Reaper's Gale by Steven Erikson Book Review & Reaction | It Might Have Burned Me Out on Malazan...

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey Bookworms! I swear I wasn’t drunk with that opening. I just loved old school boxing as a youngster and always thought I’d be a ring announcer when I grew up. Hope you enjoyed!

[@sd2002]

Your best introduction by far. Your excerpt reading always excellent but the wrestling introduction was different level. You would make a good narrator for audio book btw

[@mkgnlgt]

AWESOME!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Fantastic opening, Mike! I’m sorry to hear that Reaper’s Gale was more of a miss for you. One piece of good news is that Toll the Hounds features a lot of characters you already know. Like every other Malazan book, it’s different from what comes before, and it features some horror elements. Love, grief, and sacrifice loom large in Toll the Hounds. I’ll be curious to hear your take!

[@Yoda0VGs]

Let's hope he's a Clip fan 😂

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Yoda0VGs Ha ha! Highly unlikely, but I look forward to hearing Mike tell us how much he hates Clip!

[@Mr13chapters]

This is one my favourites of the series to be honest. I wonder if Erikson used WW2 allied invasion of Normandy and especially Stephen E Ambrose book Band of Brothers as inspiration for Bonehunters push across Letherii

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Mr13chapters That wouldn't surprise me!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Should I announce your guest spot like that when you join me for Beowulf? “He’s the chancery of fantasy and the doctor of proctors, Philly Chaaaaaaaaaase!!!”

[@carolynsmith5737]

I understand why you feel the way you do, but this was a favorite in the series for me so far. This was a very emotional book for me, and I shed a lot of tears. I do love Tehol and Bugg and following the Malazan army so that probably helps.

[@sweetlard2113]

"He has a golden coin bod and a sword from the crippled God" - So good.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I was particularly proud of that one.

[@epicgamer2727]

Personally I have a soft spot for Reapers Gale because of the moments in the book for the characters I enjoy (Beak, Karsa, Rhulad, Trull, Tehol)

[@Yoda0VGs]

"The Malazans are on our shore."

[@mikesbookreviews]

Beak was pretty good.

[@tnagel88]

I had very similar feelings to you (for all of the books you've reviewed so far) on a first read. After finishing, I was like, "yeah, that was good." There was so much, though, that I didn't understand. I found myself missing the story after finishing it. On a re-read, with my expectations changed and with context, it changed so much that it was almost like reading a completely different series. I picked up so much more. I know asking someone to read this series once is a big ask, let alone twice. But, at least in my experience, the second read of this series was one of the most profound reading experiences of my life even though the first read was just, "yeah, that was good." If you're looking for things to pare away to a group of core characters at the end, you might enjoy it more if you let go of that expectation (I'm not saying it does or doesn't, but I think all of these books are better if you go into them without any expectations). Also, a lot of people rank Dust of Dreams at the bottom. I know you will make up your own mind about it. I was expecting it to drag, but it was one of the most heartbreaking, tragic, and epic of the whole series for me (the only book I liked better on my first read was Toll the Hounds). That's a strength of this series, I think. Every book has something in it that will make it someone's favorite.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I could certainly see this one and House of Chains having much more meaning on a re-read.

[@Kadaspala]

Aye, Malazan is really one of those series that benefits from letting go of your expectations and just going with the flow. That's one of the reasons why it shines on rereads -- in addition to having context to pick up on foreshadowing/out of order timeline/etc stuff -- you know where it's going so you can better appreciate the ride instead of waiting impatiently for the "main event" that Erikson is likely gonna subvert anyhow. That said, its definitely a style that isn't for everyone. Nothing wrong with enjoying a classic easy to follow build-up and payoff arc...but yeah, Malazan's complexity, subversion, and always adding in new elements/characters does wonders for keeping my brain on its feet in critical reading mode, and I love it for that. Even if I obviously don't love it in the context of an easy comfort popcorn read.

[@odiums_taint]

such a dork! i absolutely love your long intros... and this one definitely tops the list. thanks mike!

[@michaelvcelentano]

Loved the opening! Finally finished the book after stalling out on it in December. I feel like I enjoyed most of the first book, the middle was so slogg-y, but the end…just yes. I legitimately cried over several characters; what great writing!

[@user-zc4fj4dc4p]

Awesome intro man! You still got folks out here reading along!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Happy to hear it!

[@EntertainmentEncyclopedia]

I knew the opening would be like Michael Buffer because of your weekly update video, but I wasn’t fully prepared for the truly amazing thing that just graced my ears. Good review as always.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha thank you

[@ahojahojish]

I have never read another series, that excite me and disgust me at the same time like the malazan book of the fallen.

[@MrHehj]

Hey Mike, really enjoyed this and wanted to drop a comment as I know you put a lot of effort into making these non-spoiler reviews. I've not quite finished Bonehunters so would usually skip watching this for now, but even though this was a miss for you, you do a great job of highlighting the positives and making clear that the negatives won't necessarily be negatives for everyone. I certainly ended the video more excited to continue than I expected.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I try.

[@andreamiller3578]

Loved the intro. I'm a book behind as always, but I'm still hanging in there. Enjoying the series and looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.

[@mikesbookreviews]

We’re going to get there!

[@krisweigum6834]

I love the openings that you do for book reviews.

[@mich7008]

Thanks for your thoughts Mike! You make some really good points about the some of the plot lines however as I’m just into Dust of Dreams it really does make more sense in retrospect. I really like this book as I very much enjoy and have connected with some of the characters that you haven’t. Toll the Hounds was amazing though it was a very different experience for me. I’m really surprised to hear that DoD’s is at the bottom of some peoples lists because wow it’s really started out very fast for me. Love your channel Mike

[@mikesbookreviews]

That’s encouraging to hear!

[@DanExploresBooks]

Finishing this one today. A couple more chapters! It is personally my favorite just behind Memories of Ice, but I love seeing peoples differences of opinion for the series.

[@darthenclave6946]

The intros are amazing! I took a break from Malazan after the 2nd or 3rd book. Might read 1 or 2 this year if I can fit them in my schedule.

[@JerodimusPrime]

Mike, that intro was epic. I love it, almost as good as the Stephen King: Four Seasons intro. Keep up the good work, bro.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Appreciate it!

[@Thorbearius]

Awsome intro! I think this was a step up from Bonehunters, I really liked it, and I have very high expectations for the final three volumes in this series. I did not really care for the structure of Bonehunters, it felt too much like two books cramped into one volume. I don't know, maybe I will enjoy it more on a re-read. Regarding the unsatisfying end for Redmask, I think it ties in with futility as one of the themes of this book. I really enjoyed that part of the book, because even though I should know better by now, Erikson really managed to pull the rug from under my feet on that one. There are other plot threads in this book that end in similiarly unsatisfying ways.

[@cipriansirbu3699]

Hands down this is the best intro I ever saw on the channel.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Haha glad you liked it

[@Terree_K]

Great intro there, Mike! Feel a little like you about this book :( Sergeant Hellian was a highlight for me. I'll read it again just for her shenanigans.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thank you!

[@robertreid3760]

I feel for you guys who are just picking Malazan up. I started reading this in June 1999 so I had a year between each book and it became a yearly ritual to re-read the previous books in preparation for the new one coming out. It would almost be overwhelming too look at that pile of books and start in on it! My favourite series of all time by far, still either read or listen to one or more of the books every year.

[@rupertcrump1312]

Great intro dude! Glad that you felt the payoff on that Silanda storyline, i loved that too! Def great that Erikson is able to continue to do lots of cool world building even so late in the series. Sorry you found more that you didnt enjoy than previously for this book but I am glad that despite all that you still found plenty to enjoy. As you say a couple of times hopefully you will find looking back on them that it raises those areas in your estimation as Erikson does like to pay off stories down the road. Sounds like you found the book quite a mixed bag but I think by the end of the series you will find more to like in it. Personally this is one of my favourites but I have read it twice now (it was the last one I read the first time I attempted the series). I look forward to seeing your thoughts on book 8. I started my read of the series (which included rereading book 1-7 of this series) including the ICE books a little before your read along started so I never counted myself in the warband but maybe scouting ahead lol, and I hope to see you at the end of the line :)

[@treboreimaj3274]

So glad to see the Malazan review! Been waiting since November it feels like.

[@chrisweaver2097]

Read this book first by accident and loved it. Not gonna lie I was super confused starting at book 7, but after reading the series through I really can't understand why people have such a hard time following along with this series.

[@Existomalus]

I agree to this. It's not that hard to grasp. There are just a ton of threads to keep track of though.

[@ChaptersWeLove]

Love that intro, good to see I'm not the only one with a fun mic lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

My kids use it for karaoke. It’s fun.

[@atom0191]

Fantastic Opening, Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@MissesReese]

Great introduction! I would absolutely listen to an audiobook you read.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That would be sweet!

[@miriam-thebookhunter5393]

I started reading Dust of Dreams and couldn't finish it. Something that happens in toll the hounds just made me lose my motivation and interest. But watching your videos, I am finding myself interested again and I really want to finish this series! I'll be waiting and read the last two books at the same time you do

[@ataridc]

What happened

[@SannasBookshelf]

If you want more K'Chain Che'Malle, Dust of Dreams may not be at the bottom of your Malazan list, no matter the norm among fans. :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent!

[@ryanoneal8480]

Isn't dust of dreams only unpopular because it's the first part of a larger novel? I don't see it getting much hate outside of that complaint in the fandom. Well that and the sexual violence which is more a long standing critique of Erickson, that isn't exclusive to DoD

[@SannasBookshelf]

@@ryanoneal8480 Yes, I think that's right. It does seem to show up at the bottom of a lot of people's rankings of the series, but yeah, it's probably because Dust of Dreams and The Crippled God are meant to be read as one gigantic novel. I still love it, but of course it doesn't have the same oumph in the ending as the other books. The Crippled God makes up for it, though. Those last couple of hundred pages are tense! :)

[@ryanoneal8480]

@@SannasBookshelf I think opinions may differ as to when ppl read it as well. I read them as they were released, so I had to wait a year for the conclusion, now when I reread the series I just jump right into CG and the transition is so smooth. And yes the ending of the series is absolutely phenomenal!

[@Yoda0VGs]

Thr Silchas Ruin appreciatation makes me very happy. Reapers Gale is at the bottom of my list of the 10 Books. But I still think it's a great novel. And the things I dislike in it are very different from your reasons (I actually didn't care much about that "main event" to happen at all lol) , and any of those aspects may even be why this is someone else's favorite of the series. Malazan is a series with many different flavors of ice-cream disguised as Epic Novels. And not everyone likes every flavor. I came into Malazan expecting it to be an Anthology series with little connection between books. And while it's not that, I think that expectation helped me love this series much more easily. Because I didn't mind how nearly all 10 Novels are there own thing with their own new cast of major characters. But on my reread so far of the series I've started to realize that this Decology of books is secretly 3 sperate trilogies that all connect with each other. First trilogy ends with MOI, second trilogy starts with HOC and ends with the BH, and the final trilogy stars with RG and ends with TCG. Which could just as easilly be called 'Dust of Dreams Part 2' 😂 (they where written to be one long novel and got broken up into 2, which is why DoD gets hate cuz it's the first half of a story.) But when I look at the series structured in this way, I appreciate HOC and RG much more. As they are the start of something new, more than they are a sequel to what came before. Obviously things get complicated in that sense, since so many character threads mix and mingle between all the books. But when you look at how explosive MOI and Bonehunters especially are, it makes sense (in my brain space at least) to see them as conclusions to an epic trilogy. Following them are elements, characters, and plot threads that are moved forward into the next "Trilogy"

[@mikesbookreviews]

⚔️

[@fernandomarasco7450]

still with you on this journey!

[@raswartz]

Great intro! I was a bit disappointed with RG on the first read, too, much like HoC. Books 3 and 6 have these big climaxes that wrap up major story arc, then the following books 4 and 7 pick up the pieces, throw a bunch of new stuff in, and start moving towards the next climax. On reread, I liked it more, partly because I was able to set aside my expectations of what I wanted coming out of Bonehunters and could focus on what was actually there - which was very rich and complex. There are so many other, better Malazan books that this once winds up being middle tier for me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can see HoC benefitting greatly from a re-read. I assume I’ll end up saying the same about RG eventually.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes I watched the intro it was great 😊

[@andrewkashian3987]

never forget when listening to this audiobook at work and a co worker says, scabandari bloodeye? i'd call him scabby-bloody. nice one, Al.

[@TLBainter]

This intro is delightful 😅

[@mikesbookreviews]

❤️

[@Donkey_22]

What holds this book back from being amazing is I had a really difficult time warming up to the new characters. The new plot threads between Redmask and the Awl, the Lethari politics between the Edur and the Patriotists, Fear's side quest with the Tiste Andii, it was all a bit too much for me to process. This novel is a lot like Gardens of the Moon. A really interesting story that takes the reader a long time to process, and will probably be much better with a re-read.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The new characters just didn’t grab me like they did in previous books.

[@docrotten7650]

Still with you, wrapping up RG soon. Great intro.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@jimave]

I struggled throughout the series. Like you, once I got past book 5, I had to finish the series. I will say that the final book does make it somewhat worth reading the entire series. I am re-listening to Gardens of the Moon and I do not feel as lost as I did the first time around.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m sure it’s intriguing on a re-read/listen

[@kah-thurak]

Malazan is a series that wants to be re-read. Reading it once is not an optimal point for return on invested time...

[@robpaul7544]

Excellent intro as ever! The scope of this series is so vast and the cast so large, there are bound to be parts that don't click immediately. As long as you do appreciate the scale and quality of what Erikson is doing here, and find some characters, stories and events awesome - which is still the case for you I believe - I am not worried. Not saying all the tables in your house are safe from flipping though. 😂😋🤐

[@mikesbookreviews]

I need to reduce the number of tables in the house. Just to be safe.

[@markb3534]

The intro was AWESOME!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gracias!

[@AdamThayer]

I was scared as crap to see this go up thinking I was way behind because I was only halfway through... then I remembered, I've finished Reaper's Gale, and am only halfway through Return of the Crimson Guard! So far, every book has been a slog through the first 2/3rds or so, and then the last third is freaking mind blowing. I'm going to keep going, I want to finish the series and the extended Malazan universe, but I'm getting progressively more grumpy about it.

[@Kadaspala]

By the way: Dust of Dreams isn't universally panned. It trends towards the bottom of most fan's lists not because they think it's bad, but more because it's essentially the first half of The Crippled God. It kinda lacks its own identity in a way compared to the others, so while devising ranking lists it's easy for it to fall near the bottom. Less because of quality, and more because it doesn't stand out (and can sorta kinda be represented by The Crippled God anyhow, and there's a limited amount of slots and so many great memorable books so taking two slots for what is essentially a single book split in two when you want your other favorites up there. That and it's among the bleakest of atmospheres and content in the series, so all those factors make it trend lower in ranking lists than it probably should be objectively speaking.) Though that said Erikson will keep introducing new characters and plotlines, especially in Dust of Dreams, so....yeah, brace yourself for that.

[@bryandevries2362]

At 60% atm, I agree with all your points. Only difference is that I really am liking the extra World building. Top three: DG, BH with most likely RP. But might be biased because I'm currently right in the middle of the story

[@lukajova]

My favorite channel on KZbin.

[@mikesbookreviews]

🙏

[@jonathanflynn7446]

Dust of Dreams actually has some great stuff. It is painfully depressing at times, but sets up the final book perfectly. Toll the Hounds has some grind to it too, but a lot of the characters are familiar and overall there’s plenty happening to keep you invested.

[@omaramat4813]

Still in the readalong, Intro was top notch!, lots of great stuff in Reapers Gale, but lots of drag as well, maybe it could have been edited down some 200 pages or so.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Definitely

[@TheLibraryofAllenxandria]

The opening was excellent. I literally said "Too...SWEEEEET!" audibly whole watching. We have very similar thoughts on this one. I didn't care about the Patriotist line at all, though I did love the Red mask story (til the end). I also thought the main event was a disappointment. I liked the marine crawl across the continent, but overall this one was a miss for me too. If you don't like new, unconnected characters being introduced for hundreds of pages....Toll the Hounds is way worse in this regard than Dust of Dreams. Also, Dust has the best opening 100 pages of any of the books!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yikes.

[@avi4905]

I didn't read this far in Malazan but just loved ur opening 👍👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@LesMartin]

So much

[@loreguru3083]

I've found it best to kinda think about each of these books as their own stories set sequentially (mostly) with one another, with a background over-arching plot simmering and waiting to come to the forefront in books 9 and 10. Because that's kinda how they were written, with each of them maybe referencing previous novels and using characters, but having their own somewhat-distinct plots and worldbuilding put in to tell those plot lines. It's why so much worldbuilding and so many character introductions happen in the later books: Each book is technically its own stand-alone story in the series, or at least was written like it was even if it's a direct continuation (such as the case with Reaper's Gale.) 9 and 10 are one *giant friggen book* split into two, so while it's a problem that comes up in 9 again, 10 is mostly free of it. And book 8 is actually mooooostly characters from previous novels and set in Darujistan, so it's examining a place we've already visited and casting characters with one another that you might not be expecting instead of setting up a "new" story... so based on the "bads" you had for RG I'm thinking books 8 and 10 might be something you actually enjoy quite a bit. More than RG and HoC, at the very least. And seeing as Toll the Hounds is my favorite book and objectively the best by my insanely subjective "Books that made me set it down to cry while screaming frick yes" metric, (my language might have been a bit more coarse) I'm excited to see just what you think about this one.

[@Gl1tch2263]

Almost done Toll the Hounds and it’s been a pretty distinct experience for me amongst the series. His prose always stood out but he goes wild at points in here. One of my favourite scenes in series was Kallor’s first one in TTH. He doesn’t even do anything, just walks around miserable as hell and gives us some monologue about banality.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m planning to treat 9 and 10 as one story.

[@rupertcrump1312]

@@mikesbookreviews i heard thats the way :)

[@loreguru3083]

@@mikesbookreviews That's definitely for the best. Though definitely give us a spoiler-free when you finish 9, and don't feel like you need to read 10 before doing a review of both. xD

[@Rogue_VI]

@@mikesbookreviews Erickson said that books 9 and 10 were supposed to be one novel but technology wasn't sufficiently advanced to publish as one. Or something to that effect.

[@Ulmo90]

Loved the opening Mike! I'm still on the readalong, this book took a while, but I liked many of the parts, especially when the Bonehunters show up. I struggled with the Patriotist and to some extent with the Awl stortline since they seemed less relevant, but overall a good book

[@TOM-os9rk]

Love love love Reapers gale.

[@khyzarus7745]

I feel that you will probably like or love Toll The Hounds based on your previous takes, but either be bored or despise the latter books due them being slow paced, focusing on boring characters and introducing more characters.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm hoping. These books getting crazy long has me really nervous for the end.

[@harima03]

I think what made me enjoy the Redmask plot was seeing it through the eye of my favourite boy Toc.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That helped.

[@martinjg3662]

Don't assume you will not like Dust of Dreams. You have quite often had different opinions on the books as me. But I appreciate all your thoughts on it. Dust of Dreams is not a bad book at all and it is half of the ending. Just keep understanding that a lot of these things will make sense come the end. Appreciate your considered thoughts on a book you didn't like. Cheers Mike!

[@lis5708]

I haven't read these books but I will now. Loved the intro 😅

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent!

[@kaizacorp]

I'll admit sometimes I'm not into dramatic readings (I can get taken out of it if the music isn't to my taste) but that was an absolutely epic intro! Well done Mike! This was the weakest book for me so far too! Thanks for putting all the effort into this video despite you not loving it

[@mikesbookreviews]

I said last night while in hour 3 of editing “why are you putting this much effort into a video 1% of your audience is going to watch?” I just can’t half ass it.

[@Rogue_VI]

I'm still watching the beginning of the video. But that intro was awesome!

[@Ravi9A]

I will probably read malazan if you recommend it after finishing the series.

[@mousedaily4048]

Fantastic Intro!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mr.books17]

Just starting Reapers Gale…digging in for the long haul!

[@mkgnlgt]

I just wanted to say, your skepticism mixed with your enthusiasm are making for some great reviews, I think the dark and somber nature of Toll The Hounds will definitely appeal to you, happy reading Mike!

[@FreeLatveria]

Agreed a lot with what you had to say. I completely agree with liking that it actually felt like a sequel to The Bone hunters, however it wasn't until I read Return of the Crimson Guard that I realized that it was the sequel that I wanted. I just didn't really care about the bone hunters, but I wanted to know what was going on with the empire after the script getting flipped at the end of the last book. I'm still chugging along with you, a little out of sync because I'm reading the Esselmont books along side, and I'm still enjoying it. However, I'm starting to feel like Erickson rarely sticks the landing, and since we're coming up on the end of the series I'm kind of worried.

[@derekleon24]

We are completely aligned on this book. Not going to lie I was kind of disappointed that the Malazan content was not going to be a primary focus anymore but after Reapers Gale it’s not my number one priority either. I’m still with you on this war band but I just started Red Rising and Riyria Revelations thanks to your recommendations and I’m just enjoying those series a lot. I feel like I paid to see a main event and then found out the fight was fixed. I had no interest in sooooo many characters that I was just ready to stop. Hoping Toll the Hounds brings me back to characters I love but right now I’m even scared to start it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Just gotta listen to your audience and they were telling me they weren’t interested in the amount of Malazan content I was doing. So I decided I would just try to make these singular reviews really good. Hence the amount of time put into the introduction.

[@tiananesbitt7156]

Nice to see you. Nice author.

[@titans1fan93]

I am going miss the spoiler talk videos so much

[@alynam82]

I hear you, Mike. I'm still a straggler amongst the war-band, but I'm still in the fight. But I have to agree with you 💯 % about page count, and how something does not need to be as long as it is. I'm all for the big tomes, the 1000+ page "kitten squishers" 😸 but only if the length makes sense, and if the storytelling is consistent. Sounds like not the case here, just like was the case with House of Chains. Either way, I'll see what it's like when I get to it. As far as the new cast of characters go, well, at least you provided the heads-up

[@mikesbookreviews]

Happy to have you on them frontlines.

[@filippocenni6628]

the Intro😍

[@mikesbookreviews]

🥊

[@Enzophanis1892]

Just finished this book and like all Malayan books there are some amazing moments but I must say that i was struggling through the middle of it. I loved everything going on in Letheras but outside of the city I wasn't really enjoying it. But the last 200 pages ish was so good that it made that slog worth it,

[@velcrocee7886]

That opening………”Witness!!!!!!”

[@mikesbookreviews]

👊

[@timothywinters2357]

The best intro ever

[@KingDizzo86]

Just finished it, and that death at the end broke me

[@annarien4333]

LOVE YOU for the Silchas shout-out. He is waaaay more interesting and approachable than Anomander (and that includes the Tiste Andii prequels). He's definitely my favorite. Also, Rhulad. I love to love him and to feel sorry for him. Trull for me is a bit like Tehol&Bug for you, but his poor baby brother... *sigh* Reaper's Gale is a mixed bag for me. Some parts are among the highlights of the series: anything with Silchas, the invasion of Letheras (Beak, oh my god Beak makes me sob so hard every time), Tehol and Bug. But also some of the things I like the least: Redmask, Patriotists, anything with Feather Bitch. Also, this is the book where the rape/torture pipe breaks and never gets plugged back again. :( Also, I hope you have a good time with Toll the Hounds, it's the only Malazan book I flat out hate. But fingers-crossed it's different for you. And Dust of Dreams is a good book, a very good book, just extremely painful to read. There is so much in it that is absolutely horrific, it feels like pounding nails into your own skull sometimes.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Love you, too.

[@KalleVilenius]

That's two good intros for one video, almost enough to make me forgive you for being not getting behind Tehol & Bugg's comedy. The problem with Dust of Dreams is that it's not a book, it's the first half of a book. The Crippled God is the second half. They're not two whole novels, they're one novel split in two (or so the author's note tells me). Keep that in mind and maybe it won't be so bad. Or maybe it will, I don't know, I didn't dislike any of them.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Currently planning DoD & TCG back to back for this reason.

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

I think one of the advantages I had reading this is the time between books to digest what I read. I had the time to go back and re-read chapters or sections to re-acquaint myself with characters and plot threads. I also really like Bugg and Tehol, and the whole marine invasion of the coast is my jam. For me this was a top tier book along with Bonehunters and Deadhouse Gates. Are you going to do a talk with a Malazan "expert" again? I would really like to see how you and either Iskar or Philip would break the series down to this point, especially with some of the things in the next book.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Probably not until the end.

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Great review! I felt very similarly…taking the foot off the gas pedal for the Patriotists, Liberty Consign, and Shake storylines was a huge misfire for me at this point in the series after the momentum built up from Bonehunters. Also agree about liking Redmask but being let down big time by his arc…which I think is the kind of arc that’s against the typical fantasy grain that was one of Erikson’s goals to do a lot of that kind of thing…and is probably the reason I merely liked the series overall and didn’t love it. The other main reason I can’t put Malazan close to my top-10 series is cuz of how much I disliked Toll the Hounds-but fear not if that’s the case for you, as Malazan fans like Allen and me both loved Dust of Dreams, which I have a feeling you’ll like a lot of too based on what’s worked so far.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The secret police stuff was like “what the hell am I reading?”

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

@@mikesbookreviews I commented about this to AP Canavan, and he discussed the secret police groups in his video as the thematic glue to the book...and I still don't get it

[@Chris_Traylor]

Starting this one next month! Had really mixed feelings about Bonehunters which had me feelin’ down because it seems to be so well received by most.I loved MT so I’m hoping to enjoy this one!

[@akellerhouse83]

I had a hard time reading this one. It took me 26 days to finish, and I don't ever take that long. I'm really enjoying this series overall though. I'm glad I joined the read-along. I've already decided that one day I will read the whole thing a 2nd time.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah it took me much longer than usual.

[@puckettrita75]

Love your intro's !

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@MrJacob1487]

I had a really big struggle until the second half as well. I only cared about Bonehunters, and Silchas' group, otherwise I found it a struggle.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's been increasingly a problem for me post House of Chains. But Midnight Tides made me love those new characters. This one just didn't.

[@sluper12345]

I'd say Toll the Hounds might be even more divisive. It's in the bottom tier for me along with House of Chains. And so far I've pretty much agreed with your overall take on the Malazan books. But on the other hand, it is more focused on a few somewhat coherent storylines, and there are certainly more old characters than new ones (as far as I remember). And as usual it has an AWSOME final act. I know Dust of Dreams is at the bottom of most peoples list, but I think of the two last books as parts one and two of a single final installment. So viewing DoD on its own is a bit like quitting a book halfway through.

[@Infyra]

Toll the hounds was my favorite after deadhouse gates, but I think many people incuding Erikson think it was a miss. I think he wrote it just after his father passed, so I wonder what you think of it.

[@brentasmith]

That intro 🔥 🔥

[@mikesbookreviews]

Better than the book?

[@nevaidos]

For me as a first-time reader Reaper's Gale is a bit down the middle: not the worst, not the best. I think it might be in third or fourth place right now. I loved Gardens of the Moon and The Bonehunters. I think it helps that my favourite characters were in this book that I didn't hate it as much as you did. Yes it dragged a bit, but Beck, QB, Bottle, Fiddler and Rhulad are some of my favourite characters so this was a way easier read for me than Deadhouse Gates was because that barely had any of my favourite characters. I especially loved the scene where Fiddler is setting up a tricky bomb and you just feel the tension in the pages, because you know Erikson does not mind giving unsatisfying ends to characters because that's life. Just like you I am not blown away by the series although I am enjoying it. It would have helped if the books were not so long because often I'm so burned out at the end that I don't really care anymore about the resolutions. As a part of the very small remaining war band, I will continue to march on to TtH!

[@xcBlackDiamond]

Any spoilerific content for this book from you Mike?

[@mikesbookreviews]

Like, spoiler videos? Nah. Wasn’t enough interest from the majority of the audience once they started dropping out of the read along.

[@xcBlackDiamond]

@@mikesbookreviews Awww alright. i've been on the look out for them since you've done 2 for each Malazan book so far. But I completely understand that you have to do what's best for the channel and your time. But do know that there's plenty of us that have read the series that would love content from you that goes into spoilers of books 7-10. Maybe some sort of collab with other youtubers like you've done.

[@17GOREhammer]

Loved the opening, Mike! I'm sorry Reaper's Gale was kind of a miss for you. Many of the items you mentioned not clicking with you (Tehol/Bugg, secret police, the Awl etc.) were some elements that I absolutely loved in this book. Which is why I rate it highly, IMO. (One person's "yuck" is another person's "yum" :) ). With these items composing pretty large chunks of the book, you're well justified in your opinions. Like others are saying: Toll the Hounds does revisit some familiar characters, it has an absolutely BANGING last act (the best so far in the series IMO), but yes, it's also divisive. For me, some characters and plots were great, others were more of a miss. For me though, the ending made this whole book worth it. I'm in Dust of Dreams right now. Fair (non-spoilery) warning though: the world expands a bit. Not in a huge way, I would argue, but some. This is easier said than done, but my unsolicited advice going forward is to leave your expectations behind as much as you can with each book and try to enjoy it for what it is rather than what you hope it to be. Convergence is coming (albeit slowly). You're in the end game. With all that said, love your content. I can't wait to see what you think of the rest of the series. Thanks!

[@filippocenni6628]

What is your top 7 right now?

[@Andre-xl2oe]

😁. For each malazan book you have people resonating with it and people that dont. Because of that I will never say these books are objectively good or bad. For myself, the quest group dragged out, which seems to be one that people don't agree with. But loved Hellian and the bonehunters and all the epic stuff at the end. And I actually do like Tehol's humor, but that especially is subjective. One of the best things about this series, I tend to forget the bad parts and remember the good.

[@heretic124]

I thought the same about Anomander. He disappeared in MoI so what's all the fuss about? Then I read Toll the Hounds and I understood. The Bonehunters is the best overall book for me (or MoI, I'd need a re-read to decide). But Toll the Hounds' ending/convergence has no competition in any of the previous books.

[@Alpharius]

This was the last Malazan book I finished before burning out half way through the next one. I really need to finish the series some time...

[@mikesbookreviews]

So close!

[@zn12914]

Bonehunters>Bridgeburners.

[@Yoda0VGs]

Lol yeah after Y'gehtan, the 14th and Tavore immediately became top billing of the series for me.

[@Cl0udn1n3]

Finished Reaper's Gale finally. I'm starting hounds very slowly because of reading tiredness. Let's go Nyu World Order, assuming that's what your shirt means. Nyu Nyuuu!

[@feirceraven1249]

I'm pretty sure that Karsa's more like 12 feet tall, although some websites don't specify, except that he's more than 7 feet tall. I remember him being described as being about as tall as two human adults. Also, I'm not sure why so many people dislike Dust of dreams so much, because I think that that book's pretty good.

[@Gl1tch2263]

I recall reading 9 feet

[@mikesbookreviews]

Whoops.

[@feirceraven1249]

To be fair, I wasn't able to find a specific amount online. Maybe 9 feet is correct.

[@j.s.173]

Malazan is best during the third reading, in my opinion.

[@miljak9]

I hated Malzan until my fourth reading. Then I just hated myself.

[@Cherbookie]

​@@miljak9🤣

[@jdracing551]

Great intro!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thank you!

[@rotcod1771]

Toll the Hounds is my favorite with Memories a close 2nd amd Bone Hunters 3rd. Hounds narrowly wins for the epic Anomander fight towards the end

[@Rogue_VI]

TTH is also my favorite. I rated House of Chains through TTH all very high. I loved each of them.

[@rotcod1771]

@@Rogue_VI I understand people noy liking all the new characters introduced in the later books. Once you finish the series and realize that it's a world and like life, not every story gets a conclusion, you appreciate the scope and guts Steven and Ian took

[@rotcod1771]

I would say Ian becomes the better author, especially when he gets to Stone Wielder and on, those books are really good

[@maximasforrester8689]

Just finished bonehunters started three months behind you guys I'm hoping to catch up before you guys get to the Crippled God lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome! This warband could use the reinforcements.

[@feral7523]

Dust and Crippled is where you'll find all your K-Chain action and the mother of all convergences.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can’t wait!