Take a photo of a barcode or cover
itsqueue 's review for:
House of Chains
by Steven Erikson
House of Chains is not my favourite of the four Books of Malazan Book of the Fallen I have read yet. But I am not as critical of it as other reviewers have. One character that is highly discussed, Karsa Orlong, has been a favourite of mine from the very beginning of the book (even if he is not the best person) and his transformation throughout the book, I would even dare call it enlightenment, was a joy to behold. I particularly liked the insight into both sides of Rarakus deciding duel: Tavore vs. Shaikh. Although the decisive battle was a bit lackluster when compared with some similar battles in previous installments, the intrigue and backstabbing of the Whirlwind camp was nothing but spectacular.
What I adore this book for is trekking a path that has been trekked before. Rarakus ghosts wandering beside those who wander to the concentration of power, of fates. The Chain of Dogs, Coltaine, The Bridgeburners. In some way all play a part in the battle for the fate of Raraku. But this book is also where said battle ends. The fate of the Seven Cities decided. Yes, I love House of Chains, but do I like it more than Eriksons previous work? I honestly cannot quite say. I just felt that something was missing and some conclusions were either rushed or somehow amiss. Kalam, Crokus & Apsalar, to a lesser extend Lostara Yil & Pearl, were all somewhat present, but no quite at the same time, which leaves a bit of a sour taste behind.
I give House of Chains a tentative 4,0/5 and maybe one day, if or when I reread Malazan, I will see it in a different light.
What I adore this book for is trekking a path that has been trekked before. Rarakus ghosts wandering beside those who wander to the concentration of power, of fates. The Chain of Dogs, Coltaine, The Bridgeburners. In some way all play a part in the battle for the fate of Raraku. But this book is also where said battle ends. The fate of the Seven Cities decided. Yes, I love House of Chains, but do I like it more than Eriksons previous work? I honestly cannot quite say. I just felt that something was missing and some conclusions were either rushed or somehow amiss. Kalam, Crokus & Apsalar, to a lesser extend Lostara Yil & Pearl, were all somewhat present, but no quite at the same time, which leaves a bit of a sour taste behind.
I give House of Chains a tentative 4,0/5 and maybe one day, if or when I reread Malazan, I will see it in a different light.