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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
Book 2 of my malazan re-read finished that was a long ride but highly enjoyable. Fiddler bloody rules and I enjoyed this read a lot more than the first time I read it.
Starts off with a nice change of setting from the previous city of fire, and introduces many new characters while still keeping a few of the ones we already met. The set up for the book was nice, some parts dragging out at times but it was all worth it for the second half of the book. The last stretch made most of the book for me, and I’m excited to see where the next book takes us.
dark
medium-paced
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
***Reread Nov 2020***
I enjoyed it a little more the second time. But I still don't think that it's an easy adjustment. One thing I will say though is that it's so nice going into these books already knowing the main plot points, it was easier to see the other subtle things playing out in the background.
I'd also like to mention that 'THE SCENE' hurts even more when you know it's coming.
I appreciated Duiker so much more this time around to. The first read I kinda disregarded him, but he was vital to this book. The role of historian is quite horrible really. Having to watch so many awful things and battles play out, for the sake of recording the history. But he's the only way we get Coltaine POV and I love me some Coltaine.
Felisin was the most annoying part though, and her chapters were the biggest slog to read.
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***Original Review***
For me. Not as good as book one. This whole book basically feels like a DLC or massive side quest on a game. It's in the same world, a different region mind you. With almost an entirely new cast of characters. The events are super important. But I just found it hard to care. I loved Coltaine though. I mean how can you not.
Going to give myself a little breather before moving on to book 3.
I enjoyed it a little more the second time. But I still don't think that it's an easy adjustment. One thing I will say though is that it's so nice going into these books already knowing the main plot points, it was easier to see the other subtle things playing out in the background.
I'd also like to mention that 'THE SCENE' hurts even more when you know it's coming.
I appreciated Duiker so much more this time around to. The first read I kinda disregarded him, but he was vital to this book. The role of historian is quite horrible really. Having to watch so many awful things and battles play out, for the sake of recording the history. But he's the only way we get Coltaine POV and I love me some Coltaine.
Felisin was the most annoying part though, and her chapters were the biggest slog to read.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
***Original Review***
For me. Not as good as book one. This whole book basically feels like a DLC or massive side quest on a game. It's in the same world, a different region mind you. With almost an entirely new cast of characters. The events are super important. But I just found it hard to care. I loved Coltaine though. I mean how can you not.
Going to give myself a little breather before moving on to book 3.
This tale continues with only four of the characters from Book 1 (Kalam, Fiddler, Crokus, and Apsalar) and a host of new characters on another continent. The four from Book 1 travel to the Seven Cities area of the vast continent west from Genabackis. The seer Sha'ik launches a war against the Malazans. The Empress Laseen picks the Wickan leader of the Crow Clan, Coltaine to safeguard the Malazan refugees. Coltaine begins a long, hazardous march to the city of Aren. There are several bloody battles, many perilous travels through strange "warrens", and some new interesting characters, notably the Imperial Historian, Duiker (attached to Coltaine's march) and the youngest daughter of House Paran, Felisin. Her journey takes some strange turns. It's epic, strange, dark, and weird. It's also big meaty fantasy with an eye-popping conclusion. I enjoyed it but next up is some lighter fare.
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Rape
Another good one! Maybe a bit short of what first book was (due to the whole mine plot line that kept dragging and dragging), but the payoff is there at the end.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes