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anomandrewrake's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
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
It's hard to write a review for a book that's 1,260 pages long. I barely remember where it started. I can't believe I've read seven of these.
This book is divided neatly into two halves, much like its sister The Bonehunters. The first half reintroduces us toLetheras and all the characters that survived Midnight Tides , as well as a few new faces, and the second follows the invasion of Letheras by the Bonehunters . As always, Erikson's attention to detail is astounding. His vision of what Letheras looks like years after Rhulad's ascension is eerie. There's something horrific in the idea that you could rebel against a place, conquer it, and have your enemy win anyway . The Edur are still subjugated despite their presence on top of the hierarchy, but now they're not just subjugated to Letheras. They're subjugated to money .
There's no way to ignore it, this book is about rape. It's not that it unnecessarily includes it, like some would claim. It's very much about it, in the literal sense and the broader one. This is a story about powerful people believing wholeheartedly that their power gives them the right to have their will done over others.Yathvanar over Janath. The Crippled God over Rhulad. Menandore over Udinaas, and then Samar over Udinaas. Feather Witch over the Errant. In one sense, Tehol over Letheras . And then that idea is refuted at the climax by Beak, using his great power, the power of a natural High Mage, not to work his will upon others, but to save them, even those that were his enemies .
Karsa is a difficult character to like or love, but Hood's balls, he's interesting. Going to just insane pains just tokill Rhulad for good and stick it once again to the Crippled God . Awesome stuff. I wish I could get a better read on the Crippled God. You'd think by now I'd have a better idea of what he wants.
Anyway, the point is, Erikson writes in a league of his own. This is one of the best books I've ever read, and it's not even my third favorite Malazan book.
This book is divided neatly into two halves, much like its sister The Bonehunters. The first half reintroduces us to
There's no way to ignore it, this book is about rape. It's not that it unnecessarily includes it, like some would claim. It's very much about it, in the literal sense and the broader one. This is a story about powerful people believing wholeheartedly that their power gives them the right to have their will done over others.
Karsa is a difficult character to like or love, but Hood's balls, he's interesting. Going to just insane pains just to
Anyway, the point is, Erikson writes in a league of his own. This is one of the best books I've ever read, and it's not even my third favorite Malazan book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Sexual assault, and Torture
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Incest, Colonisation, Classism, Slavery, Mental illness, and Child abuse
Minor: Alcoholism
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