Why I Decided To Read: Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson (Spoiler-Free)

Mike discusses the reasons he has finally decided to dig into the world of Malazan by Steven Erikson.
Purchase Gardens of the Moon here: amzn.to/2zDNWQR (digital) amzn.to/3e3Rrix (physical) amzn.to/37HkpCr (audio)
Purchase Malazan Complete Book of the Fallen here: amzn.to/2URdL7n (digital)
Want to send Mike something? You can do so to the below address:
Mike K.
15201 Mason Rd
Suite 169
Cypress, TX 77433
Support Mike on Patreon: / mikesbookreviews
Join Mike's server on Discord / discord
Visit Mike's Amazon Wishlist: amzn.to/2zpHooW
Follow Mike on Goodreads: / mikesbookreviews
Follow Mike on Twitter: / zepp1978
Like Mike's Book Reviews on Facebook / mikesbookreviews
Follow Mike on Instagram / zepp1978
Follow Mike on TikTok / zepp1978
Check out the referenced Malazan article by Quill to Live here: thequilltolive.com/2018/07/09...
Follow Quill to Live on Twitter here: / quilltolive
0:00 Introduction and Reading Excerpt
3:19 Background
9:02 What Is It About?
11:33 Why I Decided To Read It
------------------------------------------------------
Excerpt music provided by Whitesand
/ @whitesandcomposer
Music used: Epic Trailer Music - Glory [Royalty Free]
• Epic Trailer Music - G...
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0(CC BY 3.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Theme music provided by Infraction
/ @infraction
Music used: Epic (No Copyright Music)
infractionroyaltyfreemusic.ba...
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0(CC BY 3.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
------------------------------------------------------
#MikesBookReviews #Malazan #StevenErikson

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey bookworms! I'm really excited to talk about reading this series that has been 15 years in the making. Many thanks to Quill to Live for their assist and to Whitesand for the phenomenal music in the intro.

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

I tried the first book... what a confusing mess.

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

I wrote a story Called Keeper of the Necronomicon I got it read by a small youtube narrator

[@nemoonbekend2483]

The music was on point. Great Intro!

[@donaldcreech7782]

I would love to do the read along! I remember with Wheel of Time you were flying through the books in a week or two. Will it be the same with Malazan? I'm worried I won't be able to keep up.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@donaldcreech7782 Not at all. 5 book per year over 2 years.

[@JLchevz]

God, I wish I read faster so I could read everything that I want to: Wheel of Time, Malazan, First Law, Culture series, Foundation series, jeez...

[@nemoonbekend2483]

I feel that pain. The Fantasy genre has become popular enough over the last twenty years that there is an embarrassment of riches to be had.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I know that pain ha ha

[@JLchevz]

@@nemoonbekend2483 Yeah, and I'm not very picky either, so I know if I picked up a series most likely I'd enjoy it, so how to choose? I'll just keep on reading lol

[@musicgenius1948]

@@JLchevz the first law is shorter cause it’s only three books and I highly recommend it!

[@JLchevz]

@@musicgenius1948 yeah I definitely want to read it because I like grimdark and people say it's great, I think I'm going to read it before the other big series

[@hopeprevails3213]

"I have no idea what 'Bridgeburners' is..." Oh boy, the innocence! Get ready for quite the journey, lads! Can't wait to reread the books again with ye.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Let's go!

[@culturestudios3500]

"Ye" actually means "The" 😂💯

[@hopeprevails3213]

@@culturestudios3500 ah, pretty sure it's the plural of "thou".

[@culturestudios3500]

@@hopeprevails3213 I see, I see, my bad. I read a lot of Lovecraft he often uses "Ye" but in its archaic form which means "the".

[@joshuaraminha8339]

me who hasn't read Malazan "Is this what the bridge runners are truly scared of?"

[@PetrikLeo]

“Now these ashes have grown cold, we open the old book. These oil-stained pages recount the tales of the Fallen, a frayed empire, words without warmth. The hearth has ebbed, its gleam and life's sparks are but memories against dimming eyes - what cast my mind, what hue my thoughts as I open the Book of the Fallen and breathe deep the scent of history? Listen, then, to these words carried on that breath. These tales are the tales of us all, again yet again. We are history relived and that is all, without end that is all.” Can't wait for you all to witness this epic tale.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Just pilfering those quotes I used for the intro got me hyped as hell about his writing style.

[@MegaBaltimoreravensf]

@Petrick, I have been reading your book reviews on Goodreads for forever. So happy you finally made a YT channel.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@MegaBaltimoreravensf thank you! Haha I'm still a noob at this youtube thing, though! 🤣

[@MegaBaltimoreravensf]

@@PetrikLeo I watched a bit of your interview with rj barker, sam hawke, and Anna Stephens. It was great, You’re a natural.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@mikesbookreviews Say one thing about Erikson say he's quotable.

[@bramvandenheuvel4049]

“You can never have too many books."

[@nemoonbekend2483]

Better to read a thing than live with the fear of it.

[@bramvandenheuvel4049]

@@nemoonbekend2483 I'm still a-reading

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@bramvandenheuvel4049 You have to be realistic about these TBR lists.

[@bramvandenheuvel4049]

@@nemoonbekend2483 But why am I still reading this...

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@bramvandenheuvel4049 I know that I never should have accepted that loan from Valint & Balk to buy books with . . .

[@marcweber8509]

I'm just realizing that reading Malazan is kind of like playing Dark Souls. At first you don't understand anything and get your ass whooped, but then you keep embracing the mystery and hone the steel in yourself and after overcoming obstacle after obstacle you'll feel joy and satisfaction like you didn't think possible. In the end it was you, who moved through the darkness, all along.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha. Well said.

[@marcweber8509]

@@mikesbookreviews Embrace the mystery and enjoy the journey would have probably sufficed :D

[@shawngillogly6873]

Lol. What does it say about myself that I have read Malazan multiple times, have pledged to the read-along, and yet threw Dark Souls out of my house? Probably that my game masochism runs to Paradox games and Football Manager.

[@johnnyskillicorn7623]

Praise the sun

[@marcweber8509]

@@johnnyskillicorn7623 \[T]/

[@michaelgilson7959]

It is definitely a dense read. It took me about 6 years to read the original 10 books plus 11 of the others in the Malazan world. The difficulty in reading the novels (for me at least) is that they mostly follow the POV of common soldiers. There are a lot of things happening between commanders, emperors, ascendents, and gods that we only get glimpses of. So like those soldiers, we are only seeing small parts of the larger conflict.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's a neat approach.

[@harrymcneill901]

Malazan is the only series I have read when I have had the wiki open at the same time I am reading it.

[@pratyushbzr]

And for me it was the exact opposite. I'm on Book 7 and I try to never go to the wiki. It is one of the most spoiler filled wikis that I've ever seen. I've been spoiled about so many things in the first 2 books that I stopped entirely looking up things on the wiki. If I have any doubts I ask at the Malazan subreddit, they are quite helpful.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Way too terrified of spoilers, so I plan to make an Excel "cheat sheet" to keep everything straight.

[@ErikGuin]

@@mikesbookreviews do you have a video sharing your excel and how you use it?

[@locolima279]

I used the wiki with my hand covering the bottom half the screen.

[@briani8785]

@@ErikGuin yeah that’d be nice haha. I was thinking of just keeping a note book. But I feel like I have crap hand writing

[@IskarJarak]

It’s about to go DOWN! 🔥

[@nemoonbekend2483]

Hey there Bird Who Steals! Your channel and Mike here have me psyched up to do a full reread. (Enjoying your Arguments with Iron tourney BTW).

[@IskarJarak]

@@nemoonbekend2483 awesome! I see you very active on the tourney-it’s been a lot of fun but I’ve had terrible internet so I’ve been struggling to get in there and chop it up with you all!

[@shawngillogly6873]

And the High Fist himself has arrived!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Like I told you, you're going to think it's fun at first. But when I'm blowing your messages up by book 2 you're going to be like "not this asshole again!"

[@alexwallachian7720]

Having just finished the books i can not wait to start the re-read with you

[@mikesbookreviews]

That is encouraging as hell.

[@aarong7861]

@@mikesbookreviews I’m doing the same, and it’s actually difficult for me to wait until January to read ‘em again

[@alexwallachian7720]

@@mikesbookreviews it took me several years to read them. Can barely remember anything from earlier books

[@ivanjelenic5627]

There's even a band that bases their songs on Malazan Book of the Fallen. They are called "Caladan Brood", he's a character from the books. The songs are amazing. I get chills listening.

[@igotissues1386]

Ahem. WITNESS! Can't wait to re-read this series!

[@ivanjelenic5627]

Oh damn, Karsa!

[@colinjones5379]

WITNESS

[@tinytownsoftware3837]

@@colinjones5379 Never quite understood the whole Witness thing. Anyone care to explain? It's not just Karsa saying it, it's a theme throughout the series. What does it mean?

[@CharlemagneIfrit]

Trying to describe what the series is about ties even veteran readers in knots because it is about so so much. It's about much more than a main plot. It's also about this truly epic world that leaves you with a sense of scale and history that you will struggle to find anywhere else. It's the people and peoples in this world and how their stories build the world and the main narrative. Try to understand everything as it happens and it can seem like hard work, but if you just immerse yourself into it and slowly build knowledge and understanding as you indulge in this masterpiece then it becomes truly transformative. There isn't a single emotion it won't wrench along the way, but it is such a great journey to go on.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

This read along is one of the most exciting things about 2021! “It’s like Dune” could become the new “Tastes like chicken,” but it’s a valid observation in this case, in my opinion. I’ve always seen Glen Cook’s The Black Company as an obvious influence on Malazan, and Stephen Donaldson is another one Erikson talks about, I think. Very cool to see the enthusiasm for this building, Mike!

[@nemoonbekend2483]

Cook's Black Company and Moorcock's Elric seem to have had an influence on Eriksons fantasy. Maybe a little Fritz Lieber as well.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@nemoonbekend2483 Well said! I’m not sure if I’m remembering this correctly, but I think I recall an interview where Erikson said he never read Moorcock, which is interesting because a lot of people have assumed Elric is an influence. Don’t quote me on that, though, since I’d have to dig it up to be sure.

[@shawngillogly6873]

Erickson has denied on multiple occasions even reading Moorcock before writing Rake. But Dune meets the Black Company is probably the best way to describe Malazan stylistically.

[@MegaBaltimoreravensf]

@nemo@chase, here is the interview where Erikson talks about this series and his influences: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpjPppqHn7Cmn5I

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@MegaBaltimoreravensf Thanks a lot for that! Will give it a watch. Go Steelers! (Sorry. Could not resist. Lotta respect for our rivalry though)

[@amysrambles6748]

I've been humming and heying about joining the read-along. But I think you might have just sold me with 'dragons and dinosaurs'.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Right? Why don't people lead with this?

[@tyraphillips6762]

That's 100% what got me too

[@pookypoo1169]

Same Lol

[@Aqhat1]

Malazan 'dinosaurs' are special ones. Not gonna spoil anything but you will be surprised.

[@carole5648]

i always feel like the dinosaur bit is a bit spoilery, but i guess not really if you don't add more details. dragons are almost assumed in a world this size.

[@marcweber8509]

Erikson said that he really liked the structure of Dune, the novel, so he went and stole it, as he said it. The way that you get dropped into a story in medias res and only slowly the world will reveal itself to you. That's kind of how Gardens of the Moon feels like and it's the reason why so many people are put off initially.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I think going into it knowing that can only help.

[@damianrives563]

Yea Erickson did say that Dune was a huge inspiration for him & he did structure Gardens of the Moon off of it.

[@Draconus1]

Never have I read a better series, you will literally get blown away by the awesomeness of the series. Steven Erikson did a great job. Not too difficult to read, definitely not hyped at all.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can't wait!

[@CatrionaReads]

My copy of Gardens of the Moon arrived today! Very excited

[@nemoonbekend2483]

You are in for a true epic fantasy feast.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yes!

[@Mostafa77766]

Finally, the push I needed to start this series! I can wait...

[@mikesbookreviews]

Let's go!

[@drawyrral]

When I finished reading Garden's of the Moon, I read it again. I read it totally unprepared. It changed my life.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

It can hit like that. Erikson's got some stuff to say that resonates a lot harder than most genre fiction manages. He's more like a LeGuin than he is a Jordan.

[@matth268]

I'm excited to do this with everyone. I've read up to book 7 but I'm going to start again from the beginning and go along with the channel.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Let's get it!

[@marcweber8509]

Beautiful intro, Mike! That quote instantly reminded me why Malazan is my favorite fantasy series. I hope you'll come to love it as much as we do!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Those quotes were just electric. Loved them immediately.

[@lukei4655]

I'm in the middle of a reread at the moment. This series is unspeakably remarkable or perhaps remarkably unspeakable. Regardless of how it's expressed, this series is an unbelievable work of art.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I look forward to it!

[@nickb1680]

VERY excited for this, I’ll definitely be joining you as a first-time reader! Thanks for everything you do Mike!

[@anangryscorpion5838]

Mike, I've been super excited to see what you'd do with the Malazan intros and oh boy! Super super good job, loved it. Can't wait to start in January.

[@melsbookshelf]

Aaaaand to discord I go... sold! I’ve been wanting to start this one for a while but have also been putting it off! A read along is such a great idea!

[@danielfranya4138]

I've been wanting to read this. Joining you next year sounds like good plan👌🏻

[@azurepulse1870]

The opening quote resonates so much, it's frightening.

[@mikesbookreviews]

They are some great lines.

[@leude9984]

is this caladan bruth in your pb?

[@GreeneZonee]

I'm mentally preparing myself to jump into this for a second time lol can't wait to see what all the first time readers think about the series!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can't wait to find out myself.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

Damn, I'm thinking of maybe doing a reread with you guys. But it's such a monumental and long journey.

[@Magnanimoose]

Looking forward to it! Bought the first book quite a while ago and kind of forgot about it. This will be the perfect excuse to read it and continue my collection.

[@BassBumbass]

I have been waiting for this

[@subjectverbargument9871]

This and Black Company are actually my current reads for this season! Nice to see a fellow reader in 2020!

[@ryanbartok1246]

I have joined the Discord and I am ready to give this book a crack. I am a few weeks new to the channel but Mike you have already recommended 4 new awesome books that I have completed and series I am about to start, so I’m looking forward to this read along!

[@Sighience]

Oh yeah, I think with the way you analyze and the things you usually point out in a good book pretty much hits all the marks for Malazan, the intrigue and mystery will keep you coming back. I’m pumped for you that it’s only a month away!

[@nabub2362]

I was afraid to start for years. So when I saw you are doing a read along, I immediatly decided to jump on. I think it will be great to read it with dozens of people.

[@colerush2548]

Great video, Mike! Thanks for the Quill to Live shout out (I'm one-third of the reviewer trifecta over there). Good luck on your Malazan deep dive. I've only done 1 and 2...maybe time to restart.

[@alexkonoff2273]

Whenever you make one of these videos I end up adding the series to my infinite TBT. Thanks!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Always happy to help!

[@Nynaevedelat]

I was very sad to see I was too late to read along with your WoT journey, but equally excited when learning that you are starting Malazan next year. My two favorite series! Count me in for a fourth reread of the Fallen.

[@LesMartin]

I'm looking forward to this. I'm on book 4 right now as I just couldn't wait for the read-along, but you should know I learned about this series from this channel. Enjoying it and pumped to see your reactions.

[@mikesbookreviews]

No worries! Glad to hear you're enjoying it.

[@rl8792]

Always great to see more people starting Malazan, hope you enjoy the series as much as I do. There are a lot of passages in these books that are just unbelievably good, honestly incredible. Just roll with whatever information you're given and you won't have any trouble. Looking forward to your reviews!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Just these quotes I pulled for the intro were electric. Can't wait to see his actual prose.

[@galacticjoey6350]

I have read the first 3 books twice then always stop for some reason. Stoked to finish the series finally with you and other viewers!

[@indyman_123]

Mike, a massive thank you for actually getting me to start the Malazan journey. You are one of the handful people to have done so. Cheers!

[@henriklarsson5221]

Malazan is like chopping wood, hard work but immensely satisfying.

[@asfaloth12]

First, I want to say that I adore your intros. Thanks for making this video. I bought Gardens of the Moon (and Deadhouse Gates) a few eons ago, but have yet to start it. This read-along comes at a perfect time. I am excited to start this journey with everybody.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! Let's go!

[@stevelundin5705]

Best of luck, Mike. Hope you enjoy the series.

[@malphisto15]

I’m excited to watch Malazan related videos. Just started book 7 of the series. It is without question the greatest fantasy series I’ve ever read. Fingers crossed this series sticks the landing

[@JamesI88]

After reading wheel of time I put malazan on my list as something to fill the void that has yet to be filled since a memory of light. I'm very excited to start it with everyone next year.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope it is what you're looking for!

[@snowmexican8558]

I just finished my first reread of Malazan. Even better then first time. Also don't spoil anything for your self, it is way better that way. Glad you have decided to give it a try.

[@carrieicanhasbooks]

I have had these books on my shelves for YEARS. Made the plan to start Gardens of the Moon in January sometime last month when I was working on my 2021 book goals. Then I saw you mention the readalong on Twitter. Having others to read it with my keep my accountable.

[@kad9964]

It's a Hard read, hardest I ever done. On book 9 at the moment. But it's damn good.

[@jeremyfee]

Great review. It's great to read such a large series. I subscribed. Peace!

[@epicgamer2727]

I’m very excited for this

[@ikey730]

Great vid Mike. Love the opening, would have hooked me instantly. Also hearing that dinosaurs as well as dragons are in the series would have sold me instantly as well 😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

We are but simple creatures.

[@francoisbouchart4050]

Fantastic series! I read the first 7 books. I only stopped when my eyes got bad and I could no longer read the tiny font in the mass market paperbacks. With a Kindle in hand, I am ready for the read-along. Looking forward to re-reading the first 7 books and finding out what happens in the last 3 books. Woohoo 🙌!

[@devdav96]

Im very excited to join the read along. Im currently reading the dark tower series. On book 3 right now, im just hoping im not gonna be to confused alternating them. I really like the pacing you set bc that allows me to continue the dark tower in between without falling behind. Plus after dark tower I have plenty of other books I wanna read next year! Pacing perfect for me and im excited af.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Dark Tower is something else. I'm not sure I'd recommend mixing it with anything ha ha

[@ivanjelenic5627]

So great to see you'll finally read it! I wish I could timetravel into the future to see your reviews right now. You will cry. You have been warned.

[@petramihucz42]

Mike, I wanted for such a long time to read this series. I didn't want to read it alone since I know that it has so many implications, themes and all the books are discussion pieces. I felt I would get more out of the series if I can share thoughts and ideas and discuss them with people who are committed to finish the series. Thank you for doing this with us. I am so willing to read along with you on the discord. Can't wait! Let's do this!!

[@OneMoreMeme_INeedYou]

Not familiar with your channel, but as a Malazan fan, I wanted to stop by and show my support. This is super exciting and considering the way you talked about mentally preparing yourself, I think you are going to love it. I had virtually zero literature literacy when I started the series, so you will be fine. At the end of the day, Malazan is just a crazy ride that takes you places you didn't expect, so have fun! I will be following your journey.

[@salazin466]

I hope you enjoy the series! It's my favourite series I've ever read, or story from a medium, and I think you're going into the series with a good mindset. Reflecting on the author's intentions and thematic narrative behind the writing is so rewarding. One thing I loved about the series personally was how it doesn't talk down to the reader, treat them like an idiot, but leaves room to think about what's happening without spoon feeding or taking away from the verisimilitude of its presentation. I'm sure you've read, but also the first book was written way before the later books, and so it's written a little differently.

[@odiums_taint]

looking forward to the read-along!

[@thousanduniverses]

Because of everything right now, the readalong is basically the only thing I have planned for 2021. The art work is stunning! Very excited to start this series! :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Outstanding! Can't wait.

[@kaizacorp]

TOOL shirt and a Malazan video?! My heart is full. Excited for the readalong, loved the intro as always!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yes! Thank you!

[@ravenbellebooks5665]

I'm very excited, my trade copy of Gardens of the Moon came in a few days ago!

[@oldforestroad]

That was cool, right on!

[@GemReadsALot]

I’m looking forward to this read along. I’ll be reading one book a month, alternating between malazan and WoT

[@nimitzhunter]

The intro is epic.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, that music is amazing and Erikson's quotes are just superb.

[@ryanlee6214]

I will be doing my 4th reread with you on this. Can’t wait for you to learn about the Bridge Burners!

[@mikesbookreviews]

This series must be something special if this many folks are re-reading it.

[@ryanlee6214]

@@mikesbookreviews it really is one of the most epic journeys I’ve been on since finding Lord of the Rings back in middle school.

[@giannimanzano9266]

I don’t know if I will be reading this series, but I will join you on the Discord. I’ve been following Mike since the end of last year and if he likes it that will be the final endorsement to me reading this series. I have heard a lot of good things and have been positive towards the things Erickson has said, himself. My only doubt is that I am a character driven reader and like my plot to unfold nice and fluidly which may be at odds with Erickson’s style of writing. So I await the final endorsement from Mike to make my final decision 🙂

[@mikesbookreviews]

NO PRESSURE.

[@saeedajaib]

I am just getting back into reading and fantasy. Malazan is of course on my list but i will work my way towards it. I am now on the 10th book of WoT. When i do start malazan i will definitely be coming back to the videos you made on this channel!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent! The vids will always be here for when you catch up.

[@arjunbharadwaj6000]

Woah what a coincidence! I'm in the 10th book of the wheel of time too, and malazan is next in my list. :)

[@faranglao8006]

Hurry up and finish WoT and start Malazan. Blows it out of the galaxy in my opinion. First re-read makes way more sense though.

[@owltheherald4199]

Nice shirt! Great channel!

[@muhammadhashir6136]

The intros in ur Vids are AWESOME

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gracias!

[@muhammadhashir6136]

@@mikesbookreviews awe a spanish thanks😁 no problem

[@MrAlexFontaine]

Can't wait for you to read it! You'll see Malazan is one of those series built so you'll want to re-read again an again and each new visit will give you new nuggets, new enjoyment. It's like my first car, hard to start but you can drive it for 20 years.

[@MrAlexFontaine]

And don't stress out about the curve, it was my first fantasy book series after Dune, I'm not a genius and I did just fine.

[@balrajsingh1492]

Okay I wasn't going to pick the book, but now seeing your excitement,I am going to join your read along. Yay!!! And.... In interview with books with Brittany, Erickson confirmed his narrative and the world is heavily inspired from dune.

[@AhmadHassan-eb2pl]

Insane intro really loved it 🔥

[@CSLWoodward]

Not normally one to really engage with the excerpt reading but man, that destiny quote and artwork got me HOOKED.

[@danielkoselka2839]

Read the first two. Excited to continue with you. Really liked Deadhouse Gates. Coltaine and Duiker are awesome. For Gardens of the moon. I liked Darujhistan, but had problems with other parts. Am told it's better when you go back so looking forward to rereading it

[@jer2dabear]

Oh yeah Mike. Nice freaking shirt!

[@gabekarl82]

I cannot wait!

[@SatishAlavandar]

Its been 5 long years since i last read this series . Stopped halfway through toll the hounds . Seriously considering joining the read along

[@mikesbookreviews]

The more the merrier.

[@ryanoneal8480]

Toll the Hounds is a stumbling block for a lot of ppl. It is a bit philosophy heavy, but man the ending is one of the best in the series!

[@shawngillogly6873]

@@ryanoneal8480 TtH is definitely the highest bar other than Gardens of the Moon itself. It's...strange. But the convergence at the end is perhaps the most epic in the series. And for a series that's built on convergences, that's saying something.

[@ryanoneal8480]

@@shawngillogly6873 Funnily enough, the one that tripped me up on my very first read through was Reapers Gale, which is considered by many fans to be one of the best lol

[@Severian1]

This series made me a better person! You will love it, I hope.

[@keychainere]

What a fantastic opening.

[@highwayharry]

This has me hyped for January 1st!

[@nilulal545]

So after having such an exciting turn of events in Oathbringer i started off the 4th book, I than got my first 3 books of Malazan series delivered today. So I picked up the first book opened hmmm... prologue, Chapter one n before i knew im 30 pages into this intriguing, ancient epic characters with a twist n plot than im like ahhh hey Rythm of War I'll book mark you for a little while!! Whoa Mike this is already fascinating start!! Curiosity got me good!!😀 looking forward to more conversations.

[@carole5648]

That description isn't inaccurate but...it doesn't really tell you much about why people love it or why you should read it either. There aren't many summaries because there is just too much going on for one to make sense. I think that's the biggest reason people don't pick it up, it's really hard to tell someone what it's about.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

Oh Lord yes. Trying to accurately summarize Malazan without giving the game away with spoilers is damn near (maybe completely) impossible.

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Having read half of the first book about 5 years ago, I’m really looking forward to giving this another try.

[@shawngillogly6873]

As one of those vets who pledged to reread the series (and read the ICE books as well, if I can afford to buy them, lol), let me just say 1) I think you'll be fine. You're a Dune lover. And Erickson deliberately modeled his narrative style on Dune. 2) You'll get why we love the Bridgeburners within 100pages. But you'll get my love for Anomander Rake even sooner. 3) as for Grimdark. Yes and no. Erickson definitely refuses to let his readers look away from the brutality of war and the atrocities it often conceals. But, as the quote you read from Itkovian in the intro alludes, Erickson is emphatic on the value of compassion. The need for empathy. So in a sense, he is subverting the tropes of Grimdark. Showing us the worst of us, that we can then see the best juxtaposed (and hopefully choose the latter). And in fact one of the reasons explaining the Malazan series plot is so difficult is in part because the narrative serves the themes. Not the other way around. Also because, like Dune, it is told as a history, a Chronicle, as it were. Not a traditional novel. (See the Black Company for a smaller-scale point of comparison.) As for the Malazan fanbase, we can be prickly, at times. Especially when people try to say Erickson can't write. And as a result, we've probably grown more isolationist, as it were, than I would like. But I think with the recent round of interviews by him, that's thawing, to a degree. And I hope this helps. Though I'm not so naive as to expect a lack of lively discussions. 😁 Anyway, tl:dr. Hope you enjoy. And looking forward to the reread.

[@mikesbookreviews]

This is great! Thank you. Glad to know I wasn't far off on the Dune references. As far as grimdark, I think you can do it and still find a measure of hope and humanity. Abercrombie gets this (occasionally!) but a lot of other authors in the sub genre seem to have a tough time differentiating between grimdark and nihilism. I expect some fans to tell me things like "you totally missed that" and "you pronounce all the words wrong" and that just comes with having a booktube channel. I'm always up for constructive critisism and I think that signifies of a devoted and passionate fanbase vs that of "gatekeepers." So I'm looking forward to it. As far as his writing style, those quotes I pulled were amazing. If that is how the man writes, I'm going to be a huge fan.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

You nailed it with this comment. Esp. the section on Grimdark. Very well put.

[@shawngillogly6873]

@@mikesbookreviews Mispronouncing Malazan is a meme in the fanbase even. Mainly because most of us mispronounced "Malazan" for a decade. I had to retrain myself on how to say it after I heard SE say it in interviews. Let alone the 20 shades of Tiste. Lol. Not to mention, unlike Tolkien, there is no pronunciation guide. I suspect Erickson pronounces some of them differently just to troll his fans. 🤓

[@full-timehuman]

I started this series a few months ago, and now I’m about to finish. It’s pretty good, and I hope to reread with you guys.

[@AmericanMuscle1967]

Wow, I just started reading Gardens of the Moon three days ago. I held off reading it for years too. Just so many books to read.

[@andrewmusk3249]

I will certainly be joining in with dicusiion. Have had a few failed attempts with the series. Read Gardens of the Moon 4 times and and Deadhouse gates twice and on my first read of Memories of Ice and loving it!

[@RameenFallschirmjager]

I know my comment is irrelevant, but I put it anyways! I'm reading the "Dune" novel right now with my kindle paperwhite. I live in a country that I can't purchase books legally, so I have to download them illegally. Is there anyone who loves to read like me but can't access the book so he have resort to piracy? I'm a software developer and I leant software development even by piracy! I'm not an English speaker, and I learnt English by pirating educational materials too! Take my comment as a confession, confessions of a of digital pirate in digital age! And the "Dune" novel is fantastic! I read a lots of books. Almost all of Stephen King for example. And some of Clive Barker too. But Clive can't hold a candle to Stephen!

[@myra961]

i can't buy books from amazon before too, but during the pandemic lockdown i managed to bought as many books as i can, after i logged into my amazon account through proxysite. try it.

[@georgemalone3318]

I am not really a religious person. But, bless your courageous soul! Keep on reading my friend, your heart is great.

[@RameenFallschirmjager]

@@georgemalone3318 Thanks bro. Your wholesome comment made my heart warm. I need as much as warmth possible in my heart right now!

[@patsmythos]

While Malazan has always seemed a bit too daunting for my tastes, I couldn't be more excited for you to take the series on. Who knows, your other recommendations have all panned out for me, so maybe you'll inspire me to give Malazan a try!

[@mikesbookreviews]

There's always room in this warband.

[@alexisdumas84]

I'm planning to start Malazan soon - I even have the books in my shopping carts waiting until I recover from my concussion before I order them - so I think I'll try and sync my reading up to your progress, maybe!

[@mikesbookreviews]

No pressure. Do what works for you, the videos will still be here when you're ready.

[@andrewstrongman305]

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a slice of their world history, mostly following stories involving Malazans or those they became part of. The truly epic scale of the world and various windows into other times or realms is beyond any other, as is the pathos. Three words from Deadhouse Gates will be with me forever: "Children are dying."

[@nemoonbekend2483]

I get why Deadhouse Gates ranks low for a lot of readers, but damn if it isn't one of my favorites. Thing's an emotional hellride. That last act. Oof.

[@universeofmakeup]

I really appreciate how you are making and connecting reading communities. Sam here 🙋🏻‍♀️ I have always wanted to read Malazan since I’m a big Dark Souls/Bloodborne lore fan and player, and Malazan is always suggested as a book to read due to its complexity. However somehow I also felt “scared” of doing so. I’m looking forward to be able to connect and get some orientation from long time Malazan readers!

[@Edog1337]

You are correct, it is an anthology series. It has great character development and world-building, but is done in situ. No big expositional dumps. Def a great series, but it takes work. The fandom can be condescending, though....Recommend not googling anything. There are terms like “Tiste” and “Warren”, and they are explained slowly throughout the series. Infodump wiki ruins Erickson’s pacing IMO.

[@Vinnie2501]

In fourth reread at book four but this may have convinced me to slow down and watch this till you all catch up. So much to talk about

[@BaldBookTuber]

You're welcome Mike! You'll love the Bridge burners. Shout out to Iskar for the cool mug!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Is he the one making them?

[@BaldBookTuber]

Not sure. He has a store I bought it from. teespring.com/stores/iskar-jaraks-store

[@jhannah6720]

I’m so excited for you lol

[@anderslofgren8235]

IMHO this series beats WOT and most other series in the genre. Scope, characters, plot - granted, it's kind of different with some wait times to follow up certain POVs and so on but the further you come the better it gets. It's one of those 'delayed gratification' things. I've NOT read the ICE books, only the 10, and that was enough for me. I think you'll love it. If you are into Dune, as I am, you are into the slightly more convoluted story telling. Just remember, you won't get anything spoonfed. It will make sense in time :-))

[@omnitheus5442]

You missed a big chunk not reading ICE. Same with Erikson's extras like the rather hilarious short stories on Korbal Broach and Baukelain... You are missing so much like Kellanved's back stories, the Stormriders, much more on Dassem Ultor, more history, what happens with Tayschrenn etc etc. Your loss.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@omnitheus5442 The ICE books are worth a read. Absolutely. Esselmont isn't the writer Erikson is, but he's certainly at least as good as a Jordan or Gwynn in this genre. The material is very compelling.

[@michael305m3]

I’ve read both series and I believe wheel of time to be the better series