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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
had been told that he loved to leave little hints about the future, bits of foreshadowing and what not, all over the place but I didn't really appreciate that until this book because this was the first time those connections were actually being made.
While Erikson still doesn't do much in terms of direct descriptions of people or places he does manage to subtly give you a lot of details on various characters and nations. In fact, I could easily see myself reading books that just focused on certain groups such as the tribes of the Toblaki or the Moranth. He has hinted at so much about these people that it would be cool to really dig into their cultures and histories.
At the moment I have my hands full just reading what he is writing. It isn't hard reading but I'm way behind in the series and have to catch up. Plus I really want to know what happens with Karsa and how his early actions in this novel will effect later episodes in the epic about Gods and the Malazan Empire.
While Erikson still doesn't do much in terms of direct descriptions of people or places he does manage to subtly give you a lot of details on various characters and nations. In fact, I could easily see myself reading books that just focused on certain groups such as the tribes of the Toblaki or the Moranth. He has hinted at so much about these people that it would be cool to really dig into their cultures and histories.
At the moment I have my hands full just reading what he is writing. It isn't hard reading but I'm way behind in the series and have to catch up. Plus I really want to know what happens with Karsa and how his early actions in this novel will effect later episodes in the epic about Gods and the Malazan Empire.
Holy @#$#$%#$% that was awesome!! The book introduces the reader (again [cryptically]) to Karsa Orlong who, along with Anomander Rake, are two of the series most compelling male characters. The book builds toward a climax in Raraku that really exceeded my expectations in the best possibly way: by completely defying them. I can't give any spoilers; it'd potentially ruin too many plot points and twists. Part of what makes this series so incredible is the way the complex layers reveal themselves. Erikson's really created a treat for the reader willing to commit to this behemoth of a series!
8.4 - Very Good
A very very good continuation of the Malazan story, and that's what it felt like, a continuation of an overarching story that I'm enjoying more and more. The writing continues to get better every book, reaching pretty clear-cut top-tier author level, and Erikson continued his master-class in intricate plot-weaving and world building. I at least enjoyed every single POV, and I really enjoyed Karsa, Fiddler, and basically any time Cotillion made an appearance. The introductory section following Karsa was different for the series, but (having been warned ahead of time), I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. The inevitable clash between the Malazans and Shaik's Apocalypse following the events of Deadhouse Gates was really well done, with tons of top-tier themes, symmetry, and arc-fulfillments. That being said, this book probably had the least-epic ending since GotM; it was very muti-faceted with a lot of cool scenes but nothing on a huge scale. Additionally, while I continued to enjoy reading it, I never reached the "I can't even think of putting this down" feeling of 9-10 star books, and the book continued to also lack the top-tier characters that I really need for that level of enjoyment too. So in all, no really big flaws, nothing (that I personally prioritize) was amazing, but all that encompasses a fantasy book was consistently "very good".
A very very good continuation of the Malazan story, and that's what it felt like, a continuation of an overarching story that I'm enjoying more and more. The writing continues to get better every book, reaching pretty clear-cut top-tier author level, and Erikson continued his master-class in intricate plot-weaving and world building. I at least enjoyed every single POV, and I really enjoyed Karsa, Fiddler, and basically any time Cotillion made an appearance. The introductory section following Karsa was different for the series, but (having been warned ahead of time), I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. The inevitable clash between the Malazans and Shaik's Apocalypse following the events of Deadhouse Gates was really well done, with tons of top-tier themes, symmetry, and arc-fulfillments. That being said, this book probably had the least-epic ending since GotM; it was very muti-faceted with a lot of cool scenes but nothing on a huge scale. Additionally, while I continued to enjoy reading it, I never reached the "I can't even think of putting this down" feeling of 9-10 star books, and the book continued to also lack the top-tier characters that I really need for that level of enjoyment too. So in all, no really big flaws, nothing (that I personally prioritize) was amazing, but all that encompasses a fantasy book was consistently "very good".
I've been working through this series with several other Goodreaders. It is a huge undertaking and we read about a book every couple of months.
So returning to each book is a huge undertaking, because of the world Erikson has built. Not only are there many many MANY characters, living and dead, there is also a variety of gods, places, races and titles that you have to remember as well.
As a result I struggle with the first half of the book, until I am inevitably drawn in and finish on a high note. Rinse and repeat for each book in the series.
The future can ever promise but one thing and one thing only: surprises.
This book though, quickly drew me in and became my favorite in the series so far.
We open learning the backstory of Karsa, one of Shai'k Reborn's guardians, and while I did struggle with the gleeful slaughter he initiated in his search for glory, he quickly grew to be an intriguing character.
My only issue with the book is the entire book is building up to a great war, which ultimately did not happen the way I was expecting. Not that it was wholly a bad thing, but the heartbreak I felt at the conclusion was both expected and surprising.
Which probably doesn't make sense. What I mean is: when characters you like are about to go to war with each other you expect some deaths and the sadness that goes with losing characters you like. I was "prepared" (or as prepared as you can be) for that. Instead Erikson threw a curve ball and the final confrontation was even more heartbreaking.
I must be a sucker for punishment, because I still can't wait to read the next one.
So returning to each book is a huge undertaking, because of the world Erikson has built. Not only are there many many MANY characters, living and dead, there is also a variety of gods, places, races and titles that you have to remember as well.
As a result I struggle with the first half of the book, until I am inevitably drawn in and finish on a high note. Rinse and repeat for each book in the series.
The future can ever promise but one thing and one thing only: surprises.
This book though, quickly drew me in and became my favorite in the series so far.
We open learning the backstory of Karsa, one of Shai'k Reborn's guardians, and while I did struggle with the gleeful slaughter he initiated in his search for glory, he quickly grew to be an intriguing character.
My only issue with the book is the entire book is building up to a great war, which ultimately did not happen the way I was expecting. Not that it was wholly a bad thing, but the heartbreak I felt at the conclusion was both expected and surprising.
Which probably doesn't make sense. What I mean is: when characters you like are about to go to war with each other you expect some deaths and the sadness that goes with losing characters you like. I was "prepared" (or as prepared as you can be) for that. Instead Erikson threw a curve ball and the final confrontation was even more heartbreaking.
I must be a sucker for punishment, because I still can't wait to read the next one.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual assault, Slavery, Grief, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
While this book is really all about mixed feelings, it also contains some highlights that cannot be discarded.
It is a journey of certain characters, an emotional one at that also.
It also contains some of the best scenes in the book and it finally starts unveiling Cotillion and who he is (and this is what attracted me the most to the book), as a patron (and almost a father figure to some) and a patron of assassins (and why he is the best at what he does).
It is also the story of the Paran sisters. Not extremely emotional but it contains quite a bit of friction. Very sibling-like.
It is also the story of Fiddler/Strings and the Bridgeburners. It is the story of Cutter and Apsalar.
It is also the story of the House of Chains and how the Crippled God made it on the map.
And it is the story of Karsa, a character I could not care less about yet the implications of what he is and becomes are key for the series, I suspect!
It is a journey of certain characters, an emotional one at that also.
It also contains some of the best scenes in the book and it finally starts unveiling Cotillion and who he is (and this is what attracted me the most to the book), as a patron (and almost a father figure to some) and a patron of assassins (and why he is the best at what he does).
It is also the story of the Paran sisters. Not extremely emotional but it contains quite a bit of friction. Very sibling-like.
It is also the story of Fiddler/Strings and the Bridgeburners. It is the story of Cutter and Apsalar.
It is also the story of the House of Chains and how the Crippled God made it on the map.
And it is the story of Karsa, a character I could not care less about yet the implications of what he is and becomes are key for the series, I suspect!
A bit of a disappointment following a masterpiece of a third book.