[Clansman]

I agree with almost all of the above comments. The big complex epic fantasies of Martin, Erikson (I am only on Deadhouse Gates) and Wurts require a more relaxed, careful second or third read, and that is when you really get to enjoy the full spectrum of the story: the character development, the subtler themes, the itty bitty details that escaped you the first time and that lead to the "aha!" moments, so that the fullness of the plot really clicks into place.

Although I am only on the second book of the Malazan series, I can tell that it is a series to be re-read a few times. Wurts I have re-read every book at least once, and the first five twice. Martin I have re-read the first three once, the first two twice. I have not re-read Crows, but I didn't like that one as well as the first three, though it was a good book. Hopefully he returns to form in A Dance with Dragons.

I have read the stories of Middle Earth 7-8 times. I used to read Jordan's stuff over, but not anymore. Martin, Wurts and Erikson have to be read over and over to get everything. Kind of like wiping the last bits of gravy off the plate with a nice piece of bread.