The best Book I've ever Read? | Memories of Ice | Malazan Book of the Fallen

In this video I review Memories of Ice, the third book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series.
This book is one of the best books I've ever read. What an incredible work of art.
Buy this book - a.co/d/68608gg
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[@alan6747]

Best book i have ever read.. omg go read philosophy and stop being so weak.

[@taylor-kenny]

What an enlightened response! Thanks for watching :)

[@alan6747]

@@taylor-kenny well you're reading the wrong books. Why do you think you get so many comments and views?? Answer: because they are pop culture nothing books for the masses.

[@taylor-kenny]

@@alan6747 This series is not for the masses lol I think you should do more research about Malazan. Did you know anything about this series before dropping this comment?

[@alan6747]

whatever... just go read my response to your "I stopped smoking weed video"@@taylor-kenny

[@tr5676]

Judging from your sheer lack of knowledge regarding Malazan, it’s relative lack of popularity and reasons for it, and it’s actual thematic content, this comment is either straight up stupid or pointless rage bait.

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Dude, YES! This book is an absolute gem. But strap in, because you may end up liking some of the other Malazan books you are soon to read even more than this one!

[@taylor-kenny]

I'm pumped for more! It's hard to believe it gets better than this haha

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

@@taylor-kenny Yeah, especially the last book. It's my all time favorite fantasy book.

[@im2yz4u17]

Bugg/Mael and Tehol are two of my most favorite characters later in the series. Freaking amaznig character development and hilarious interactions along the way. One passage you are laughing your butt off the next passage you are in tears.

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

Read the whole series twice, Deadhouse Gates and Memories Of Ice are my favourites

[@adimudiraj]

There are so many amazing scenes in the book but when Onos goes to save Toc and tells Envy he has to do it because he called him his friend I started tearing up…still don’t know why but that’s one of the most beautiful scenes ever written

[@taylor-kenny]

I had that same exact reaction. I don't know what it was but all of the build up until that moment just crushed me. I get chills thinking about it.

[@fantasticphilosophy181]

The necromancers Bauchelain and Korbal Broach have their own books which are a lot of fun, definitly worth reading as well. Loved your review!

[@taylor-kenny]

Thanks for watching :) I'll definitely check those out when I finish book of the fallen.

[@dreddiknight]

​@@taylor-kenny they're novellas and very quick, humorous reads. I'd recommend reading them as you go along

[@myself2noone]

0:41 It's called "Effort justification." It's related to the ikea effect and sunk cost fallacy, but it's not the same thing. It's a common factor in cult behavior. They tend to have very demanding behaviors required to join the cult. So after you get in, you justify the effort because you don't want it to be waisted. From there, the cult can get people to believe some pretty crazy stuff. I don't know how I feel about effort justification as a writing technique. On one hand, I do think Lord of the Rings is elevated by the fact that it's written in a way that makes it feel like an old tail passed down through the ages. And the little bit of effort it takes to understand the dead references and the like. On the other hand, let's just say I don't agree with this appraisal of Memories of Ice.

[@raswartz]

Great review. I will never forget the putting MoI down after finishing it and thinking - that might be the best book I've read . . . ever. I know you wanted to keep it short and light on spoilers but there are so many layers to that book - crisscrossing plot lines and themes that weave together to create this beautiful, intense emotion.

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

It's a hell of a book. Nice to see a newer face in the Malazan scene. I'll rummage through the rest of your vids soon.

[@taylor-kenny]

It is indeed! Thanks, I honestly was expecting this video to get like 50 views. Happy the community seems to enjoy it :)

[@bailong7461]

just finished it yesterday and I loved it, what a masterpiece, not going to lie, cried like a baby at certain events near the end, and laughed throughout too. I've never read books where I had to stop so many times to re-read a passage because it struck me so hard and true. I've loved each book more than the last, hope this continues for book 4 and beyond, what an amazing series!

[@mattydodd1876]

Easily my favourite of the three so far. Absolutely incredible. I enjoyed every plot line, besides maybe the Mhybe, but even still she was intriguing. So excited for the rest of the series!

[@misheldar]

The book is really epic! I’m finishing it at the moment and so excited! What a scope! Legendary!

[@didelu7989]

I am really glad that Malazan is finally getting the recognition it deserves! I have seen a few youtubers talking about it since my first reading it a few years ago. It is my favourit fantasy Series and one of if not the best of all time. I just found your channel, great Video keep Up the good work! 👌🏻

[@taylor-kenny]

thank you! It's so good. Thanks for commenting.

[@mezla_]

hell yeah, dude. love to see more malazan discussion online. great video, keep at it!

[@taylor-kenny]

More to come!

[@jordp1987]

Great review, great book with fantastic characters. From your other videos we seem to be currently at the same point in the series. Looking forward to future videos.

[@TowerBooks3192]

My favourite random moment is at the start when Picker got the torcs and it clung to her and she thought she will lose her arm and one of the other Bridgeburner was saying that is good since you and Dujek One-arm can finally have a topic of conversation😂

[@ZampanosCat]

Welcome to Malazan. I finished the series last August…I’m sure you think you know where things are going, but you still have a ton of surprises to come. Enjoy!

[@PrayAlways222-dj2kr]

I just finished MOI and I agree. One of the best books I have ever read. I may put Deadhouse Gates slightly higher on my list but MOI is right there. As for Steve’s writing style, I personally like it. You have to pay attention to pick up on the innuendos as there are no spoon feed information drops and conversation are as you would expect a conversation to flow in the real world, again with no information drops to hold your hand. The book definitely touched on relationships, self reflection and redemption. I love how his prologue is in a way a metaphor for what is to come in the book. I really enjoyed Lady Envy and I hope she reappears in the following books. I also really enjoyed the ending scene with Tool and felt it was well deserved. Odd to say but I miss this book even though I just finished it

[@lukethomas216]

I finished this about ten minutes ago and feel like I’ve run a marathon without bothering to train-broken but immensely satisfied. I need a strong drink…

[@taylor-kenny]

That's exactly how I felt haha

[@timothyhairston2051]

It took me weeks to emotionally recover from book 10

[@SteveTalksBooks]

New to the channel, enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this book! Our group just finished House of Chains and we're moving onto Midnight Tides next. You are right about it being worth the brainpower to get through and having a sense of accomplishment when you're finished.

[@taylor-kenny]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'm new to doing book reviews glad you connected with this. I'm just now digging into House of Chains :)

[@SteveTalksBooks]

@@taylor-kenny had me fooled, reviews are tough but you did a good job! If you’re looking for people to read Midnight Tides with let us know. I think we plan to meet in the middle of January for the first part of the book.

[@taylor-kenny]

@@SteveTalksBooks Sweet, I appreciate the invite. Let me see if I can catch up by then. Might be able to get through house of chains over the holiday. If I can I'm down.

[@jonathanflynn7446]

Honestly, this one convinced me to make the ride of the full series. Knowing how good Memories of Ice was, made it worth working towards the payoff of The Crippled God. Deadhouse Gates was great, but this one made me Malazan for life.

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

Just started MOI this week. I'm glad I finally found your channel. I was the guy after you in Matt's video and Warhammer sounded interesting. Gonna run through your catalog here and see if there are any videos on it.

[@taylor-kenny]

Awesome! Glad you found it. I'm still pretty knew to the whole booktube thing but plenty more videos to come this year :) Let me know if you need warhammer recs, the ones I've reviewed on my channel are not exactly where I would start. Gaunts Ghosts is a good one or the first book in the Horus Heresy series.

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

@@taylor-kenny Yeah I'm new too. Been doing this for only two months. lol. Still finding my footing. How did you like Deadhouse Gates??

[@taylor-kenny]

@@blacknbluecollarreader The ending of deadhouse gates gives me chills just thinking about it. I think it starts a little slow at first but the buildup is totally worth it.

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

@@taylor-kenny The prologue was awesome!! However, you are correct, it does slog a little. Introduction to Pust kind of helped the middle a little bit for me. DHG is probably a top 3 book for me.....at this moment.

[@redsikozu2321]

Nice seeing another fan. I'm on my third time reading the series just finished book 4 house of chains

[@ahojahojish]

Im really enjoing the series (Im at book 8 right now). It has one of the most if not the most epic scenes in all of fantasy. But I have to admit, being absolutely lost on the plot, the motivations of the characters, or what the hell theyre talking about half of the time I read.....it is really frustrating. Its like, you know youre reading something really cool, you dont really know what youre reading but its pretty epic and then you get to the last 200 pages which are just non stop amazing action/conclusion. But its pretty common you read 5 pages and have no idea what you just read. Sometimes I hate Eriksons confusing writing and sometimes I’m yelling “Erikson is a genius!” While I’m reading 😂

[@taylor-kenny]

Yesss! haha whenever I read a section where I feel lost I just think "This is ok, it will make sense eventually..." Can't wait to get farther along.

[@seangaming5480]

Malazan wiki is a saviour

[@WritingRahul]

Hi Taylor, I just came across your channel today and loved the videos you have posted. Found your understanding and insight deeper than most of the other booktubers I have come across. Malazan has been on my list since a very long time and there are two reasons that have kept me away from reading it - 1) I can't find the series in first edition, hardcover format (which I have finally given up on), and 2) Fear that the series will have a lot of violence as I can't stomach too much of violence anymore (specially after going through all that I did during the pandemic). But at the same time, what I hear about the series really makes me want to pick up and read it - fantasy with a good dose of meaning and philosophy. Thought of asking you if I should pick up the books or not. Many thanks (P.S. - I saw the reaction video Library of a Viking made on the reaction video you made for his Malazan video. It was really nice to see how respectful you were - it's rare to see fan react this way these days.)

[@taylor-kenny]

Thanks for the comment Rahul! I'm glad you liked that reaction video, I felt it was a good conversation to have but I didn't want to come across as being dismissive because I do understand his position. I would recommend the series to you but I will warn you that there is a lot of violence. Though the way it is portrayed is more tasteful than your typical grim dark fantasy series.

[@timanson7500]

Hey, nice review. I also finished it recently and thought it was one of the best books I've ever read !

[@taylor-kenny]

It's so good! Thanks for watching!

[@SomeGuyFromUtah]

POSSIBLE SPOILERS BOOKS 1/2.... I think Dujek Onearm goes rogue because he figures out it was the Empress's plan to wipe his soldiers out at the siege of Pale, so obviously if she's out to get him, he doesn't have much of a choice. I think this is also why some people doubt if he's rogue or not because it wasn't really a choice he made so much as a situation that was forced upon him. (it's been a few years, I could be wrong)

[@mrgauth]

I liked moments in ICE but as a whole, not my favorite. 250 pages into four and enjoying it much more. Love how it focuses on one character throughout and how this character interacts with what happens in Deadhouse Gates. Very cool. I have no doubt I will enjoy others more as I go. I am on a 3 year read plan to finish this series. I have to take a break between each. Oh, and subbed. Enjoyed your thoughts on the book.

[@taylor-kenny]

Thanks Mike, glad you enjoyed the video! Book 4 was just as good IMO.

[@theknavishroadbyn.r.gravel9757]

Erikson has stated that compassion is the main theme of the series. But to me, what Itkovian did was choose sacrificial lambs. Sure what he did was compassion, but for who? The build up, to me, was for the Imass to fight. Overall an awesome book and ranks right near the top of great novels. However, I liked Deadhouse Gates a little better.

[@taylor-kenny]

Thanks for the comment! Agreed It wouldve been fun to see the Imass fight at the end. The ending of Deadhouse Gates is unforgettable. I get chills thinking about it.

[@TertiaryScroat]

I have read books I couldn't put down but there were times I had to put MoI down at times. People who can't read them fall into 2 camps, those who think (or need) to follow everything that is going on and they have to remember every character, just relax and enjoy Ericcsons superb prose, he is a truly outstanding writer. The other camp are fucking idiots (jk), but I maintain it is not hard to read everything just falls in place as you go so do not panic if you do not completely understand something it will make sense later and Malazan stands reading again and you get so much out of a second and even third reads, you do not need to read them again, each book apart from 9 and 10 are self contained stories, no cliff hangers but the series works as a whole and event travel backwards and forwards when you reread DONT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, JUST RELAX AND YOU WILL BE RICHLY REWARDED

[@taylor-kenny]

100% I agree with all of this. I'm starting to think about re-reading the series. Just finished Novels of the Malazan Empire.

[@TertiaryScroat]

@@taylor-kenny Apart from 1 I really enjoyed them, the Paths to Ascendancy are his best books I think.The reread is such a great experience , the connections you missed and there is always stuff you forgot and I have read them 6 times lol

[@lorenburnham821]

Forge of the high mage was everything i wanted from esselmont.

[@taylor-kenny]

Looking forward to digging into the Esselmont videos after getting through the main series.

[@unstopitable]

Great video. Do you do jiujitsu? I'm asking because of your ears. I mean absolutely no disrespect. Cheers.

[@taylor-kenny]

LOL don't worry I get that pretty often now. I pretty frequently it's the price I've paid.

[@arng93]

they don't make books waterproof enough for the amount of tears I shed during MoI.

[@taylor-kenny]

The ending is so sad but satisfying

[@TheDylls]

Is this the one that ends with Whiskeyjack?

[@ShelfCentered]

Here here!

[@TyreII]

The first book was terrible to me. Loved the rest but he admits freely that he should have started the first book off in a less confusing way. Memories of Ice is definitely one of the best.

[@taylor-kenny]

I thought the first book was good, but it's definitely hard to recommend to new people. You're basically saying after you read this 800 page book it really gets good I promise lol

[@TyreII]

@@taylor-kenny lol Yep pretty much!

[@itscatoclock]

Are your reviews spoiler-free? If so, how spoiler-free?

[@taylor-kenny]

My reviews are not spoiler free at all lol

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I really enjoyed this video. Would love to chat sometime bro!

[@taylor-kenny]

Thank you! I've been watching your Malazan videos. I just finished up The Bonehunters last week. Definitely down to chat sometime!

[@TheDylls]

Gods help me, I can't NOT love The Eel hahaha

[@emilrizov9050]

Spoilers warning! This whole video is spoilers!

[@taylor-kenny]

Ah sorry I can't help myself.

[@michaeljohnston272]

Good content, subbed