 10. Doesn’t mean later books aren’t amazing, but it’s difficult to match the balance this book has (as you put it), between themes and cool factor and humor and rip-roaring story. Speaking of which, you definitely pulled more thematic depth out of that quote from Draconus about chaos than I’ve ever heard before. And it’s an oft-discussed passage - but usually for the plot meaning, because it’s such an in depth and detailed explanation of Dragnipur and its purpose. So to hear you dive into the metaphorical side… really interesting!! Incisive analysis!!! 👏 👏 Also interesting that you brought “balance” as a third theme to the 2 more obvious and usually cited ones of motherhood and compassion. I think maybe that’s a constant underlying theme of all of Erikson’s writing and maybe it just stuck out more to you based on where you are in life right this second. Does that make sense? People often say they get different things outta the series depending on when they read it - like when they’re 30 they get X things and then a reread at 40 or 50 brings out Y things. So, just some food for thought Anyway glad you loved it as much as you should, and onto HoC!! That one is a little less consistently loved on first read than most others in the series, but not universally. It’s just a little different. So I’m very curious and excited to hear your take!!

[@storytoob]

Cheers! Yeah of course, it's a fact of the reading experience that you'll get different things out of a book at different points in life. That's why people reread the good stuff. Onto House of Chains indeed! I am not yet done.

[@demidrek-heyward]

Kruppe is my absolute fav hahaha

[@storytoob]

Kruppe concurs with this sentiment methinks

[@EricMcLuen]

You should have held back. I did. MoI is where Erickson just goes bonkers and you get a taste of things to come. I do not recommend starting to read the last hundred pages late at night. There is so much lore tucked away as well. It is very satisfying when two or four books later there is a call back and you shout at the book 'I know what that is!' And just when you think you are over Deadhouse Gates, you get that last line and it all comes rushing back. But you have unlocked an achievement award to some more spoilery goodness videos.

[@storytoob]

Haha unlocking Malaztube XP

[@Urantia_]

2:57 Do you know where is city Hysar? Is written in the book the city and Hysars.

[@storytoob]

Do you mean Hissar? From Deadhouse Gates was it?

[@Urantia_]

@@storytoob yes. find it on google maps in Bulgaria near city Plovdiv

[@storytoob]

Oh that's cool!

[@Urantia_]

@@storytoob Yeah. This is Thracia which is part from Bulgaria and down Turkey which is Mala Asia and Mala Asia is written in the books as MalaAzan which mean Mala Asia where is Turkey. Turkey was part from Bulgaria and the book of Steven Ericson is Bulgarian history. He also wrote about the Sunnis who are in the Arab lands. Stephen Erickson is a very smart man, and he was an archaeologist and knows history very well. Here in Bulgaria there have been many atrocities and wars over the centuries.

[@tightyellowshorts]

Kruppe is the best character... until book 5. If you know, you know. But let's not say any more.