I fixed the title so you won't have to stare at the incorrect name :P.
I think I'll get a lot more out of the books if I read them more quickly. I did this for GotM but not so much for DG, and something got lost in the proceeding months.
If the books keep getting better, I'm going to be sorely pressed to pick a favorite author.
You're beginning to feel it, Wilshire. Only time will tell if you can stick with it. ;)
Well, technically, not every book. IIRC the last book that introduces a new plotline and new locations is Midnight Tides (book 5), after that you start visiting the old locations and characters and it starts to come together...Erikson begins in book 6 (Bonehunters) to weave all the threads into one big fucking epic thread ;)I probably would have gone with "tapestry" there :P
But to be honest, it is one of the things i really like about the Malazan books...they are different than all other fantasy books i read in that they paint a picture and do not have a linearly developing story. I found that to be genius. It's a puzzle instead of the classical storyline-thread.I can dig it.
So I finished DG the other day and the second half of that book was fantastic. Duiker was a blast to follow around on the chain of dogs:)
Just finished the prologue of MOI and I have a question.(click to show/hide)
I read LOTR because it was a classic, didn't enjoy any of it, but that was 3 books not 10, and Erickson is not Tolkien :P.
Btw, the man is named Erikson, not Erickson. And this is not only smartass-ing from my side but it's also important because there is an Erickson author (i think he even writes fantasy-ish stuff).S.
Are you supposed to read the Ian Esslemont novels after the 10 Erikson books? I hear someone suggest reading them in-between the 1o books....
For example, you read "Night of Knives" after "Midnight Tides". Anyone here know the correct way of dealing with this? I just found out about this co- author.
I've been using this one, I'm reading Night of Knives after Gardens of the Moon.This one seems very comprehensive, but I'm ignoring the non-Erickson books. I'd like to read something else before the next decade comes around :P
http://forum.malazanempire.com/topic/27842-spoiler-free-read-order-thread/
thought that was hilarious.
According to dialogue, Toll the Hounds takes place six years after Memories of Ice. According to every other piece of information in the whole series, this is flat-out impossible, and needs to be ignored. Orb Sceptre Throne retcons it to about two years after MoI. The presence of a child born after MoI who is five years old in TTH also has to be ignored.
So it might be indeed better to just stick to Erikson and finish his series first (which is, for most of the fans that always read the books right when they came out, the order in which we have read it ... we had no choices back then ^^ ).I like the idea of reading it as it was produced. Something to be said about the way and order a series was written.
(click to show/hide)
The only one I am currently reconsidering reading is Knight of KnivesI've read Night of Knives and The Return of the Crimson Guard. They have a distinctly different "taste" to them, as well a disparity in writing quality. Not to say that the first is bad, but he certainly grew as a writer by the time the second was published; although I think that is quite common. I will say though, there are a number of rather significant events in RotCG which I felt were rather glossed over in the Erikson books that follow it in the chronology.
Waiting a year or more to get sequel that didn't tie together any of the loose strings from the previous one(s) would have been enraging.I've always felt that the inclusion of relative dates would go a long way to tightening the series and assuaging new readers. I would be pissed to wait a year and get an entirely new story.
Through House of Chains.
Have to say that this one was my least favorite so far...
I'll move on to either Midnight Tides, or find Night of Knives
And as some encouragement, the ending to Toll the Hounds more than makes up for the 9000 pages leading up to it
Welcome to the Second Apocalypse, Fiddler Farstrider.
Lately, I've been considering Malazan again...
Forgot to post that I finished Toll the Hounds. I think Camlost did a good job with this summary:
Quote from: Camlost on March 09, 2015, 03:25:59 pm
And as some encouragement, the ending to Toll the Hounds more than makes up for the 9000 pages leading up to it
It certainly was. I have given up picking a favorite book in the series.
Have you finished the series Wilshire?
I picked up Hoc again in mid december last year and now I am 100 pages in Reapers Gale.
Erikson is like a girlfriend that keeps coming back to haunt me lol:)
Dancer's Lament by Esselmont is soon to come out, and it will explain how they started the Malazan Empire. Very excited for that.
Lol - Camlost just told me yesterday that he apparently made it up to or into book #9 and stopped. I admonished him to finish.
Something he brought up though, and I know MSJ has said he's a fan, but what do Erikson readers think of Esslemont's books?
Its a spectacular event, but I have not the time to be a devotee of multiple universes, and Malazan would require much the same scrutiny as Second Apocalypse to get all the feels. Had I stumbled upon GotM instead of TDTCB all those years ago, I fear this version of Wilshire wouldn't exist in this place :) . Alas, you're stuck with me.
He isn't as good as Erikson. That being said, I still enjoy his writing. Dancer's Lament is by far his best work yet. And if your a fan of Malazan, you have to read this book and the future installments of this series. Absolutely freakin' awesome!I agree. I love the full richness of the Malaz universe, but barely cared about anything happening in his first two books. I read Dancer's Lament just out of desperate desire to read that backstory, and was rewarded by excellent dialogue and pacing. And humor, come to think of it. I enjoyed it at least as much as Forge of Darkness, and I look forward to it's future installments more than Erikson's.
I have just purchased GOTM.Is it as confusing as everybody says??
I have just purchased GOTM.Is it as confusing as everybody says??
I very well be mistaken, but I have been under the impression that Esslemont has two novels post-TCG? With that said, and it might have been mentioned previous to this, I'm fairly certain I've read in Erikson interviews in the past that the Malazan series as a whole isn't necessarily meant to satisfy conclusions. My impression from what I've read--I really wish I had a link right now--has been that the whole of the series was simply meant to be a window in time of the "Malazan universe".
Well to say the truth TDTCB is not confusing and the glossary does a wonderful job of making it clearer. I have begun Gardens yesterday after finishing TGO. I enjoyed it until the Tattersail chapter. Was this even english?? and that magic system...I have just purchased GOTM.Is it as confusing as everybody says??
Its no more confusing than TDTCB. Anyone who enjoyed TSA shouldn't be worried about GOTM.
I just finished chapter 6 and I really really enjoyed the chapters that I read today and I am finally beginning to understand what is going on even though I don't think I know enough about these Warrens,Gods,Ascendants but I am beginning to enjoy the book very much.
Camlost, I agree, Return of the Crimnson Guard is an excellent book. 3Rd favorite of ICE's after Dancer's Lament And Night of Knives. There is on I haven't read and takes place in Darujhistan while the events of TCG play out, can't think of the name at the moment. Definitely want to read it though.Also what exactly is The Deck Of Dragons ??I just finished chapter 6 and I really really enjoyed the chapters that I read today and I am finally beginning to understand what is going on even though I don't think I know enough about these Warrens,Gods,Ascendants but I am beginning to enjoy the book very much.
You are way to early to even worry about that yet. As the books go on it will all start to come together. Though I can give you an idea of what they are. Excuse me if I am a bit off on details but I remember the gist of it all.
1) Warrens- literally the domain of the each God. And sorcerer's use them for their magic, it's actually a physical place also.
2) Gods, well are just that, the Gods. Though all used to be alive at one point or another, IIRC. And, they are not human, rather Tiste, Jaghut or other races.
3) Ascendents- these are humans who ascend to God Good or take on a specific role for one of the Gods.
My memory is hazy, but that's the gist of it. As you go along in the series it all comes together.
Also what exactly is The Deck Of Dragons ??
Ascendants are beings who ascended almost to godhood (powerful, ageless). There are many ways to become an ascendant but none of them are easy.
1) Warrens- literally the domain of the each God. And sorcerer's use them for their magic, it's actually a physical place also.
2) Gods, well are just that, the Gods. Though all used to be alive at one point or another, IIRC. And, they are not human, rather Tiste, Jaghut or other races.
3) Ascendents- these are humans who ascend to God Good or take on a specific role for one of the Gods.
My memory is hazy, but that's the gist of it. As you go along in the series it all comes together.
I finished the book last night. It was an awesome five star read, it may not be Bakker's level but then again what is?? ok so I have got onr question about the ending. What is Azath??
Book four even, MSJ, I believe.
Yeah maybe I came off as a bit rough in my criticism. I certainly can see the niche for military fantasy as well and that that would gather fans that are deeply committed to the series. The military banter was one of the things I did enjoy. I haven't read any military fantasy previously, no. I guess I was just disappointed because I had so very high expectations from hearing other people's opinions and especially considering how good the second and third book was.
Yeah maybe I came off as a bit rough in my criticism. I certainly can see the niche for military fantasy as well and that that would gather fans that are deeply committed to the series. The military banter was one of the things I did enjoy. I haven't read any military fantasy previously, no. I guess I was just disappointed because I had so very high expectations from hearing other people's opinions and especially considering how good the second and third book was.
Yeah maybe I came off as a bit rough in my criticism. I certainly can see the niche for military fantasy as well and that that would gather fans that are deeply committed to the series. The military banter was one of the things I did enjoy. I haven't read any military fantasy previously, no. I guess I was just disappointed because I had so very high expectations from hearing other people's opinions and especially considering how good the second and third book was.
I know more people who stopped before the end than have actually read it all the way through. I think Malazan suffers some from its immensity, but compared to a lot of the fantasy out there, I'm not dissapointed that Erikson has seen much success.
Btw, glad to see you posting again :)
Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed by the ending, but it was beautiful.
I don't plan on reading Dancer's anytime soon, plenty of other authors to explore - I've had my fill of Erikson for a while.
Btw, glad to see you posting again :)
Skipping Assail by Esslemont but Dancers Lament is meant to be so much better, so buying that now (got insomnia) on kindle to read in the bath.
Skipping Assail by Esslemont but Dancers Lament is meant to be so much better, so buying that now (got insomnia) on kindle to read in the bath.
You'll love it. Esselmonts best book, by far.
Funny how tastes differ eh? I can't really get most of the criticisms of the last two pages..especially if you are a fan of TSA. Because a lot of things that can be said about Malazan can be said about TSA.What did you say about TGO again?? You should have never returned from your wizard tower :P
I have to admit, lately, both authors have disappointed me. I found the latest offers of both to be ... lacking. Fun fact : the thing that you guys seem to think is Erikson's big problem was the problem for me with Bakker's latest....fucking slow and boring until the last 100 pages...but those last 100 pages...oh boy...made up for the whole slog of the first part.
I really do hope though that Bakker gets back on his feet, so to speak. I think the last book tried too hard. He talked himself in some corners with his "explanations". Anyway, this is an Erikson thread, i should talk about Bakker in the threads dedicated to his work.
I really do hope though that Bakker gets back on his feet, so to speak. I think the last book tried too hard. He talked himself in some corners with his "explanations". Anyway, this is an Erikson thread, i should talk about Bakker in the threads dedicated to his work.
I read the 10 Erikson books and two of Esslemont. Esslemont did not impress me much though. I tried to read his books inbetween Erikson (as suggested by the malazan nerds ;D) but I just gave up on the second one. It almost ruined my malazan experience and it was not worth it.
I thought the series was great, but I spent so long slogging through it I kept forgetting stuff along the way, so I felt I did not really get that much out of it that I should have.
I should re read it though, but that will not happen :) It is just too much.
I am currently re reading TSA for the first time, and it is such an amazing ride! The first time I read it back in 2013 i was not really up for the challenge. It was my third fantasy series ever(GRRM and Tolkien was the first two) and I was also not used to reading English books, so I struggled to say the least.
But now... Every sentence is a feast! I am beginning to understand why this site has such a high nerd level ;D It is truly special in every way. It trumps malazan by far IMO.
I read the 10 Erikson books and two of Esslemont. Esslemont did not impress me much though. I tried to read his books inbetween Erikson (as suggested by the malazan nerds ;D) but I just gave up on the second one. It almost ruined my malazan experience and it was not worth it.I've heard this a lot, but really decided not to read them because Erikson alone seemed like enough Malazan for me.
I thought the series was great, but I spent so long slogging through it I kept forgetting stuff along the way, so I felt I did not really get that much out of it that I should have.My thoughts exactly. Its an extraordinary work, but to get full appreciation you need to pay a lot of attention, and probably read it at least twice. But, as you say, its just too much :( .
I should re read it though, but that will not happen :) It is just too much.
I am currently re reading TSA for the first time, and it is such an amazing ride! The first time I read it back in 2013 i was not really up for the challenge. It was my third fantasy series ever(GRRM and Tolkien was the first two) and I was also not used to reading English books, so I struggled to say the least.Oh man, I'm jealous. Reading #2 of TSA is an extraordinary experience, and it solidified Bakker/TSA as 'favorite author forever' for me.
But now... Every sentence is a feast! I am beginning to understand why this site has such a high nerd level ;D It is truly special in every way. It trumps malazan by far IMO.
I read the 10 Erikson books and two of Esslemont. Esslemont did not impress me much though. I tried to read his books inbetween Erikson (as suggested by the malazan nerds ;D) but I just gave up on the second one. It almost ruined my malazan experience and it was not worth it.
I thought the series was great, but I spent so long slogging through it I kept forgetting stuff along the way, so I felt I did not really get that much out of it that I should have.
I should re read it though, but that will not happen :) It is just too much.
I am currently re reading TSA for the first time, and it is such an amazing ride! The first time I read it back in 2013 i was not really up for the challenge. It was my third fantasy series ever(GRRM and Tolkien was the first two) and I was also not used to reading English books, so I struggled to say the least.
But now... Every sentence is a feast! I am beginning to understand why this site has such a high nerd level ;D It is truly special in every way. It trumps malazan by far IMO.
Never really cared for much of Esselmont's stuff either. But, if you don't pick up Dancer's Lament then you're missing out big time. Who doesn't want to know how the Malazan Empire came into being? It's fast, fool of action. Not the slow moral drag of his earlier works. I don't even want to touch Kirkhanas Trilogy (sp). But, when he gets around to the Toblaiki Trilogy, I'm all in. Trust give Dancer's Lament a go, you'll love it.
@ Wilshire - Uhhh...ouch... . You're way too young to be saying things like "favorite author forever"!! :P ;DAm not!
I think I will wait for the Karsa series, I tried the first of Kharkanas and I abandoned it.
I like Karsa precisely for being a cliché or archetypal barbarian without further pretensions.
I like Karsa precisely for being a cliché or archetypal barbarian without further pretensions.
lol well there you go, same data opposite conclusion. Honestly, I love the first few pages of HoC where you get Karsa as a singular PoV, but for me it was all downhill after that (regarding Karsa). Btw, why is he so powerful, is it just because hes part Jag or something? Or does being the ... knight of chains? ... imbue him with something godtouched?
MSJ. The "S" stands for "spoiler" :P.(click to show/hide)
Mod Edit: Added spoiler tags upon request.
Oh, that's not even a spoiler, geez Louise! You want some real ones?I know it's not a spoiler, just messing with you ;)
FWIW, audiobooks are a terrible idea in this case. There is too much information and too many people to keep track of. Listening to Malazan detracts from the overall experience. Keep in mind, I love audiobooks, but sometimes the narrators and the books themselves don't work in audio format.
So...
If I were to be having a recorded conversation with Erikson, what would SA Malazan fans like to hear him speak on ;)?
Thanks Madness, added to the queue!So...
If I were to be having a recorded conversation with Erikson, what would SA Malazan fans like to hear him speak on ;)?
Erikson's marketer isn't "releasing" this until tomorrow on his official author facebook page but I needed to link it on Malazan Empire regardless so that there was a notes thread: Fireside Conversations with Steven Erikson (https://soundcloud.com/tsa-cast/erikson_final)/Notes (https://forum.malazanempire.com/topic/32376-ritual-dance-fire-possible-erikson-podcast/page__view__findpost__p__1324259).
Thought I'd share with the Bakker/Malazan fans here.
A new Steven Erikson novel is out in hardcover. "Rejoice, A Knife In The Heart", a first-contact story. Looks interesting.I went to a signing here London, UK when it came out a few weeks back.
Still haven't got to this, but I need to.
At least it's not 3.5 million freaking words...
Jealous. I purchased one signed from Goldsboro - not the same as getting it signed though. Will probably sell it later.A new Steven Erikson novel is out in hardcover. "Rejoice, A Knife In The Heart", a first-contact story. Looks interesting.I went to a signing here London, UK when it came out a few weeks back.
Then quickly read it. I liked it a lot. It's not Malazan, it's not willfull child, but its own thing.
It's sci-fi set in today's world, not decades down the line, and that made me care more, I think.
The contemporary criticism is not subtle, but that doesn't make it less relevant.
Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk
Rejoice is on my shortlist. Hoping for it to be one of my last books this year.Its the first signed book I haveJealous. I purchased one signed from Goldsboro - not the same as getting it signed though. Will probably sell it later.A new Steven Erikson novel is out in hardcover. "Rejoice, A Knife In The Heart", a first-contact story. Looks interesting.I went to a signing here London, UK when it came out a few weeks back.
Then quickly read it. I liked it a lot. It's not Malazan, it's not willfull child, but its own thing.
It's sci-fi set in today's world, not decades down the line, and that made me care more, I think.
The contemporary criticism is not subtle, but that doesn't make it less relevant.
Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk
Well congrats!Rejoice is on my shortlist. Hoping for it to be one of my last books this year.Its the first signed book I haveJealous. I purchased one signed from Goldsboro - not the same as getting it signed though. Will probably sell it later.A new Steven Erikson novel is out in hardcover. "Rejoice, A Knife In The Heart", a first-contact story. Looks interesting.I went to a signing here London, UK when it came out a few weeks back.
Then quickly read it. I liked it a lot. It's not Malazan, it's not willfull child, but its own thing.
It's sci-fi set in today's world, not decades down the line, and that made me care more, I think.
The contemporary criticism is not subtle, but that doesn't make it less relevant.
Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk
One guy brought a whole duffel bag of all his Malazan books hah
Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk
Yes, and now I know, I only brought Crippled God this time.Well congrats!Rejoice is on my shortlist. Hoping for it to be one of my last books this year.Its the first signed book I haveJealous. I purchased one signed from Goldsboro - not the same as getting it signed though. Will probably sell it later.A new Steven Erikson novel is out in hardcover. "Rejoice, A Knife In The Heart", a first-contact story. Looks interesting.I went to a signing here London, UK when it came out a few weeks back.
Then quickly read it. I liked it a lot. It's not Malazan, it's not willfull child, but its own thing.
It's sci-fi set in today's world, not decades down the line, and that made me care more, I think.
The contemporary criticism is not subtle, but that doesn't make it less relevant.
Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk
One guy brought a whole duffel bag of all his Malazan books hah
Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk
The first time I saw Bakker, I brought TJE and WLW. The last time I brought like 2 copies of every TSA book. An uncorrected proof and a 1st/1st. You gotta take advantage of these things :D.
Also, jealous of that..Well congrats!Rejoice is on my shortlist. Hoping for it to be one of my last books this year.Its the first signed book I haveJealous. I purchased one signed from Goldsboro - not the same as getting it signed though. Will probably sell it later.A new Steven Erikson novel is out in hardcover. "Rejoice, A Knife In The Heart", a first-contact story. Looks interesting.I went to a signing here London, UK when it came out a few weeks back.
Then quickly read it. I liked it a lot. It's not Malazan, it's not willfull child, but its own thing.
It's sci-fi set in today's world, not decades down the line, and that made me care more, I think.
The contemporary criticism is not subtle, but that doesn't make it less relevant.
Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk
One guy brought a whole duffel bag of all his Malazan books hah
Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk
The first time I saw Bakker, I brought TJE and WLW. The last time I brought like 2 copies of every TSA book. An uncorrected proof and a 1st/1st. You gotta take advantage of these things :D.