Malazan Book of the Fallen: Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson Spoiler Talk (Part 1)

Mike talks spoilers for the first half of Gardens of the Moon. This includes the sections Book 1 - Pale, Book 2 - Darujhistan, and Book 3 - The Mission.
Purchase Gardens of the Moon here: amzn.to/2zDNWQR (digital) amzn.to/3e3Rrix (physical) amzn.to/37HkpCr (audio)
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#MikesBookReviews #Malazan #StevenErikson

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey bookworms! I hope this wasn't too all over the place for you guys. It should have a little more structure in the future. But who knows with this series. What's you think of books 1-3 of Gardens of the Moon?

[@turtleanton6539]

Nice promo for coffemug.

[@Mostafa77766]

Keep them coming, please! I kept this series on hold for a long time, yet I'm finding myself swallowed by this world more so than I did with the wheel of time back in the day for some reason. Btw I'm almost 50% through just like you mike, this video was perfect for me.

[@ACriticalDragon]

I am really glad that you are enjoying it. That feeling of originality that you mentioned is one of the reasons I love these books. I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts once you are done.

[@chickenmonger123]

Gardens of the Moon was a good start. A bit weird. But good. Actually, very good. My issue was the first half of Reapers Gate. That was a slog for me. And even though I’ve heard Steven defend it because it’s supposed to be that way, however that doesn’t excuse it. It’s just hateful, and worse than that, boring to get through IMO. It’s because of the obscurity of the interesting details you could notice. When you make me upset to go back to a certain characters perspective you’ve done wrong. After that though, it gets really good. The visuals are just some of the most iconic in scope and realism in vision for fantasy. Third is once again different. You start to get used to the rhythm here, and appreciate the thing he is doing.

[@Puschok14229]

if you are already hooked so much, i cant wait for your deadhouse gates review

[@stevelundin5705]

Erikson here. Glad you're enjoying the book.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@SciFiFantasyReadAlong]

love you, Steve.

[@rawadosa90210]

I'm saying it right now, one day I will make a Malazan video so good that even Steven would stop and comment. 😁❤️

[@SomeUnsoberIdiot]

[Citation needed]

[@sanyamkalra4]

It was an awesome book Steve!

[@maximiliangerboc]

I'm a first time reader so this isn't a spoiler, but to your question "Is Kruppe off his rocker or is he like, extremely powerful?" it seems like the answer it "yes."

[@Matt-sl1wg]

Wait til you meet... Nevermind, don't wanna spoil. Nevertheless, Kruppe is a favourite :)

[@Rogue_VI]

Never ask an either/or question without mutually exclusive answers. Kruppe is a favorite of mine, too.

[@joshuagibbons8821]

Yup

[@SomeUnsoberIdiot]

Kruppe may not be Pust, but Kruppe is still a grand figure- with, let's be honest, a grand figure.

[@bryden72]

I'm really early early in. So no idea who that is lol

[@KalleVilenius]

It's so nice to see someone get hooked from the first book, but the series really does improve as it goes along.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That is encouraging as hell.

[@KalleVilenius]

@@mikesbookreviews The best part is how starting Deadhouse Gates is just as confusing as starting Gardens...

[@elifaletgutierrez9141]

I LOVED this series, though I didn't necessarily like all the books lol. To be fair I didnt read the last two installments and was starting to kind of just power through reapers gale and toll the hounds because I sort of wasn't connecting with the direction of the series. I still consider it my favorite fantasy series and the first three-four books are so damn good I've reread them multiple times and will still crack them open once in a while to read a few chapters

[@faranglao8006]

@@KalleVilenius Deadhouse Gates is probably my favourite...and The Bonehunters...and Memories of Ice. Aw shit, they're all my favourites

[@zan8152]

as a 'veteran' - the comment you made about "accepting that you're not going to know everything, trust it, and keep going" - is like... 99.9% of all the problem getting into the series. If you're there, you're more than good for the long haul. For others who may be struggling, I implore that you get to a place where you can just... go with it. Anything crucially important *will* be talked about multiple times, and sometimes a later scene might explain an earlier one. Read and Find out isn't just a fun quip, it's literally the best advice you can get. Trust the book.

[@pasipanodya]

First time reader over here. I found it relatively easy to get to that place of 'acceptance' because Erikson as a writer seems easy to trust. Everything I'm reading seems very intentional and is written so competently that I can't help but feel he knows where he's going with all of it and I should just buckle up and go along with it until it all starts to make sense.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@pasipanodya Exactly how I felt about it on my first read.

[@IskarJarak]

I was pretty sure this was going to happen! So much negative hype about the book actually creates a situation where people go in and are pleasantly surprised... “what’s all the fuss about.” In order to avoid any spoilers, my standard comment will just be: 👀 And that initial battle-what a badass way to set the tone! Glad you’re enjoying!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha tone appropriately set.

[@jessi4894]

This happened to me exactly with Gardens of the Moon, and inversely with Rhythm of War. There was so much negative hype and just get through Gardens to get to the good stuff that I was really pleasantly surprised by it. Meanwhile, there was so much hype over Rhythm of War and such high expectations going it, that it turned out to be mildly dissapointing.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

I don't quite get why people are so down on Gardens of the Moon. It got me hooked. If this one hadn't been a good read I certainly wouldn't have gone on to book two. Having the climactic battle of the Siege of Pale before you even introduce the characters properly was the moment I knew Erikson wasn't going to be following the usual fantasy genre template.

[@SomeUnsoberIdiot]

@@nemoonbekend2483 It's the comparison between Gardens and the rest of the series, and how Gardens doesn't quite mesh. Early Installment Weirdness etc.

[@epicgamer2727]

I would say the thing about Gardens of the Moon being “difficult” is like you said, it is a markedly different style than some traditional fantasy. The other reason, which I’m interested to see your reaction once you get there, is that there is a generally agreed upon jump in quality from book 1 to Book’s 2/3 and the remainder of the series. As long as you enjoy it now then that bodes well for you continuing with the series. Book 3 was meant to be book 2 but Erickson lost his work about halfway through writing it and decided to restart by writing Deadhouse Gates instead. A couple other comments: 1. The deck of dragons can be considered to be a tarot deck of the malazan universe. You’ll hear more about it as you go. 2. The magic system isn’t really comparable to a Brandon Sanderson magic system with rigidly defined rules like its science so if you get confused just roll with it. 3. If you think the battle of Pale is nuts I can’t wait till you get further in the series. 4. Anomander Rake is the shit you are correct. 5. Fun fact this book started off as a film/tv script that was rejected and Erikson turned it into a novel. Your point about it being too expensive to produce has probably always been a factor. 6. Tool is also the shit 7. Comedy is actually a strong point of the whole series 8. If you don’t understand things now, you’ll understand when you inevitably re-read the series like the rest of us :P

[@briancooke1134]

@Malazan27 you nailed it. The thing to remember about this story is that the world was essentially created by two brothers playing GURPS.

[@rawadosa90210]

Tool is also a tool sometimes.

[@faranglao8006]

Well said, Re reads are essential. It's way easier to understand the second time round.

[@drawyrral]

I love listening to first timers talk about Gardens of the Moon.

[@rawadosa90210]

Sweet summer child

[@MrTheswayzeexpress]

Likewise. There is something so great about it.

[@mikeyjudo]

Please keep the spoiler talks going with this series, these videos are great.

[@saeedajaib]

I agree, its definitely motivating to keep going.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m delighted to hear your reactions so far! To me, your attitude of going with the flow as you read is the perfect approach to this series. I wish I had done the same the first time, but at least I’m fully immersed the second time. “Holy Abercrombie!” - ha ha! Yes, this is truly epic in scope - as epic as it gets! Erikson had not read Moorcock before writing this, so Elric was not an influence. No worries on the pronunciations- the audiobooks got many of them “wrong” too. Fantastic to hear this - you made my day, Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

The arguing about how to pronounce Kruppe has been heated.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@mikesbookreviews Indeed! As usual, I think there’s room for multiple pronunciations. Personally, though, I say it as one syllable, so it rhymes with “cup”.

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

@@mikesbookreviews I pronounce it Crew-pay...but it is to each their own.

[@syed842]

That moment when he says it isn't really grim dark and you just sit there having memories of ice flashbacks.

[@violetbliss4399]

That one scene is the most memorable in fantasy to me

[@gjori4704]

I'm scared 😅

[@FTLTVable]

Glad you're enjoying it! Eriksons humor is something not enough people talk about I think. Its brilliant!

[@nemoonbekend2483]

Yes! There's a lot of humor, both subtle and overt, all through the series that doesn't get much comment. Everybody goes on about all the complexity of plot and deepness of theme (legit), but keep forgetting to mention how much fun it is to read.

[@alexwallachian7720]

I've been so excited for Mike to start talking about Malazan. Brings tears to my eyes! So happy

[@madisongoodyear5040]

It took me about 200ish pages to feel like I had my brain wrapped around it, but once I got to “book 3” I really got on board. It just took me about that long to make the connections of who the characters were, what all was going on lol. I’m totally hooked though!

[@ScottishBookwormQc]

I'm part of the readalong for my second or third attempt at reading Malazan. The support of the group has helped me push through and now I'm really enjoying it. I'm now finally invested in the characters. I love Crone too!

[@elizabethday1175]

I totally agree! I'm so surprised about how much I am loving this book! It's amazing!! After being so scared of it I'm so glad I'm joining in!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I figured it overblown.

[@squanchy666]

Your crazed and baffled eyes immediately made me know this was a Malazan first-timer video before I even read the header I know that look I saw it in the mirror some years back when I first finished Gardens

[@LamentaFortuna]

Without spoiling some of the things that can happen with Ascendancy, I've always thought of them as men and women who become "folk heroes" of a kind for their people based on some kind of talent or trait that they have. The natural progression even in our own historical timeline is that some times a normal person becomes a folk hero because they did a thing (Paul Revere is a good example) so much so that they somewhat transcend death. In Malazan, that can have a larger implication in what those people can eventually become because of magic.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

I make a rough comparison to the mythic heroes/demigods of classical Greek tradition. Hercules and such.

[@brentasmith]

Might never have picked this up without the readalong and it turns out I think I'm a fan. Love finding new awesome things.

[@shawngillogly6873]

Glad to see the spoiler talk up so quickly on this, Sweet Summer Child, and I have no problem listening to spitballing theories that are answered now. It reminds me of the old Malazan forum when we were waiting 18-24 months between books. (And what was amazing was that we didn't have long waits. Among Erickson's other qualities was being indefatigable.) I will address 1 question because it isn't so much a spoiler as a style/philosophy matter: The Warrens. Yes, they get a level of explanation as things go on. But on the subject of magic, Erickson has all but come out and called Sanderson's Rules of Magic nonsense. For Erickson, magic that can be defined and given rules is no longer magic. He comes at it from the standpoint of socio-anthropology. Which is not surprising, given his training and trade.

[@rickhammer7204]

YES!!! Please do these spoiler talks all the way through. Its my favorite part of your channel. I think the reason people were warning you about GotM is because there is a noticeable quality difference between it and most of the rest of the series. So if your loving it so far....oh boy are you in for a treat!

[@briancooke1134]

Mike, I watched you ride the Wheel of Time, and now I’m gonna watch you read the Malazan Book. I choose to observe: witness, if you will...

[@fantasticphilosophy181]

First time we entered Darujistan through Kruppes dream, i had to read that part three times. Not because i thought it was difficult but because i loved it so much. And i'm not answering any of your questions, sorry.

[@traqnhristov960]

I had to read it three times, because i didnt understand who was talking :D :D Love Kruppe

[@TheBlueOwlX]

I finished Gardens three days ago. You're in for a such a treat. I'm starting Deadhouse Gates today!

[@faranglao8006]

Yes!!! Guess you've finished it by now. It's one of my favourites.

[@tnagel88]

Erikson is very talented at writing scope and atmosphere. Pale is amazing. Also, you said you didn't expect the humor. One of the biggest surprises for me was how genuinely funny Erikson's writing can be. Humor is an important part of this series.

[@jonnyfevertv3170]

New readers half way through first the first Malazan book: "I'm not afraid" Yoda: "you will be".

[@IronArkadius]

Iron Arkadius from the discord here: I’m glad you’re finding the ‘difficult’ reputation to be exaggerated, I’ve always thought it was over stated. It’s just good fantasy!

[@livriomer]

It is really over exaggerated.

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

I think it also depends on the quality of the reader, individual brains are wired to need different writing styles.

[@RavenNavarre]

I know this is 3 years late, but I have to say how much I appreciate you. This is my favorite series and it is a struggle to find content creators who really slow down and take the time to think about what they are reading while also being able to go with the flow. You pick up so much and most of your pronunciations are damn near spot on with your first guesses. I say most, but there are some that even the fans and the author just won't agree on

[@oniflrog4487]

3:30 : Mike dispels the Gardens of the moon mirage in a minute 😂 Awesome take, man. Enjoy!

[@cfosburg]

25:21 I remember reading this for the first time and thinking almost exactly the same thing! This book is a breath of fresh air. This is the book I didn’t know I wanted in Fantasy, but I was hungry for it, I was ready for it, and I was searching for it...and it more than satisfied me!

[@Josh-ye2sg]

Please break the schedule and read the whole series in 2021😆

[@xcBlackDiamond]

Loved the thoughts, Mike. The non-structure was perfectly fine for me, also.

[@asterrashter4637]

Finally some one who also loved the first book I loved everthying about the first book, but I guess it gets better with re read 😅

[@saeedajaib]

Just reached the halfway mark and i am really enjoying it as well. Confusing at times but not off putting. The humor though, i love it.

[@gjori4704]

"If you are a first-time fantasy reader, this probably would not be the place to start," *nervous chuckle* I mean, so far, I love it sososo much. I've been mentally prepared that this will be a battle, a struggle, a chore almost, and so I've utilized all my lifelines. I've been on the powerpoint guide, I'm listening to the podcast, I'm watching these videos, and I am having a blast! I love the characters. Rake is awesome, WJ is amazing, QB is sick, and I will be sad to leave Darujistan. I mean helloo, high rooftops where thieves and assassins roam around, hells yes sign me up. :D

[@sethulakovic3722]

Mike: It's too early to crown the king. Me: Hail to the king baby.

[@mikesanders9267]

Don’t worry too much over pronunciations. Malazan readers know who/what you’re referring to, and even the audiobooks have inconsistencies. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series so far, and look forward to some of your reactions. What did you think of Sorry and the hounds? Those were who stuck out to me from those earlier parts. Prod and pull. Prod and pull. Lol. You’re in for a ride.

[@khyzarus7745]

your initial pronunciation of kruppe was correct, there're interviews of Erikson pronouncing it that way, and being against Krup peh

[@mikesbookreviews]

Good to know!

[@AJPzaworld]

I’m glad you’re loving Malazan so much, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the end of GoTM, because it cemented my love for this series. Also, it’s metal as all hell.

[@CatrionaReads]

I think anyone who read adult fantasy from a young age will be happily familiar with not knowing what is going on all the time! It's exciting to read a series that stretches you. The chapter 2 jump reminds me of the Rhuidean chapter in Shadow Rising, at first confusing and then so satisfying to understand the structure

[@infinittrob9409]

Finally got caught up to this point and wanted to mention that the Hounds and Gear are a great element for me too in addition to all the great characters you mentioned. As for Kruppe he seems very well connected and has been described as "a slippery one" so I have a theory that he may be a certain mysterious figure named for a sea creature that nobody know the identity of.

[@mattnewman1274]

It's incredibly impressive how you can adapt to books and absorb them the way you do, keep up the great content!

[@harrymcneill901]

Read the first five books last year. I agree that the first book is underrated. People read the first chapter and just give up in a lot of cases because of the lack of context.

[@melindagillen4058]

what is your best favorite of the 5?

[@harrymcneill901]

@@melindagillen4058 my favourite is probably memories of ice (book 3) but the ending of Midnight Tides (book 5) is great

[@TheSpursfan2112]

Chapter 1 of Gardens of the Moon was a bit interesting to me, at least more than most first chapters I have read. I have found myself growing interested in Topper, and Lorn quite a bit. This is my first read through but it's nice to have this virtual encouragement. This will easily be the longest series I have read, but I don't plan on quitting. To be fair, I guess not many do.

[@liammulvaney3281]

I put this series on hold for as long as I can remember. Partially due to articles stating that this series was hard to read. English is not my native tongue and I felt that the language barrier would continue to spoil it for me. After careful consideration, I decided to tag along with your buddy read, and I have fell for the characters instantly. Do you get the Iliad and Roman Empire vibe? The prose is also colourful. I had to reread the chapters and paragraphs, but hey, I'm enjoying the hell out of it. I hope to finish book four and start five tonight. Thanks Mike

[@cfosburg]

Steven Erikson has stated that the narrators did not consult him on pronunciation, and therefore do not pronounce some of the names the intended way. 😉

[@colburn0004]

Finally. Been waiting a month to hear your thoughts! lol

[@marcweber8509]

Yeah Mike! I'm so glad you like it! I also kind of get why people might struggle with it. But when I first went into it, I knew nothing about it and it was like it was taylor-made for me. I loved everything about Gardens of the Moon. And you know, the others are right: it still only gets better from there

[@nemoonbekend2483]

Sounds as if you're having pretty much the same experience reading Gardens of the Moon as I had when I first read it. Really glad you are enjoying it so far.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was a pleasant surprise

[@dylansbooknook3544]

Hey Mike, I would absolutely LOVE for you to continue with these kinds of segments as you make your way through the books. When I first read Gardens of the Moon I tricked myself into thinking that I was missing things because its difficulty was the #1 thing people mentioned about it - but it's not as difficult as everyone makes it out to be provided that you accept that you won't understand everything right away. Glad you've taken this approach and it seems you're enjoying it all the more as a result. No answers to your questions but I want to say: Good questions! Keep reading! ;) Regarding pronunciation, Erikson's mentioned many times that the pronunciations in the audiobooks are wildly wrong because the audiobook producers never contacted Erikson for comments. I think your pronunciation of everything was pretty good but Kruppe is like 'cup' with an 'r'-sound added (according to Erikson) - but call him what you like, we all know who you mean regardless of pronunciation!

[@CounsellorofMoonsSpawn]

First time readers' perspectives are always fun to hear! You've probably heard it before, but the series does get darker, but also more humorous. And if you think the scope is huge now, you ain't seen nothing yet! Book 3 is where you really start to realize how HUGE this series is in terms of scope.

[@ev3261]

LOVED your review, just awesome description of your reading experience! Like you, I also don't understand what people want when they talk about how hard it is to understand the series. I've read it (for the first time) 15-18 years ago, before I knew there was anything like forums, where you can talk to people, and I didn't find any issues with reading the series. Can't wait to watch more of your reviews of this.

[@MrAdewaleEko]

So glad you like it, Mike. You're going at it the completely right way. This way, you'll get the pay-offs you crave!

[@ervisfilipovic1474]

12:03 this was funny considering Gardens of the Moon was a movie script first that Erikson tried to get made. (Or not Gardens of the Moon as we read it now, but that story).

[@jacobmills5719]

I never subscribe to channels- but you have earned it, good sir! Yours has been the first channel I have binged in years and this read through series is the icing on the cake for me. I love the book of the fallen and know it well enough that although I will not read along with you, I will be eagerly anticipating each video update. From what I have seen here, and from your previous videos, you are in for a life changing experience (not exagerrating), I only wish I could join you experience this wonderful series as a first-time reader again. Thank you for your work, now go forth and reap the rewards of this read!

[@carole5648]

this was great to hear your first impressions. yes Anomander Rake is the best shit :) Quick Ben is one of my favorites though, the more you learn the cooler he gets. Crone too, love seeing her. i don't think it's grim dark, just Dark, but there are moments of hope. The Deck of Dragons is one of my favorite pieces (there's about 100 favorite pieces though), you do get more used to it as the books go on, but it still remains mysterious. The scope of imagination is what got me hooked initially and now that i'm on Reaper's Gale, it just keeps getting better.

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

I just finished this book and I loved it so much...the battle scene in chapter 2 sold me. Hit the ground running beginning are the best kind...I don't always need context sometimes I just need assassin Gods and warlock puppets....

[@shopvac113]

I am so here for this!

[@reidcardwell]

I found and subscribed to your channel because of your earlier Cosmere stuff and I’m really glad I did. I’ve had GotM on my shelf for a couple of years and I, too, had heard about difficulties; so I’ve procrastinated. Now that I’m reading it, I realize why it has such a following. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how accessible the book really is. Great content, keep up the great work!

[@benjamnlchen]

After exploring the Why I Decided To Read video and other Malazan content in this fabulous 📚 channel, I took the faint of 🖤 to start Gardens of The 🌙 a month ago, and stuck it out to Chapter 10 now. Confused but ain’t mind the devotion to figure the deconstructed writing styles that are really addictive, when compared to other traditional novels of the Constructivism style. And man, all the emotion w. Dujek and Whiskeyjack are starting to hit hard. I could honestly say that the next 1-2 years of reading is gonna be like getting a doctorate 📜 in reading Fantasy genre, like the Why I Decided To Read video suggested.

[@MP-on1xf]

I like your enthusiasm. It is infectious and makes me remember having good time reading it.

[@jiminy300]

Here for all the spoiler talk!

[@BookEscapism]

I envy Mike’s ability to be a-okay with not understanding so many things going on because it is driving me absolutely bonkers (!!) Not knowing places, terms, names, beings or magic (at least somewhat) really just takes me out of the story, especially when it’s all mentioned together 🥵

[@rabyjrm]

Yes! Hoods gates description was amazing. I really like authors not afraid to get a little dark when it makes sense. The entire afterlife part with Paran had me greatly immersed.

[@legendaryfatcat]

Kruppe is enraged that you you don’t believe Kruppe is the best character of the book so far! Kruppe knows Kruppe is the best! Hilariously Kruppe is pronounced “Crapp-uh” in the audiobook. Seriously, Mike! Thanks for doing this read along. I don’t know if/when I would have ever started Malazan if it weren’t for the readalong. I am at the same point you are right now. Took two days off from reading and jumping back into it today. I am hoping to possibly have the book done by the weekend. My top five characters so far are Tattersail, Quick Ben, Tool, Kruppe, and Lorne. In the running: Crone, Anomander Rake (Don’t know enough yet other than he’s badass and morose as fuck), paran and Rallick (really like his revenge aspirations in the Darujistan assassin stuff and want to see more.)

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm so glad you guys are joining me. Makes it feel like reading with a group of pals.

[@carole5648]

really 'Crapp-uh'? i always pronounced it "kroop"

[@legendaryfatcat]

@@carole5648 I’m not sure if it’s Erikson’s approved pronunciation but that’s definitely what it sounds like on the audio book. Makes the Kruppe scenes even more comical since he says his own name every sentence

[@LesMartin]

I know you have a schedule, but I want more of THIS! Great job, really enjoyed this and glad you're enjoying this book.

[@lmallow]

People who _love_ this series and esp. this book just love to make it out as this super-complex, super-challenging, high-bar-to-entry thing. It's not. It's a book that just gets on with the show instead of tell. If you can read Dune, or LoTR, or anything vaguely complex, this book isn't at all challenging and it's really enjoyable. TBH it feels like people who love the book want to prevent others reading it, half the time.

[@hulkamania5071]

I've read Dune (all of Dune), LOTR, Blood Meridian, As I lay Dying, and by far Gardens of the Moon is the most challenging book I've ever read. For most of the book, I had no idea what was going on and understood very little. I thought I was used to reading challenging books, but this book humbled me.

[@IzzyZil20]

@@hulkamania5071 this book isn’t challenging though

[@juanm.6318]

Nice to see you enjoying Malazan. I'm on my reread of book 5 now. Just two things to keep in mind: Erikson has stated that he hates spoon-feeding the reader. Everything is there, but you have to work to get it. And the second: Erikson does not like hard magic systems. He prefers maintaing an aura of wonder and irrationality for his magic. The warrens/holds, Deck of Dragons, etc. are explained, but never at the level of what Sanderson does. Even seasoned readers have doubts, different interpretations... It makes for fascinating online discussions.

[@ryan6d2]

Did not expect this video. So glad it happened!

[@Rogue_VI]

I love how excited you are about the first half of the first book of this massive epic series.

[@GreeneZonee]

I'm going to start my reread after I finish the dragon reborn. I have no clue why I'm doing two large rereads but here we are haha

[@Eu_Sunt_Dracul]

I’m late to the party, but Mike everything you said is spot on for me too. Heck I actually got the names the same as you. The way of letting things go and let the book continue and trust it will be revealed later really let me enjoy the book. As you’ve said Steven Erikson wrote a beauty here.

[@fernandogarcia3957]

I think you have the right aproach and attitude to this series. I didn't so it took me more effort to appreciate it. Even so it bothered me that it changes characters in every book so you have to wait 2-3 books to see the old pals again. Sometimes I felt cheated by Erikson and his prose, you will see in next books, the lenghty excursus, but I also have friends who enjoyed them to the point that these are their favorite books in life!! There are opinions for everyone. Take care Mike, greetings from Spain!

[@theriddler2277]

kruppe must profess disappointment at you not wearing a tool shirt!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm going to add an apostrophe and a "an" to my Tool shirt so it reads T'oolan.

[@bryden72]

Thanks for the heads up on the time jumps. And im looking forward to really getting into this series. And the change of characters between books. Is really interesting. It can only mean, when these different finally characters converge, it's worth the weight.

[@toriwellington9228]

Great video, you should definitely do more. I am really enjoying the book so far and you and I are almost dead on for the pronunciations 😁

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

It is so enjoyable watching this book being read for the first time, the fresh eyes and theories is so much fun.

[@osoisko1933]

I finished CP last year and am almost done with Esslemont's series, and yeah it's cool to see others going through the series for the 1st time.

[@melsbookshelf]

Picker is my favourite character so far and she has only been in one scene that I have read 😂😂 Great run down!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, her scene with Ganoes had me chuckling.

[@melsbookshelf]

@@mikesbookreviews Yes, so funny! Apparently she is in future scenes and books too so I’m excited 😂

[@Ashencrowe]

GOTM starts off as a series of "Graphic Novel" or "Storyboard" scenes. It can be disconcerting. Tool's intro is truly wonderful at a moment when it is needed. You'll absolutely fall in love with Tool. He'll break your heart, and your heart will break. Incredible character.

[@Tbak2000]

I've only read the first two in the series at this point and that was years ago. I keep meaning to come back to the series and maybe this is the motivation I need. Rewatching your reaction gave me a lot of great memories. Erikson is so crazy with his ideas and what he tries to pull off in just one book. If you like Gardens of the Moon, then you'll love Deadhouse Gates. It's more a military book in spirit.

[@colburn0004]

I don't actually know the answer to this, because I've only read the first book, but the way I'm thinking of the Deck of Dragons, is kind of like a literal version of the nemesis system from Shadows of Mordor the game. The way it talks about cards showing up in the deck and rising in prominence and how it represents the gods just made me think so much of the Nemesis System if you've played that game at all.

[@BaldBookTuber]

Love that you’re loving it Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Me too!

[@JodieAdam]

I DNFed Deadhouse Gates about two years ago. Enjoying book one much more than I did before. Support online is making it so much more fun to read.

[@troychurch5064]

I have been checking the channel multiple times daily while waiting for this video Mike. So excited to hear your thoughts so far.

[@gui3145]

I noticed you have not updated your Malazan playlist since last October. I hope you have not quit the series, I just started and I really liked watching this video about the first half of the first book. I'll be back when I finish the book to see your review. Really enjoying your channel it is really inspiring.

[@daviscomics9288]

hey Mike - thanks for setting up the discord group to talk about this. Ive done more lurking than talking, but am glad others are enjoying the book as much as I am.

[@glebe111]

Great to see you get into Malazan. Currenly on book 4, House of Chains. I have to admit that you really have to stay focused when reading or else your lost. In every book so far there have been hugh stand out epic moments that really make everything worth while. I felt that over all world setting really starts to make more sense after a few books. The main set piece for the second book, Deadhouse Gates is magnificent.

[@Edog1337]

Thanks for giving me reason to reread. First read I was so focused on plot, plot, plot. Just trying to figure out whats going on. Now I’m reading more focused, really enjoying characterization, foreshadowing. It gets better every time I come back. The answers to your questions about certain characters can be answered from the sections here. The epigraphs, prologue, and opening on Itko Kan. Also been subbed since you were

[@ericneuhart7547]

I am feeing the same way about this book. Thanks for putting in a video. To me it is similar to Song of Ice and Fire. Even though GRRM has a more linear story structure there is that feel of gathering of bits of information to make up the narrative. (Sighs) wish it was complete. But I mad I waited this long to start series if they continue to get better.

[@andy_2901]

You can clearly see how this world started off as a DnD game and I god damn love that. What a weird and wonderful journey so far.

[@redblue3787]

I just got through the halfway mark of book one. Like WoT, I'll catch up to the read-along!

[@Jane-w]

Great video, Mike! I'm really enjoying the read along so far and can't wait to hear more of your thoughts as we get further into the series.

[@morganziegler7351]

I love that you're enjoying Malazan! I had a similar experience with Gardens of the Moon that everyone told me to gird my loins essentially for a confusion fest and to feel meh about it, but I actually loved it and rated it 5 stars. I hope you continue to enjoy it and rest assured, even though this book is great and amazing, it's also true that it only gets better from here too.

[@Ghostlyape123]

I think perhaps the greatest strength of this series is the mystery of its world. You are never intended to have full answers to anything. Warrens are never 100% detailed, we don’t learn every little thing about every race. Maybe it’s a cop out to some, but I think the intent is to make the world feel lived in. We don’t know every mystery of our world, so why should we for Malazan?

[@kbg12ila]

That's exactly right. I think when stories work as though everyone knows every little detail of everything it comes across unrealistic to me. This and ASOIAF feel real because there's mystery in the world but I know there actually are answers.

[@EricMcLuen]

Like watching a kid play with a new toy at Christmas. For background, Erickson fenced which becomes obvious in the fight scenes. Dont start a siege late at night as you will have to finish. They are all incredible. For warrens, I played Rolemaster so thinking of the as realms wasn't that much of a jump. Setting based on a years long campaign of one on the incarnations of DnD and when that got limited moved to home brew GURPS. Rake was his first character and yes, he is a dude. Many of the characters were actually gaming characters but that list would have lots of spoilers. Thank you for not calling them grim dark. They are definitely adult with a lot of adult and sometimes disturbing events.

[@wjamimah7772]

Tattersail’s got her priorities straight 😜 #getsome!

[@JohanHerrenberg]

I've all but finished book 6, The Bonehunters. The journey of insight is ongoing... But you're already asking the right questions and already finding some answers. Kudos!

[@liviathemalazanpotatonoob5014]

Duuude, I loved this video and please make more! I'd have so much to comment, but I'll keep it short. Don't worry about pronunciation, and the audio books don't help at all. In the audio, the narrator says "Kruppa", while Erikson says "Krupp". So who cares? As long as you enjoy it! You managed to remember so many names out of the top of your head, so impressive! Can't wait to hear your opinions on the rest!

[@AbesBigDayOut]

I don't think there's any reason to listen to people about it being hard to read. Just pick it up and see how you go. I didn't know anything about it when I started and it's my favourite series of all time

[@scorpian221]

Oh boy I’m not going to say anything but you are in for a ride for sure

[@adampender2482]

Read the first 5 and it was a slog. I read War and Peace faster than Midnight Tides. The ride was like a motion theater. Nice pics but you forget it the next day.

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

great work man. its a hard book to get through for sure