Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson Book Review & Reaction | Starts Slow Then Changes Everything

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s awesome to hear your high praise for Midnight Tides! It’s also cool how the brother themes in here resonated with you due to your life experiences. That’s a great thing about stories - we bring our own unique experiences to them to make them come alive differently for every reader. In that way, the “story” is not on the pages but rather in our minds.

[@berserker8884]

For Bonehunters I HIGHLY recommend reading chapter 7 in a single sitting, even though it is about 120 pages long. It is just an experience that is well worth having without an awkward break. I don't want to overhype it for you, so keep your expectations in check, but do plan reading it in bulk if you can.

[@ladrac198]

I read this last week and absolutely agree! I'm about 200 pages away from the end now

[@ACriticalDragon]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed this one. The sheer variety presented in MBotF is one of its great strengths and one of its weaknesses. With almost any other series, if we like Book One we basically know that the rest will be more of the same and continue along a set trajectory, but with Malazan we constantly get new stories, new characters, new themes, and yet I will always argue that there is a continuity. But you like the Sengars over the Beddicts... oh no... oh dear... I thought I liked you Mike... how could I be so wrong... you may have to join Philip as a nemesis. 😉 Great review, brilliant to hear your thoughts. Have a great week.

[@Johanna_reads]

The word "weakness" surprises me coming from you, but I think I understand what you mean. Interesting!

[@OrionSupergan]

I'm firmly in camp Beddict as well. In the decade between re-reads I had forgotten about most of the Edur plotline and remembered mostly about Tehol's adventures.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Do you have enough fireballs for another nemesis? 🔥💥🔥💥🔥💥 Don’t mess with the Nemesis!

[@ACriticalDragon]

@@Johanna_reads If readers expect a series will continue with one set of protagonists on a defined arc that will narrated in a simialr style, tone, and manner throughout the series, then the experience will be jarring when they read MBotF. That can lead to a lot of people not carrying on. So, in some respects, it is a weakness of the series. On the other hand, it is a brilliant strength because the series never becomes repetitive or predictable. So, depending on point of view and criteria, it can be both. Or at least that is how I look at it.

[@ACriticalDragon]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I might need a spreadsheet to keep track of the growing ranks of Nemeses... Nemesises... Nemesi????

[@FionnKirwan]

Keep doing malazan reviews and guest Appearances cause people will drop out and a series as big as this, will be on the back-burner for many but one day they will do it and this will have steady flow in the future.

[@elizabethday1175]

Really struggled with book 4 and struggling with the start of book 5 but I love the characters so much I want to carry on! Thank you for reviving my desire to pick this book up again!

[@sandstorm_lp]

thanks, Mike! I have enjoyed watching your Malazan videos after reading each book and I was about to quit after the fourth one, sharing most of your thoughts on it, but now watching this video, I'm determined to continue atleast with 1 more book.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Wow, thanks so much!

[@Johanna_reads]

You've perfected the art of great introductions, Mike! I usually multitask when listening to videos, but I had to stop everything to watch this. Although I can't choose a favorite book yet, I thought the pacing in The Bonehunters was even better than this one. Brace yourself because we return to the military-focus, and it is wild! Plus, there is a 4D-political chess scene at the end that is masterful!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Erikson plying 4-D chess while I'm playing checkers. Should be fun!

[@praetorxyn]

I do love how everyone is like "All right Erikson, time to converge and move the plot along" and Erikson's like "Here's another continent."

[@kaianthony8077]

This made the first like 150 pages really frustrating for me. The pacing in the back half of this book is phenomenal and it's a genuine joy to read but I was put off by the introduction of like 5 nations and a brand new economic/political/magic system from the get go.

[@kaianthony8077]

@@MrsPhilosopher well that's just plain wrong. The back half of this series has some of the most original and satisfying arcs in all of Fantasy.

[@bluemonk1623]

Your intros alone are reason to read!

[@giannimanzano9266]

Mike … you may have no interest in writing but your are definitely a story teller and I LOVE that about your channel. It takes talent to be able to put the music, images, and selected passages together. This is why you are my FAVORITE channel because you take me back to my elementary school years getting excited about story time. Keep up the great work.

[@triciahon8043]

MT is my #1. It's very interesting how each person takes different things away from these books. The Sengar family was engrossing but the Letherii and their whole scenario and Tehol/Bugg were my fav. And seeing the impact and clash of cultures etc. Glad you loved it. Bonehunters is awesome. You're in for a treat!

[@KalleVilenius]

I'm mighty happy Lilac got to be in the intro. Got to cast those nets.

[@johanjoseph4802]

Damn. I'm yet to start Memories of Ice.... Will catch up slowly. But not giving up 🙌💚

[@nickburg9588]

Took me four years to get through the series, definitely needed breaks in between these tomes. Worth it in the end

[@sernoddicusthegallant6986]

Dont push yourself too hard, worst thing you can do with Malazan is binge it so intensely that you burn out on it before getting to the end. Id really recommend an easy fun series to read in between malazan books like Diskworld, Earthsea, Hitchhikers guide ect

[@thedag3669]

Might help if you use a read along podcast to keep you going. I was so lost until I started listening to Duke and Duchess and Ten Very Big Books on Spotify. It's so easy to get lost in the world. So many characters have similar names, so many characters have multiple names. It just helps having people connect the dots for you plus it's just added Malazan content.

[@Renee_Kellhus]

For me midnight tides, bone hunters & reapers gale are equally good. I became a fan of the series on midnight tides, I'm sure u gonna have an amazing experience as well

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

I really appreciate you reading and reviewing this series, Mike. Without the readalong I would never have picked it up again.

[@bramvandenheuvel4049]

I gotta plow through some other things on my TBR list before I get there, but I'm looking forward to it!

[@Jinxywins]

The best book in the series.

[@grnberet9401]

It was a great book, definitely what we needed, when we needed it. Looking forward to more. And great job on the intro!

[@Jay_Mike]

I’ll be honest, I can’t wait for your Malazan read to be over! Love your content, and can’t wait for you to not be handcuffed by a big series!

[@piderman871]

I think the new cast was a good move by Erikson. Even as we've been feeling a bit bummed out by the other casts we could approach this one with a fresh mindset and I think that definitely helped sway the sentiment into the positive.

[@farhad_s]

Excellent intro! Loved the review too. We keep revising our opinions of Karsa from House of Chains, and Rhulad here, as we advance along the story. With Karsa, we go from extreme negative to cheering him on as a fan favourite, while with Rhulad, as you say, we swing back and forth.

[@djsuth7727]

I agree with Rhulad being a layered character - in fact, he's gold-plated ;)

[@svendragon8139]

Return of the Crimson Guard is actually one of my favorite books in this universe, and all time really.

[@Ulmo90]

I have about 30 pages left of MT, one of my favorite Malazan books so far. Btw, Bugg and Iron Bars are both awesome! Thank you for arranging the readalong, I love to be a part of it

[@wizkeyjack]

I am halfway through my first Re-Read of Midnight Tides. (Got pulled out by a sudden binge of all works by Alex Marshall/Jesse Bullington. Dude. A Crown for Cold Silver. Do it!) Anyhow you're sick intro is the inspiration I need to get back at it! Thanks Mike! :j

[@andreamiller3578]

Loving those intros!!! Great review

[@caspos1987]

If fromsoftware made a Malazan game that’s like dark souls but open world 👁‍🗨

[@LesMartin]

Yes. Yes. Yes. And yes. :) Good stuff, Mike. This book reads. Glad you enjoyed this one. I sure did.

[@raswartz]

I loved Midnight Tides. Everything is so well-balanced.

[@traqnhristov960]

I remember when i first read the book, seeing all those new characters, i was like "Oh god not again". It does come back to you in the end that is true, but MAN is it tough to get to the halfway point. I really liked the economics in this book because i rarely think of war in that way, so it was cool to see it from that perspective. Congrats Mike you made it to the "mythical" midpoint where things should start ramping up. Hope you enjoy the next more.

[@feral7523]

For deeper Tiste Andii it's Toll the Hounds, for deeper K-chain it's Dust of Dreams. This is the last book which is set on a new continent so you have most of the cast now(a couple new ones in Dust of Dreams but not too much)

[@John-i2c]

When you mention rereads I must say this series really does encourage and one could argue need them. I am starting book 4 right now. Thus far in my Read I have reread the previous books in the series before each new one. So I'm like 80 pages into House of chains and also about halfway through my second read of memories of ice. There is just so much info packed into each book I can't think of how I would retain all of it if I did it any other way

[@CanalPanendithas]

Amazing intro !!!!

[@OrionSupergan]

I would say to people too intimidated by the entire series that if you were to only read a single book, Midnight Tides is that book. It's peak Malazan in a nice and tidy bundle.

[@ryanoneal8480]

@@reddyfeld9621 hard disagree. Don't do this ppl. Publication order only

[@kaianthony8077]

@@ryanoneal8480 to be fair, none of the events in the book will really spoil the bigger reveals in books 1-4 other than the origins of a certain vessel. Events are so far removed from each other there's not much overlap.

[@ryanoneal8480]

@@kaianthony8077 this is absolutely wrong, it's going to spoil events from the first two continents. Not to mention that the origin of trull is clearly supposed to come after his introduction. This is just a bad take to defend my guy.

[@OrionSupergan]

@@ryanoneal8480 I agree, if you're going to read the full series, publication order. But if someone is too intimidated by Malazan to even start it, starting with Midnight Tides is better than not reading the series at all.

[@ryanoneal8480]

@@reddyfeld9621 sure on a reread. It's terrible advice for a first time reader to spoil how the story is supposed to play out

[@LG-jn5fx]

I always thought this would be a book you would like. Very character driven book and the Sengar bros arc is a great story. Many have done great tragic heroes but how many have done tragic villains and made you cry for them as well.

[@krushal]

What is the scene at 1:43?

[@StrigWilson]

Thanks for this video gonna keep on it, book 4 almost killed it for me

[@angelaholmes8888]

Can't wait to read midnight tides soon hopefully I will enjoy it much better than house of chains

[@heretic124]

You need to read Esslemont's books for more Crimson Guard. He also introduces Assail, new continent which main series mostly ignored xD

[@Infyra]

Also the main continent of Quon tali, where Malaz island is actually located is largely in the background in the main series :D

[@mookrules5087]

It's been forever since I've heard you read a piece of a book before a review. With the art too! Did you stop doing this or have I just seen only other videos recently??

[@highwayharry]

I’m trying to keep up. Only on Chapter 4 of Midnight Tides. I’m reading the chapter summaries to understand what’s happening and see what I missed. This is some of the nerdiest stuff I have ever read. All these new names/ ideas and terms to learn each book. It’s a lot of work. It feels like an alien wrote this series sometimes.

[@barrilrayder]

Nice. I´m about to star House of Chains, can´t wait to get back to it.

[@briangal71]

I agree, this was much better than the last one. The Sengars were overshadowed by Rhulad, I think - Trull didn't really stand out for me. As far as favourite story elements - Tehol and Bugg, hands down

[@Severian1]

Oh Warrens. They are something aren't they? I think even the mages in the series don't really understand the Warrens in totality. They know what works for them individually and that's it. I wouldn't sweat it with the details. Some mages don't know that they are swimming in K'rul's blood whenever they access their Warrens for example so yeah, as long as you understand what's happening with the magic you're good.

[@Rogue_VI]

I love this series as a whole (not a single book I did not like), but Midnight Tides ➡ Bonehunters ➡ Reaper's Gale➡ Toll the Hounds is probably the best run of written fiction ever.

[@jeans4108]

I liked this one. I had to move ahead in the readalong cause of my stupid job. I finished Reaper’s Gale and need a small break before I go on. Intense books.

[@raullarapitti9813]

I had a similar connection with Rhulad, I'm also the younger brother, but got really related with Brys Beddict, the other younger brother. Brys the righteous, humble and yet heroic brother that all would want to have or to be, Trull the understimated brother with a conscious mind, bound by family and my main Edur, Tehol the finances nerd brother, Fear the always do the expected thing to do brother, Hull the war torn brother, Binadas the best student brother, Rhulad the spoiled brother. 2 families, 2 nations defined by them, what would happen when their paths collide? = Erikson's Midnight Tides: go find out. What about my elevator pitch ?

[@ryanng754]

People lining to Aeon in Mid Valley during MCO period.

[@ryandberry1]

How often are ya'll reading a new a book....Im curious if I can catch up.

[@theriddler2277]

imo - Midnight Tides is the book Shakespeare would write if he was alive today

[@kaianthony8077]

Or Fall of Light

[@Kingace920]

Okay admit it people...who giggled at the 'coins popping off' scene?

[@Tremain]

Iron bars is such a bad ass name, you crazy!

[@omaramat4813]

Will miss the guest episodes 😔

[@carole5648]

I feel like the danger now is that we've overhyped Bonehunters for you :) . I love it, it is maybe my overall fav, but that's not true for everyone.

[@ryanng754]

The gossip went horrible wrong after 2 year, 5 family member still no Covid - 19.

[@judewakefield7213]

I'm having a hard time getting through this book, im stuck on page 220.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

I was stuck in a few of the malazan books, but it was worth it in the end.

[@maximepoirson4643]

I just want Udinaas to be happy.😅

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

My least favorite so far (1. Memories of Ice 2. Deadhouse Gates 3. House of Chains 4. Gardens of the Moon 5. Midnight Tides) but still an insanely good, 5-Star read. Loved Tehol and Bugg, loved Seren Pedac and felt so much emotion for Rhulad and Udinaas.

[@---rm8do]

Next book: sociology (????), horrific claustrophobia, and finally the start of some payoff for all the setup we've been reading

[@Tonys77Home]

So far liked these reviews, but this one is completely off base for me. Not a fan of the Tiste Edur brother story line so far (half way through), Udinaas parts are just frustrating. For me the only thing that keeps me reading is the Tehol and Bugg story arc. If not for them, this would be the last book I read.

[@mikesbookreviews]

To each their own!

[@vinodvagadurgi414]

To be honest House of chains was way better than midnight tides I don't understand why booktubers who can't write a single sentence rate it so low Infact in my first 5 malazan It's house of chains first Midnight tides Deadhouse gates Memories of ice Gardens of the moon House of chains is a fantasy book epitome

[@cabrademora1]

; :D