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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“When one does not know what one seeks, caution is the surest armor.”
Caution is something you should have when you are reading the fifth book of the Malazan series. Just when you believed you had grasped the essence of two distinct story arcs within the first four books, anticipating their eventual convergence to fulfil a grander narrative, the narrative takes an unexpected twist. It transports you from the continent of seven cities, a realm scarcely mentioned in the preceding volumes. Any amount of caution that you held through your experience based on the previous books wouldn't suffice to counter the stories you read in this book.
Erikson's style feels extremely eccentric to me at times, as I fail to digest and articulate the fact that the author has written the entire series of 'Ten Big Books' in the form of small stories all weaved and bundled up together. This feeling got amplifies as I was reading this book.
There is a timeline revamp here, that feels like a glitch, but you'd understand it sooner if you are an exploring reader like me.
We are thrown in the continent of Letheras which is just south of the Malazan kingdom. This continent is a vast geographical entity by its own filled with diversities everywhere. The 'Tiste Edur' who are somewhat kins of the 'Tiste Andii' (the kinship is so vast that the writer has to write a spinoff series for it, so let's not go there), live in their temporary adobe. They have a legacy that dates back thousands of years when something their founding father did, decided the entire fate of the 'Tiste Edur' species and the rest of the continent. He had done something so atrocious that the entire continent was cursed with condemnation from death.
Concepts of slavery are well written in theis book especially with the POV of a slave. It offers us a direct insight inside the clumpy thoughts of a slave who , while suffering the brutal treatments from the master, still wishes for a chunk of power to make himself feel significant.
The characters introduced in this arc become central figures in the subsequent books, shaping the majority of the plotlines.
Steven Erikson, thankfully, introduces us to a 'Human' community, an empire of Letheras. While the 'Malazanverse' focuses mainly on the military and mighty side of the empires, the Letheras Empire offers a contrasting and necessary aspects of the plot that explores the subtle intricacies of an Empire; politics, mind-games, philosophical disparities and the race for power.
The core of this book's plot revolves around the conflicts between the 'Tiste Edur' and the Humans of Letheras.
While Humans and 'other humans' are immersed in a relentless power struggle, we discover that the gods of the 'Malazan' universe are not distant, omnipotent beings. Instead, they are intricately woven into the fabric of the story, grappling with the complexities of their past and present decisions. The Gods, alike humans, go through a rollercoaster of emotions, sparring with their desire for significance, consideration, power and love.
This book eloquently delves into the ideologies of capitalism and communism, soaring above the fundamental values of human well-being and empathy. It artfully portrays the profound consequences of this ideological flight. Amidst this complex narrative, the theme of compassion resurfaces repeatedly, offering readers fresh insights and moments of realization. The story delves into deeper facets of the human condition, unearthing layers of hypocrisy, greed, and jealousy within its diverse characters.
I find immense satisfaction in delving into the intriguing theological aspects presented by Steven Erikson in this narrative. It breathes a refreshing vitality into modern literature.
In the end, as your battles and ideas converge, you might initially expect it to feel like a repeat of the previous book, but the introduction of new powers and dynamics prevents that from happening.
This book comes alive as we journey alongside the characters, not only through the physical landscapes but also through their personal evolutions. It's as though a part of us is evolving alongside these characters.
It is with this book, that I was able to make a conclusion that Steven Erikson is the best fantasy writer currently. It's a definite 5/5 book.
Caution is something you should have when you are reading the fifth book of the Malazan series. Just when you believed you had grasped the essence of two distinct story arcs within the first four books, anticipating their eventual convergence to fulfil a grander narrative, the narrative takes an unexpected twist. It transports you from the continent of seven cities, a realm scarcely mentioned in the preceding volumes. Any amount of caution that you held through your experience based on the previous books wouldn't suffice to counter the stories you read in this book.
Erikson's style feels extremely eccentric to me at times, as I fail to digest and articulate the fact that the author has written the entire series of 'Ten Big Books' in the form of small stories all weaved and bundled up together. This feeling got amplifies as I was reading this book.
There is a timeline revamp here, that feels like a glitch, but you'd understand it sooner if you are an exploring reader like me.
We are thrown in the continent of Letheras which is just south of the Malazan kingdom. This continent is a vast geographical entity by its own filled with diversities everywhere. The 'Tiste Edur' who are somewhat kins of the 'Tiste Andii' (the kinship is so vast that the writer has to write a spinoff series for it, so let's not go there), live in their temporary adobe. They have a legacy that dates back thousands of years when something their founding father did, decided the entire fate of the 'Tiste Edur' species and the rest of the continent. He had done something so atrocious that the entire continent was cursed with condemnation from death.
Concepts of slavery are well written in theis book especially with the POV of a slave. It offers us a direct insight inside the clumpy thoughts of a slave who , while suffering the brutal treatments from the master, still wishes for a chunk of power to make himself feel significant.
The characters introduced in this arc become central figures in the subsequent books, shaping the majority of the plotlines.
Steven Erikson, thankfully, introduces us to a 'Human' community, an empire of Letheras. While the 'Malazanverse' focuses mainly on the military and mighty side of the empires, the Letheras Empire offers a contrasting and necessary aspects of the plot that explores the subtle intricacies of an Empire; politics, mind-games, philosophical disparities and the race for power.
The core of this book's plot revolves around the conflicts between the 'Tiste Edur' and the Humans of Letheras.
While Humans and 'other humans' are immersed in a relentless power struggle, we discover that the gods of the 'Malazan' universe are not distant, omnipotent beings. Instead, they are intricately woven into the fabric of the story, grappling with the complexities of their past and present decisions. The Gods, alike humans, go through a rollercoaster of emotions, sparring with their desire for significance, consideration, power and love.
This book eloquently delves into the ideologies of capitalism and communism, soaring above the fundamental values of human well-being and empathy. It artfully portrays the profound consequences of this ideological flight. Amidst this complex narrative, the theme of compassion resurfaces repeatedly, offering readers fresh insights and moments of realization. The story delves into deeper facets of the human condition, unearthing layers of hypocrisy, greed, and jealousy within its diverse characters.
I find immense satisfaction in delving into the intriguing theological aspects presented by Steven Erikson in this narrative. It breathes a refreshing vitality into modern literature.
In the end, as your battles and ideas converge, you might initially expect it to feel like a repeat of the previous book, but the introduction of new powers and dynamics prevents that from happening.
This book comes alive as we journey alongside the characters, not only through the physical landscapes but also through their personal evolutions. It's as though a part of us is evolving alongside these characters.
It is with this book, that I was able to make a conclusion that Steven Erikson is the best fantasy writer currently. It's a definite 5/5 book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
sad
medium-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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
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
I liked all of the different plots in this book, and as always loved the way they converge at the climax of the book. Bugg and Tehol are some of my favourite characters and definitely a top five favourite duo.
SOMEHOW even better than Memories of Ice. Holy Moly Moly.
This is literally the best book I have ever read.
This is literally the best book I have ever read.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
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:
Complicated
challenging
dark
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:
No