Reviews

Fall of Light by Steven Erikson

mundanest's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

sneschalmers's review against another edition

2.0

This was a frustrating read. Rather than feel like literary prowess, it felt self-indulgent. If I read the word “venal” one more time I was going to give up. As it was, this is the only Erikson book I’ve read that was nearly a DNF. I’m compelled to finish the series when the third is out but only from a sense of completionism and I dread it’s release knowing I’ll need to recall the 19464910 characters and their many ongoing arcs.

That said, I am satisfied with how many interesting formative events occur that set the scene for Malazan Book if the Fallen. The “what” of the story is legitimately well designed, the “how” left me wanting.

danmontgomery's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

scorpion_221's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

konain's review against another edition

4.0

Actually 3 stars if you apply the high standards that Steven Erikson has set for himself. For the wait, this second instalment was a let down. And the biggest let down was the climactic battle. Whole of the book focussed on the lead to that single battle

Spoiler

and yet the "mother of all battles" was reduced to a radio commentary! A big big mistake.

And to think how well Erikson writes the battle sequences! The only salvaging point in this mess was the description of the aftermath of the battle....the broken soldiers and all...something else Erikson excels in.

As to the philosophising, it was even more than it was in the FOD. Could have been cut down a bit and could have been more action. Truly speaking, the story itself didn't move much from where it was left in FOD. However there are more insightful paras worth remembering.

Another jarring point was Anomander. His greatness is shown as a given. And yet there isn't anything that even remotely justifies the fact, except the end where

Spoiler

T'riss mentions as to how he saved the entire world by denying Caladan Brood freedom to unleash his power, despite knowing that he would lose otherwise.

Hope this aspect is given more thought in the next part.

Overall, this book dampens the excitement for the last part of the trilogy.

pun's review against another edition

5.0

This is the acme of the Malazan series. This book is everything a High Fantasy book should be. Those who have read the Malazan Books will have a smile on their lips seeing their beloved/not-so-beloved characters young and foolish. The start of a civil war, which shall result in families tearing apart and half of a race turning away from their God. A multitude of characters with shady pasts and shadier intentions face off in this epic. As the Forge of Darkness was the foundation of the series, Fall of Light provides an intense continuation of this era-defining classic. All in all, this is a book a Malazan fan as well as a High Fantasy fan must read.

tmarthal's review against another edition

Great followup sequel to the Malazan works. Lots of characters, and if you don't read at a fast enough pace, you may lose track of who is who and what they are doing.

colinmogg's review

3.0

Ok, but ultimately disappointing.

tehols_blanket's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

peapod_boston's review against another edition

3.0

All the elements that make Erikson's books enjoyable are here. Maybe I'm getting too old or maybe I've read too many, but it felt like there were more and longer internal monologues, which made parts of it a bit of a slog. Definitely more characters that I skimmed through. But still, some lovely moments, absorbing characters, and the collisions of plot and character threads that I've always enjoyed.