Malazan Book of the Fallen

[Iconik]

Are there any Steven Erikson fans here? I'm on book 9. The 10th and final book is incoming. I've read dozens and dozens of fantasy series, and The Malazan Book of the Fallen is, by far, the most genius, thought provoking, beautifully written adult high fantasy series I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

I started book one 4 years ago. I have no read books 1-8 4 times each. I don't want it to end.

There's fantasy. And then there's fantasy. He takes cliches and turns them on thier ears. His writing style is one you'd expect to read in a more serious piece of non-fiction. He takes words and works with them. Each and every sentence is chosen for a reason. The man is, simply put, a literary giant.

If you have never thought about tackling this mega-series...do yourself a favor and pick them up. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind you won't be thanking me later.

 

[Klaus]

How many books feature Gruntle?

 

[Iconik]

2 I believe.

Memories of Ice and Toll the Hounds. Hasn't showed up in Dust of Dreams as of yet. Though, his arc wasn't completed when TtH was over.

 

[Enforcer]

I'm on Book 2 after the series was recommended by a friend/player-in-my-game. Took me two attempts to get into Book 1 (the in media res start and lack of explanation of how magic works, what the races look like, etc., is tough). I'm very glad I made the effort however, as about halfway through Book 1 things became AWESOME.

As soon as I get some free time (just started a demanding new job 2,500 miles away from my hometown) I'll be plowing through these at a voracious pace.

 

[AdmundfortGeographer]

How many books feature Gruntle?

Not enough. Same with Iron Bars. There is just not enough show time for really awesome characters.

Erikson put too many irons in the fire. I don't think he can wrap up enough of them. It seems like the series is going to end as the reverse of how it began. It began already in progress, and I see it ending with no conclusion to too many threads.

And I'm getting bored with the introspective naval gazing too many characters spend.

As a showcase of an interesting world, this is tops. IMO, his best book was Book 2, Deadhouse Gates, some others were fine efforts, but none exceeded the second book.

 

[Iconik]

DG was indeed amazing but they only get better from there. Gruntle is supposedly in books 9 and 10. So that's 4 out of 10 books he's in. Iron Bars is in the Ian Esslemont Malazan books. So, if you want to read more about the Crimson Guard check out "Return of the Crimson Guard" by Esslemont.

He's wrapping things up nicely. I'm on book 9 and there are no loose ends. He makes the most convincing, lovable characters in any book I've ever read. From the major players like Fiddler right down to the side characters like Coll or Murrilio. Also, the guy is just unafraid of offing any major character he wants. Which is a breath of fresh air.

The Malazan Book of the Fallen will be the pinnacle of fantasy writing once it's all finished. Intelligent fantasy is back.

I'm on Book 2 after the series was recommended by a friend/player-in-my-game. Took me two attempts to get into Book 1 (the in media res start and lack of explanation of how magic works, what the races look like, etc., is tough). I'm very glad I made the effort however, as about halfway through Book 1 things became AWESOME.

As soon as I get some free time (just started a demanding new job 2,500 miles away from my hometown) I'll be plowing through these at a voracious pace.

If you have ANY questions just ask. I'm a knowledge base for all things Malazan.

 

[AdmundfortGeographer]

Iron Bars is in the Ian Esslemont Malazan books. So, if you want to read more about the Crimson Guard check out "Return of the Crimson Guard" by Esslemont.

At the beginning and at the end. Off on a ship heading to the action the whole time, he shows up when the book ends. Utter disappointment. If anyone hopes to read another book with Iron Bars in it, and you point to this book, they would be pissed off.

That's not to say Return of the Crimson Guard is bad, indeed it has more action going on than most of the other Malazan books. It is not a book one should read hoping to follow favorite characters from other Malazan book. It rather shows off characters that are off-stage characters from those books, which is still nice.

 

[AJCarrington]

Discovered this series this past spring - am getting ready to start the second book later this month. While I haven't spent nearly as much time with the books as the OP has, I must agree with some of his conclusions - very well written which makes me want to come back and read more.

AJC

 

[Iconik]

Book 2 is fairly incredible. His books become better and better with each one. By book 8 he's turned the book into a literary piece of majesty. He really hits his writing style early on but book 8 solidifies it as a work of art.

 

[Wolf72]

only just started book 1 ... was finishing up crossroads series and just got Gathering Storm (WoT) from the library.