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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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]/

[@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)

[@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 . . .

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Mostafa77766]

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

[@mikesbookreviews]

Let's go!

[@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!

[@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!"

[@kaizacorp]

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

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yes! Thank you!

[@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!

[@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?

[@damianrives563]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@manzanogianni4935]

Thanks to this video, I invested in this series not too long after it being posted. Earlier this month, I finished. I started this series with The Dresden Files in January of 2023. As a result, both find themselves in my Top 5. It is everything you have ever heard about it but I digress. Mike, it is my sincerest hope that you return to Toll the Hounds and finish it. You have practically inspired my whole library since the pandemic and I am just trying to pay it forward. Thanks Mike 🤓

[@CatrionaReads]

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

[@nemoonbekend2483]

You are in for a true epic fantasy feast.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yes!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@stevelundin5705]

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

[@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.

[@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 🙌!

[@CSLWoodward]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@subjectverbargument9871]

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

[@alexkonoff2273]

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

[@mikesbookreviews]

Always happy to help!

[@epicgamer2727]

I’m very excited for this

[@nickb1680]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@azurepulse1870]

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

[@mikesbookreviews]

They are some great lines.

[@leude9984]

is this caladan bruth in your pb?

[@kad9964]

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

[@keychainere]

What a fantastic opening.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Jaeno311]

I would definitely take notes on these books. It really will help, especially if youre going to read other books in between. You will be fine though. Its nothing to be afraid of. Erikson is a huge DUNE fan too. Watching your stuff for over a year now, I think youre going to enjoy this series. Just take the books for what they are and dont get caught up in "I dont know whats going on."

[@nemoonbekend2483]

That is some solid advice. The last bit in particular.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm putting together an Excel cheat sheet already.

[@Jaeno311]

@@mikesbookreviews docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GLRmiaFcxe_cGc93ckE5UItRq5rYsfeU0BhvqcaNq9E/mobilepresent?slide=id.i0 If you haven't seen this, it might help. I have one for books 2 and 3 as well if you need.

[@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

[@giverdend1416]

I started reading Malazan years and years ago, and I was so blown away by the world, the characters and the style of the presentation. I had to put down the series in the middle of the second book due to RL issues, and then I kinda fell out of love with fantasy in general and didn't go back for a couple years. Then I decided to give it another try and came back, but at this point Sanderson and Abercrombie had basically taken over the genre, so I decided to read them instead. Once I had seen what that fuss was about, I decided to get back into Malazan, but thought maybe it would be a better idea to read Glen Cook's Black Company first since that series is always cited as an inspiration (and I absolutely loved it, BTW). Long story short, I did Erikson dirty, but I hope I'll be able to join the read-along and finally see the series through.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Never too late, right?

[@AJPzaworld]

Series is freaking metal, and I can’t wait for you to get started on it. Make sure to put on some Caladan Brood- Book of the Fallen as you read. This, alongside Wheel of Time, was one of the first books to have made me cry. That, and when the payoff happens, it hits hard. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it, Mike! Series is easily one of my favs.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

If this series had a soundtrack it most certainly would be Metal.

[@AJPzaworld]

​@@nemoonbekend2483 There's actually a band based on it called Caladan Brood (named after that absolute beast of a man). Give the song Book of the Fallen a try, its got some killer chorus, and has certain man of the hooded gates as the "singer."

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@AJPzaworld Thanks for the tip. Will be sure to check that out.

[@xWursty]

Whenever someone asks me what malazan is about im always brief and say "It's about the colonization of the world by a force called the malazan empire. It deals with questions such as "What is worth dying for?" and the other side of that coin "Is life still worth living when all that is worth living for is gone?" It also deals with themes such as compassion and empathy. Obviously there is so much more that happens in the books but this is the bare bones.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@henriklarsson5221]

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

[@muhammadhashir6136]

The intros in ur Vids are AWESOME

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gracias!

[@muhammadhashir6136]

@@mikesbookreviews awe a spanish thanks😁 no problem

[@annehelatrix4627]

MCU would never do such quality in introduction. I'm sold just on that intro alone. To the library I go

[@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

[@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.

[@gypsyboomer]

This series is in my top 5 series of all time , started it when it was published and have read the entire thing 3 times (so far). The description Quill provided was a tad shallow and simple. The Tiste Andii and their kin are also central to the story. These are an alien group that have extraordinary powers. The magic system is unique, the plot is complicated and twisted, the characterization is detailed and you can feel the age of the world in the world building. There is something very profound in Toc the Younger and his journey. Best advice is to pay attention when the warrens shift and the crippled god beckons.

[@jer2dabear]

Oh yeah Mike. Nice freaking shirt!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@joshuafowler883]

At the beginning of the pandemic I bought all the rest of the books I was missing, including all of Esslemont's and the prequel series and short stories by Erikson, with this grand idea that I was going to read through them by publication dates (not chronologically because they have both said that is a bad idea). I finished Gardens of the Moon and finished half of Deadhouse Gates. But alas I get distracted by shiny new things and haven't picked it back up since. I think 2021 is going to be my year of finishing series that I have been putting off.

[@mikesbookreviews]

We'd love to have you.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

I don't often reread books/book series in the fantasy genre. Even if I like them a lot. There are exceptions, of course (Tolkien natch). I knew as soon as I finished The Crippled God that I would be rereading this. It's been long enough now since that first read through that I am really looking forward to enjoying this again (and it is a truly enjoyable read, not work at all). If you like Grimdark Fantasy (and we know you do), well. . . let's just say parts of these books go to places a whole lot darker than even Abercombie will take you ( which is interesting because a lot of the themes in Malazan are very idealistic in the classical sense). I truly hope you and the other new readers enjoy and appreciate this fantasy work as much as I do. Looking forward to joining y'all.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm excited to have you on board! It's great having the re-readers come along to help those ready to quit.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@mikesbookreviews Should be a good time for all.

[@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.

[@owltheherald4199]

Nice shirt! Great channel!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@CSWalters]

Malazan has been an intense reading experince for me. It feels like I'm working as I read to keep up. It's been a wonderful time though, everything is so bigger than what even the book details - it could just be my imagination making things seem bigger but its amazing, and I would love to see some adaptation on a huge scale for it one day. & Iskar Jarak is a great Malazan Channel that has really helped me get through the books with notes.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm quite familiar with Iskar. Great dude.

[@jonrosenberg4324]

'You don't get answers for a long time'... Yeah, this is true, indeed one of my favourite literary jokes is Erikson's first line of dialogue in The Crippled God: I have no intention of explaining a damned thing. When I first read that, having puzzled my way through the nine preceding volumes of MBoF, I burst out laughing and kept laughing for a good five minutes.

[@nimitzhunter]

The intro is epic.

[@mikesbookreviews]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@GemReadsALot]

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

[@Severian1]

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

[@shopvac113]

Man, I'm so excited to follow your first journey! NOTE: Do not expect grimdark. It is not, as there is always an overarching theme of compassion and hope. It is dark, it is gritty, it is deep, but it is not grimdark.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can get down with that.

[@shawngillogly6873]

Exactly. As I said above, Erikson in a sneaky way subverts Grimdark. Malazan stands strongly against the nihilistic and selfish tendencies that Grimdark often glorifies. But it uses the devices of grimdark to accomplish its ends.

[@Bunny_Aoife]

My attempt at a basic synopsis... A culmination of a world in turmoil, experienced through the eyes and manipulated by the hands of children, priests, soldiers, heroes, monsters and gods. Seasoned with struggles, suffering, hope, compassion and a healthy dose of humour. There's also dragons and dinosaurs! People tend focus on the empire somehow, for me it felt rather tangential, just a framing device to give a bit of structure to the whole, definitely a big part of the happenings of course, but its prevalence in other synopses had me skip it in mine.

[@gabekarl82]

I cannot wait!

[@danielfranya4138]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@CincyAirshipPirate]

I’m sure you’ve come across the recommendation but Tor has a great “re-read of Malazan” guide that can help you orient yourself to a chapter (after finishing the chapter of course!) as you’re starting. Most people ween off it as you get deeper into the story but it’s a great resource to remind you of what just happened in a quick summary. Just stay clear of the comment sections as the occasional hint at a spoiler can show up. In general though, even the comments are pretty spoiler free

[@Rogue_VI]

Don't be intimidated! Yes, it's massive, but it's great. I finished MBOTF about 6-7 years ago and I'm really looking forward to rereading it.