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syinhui's reviews
48 reviews
The Crippled God by Steven Erikson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
5.0
Malazan Book of the Fallen has set the bar too high for me, I’m quite sure there are very few series out there that come close to what Erikson had done here. That is not to say it is without its flaws, but to be able pull off a universe as expansive as this one is in itself an admirable feat.
Malazan is relentlessly bleak, brutal, and ominous. Sometimes, I couldn’t help but wish (in vain) it was a little more hopeful, a little less unforgiving to its characters and perhaps the humor a little bit more palatable and not as dry as the Wastelands or the desert of Raraku. Speaking of these immensely harsh environs, I would never forget the literal thirst I felt during these legendary long and gruelling marches. I think I sobbed a few times while reading then weirdly felt bad when a character mentions how they couldn't even afford to spit or talk lest they lose precious water or something along those lines. Anyways...
Superb in every sense of the word but has one of the most depressing and devastating views on humanity and civilization. While I may have learned a great deal and resonated with some of Erikson's philosophical musings, I have to admit I’m done with the many lessons in futility sir, thank you.
Superb in every sense of the word but has one of the most depressing and devastating views on humanity and civilization. While I may have learned a great deal and resonated with some of Erikson's philosophical musings, I have to admit I’m done with the many lessons in futility sir, thank you.
No doubt this deserves a re-read because the foreshadowing is insane. It will be so fun to discover or re-discover that lots of lines and pieces of dialogue that simply went over my head the first time around hold great implications and can be subjected to multiple interpretations. It's also a remarkable thing that after these 10 books, there are still mysteries and questions unanswered. Some of these we'll never know for sure. Some, we are free to formulate our own conjectures. Some, I've heard are given light in other series such as Ian C. Esselmont’s Novels of the Malazan Empire or the Kharkanas Trilogy, a prequel focusing on the Tiste people millenias before the events in Gardens of the Moon or Karsa Orlong's Witness Trilogy for a character arc resolution. Although for now, I’m yet of a mind to take up any of the side series. Maybe some time in the future when the Malazan itch comes back and nothing else on my tbr pile does it for me.
On a last note, I feel the need to say how absolutely bonkers it is to have 4 (at least I could think of) immediate threats of existence and 1 sure way the Malazan world could end in the last two books. At this point, I don't think this should be much of a spoiler but here you go.1. Freeing of Korabas who is basically anathema to life triggers the manifestation of Tiam. Doesn't matter which side wins, either would've destroyed all life on earth. 2. The justice of the Assail via calling upon the full power of Ahkrast Korvalain. A world without gods and humans. Calm mentioned how the Fork'rul Assail and Eleint can share provided the Eleint can be negotiated with. 3. The Jade Strangers I imagine if released upon the world could be as castastrophic as asteroids crashing. That is why killing Kaminsod is off the table. 4. Awakening Icarium's rage. He truly is a wild card. 5. Then of course, the Death of Burn. An inevitable thing that would happen in a couple of decades. Another way to release the Crippled God but also a cleansing of all life. One mishap and there is no way it could've ended the way it did. I mean how crazy is that right? How mad those two upstarts right?
On a last note, I feel the need to say how absolutely bonkers it is to have 4 (at least I could think of) immediate threats of existence and 1 sure way the Malazan world could end in the last two books. At this point, I don't think this should be much of a spoiler but here you go.
Final Ranking and Rating
1. Memories of Ice – 5/5
2. The Bonehunters – 5/5
3. The Crippled God – 5/5
4. Deadhouse Gates -5/5
5. Dust of Dreams – 4.5/5
6. Reaper’s Gale – 4.5/5
7. Gardens of the Moon – 4.75/5
8. Midnight Tides – 4.5/5
9. House of Chains – 4.5/5
10. Toll the Hounds – 4/5
'Why are we here? The truth is, we’re not even sure. But … we think we’re here to right an old wrong. Because it’s the thing to do, that’s all.’
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
DNF at 22%
I feel like the tone and pacing is perfect for a film adaptation, turns out there is one on Apple TV+. That I might check out though for the book, I’m not compelled enough to finish. I’m fairly certain that Jason is one of those supposedly ‘genius’ characters that acts dumb and make bad decisions and I would have none of that. The writing, I guess isn't that bad but I don't have enough to judge based on this early parts. I find some phrases a little awkward though i.e revoltingly quiet and hemorrhages frustration. Overall, I have a feeling that this is more suitable for new readers of sci-fi genre and not for those looking for a stellar read. I’ll give Recursion a try and hopefully it does better.
I feel like the tone and pacing is perfect for a film adaptation, turns out there is one on Apple TV+. That I might check out though for the book, I’m not compelled enough to finish. I’m fairly certain that Jason is one of those supposedly ‘genius’ characters that acts dumb and make bad decisions and I would have none of that. The writing, I guess isn't that bad but I don't have enough to judge based on this early parts. I find some phrases a little awkward though i.e revoltingly quiet and hemorrhages frustration. Overall, I have a feeling that this is more suitable for new readers of sci-fi genre and not for those looking for a stellar read. I’ll give Recursion a try and hopefully it does better.
Reaper's Gale by Steven Erikson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
While I consider this book another magnificent entry to the Malazan Book of the Fallen, I must be honest – it's been a frustrating read. Not the same kind of frustration as the earlier books, because we are still relatively new and confused and overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of this world. No, not that kind of frustrating. This is the seventh book, and I think we're all past that. It's more akin to what's often referred to as "Middle Book Syndrome," as close as a Malazan book can get, where the author struggled to match the brilliance of their earlier works, resulting in a mediocre middle book that is either disappointing or plain boring. It's the same feeling but no, don't get me wrong, Reaper's Gale is fantastic. It's why it's maintained the 4.5 star for me but that rating won't stop me from nitpicking.
The frustration stems from the fact that this book unfolds at an incredibly (painfully) slow pace, yet it offers the least satisfying ending and character conclusions thus far. Although I've grown accustomed to Erikson's merciless treatment of his characters, I still hoped for something better. I was left wanting for more. Trull, Toc and even Rhulad deserved better. There was a lot of build-up for Redmask and the Awl storyline however, the conclusion proved to be rather pointless. I didn't think it was even necessary. The huge chunks of POVs from the new Letherii characters - who also happen to be utterly repugnant and corrupt - failed to capture my interest. I didn't care a whit about them and I couldn't wait for the lot of them to drop dead at some point so the narrative can shift to more engaging plotlines. Moreover, I was also slightly unimpressed with Tehol's resolution but good thing for Lether I guess. For some reason, I was never convinced of his diabolical genius, since practically every scene with him, as in Midnight Tides, he comes across as nothing more than a lazy bum. There were more ridiculous bickerings about the hens than an actual not-so-vague explanation as to how this financial genius orchestrated an empire-wide economic collapse, with only Bugg doing most of the work. While the interactions between them had moments of humor, often times the jokes felt nonsensical for me to really enjoy and get a laugh out of.
These are all minor complaints on my part that in no way undermine all the greatness packed within this book. It may be a bit anticlimactic and slightly disappointing especially when compared to the 6/5 star rating banger that is The Bonehunters, but it remains absolutely terrific. It's so hard to talk about characters without revealing spoilers. So I'm just gonna go over my favorite ones: Fiddler's squad, the marines and the mage, Beak, who in my opinion, might be the most endearing character ever in Malazan. It was a delight to get to know him and his story was very hard hitting. He was such a pure and precious soul the world didn't deserve.
At this point, I assumed I had become somewhat numb or at least partially desensitized to all the violence and cruelty in this world. However, certain scenes proved to be simply too heart-wrenching. It felt as if I'd been physically jolted to my core and once again, I was reminded just how brutal, how depressing and unforgiving MBotF truly is. I've seen people alternatively call this "Weeper's Gale" and with the amount of tears shed by Trull Sengar here, I think that's quite apt.
3 more books to go, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be doing a lot of weeping myself by the time I reach the series' conclusion.
The frustration stems from the fact that this book unfolds at an incredibly (painfully) slow pace, yet it offers the least satisfying ending and character conclusions thus far. Although I've grown accustomed to Erikson's merciless treatment of his characters, I still hoped for something better. I was left wanting for more. Trull, Toc and even Rhulad deserved better. There was a lot of build-up for Redmask and the Awl storyline however, the conclusion proved to be rather pointless. I didn't think it was even necessary. The huge chunks of POVs from the new Letherii characters - who also happen to be utterly repugnant and corrupt - failed to capture my interest. I didn't care a whit about them and I couldn't wait for the lot of them to drop dead at some point so the narrative can shift to more engaging plotlines. Moreover, I was also slightly unimpressed with Tehol's resolution but good thing for Lether I guess. For some reason, I was never convinced of his diabolical genius, since practically every scene with him, as in Midnight Tides, he comes across as nothing more than a lazy bum. There were more ridiculous bickerings about the hens than an actual not-so-vague explanation as to how this financial genius orchestrated an empire-wide economic collapse, with only Bugg doing most of the work. While the interactions between them had moments of humor, often times the jokes felt nonsensical for me to really enjoy and get a laugh out of.
These are all minor complaints on my part that in no way undermine all the greatness packed within this book. It may be a bit anticlimactic and slightly disappointing especially when compared to the 6/5 star rating banger that is The Bonehunters, but it remains absolutely terrific. It's so hard to talk about characters without revealing spoilers. So I'm just gonna go over my favorite ones: Fiddler's squad, the marines and the mage, Beak, who in my opinion, might be the most endearing character ever in Malazan. It was a delight to get to know him and his story was very hard hitting. He was such a pure and precious soul the world didn't deserve.
At this point, I assumed I had become somewhat numb or at least partially desensitized to all the violence and cruelty in this world. However, certain scenes proved to be simply too heart-wrenching. It felt as if I'd been physically jolted to my core and once again, I was reminded just how brutal, how depressing and unforgiving MBotF truly is. I've seen people alternatively call this "Weeper's Gale" and with the amount of tears shed by Trull Sengar here, I think that's quite apt.
3 more books to go, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be doing a lot of weeping myself by the time I reach the series' conclusion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Death, Animal death, Violence, War, Genocide, Rape, Torture, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Sexual violence, Grief, and Confinement
Minor: Incest, Pregnancy, and Pedophilia
The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Before diving into Gardens of the Moon, I had come across reviews from people saying that after Malazan they could not read "average" fantasy anymore or something along those lines and I thought they're exaggerating, right? I mean just how good can this be to warrant such a high praise?
Exaggeration or not, that particular comment left a more lasting impression on me than perhaps the branding of "Best Fantasy series of all time." After all, "best" is largely subjective. But to claim that nothing compares to this - to any others of its genre, well, that's one powerful statement.
I don't even know how to review The Bonehunters without sounding like a blabbering, chaotic mess and I'm certainly not in the right mental space to analyse anything. The content within this book is staggeringly vast, to the point where it could constitute an entire trilogy on its own. The scale is absolutely mindblowing if not mindnumbing. The pacing...*chefs kiss* perfect. There are multitude of characters that in any other book I'd easily forget but somehow Erikson made everyone here memorable. If I were to find fault in this book, it would lie in some parts that tend to drag on, and of course there's the extensive explorations of philosophy surrounding war and peace, life and death, ethics, and morality etc., which can be very exhausting. Additionally, there are moments when attempts at humor feel forced, more precisely; it's a bit hit or miss, at least for me. Nonetheless, on the grand view of things, these are negligible, forgivable.
I thought I could stretch this over a span of two weeks at least, but, gods how this book consumed me! That said, I'm not trusting myself ever again in setting reading deadlines. And I have nothing but excitement for the last 4 books. If I finish this series by the end of the year or even earlier, so be it.
Exaggeration or not, that particular comment left a more lasting impression on me than perhaps the branding of "Best Fantasy series of all time." After all, "best" is largely subjective. But to claim that nothing compares to this - to any others of its genre, well, that's one powerful statement.
I don't even know how to review The Bonehunters without sounding like a blabbering, chaotic mess and I'm certainly not in the right mental space to analyse anything. The content within this book is staggeringly vast, to the point where it could constitute an entire trilogy on its own. The scale is absolutely mindblowing if not mindnumbing. The pacing...*chefs kiss* perfect. There are multitude of characters that in any other book I'd easily forget but somehow Erikson made everyone here memorable. If I were to find fault in this book, it would lie in some parts that tend to drag on, and of course there's the extensive explorations of philosophy surrounding war and peace, life and death, ethics, and morality etc., which can be very exhausting. Additionally, there are moments when attempts at humor feel forced, more precisely; it's a bit hit or miss, at least for me. Nonetheless, on the grand view of things, these are negligible, forgivable.
I thought I could stretch this over a span of two weeks at least, but, gods how this book consumed me! That said, I'm not trusting myself ever again in setting reading deadlines. And I have nothing but excitement for the last 4 books. If I finish this series by the end of the year or even earlier, so be it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Violence, Blood, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Moderate: Grief, Child death, Genocide, Slavery, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Pregnancy and Sexual assault
The Discomfort of Evening by Lucas Rijneveld
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Even though it will feel uncomfortable for a while, but according to the pastor, discomfort is good. In discomfort we are real."
Well, count on this book to give readers discomfort.
Jas is a unique kid with a hyperactive imagination. She's able to vividly conjure elaborate fantasies and relate the darkness of her thoughts to the mundane things around her - twisting objects, people, the animals in their farm and everyday occurences into a haunting reflection of her state of mind.
I am not one to shy away from dark themes. I could handle disturbing contents quite well so those aren't my main concerns (though I find the parts about bodily fluids the nastiest of all). Some would say it's gratuitous but I've read worse and while it covers a handful of taboos, it didn't delve much into it. A few sentences or a paragraph then it continues on to whatever bleak and imaginatively sordid ruminations Jas finds herself in. That's pretty much what the novel is about.
My issue here is that there's not much going on. No substantial plot or clear direction. Even the dialogues are sparse, often disjointed, cut short - never to be pursued again - which in fact fits the narrative but one I didn't really appreciate. It invites readers to immerse themselves in the depths of the character's mind but that's just about it. The use of similes and metaphors while at first brilliant becomes very tedious to read later on. After all, just how many grotesque comparisons for death and disintegration can there be until it loses its efficacy?
I would only recommend this book if you're seeking to read something specific: about a character that offers a uniquely morbid and unsettling perspective, particularly, one seen through the eyes of a young girl as she grapples with the tragic loss of a family member and the grief that follows.
Well, count on this book to give readers discomfort.
Jas is a unique kid with a hyperactive imagination. She's able to vividly conjure elaborate fantasies and relate the darkness of her thoughts to the mundane things around her - twisting objects, people, the animals in their farm and everyday occurences into a haunting reflection of her state of mind.
I am not one to shy away from dark themes. I could handle disturbing contents quite well so those aren't my main concerns (though I find the parts about bodily fluids the nastiest of all). Some would say it's gratuitous but I've read worse and while it covers a handful of taboos, it didn't delve much into it. A few sentences or a paragraph then it continues on to whatever bleak and imaginatively sordid ruminations Jas finds herself in. That's pretty much what the novel is about.
My issue here is that there's not much going on. No substantial plot or clear direction. Even the dialogues are sparse, often disjointed, cut short - never to be pursued again - which in fact fits the narrative but one I didn't really appreciate. It invites readers to immerse themselves in the depths of the character's mind but that's just about it. The use of similes and metaphors while at first brilliant becomes very tedious to read later on. After all, just how many grotesque comparisons for death and disintegration can there be until it loses its efficacy?
I would only recommend this book if you're seeking to read something specific: about a character that offers a uniquely morbid and unsettling perspective, particularly, one seen through the eyes of a young girl as she grapples with the tragic loss of a family member and the grief that follows.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Excrement, Incest, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Death
Moderate: Child death, Eating disorder, Vomit, Gaslighting, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Grief
Minor: Bullying and Pedophilia
How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This novel is as much about how far we dare go in the dark - to venture into the deep space in search for a new home - as it is about its title, How High We Go in the Dark, wherein the third story, Through the Garden of Memory, a mass of humanity found themselves trapped in a void of semi-darkness. With only the guidance of voices and the touch of other people, they come together to construct a human pyramid, reaching upward into the abyss in hopes of finding a way out.
I am astounded by how imaginative and tragic this book is while at the same time incredibly thought-provoking, hopeful and even intimate. The prose is rich and beautifully written and at times jarring by how death is normalized, by how death had become a way of life. I must say this is an awfully tough book to read, one I had to steel through by how devastating and hard hitting each stories are. The themes of death and grief are all over the pages, one chapter after another.
The prescience in 30,000 years beneath a Eulogy left me terrified. I was sobbing at the end of Pig Son. I've had some questions regarding the science and possibility of a micro singularity, the sudden leap in space technology which enabled an expedition expected to last for thousands of years and how exactly was the plague cured. And then the final chapter blew me away.
However, some of these stories were just a slightly different version of the other (about people estranged from their families, falling in love with a dying patient/client) and for a book about pandemic, I don't quite understand the choice for a wholly Japanese American cast of characters. Sure, it's interesting but it feels limiting and a bit ridiculous that we mostly get to see the aftermath from their perspectives.
I am astounded by how imaginative and tragic this book is while at the same time incredibly thought-provoking, hopeful and even intimate. The prose is rich and beautifully written and at times jarring by how death is normalized, by how death had become a way of life. I must say this is an awfully tough book to read, one I had to steel through by how devastating and hard hitting each stories are. The themes of death and grief are all over the pages, one chapter after another.
The prescience in 30,000 years beneath a Eulogy left me terrified. I was sobbing at the end of Pig Son. I've had some questions regarding the science and possibility of a micro singularity, the sudden leap in space technology which enabled an expedition expected to last for thousands of years and how exactly was the plague cured. And then the final chapter blew me away.
However, some of these stories were just a slightly different version of the other (about people estranged from their families, falling in love with a dying patient/client) and for a book about pandemic, I don't quite understand the choice for a wholly Japanese American cast of characters. Sure, it's interesting but it feels limiting and a bit ridiculous that we mostly get to see the aftermath from their perspectives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic, Grief, Death, Medical content, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Suicide, Child death, Cursing, and Death of parent
Minor: Body horror and Cancer
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
I enjoyed this second novella for the most part. Murderbot and ART's interactions are fascinating and honestly super adorable.
Murderbot calls it 'asshole' because, aside from being extremely introverted and painfully awkward, they can be surprisingly petty and ill-tempered too. Thus, the occasional f-bombs and voiced-out sarcasm. Hooray for free will!
I particularly liked the first half, but then again when the humans got involved, it all fell a bit flat for me. The conclusion was a tad underwhelming, though dear Murderbot managed to kick some ass, which was pretty cool of them.
It's a little disappointing that the human characters seem to take a step back, allowing Murderbot's endearing personality to shine even more. I'm not sure if that's intentional, but this could've been a lot better were the human characters not as averagely written and portrayed as stupid (suicidal and irrational) as Murderbot often thinks they are. Still, I'm following. It's short and fun, a sci-fi series easy enough to digest in one sitting.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
3.75
The systems of constructs are inherently inferior to advanced bots, but you aren’t stupid.
Yeah, well, fuck you, too, I thought, and initiated a shutdown sequence.
I enjoyed this second novella for the most part. Murderbot and ART's interactions are fascinating and honestly super adorable.
Murderbot calls it 'asshole' because, aside from being extremely introverted and painfully awkward, they can be surprisingly petty and ill-tempered too. Thus, the occasional f-bombs and voiced-out sarcasm. Hooray for free will!
I particularly liked the first half, but then again when the humans got involved, it all fell a bit flat for me. The conclusion was a tad underwhelming, though dear Murderbot managed to kick some ass, which was pretty cool of them.
It's a little disappointing that the human characters seem to take a step back, allowing Murderbot's endearing personality to shine even more. I'm not sure if that's intentional, but this could've been a lot better were the human characters not as averagely written and portrayed as stupid (suicidal and irrational) as Murderbot often thinks they are. Still, I'm following. It's short and fun, a sci-fi series easy enough to digest in one sitting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Medical trauma
Minor: Kidnapping
Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
4.5
This tide is rising, and there are scant few who would stand before it.
I was considering rating this a little lower than House of Chains because… let’s admit it, it’s good but it gets a little too clunky and slow (same could be said in HoC but at least we spend time with familiar characters). Also, I do have one other complaint.
I’m fine with it in the first four books, even as I sometimes rolled my eyes, I thought it was necessary to convey the depth of a character’s mind and the profoundness of all that is happening. I mean, the obfuscation (hope this is the right word) of concepts and complex emotions got a little too much for me in Midnight Tides. I know this is a Steven Erikson thing. Nothing is ever explained in a straightforward manner. He excels in creating extraordinarily convoluted conversations to the point that it becomes irritating and if you don't get it, that's your fault for you're not paying attention. I love how Erikson doesn't spoonfeed but sometimes I hate him for it.
Thoughts and feelings are often written in a way as if you’re reading a paper on philosophy or psychology instead of simply experiencing it with the characters. No other book series does it better in this aspect and that is the beauty of Malazan Book of the Fallen. Unfortunately, that didn’t quite work for me in Midnight Tides. I feel that a lot of these “obfuscations” aren’t that relevant or essential to drive the plot. For the first time, I feel that these mini studies on complex emotions and ideas are just only there to fill the pages. For the first time, I skimmed read sections of the book and didn't regret it. (I never skim read Malazan. I don't recommend it. This is a first for me.) In short, certain parts could’ve been better trimmed down.
I'm rambling here. Now that's out of the way, let's go back a little. I’ve given Midnight Tides the same rating as HoC, - though I didn’t love it as much - because I’m constantly in awe at how each installment never fails to be as immersive as the previous ones. I may consider this a weaker book (entirely due to preference) compared to DhG or MoI but it’s nothing short of fantastic.
Unpopular opinion: At this stage, rating MBotF lower than 4 stars is a crime.
The sheer epicness of this series overshadows any issues I might have in the previous books or will have in the next ones. I said this in my review of House of Chains and I will stand by these words: The character development alone more than make up for the flaws in writing.
Speaking of characters, I will mention a notable few.
Trull walked to a nearby boulder and sat down on it.
He lowered his head into his hands and began to weep.
Trull Sengar. I wanted to weep with him too.
He's stuck in a nightmare, completely isolated and helpless against the tide of madness that has poisoned his people.
No-one wanted to listen. Independent thought had been relinquished, with appalling eagerness, it seemed to him, and in its place had risen a stolid resolve to question nothing.
I liked him in House of Chains, I like him even more now
My heart breaks for him. For the Sengar brothers. For the Tiste Edur.
We were fallen, and the emperor proclaims that we shall rise again. He is insane, for we are not rising. We are falling, and I fear there will be no end to that descent. Until someone gave answer.
Rhulad Sengar. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger... except... for young Rhulad here. Oh I don't hate him, I just really feel sorry for him. He was a fool and a brat. He might've desired power and recognition but the price he must pay is beyond terrible.
I am not an evil man ... yet I have just vowed to stand at his side. Errant take me, what have I done?
Udinaas. He's one of the characters that stood out for me the most. I am always anticipating how he'd respond to the situations forced upon him.
He'd done well. I think he's such an incredible character. He knew his place.
A Letherii slave. A tool. Blood tainted. Gifted with wisdom. He'd unwittingly become an important presence to Rhulad. His anchor. His guide back to sanity.
...the history of this decade, for our dear Letheras, can be most succinctly understood by a faithful recounting of the three Beddict brothers. And, as is clear, the tale's not yet done.
Tehol Beddict and Bugg. And friends. A lot of people love this master and manservant duo for the comic relief they offer. I love them for that too. But at times, the humor feels forced and repetitive. Perhaps I just prefer the macabre duo Korbal Broach and Bauchelain or the dark fatalistic humor of the Bridgeburners, either way I think people are giving too much credit on Tehol and Bugg's banters. Don't get me wrong, they're also my favorites. How can I not, when they're so charming together? Sharing questionable if not, outright disgusting meals and beverages. A diet consisting of the hardly edible sorts. This and that. Living like paupers when they could probably own the whole city. Impressive duo. The humor though? Much less so.
The half-blood women Shand, Hejun and Rissarh. The two quirky undead, Shurq Elalle and Harlest with their half-Tarthenal criminal Ublala Pung. The eccentric Rat Catcher's Guild. Tehol's associates. While I find them all amusing, I'm quite disappointed by their lack of direct contribution during the conquer of Letheras. I was expecting them to affect some change or at least create more chaos to complicate matters. Of course, their interests lie elsewhere at that moment so I guess it makes sense.
Brys Beddict. The youngest of Beddict brothers. A phenomenal swordsman, modest and loyal too. I wish we could've seen more of his formidable skills. I wish he'd been one of the key players but oh well...
Turudal Brizad. By the Errant! The First Consort...
If I'd known this was going to be a day for killing gods, I might have paced myself better.
Iron Bars. Corlo and company.
Did I just become a fan of the Crimson Guard? Absolutely.
Kettle. Rud Ellalle. Kids you might want to adopt except if you ain't nice they might murder you.
Silchas Ruin. I'm starting to suspect that besides the enigmatic vibe, being late to the party is a trait shared by the sons of Mother Dark.
You still don't understand, do you? The more pain you deliver to others, god, the more shall be visited upon you. You sow your own misery, and because of that whatever sympathy you might rightly receive is swept away.
Withal, the Nachts, Sindalath Dukorlat and The Crippled God.
The exchange of words between the Meckros swordsmith and the Crippled God were very interesting. My favorite part of the book, actually.
Build a nest.
Kick it down.
Build a nest.
Kick...it...down!
How enlightening.
Withal's incessant praying has paid off. No doubt, it bugged the Elder god of the seas. And that ending... so good.
5 gargantuan books done! Half-way through. I'm so excited for The Bonehunters. But I will either take a long break after this or read the next a few pages at a time because at this rate I feel like I might actually finish the whole series by end of the year (which i will surely regret) and I'm not ready to feel that sense of emptiness that always comes after finishing a great book.
He saw the sea for what it was, the dissolved memories of the past witnessed in the present and fertile fuel for the future, the very face of time. He saw the tides in their immutable susurration, the vast swish like blood from the cold heart moon, a beat of time measured and therefore measurable. Tides one could not hope to hold back.
I’m fine with it in the first four books, even as I sometimes rolled my eyes, I thought it was necessary to convey the depth of a character’s mind and the profoundness of all that is happening. I mean, the obfuscation (hope this is the right word) of concepts and complex emotions got a little too much for me in Midnight Tides. I know this is a Steven Erikson thing. Nothing is ever explained in a straightforward manner. He excels in creating extraordinarily convoluted conversations to the point that it becomes irritating and if you don't get it, that's your fault for you're not paying attention. I love how Erikson doesn't spoonfeed but sometimes I hate him for it.
Thoughts and feelings are often written in a way as if you’re reading a paper on philosophy or psychology instead of simply experiencing it with the characters. No other book series does it better in this aspect and that is the beauty of Malazan Book of the Fallen. Unfortunately, that didn’t quite work for me in Midnight Tides. I feel that a lot of these “obfuscations” aren’t that relevant or essential to drive the plot. For the first time, I feel that these mini studies on complex emotions and ideas are just only there to fill the pages. For the first time, I skimmed read sections of the book and didn't regret it. (I never skim read Malazan. I don't recommend it. This is a first for me.) In short, certain parts could’ve been better trimmed down.
I'm rambling here. Now that's out of the way, let's go back a little. I’ve given Midnight Tides the same rating as HoC, - though I didn’t love it as much - because I’m constantly in awe at how each installment never fails to be as immersive as the previous ones. I may consider this a weaker book (entirely due to preference) compared to DhG or MoI but it’s nothing short of fantastic.
Unpopular opinion: At this stage, rating MBotF lower than 4 stars is a crime.
The sheer epicness of this series overshadows any issues I might have in the previous books or will have in the next ones. I said this in my review of House of Chains and I will stand by these words: The character development alone more than make up for the flaws in writing.
Speaking of characters, I will mention a notable few.
Trull walked to a nearby boulder and sat down on it.
He lowered his head into his hands and began to weep.
Trull Sengar. I wanted to weep with him too.
He's stuck in a nightmare, completely isolated and helpless against the tide of madness that has poisoned his people.
No-one wanted to listen. Independent thought had been relinquished, with appalling eagerness, it seemed to him, and in its place had risen a stolid resolve to question nothing.
I liked him in House of Chains, I like him even more now
My heart breaks for him. For the Sengar brothers. For the Tiste Edur.
We were fallen, and the emperor proclaims that we shall rise again. He is insane, for we are not rising. We are falling, and I fear there will be no end to that descent. Until someone gave answer.
Rhulad Sengar. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger... except... for young Rhulad here. Oh I don't hate him, I just really feel sorry for him. He was a fool and a brat. He might've desired power and recognition but the price he must pay is beyond terrible.
I am not an evil man ... yet I have just vowed to stand at his side. Errant take me, what have I done?
Udinaas. He's one of the characters that stood out for me the most. I am always anticipating how he'd respond to the situations forced upon him.
He'd done well. I think he's such an incredible character. He knew his place.
A Letherii slave. A tool. Blood tainted. Gifted with wisdom. He'd unwittingly become an important presence to Rhulad. His anchor. His guide back to sanity.
...the history of this decade, for our dear Letheras, can be most succinctly understood by a faithful recounting of the three Beddict brothers. And, as is clear, the tale's not yet done.
Tehol Beddict and Bugg. And friends. A lot of people love this master and manservant duo for the comic relief they offer. I love them for that too. But at times, the humor feels forced and repetitive. Perhaps I just prefer the macabre duo Korbal Broach and Bauchelain or the dark fatalistic humor of the Bridgeburners, either way I think people are giving too much credit on Tehol and Bugg's banters. Don't get me wrong, they're also my favorites. How can I not, when they're so charming together? Sharing questionable if not, outright disgusting meals and beverages. A diet consisting of the hardly edible sorts. This and that. Living like paupers when they could probably own the whole city. Impressive duo. The humor though? Much less so.
The half-blood women Shand, Hejun and Rissarh. The two quirky undead, Shurq Elalle and Harlest with their half-Tarthenal criminal Ublala Pung. The eccentric Rat Catcher's Guild. Tehol's associates. While I find them all amusing, I'm quite disappointed by their lack of direct contribution during the conquer of Letheras. I was expecting them to affect some change or at least create more chaos to complicate matters. Of course, their interests lie elsewhere at that moment so I guess it makes sense.
Brys Beddict. The youngest of Beddict brothers. A phenomenal swordsman, modest and loyal too. I wish we could've seen more of his formidable skills. I wish he'd been one of the key players but oh well...
Turudal Brizad. By the Errant! The First Consort...
If I'd known this was going to be a day for killing gods, I might have paced myself better.
Iron Bars. Corlo and company.
Did I just become a fan of the Crimson Guard? Absolutely.
Kettle. Rud Ellalle. Kids you might want to adopt except if you ain't nice they might murder you.
Silchas Ruin. I'm starting to suspect that besides the enigmatic vibe, being late to the party is a trait shared by the sons of Mother Dark.
You still don't understand, do you? The more pain you deliver to others, god, the more shall be visited upon you. You sow your own misery, and because of that whatever sympathy you might rightly receive is swept away.
Withal, the Nachts, Sindalath Dukorlat and The Crippled God.
The exchange of words between the Meckros swordsmith and the Crippled God were very interesting. My favorite part of the book, actually.
Build a nest.
Kick it down.
Build a nest.
Kick...it...down!
How enlightening.
Withal's incessant praying has paid off. No doubt, it bugged the Elder god of the seas. And that ending... so good.
5 gargantuan books done! Half-way through. I'm so excited for The Bonehunters. But I will either take a long break after this or read the next a few pages at a time because at this rate I feel like I might actually finish the whole series by end of the year (which i will surely regret) and I'm not ready to feel that sense of emptiness that always comes after finishing a great book.
He saw the sea for what it was, the dissolved memories of the past witnessed in the present and fertile fuel for the future, the very face of time. He saw the tides in their immutable susurration, the vast swish like blood from the cold heart moon, a beat of time measured and therefore measurable. Tides one could not hope to hold back.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Slavery, War, Rape, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Body horror, Colonisation, Grief, Xenophobia, and Suicide
Minor: Drug abuse, Incest, and Excrement