Well I've decided to make a thread on Steven Erikson's series of novels, The Malazan Book of the Fallen. For those of you who do not know about this series I strongly suggest you go and find the first book, Gardens of the Moon. So far nine books have been released with a tenth one in the making, though Erikson has no set release date, so fans can only presume in a year or two.
My Opinion
When I first picked up Gardens of the Moon and began reading it, I did something unusual. I read the pretext, which was probably a good idea, because Erikson lays it out at your feet that you either love or hate his books, there is no middle ground; and being almost five books in I have to agree. The story is never fully explained, in fact you have to pick things up as you read, then you have to make sure to keep those things in mind as you read further into the series. Erikson is a master at plot, and driving the plot forward by having the plot feed on itself and a variety of enjoyable characters. If you're someone who likes things in an ordered fashion you won't find it here, Erikson twists, loops and sometimes even walks backward through the stories timelines. It's a tricky timeline to follow, but all the more enjoyable for it. As the series continues things begin to connect, but then more subplots are introduced.
Overall I give this series a 5/5 there isn't much wrong here, and the series is enjoyable, mind you I'm only half way through it, but I doubt there's going to be a disappointing end.
Ah but I have read said trilogy. Apparently I am alone in reading this mamoth series aside from a friend I know. Possibly because each book is no shorter than 800 pages, most average out to be a thousand or more. Putting that in context each book is the length of The Lord of the Rings.
While I enjoyed House of Chains I felt it was more of a plot filler than the other ones and it didn't emphasise on the action as much. While this is good, the parts I expected to be action packed, or at least climactic were something of a let down. However, the strongly driven plot has set up things nicely for some pretty big clashes to come. Also, take note of what little revelations are revealed near the end, this is definitely something that will have a lasting impact on the plot.
When I first began reading this I picked up on one of the characters from HoC, however I didn't think that the book would really relate to the previous ones, because once more Erikson has taken us into a completely different place and time (I'm still trying to figure out a timeline). I was pleasantly surprised that Erikson uses Midnight Tides to answer some minor, but intriguing, mysteries that appeared in earlier novels. The plot is rather slow at the start, however things really pick up and then don't slow down. I also have a new favourite character.
Yet another review that no one cares about. Just think though I only have to review four more novels after this.
The Bonehunters: 9.7/10
At this point in the series you, as the reader, should be ready for some answers to all the questions that have no doubt built up. However, their's not many answers to be found in The Bonehunters. This book introduces more plot twists and wtf moments than the entire series up until this point. By now things are in full swing and no chance of slowing down. Half of the book (or close to it) is a sideshow, something to distract you while everything happens behind the scenes. Honestly this is perhaps the greatest so far (yeah I've said that alot, but they keep getting better!). The other half of the book is nothing but face paced action which opens up more questions and the conclusion to the novel is one that leaves you wanting even more. Good news is that Reapers Gale is finally tying some plot lines together.
I enjoyed this book, however, the plot didn't do much for me in this one. I appreciated the character interaction and how several of the plotlines managed to converge seamlessly, and I enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to wait to see more action from the Malazan army. However, when you boil it down, this book just leaves so much to vague implication and unseen events. While Erikson does a fair job at keeping the reader engaged I found myself a little annoyed that so much went on behind the scenes without really touching on it except near the end, or though some vague and overlooked explaination. The redemption of this book comes from the action and use of great characters.
