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kaora4 's review for:
House of Chains
by Steven Erikson
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.