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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
Another wonderful book of the Malazan series, with a somewhat different approach. I will first give some words to what this particular book is about and then I would like to share something about the themes I've found.
In the first part of the book we follow a completely new character, Karsa Orlong, for a long time, rather than constantly switching perspectives. Of course, at some point he will converge with the happenings on the Seven Cities continent as this book is a continuation of Deadhouse Gates (elegantly bringing that book and Memories of Ice together here). With one central figure at the start and now that we know many of the key players in the series, I feel this book read a lot quicker than earlier books. At the same time at many scenes I felt that some parts were less eventful and more repetitive than I experienced in earlier books. This is why I gave it 4 rather than 5 tars. Don't worry though. Many fun and interesting things happen, the pay-off is great and it is still beautifully written and every part has its function in the story. Furthermore, this book has several amazing endings and a chaotic but breathtaking convergence. The convergence at the end of the book, to me was reminiscent more of that in Gardens of the Moon than the other previous books.
In this book Erikson takes the opportunity to, again give us more of the history of this interesting world. He introduces yet more races like Tiste Edur and Forkrul Assail. Furthermore, he elaborates more thoroughly on the nature of warrens, gods and ascendancy.
warning: spoilers for earlier books
On the continent we pick up where Adjunct Tavore was sent to Aren with a force to squash the rebellion, while Felisin has become Sha'ik reborn the leader of the rebellion and the apocalypse. And so another chapter follows in the tragedy of the family Paran. We continue the journey of Apsalar and Crokus. We will also meet a bunch Malaz soldiers from previous books, including some of your favorite bridgeburners. And for both lovers and haters, Pust will be in here somewhere.
On themes
The Malazan Book of the Fallen is filled with interesting themes and although most themes have been present across the four books I've read until now I feel each book has its key theme that jumps out more than the others. (Feel free to disagree, as these books are so complex that any reading is subjective). In Gardens of the Moon I felt the core theme was the interplay between fate and choice/agency. In Deadhouse Gates it was Loyalty, duty and conviction. In Memories of Ice, I feel the core themes were compassion, vindictiveness and cruelty. Rest assured all these themes can be found in House of Chains.
I feel the core team to House of Chains is Witnessing as oppossed to or interacting with 'that which is hidden'. Witnessing as both acknowledgment of what is being achieved, as well as witnessing in the sense that one has no control over the events they are observing. Even the Malazan army, famous for a somewhat democratic approach of leadership, in this book has all officers witness as they are being led. That which is hidden both in hiding truths for someone's benefit as well as plotting and hiding from each other.
Another important theme is Balance. Both in reciprocity of favours and gifts, but also the balance between light and dark as these warrens come to play a more central role to the Malazan story in this book.
In summary I think this is an awesome series and an awesome book. Go read it :)
In the first part of the book we follow a completely new character, Karsa Orlong, for a long time, rather than constantly switching perspectives. Of course, at some point he will converge with the happenings on the Seven Cities continent as this book is a continuation of Deadhouse Gates (elegantly bringing that book and Memories of Ice together here). With one central figure at the start and now that we know many of the key players in the series, I feel this book read a lot quicker than earlier books. At the same time at many scenes I felt that some parts were less eventful and more repetitive than I experienced in earlier books. This is why I gave it 4 rather than 5 tars. Don't worry though. Many fun and interesting things happen, the pay-off is great and it is still beautifully written and every part has its function in the story. Furthermore, this book has several amazing endings and a chaotic but breathtaking convergence. The convergence at the end of the book, to me was reminiscent more of that in Gardens of the Moon than the other previous books.
In this book Erikson takes the opportunity to, again give us more of the history of this interesting world. He introduces yet more races like Tiste Edur and Forkrul Assail. Furthermore, he elaborates more thoroughly on the nature of warrens, gods and ascendancy.
warning: spoilers for earlier books
On the continent we pick up where Adjunct Tavore was sent to Aren with a force to squash the rebellion, while Felisin has become Sha'ik reborn the leader of the rebellion and the apocalypse. And so another chapter follows in the tragedy of the family Paran. We continue the journey of Apsalar and Crokus. We will also meet a bunch Malaz soldiers from previous books, including some of your favorite bridgeburners. And for both lovers and haters, Pust will be in here somewhere.
On themes
The Malazan Book of the Fallen is filled with interesting themes and although most themes have been present across the four books I've read until now I feel each book has its key theme that jumps out more than the others. (Feel free to disagree, as these books are so complex that any reading is subjective). In Gardens of the Moon I felt the core theme was the interplay between fate and choice/agency. In Deadhouse Gates it was Loyalty, duty and conviction. In Memories of Ice, I feel the core themes were compassion, vindictiveness and cruelty. Rest assured all these themes can be found in House of Chains.
I feel the core team to House of Chains is Witnessing as oppossed to or interacting with 'that which is hidden'. Witnessing as both acknowledgment of what is being achieved, as well as witnessing in the sense that one has no control over the events they are observing. Even the Malazan army, famous for a somewhat democratic approach of leadership, in this book has all officers witness as they are being led. That which is hidden both in hiding truths for someone's benefit as well as plotting and hiding from each other.
Another important theme is Balance. Both in reciprocity of favours and gifts, but also the balance between light and dark as these warrens come to play a more central role to the Malazan story in this book.
In summary I think this is an awesome series and an awesome book. Go read it :)
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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:
N/A
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
medium-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
Series continues to be excellent.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Once again I stand in awe of Steven Erikson's talent - the fourth masterpiece in a row and the bar for fantasy genre is raised so high, I doubt anyone will ever manage to best it. My favourite scenes were the scorpions' battle, Karsa's brief dialogue with Tavore, Greyfrog's musings and all Grub's appearances. Though this book lacks the second one's tragic brilliance and the third one's throng of strong characters and dynamic plot, still the highest rating is well-deserved and unquestionable.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes