The Malazan Books of the Fallen - Doorstop Fantasy at its finest?

[Michael]

Interesting. Except for a few, I haven't noticed anything that complex in America. I'll be looking for Erikson's work, then. I love complex plots and magical systems and really would like to see more of it.

I've some plans for related trilogies, myself, but I'm not sure I want to write a single story that's ten books long (not at all opposed to reading them)! A lot of the work I've seen is done that way, with related trilogies, such as Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series. Her plots may not be quite as complex, but I think her character work and use of effect is brilliant.

[Dead Riverdragon]

Is anyone prepared to make a comparison of Martin and Erikson? Personally I think Erikson's writing is generally superior, yet the often-cited flaw in Martin's writing-that of his divergence into plots that hold no interest, is yet more profound with Erikson- I forget the name of Tattersail's daughter (Silverfox?-A guess), but the sub-plot involving her was goddamn *tiresome*. Martin has similar flaws ( c.f. Sansa), but I don't think his prose (being in my opinion inferior to that of Erikson) suffers so much from the messy characterisation of Sansa (a thusfar negligible character) et al, simply because the contrast between general excellence and intermidiate ineptitude is less noticable in Martin's writing.

[knivesout]

I have not yet read Martin's Song of Ice and Fire books, so I cannot really judge. I have read a few of Martin's SF short stories, though, and I must say that as far as actual writerly skill goes, Martin is easily Erikson's equal, and has a similarly dense, vivid style.

Well, I have finished Deadhouse Gates, and it probably stands as my favourite so far. The whole Chain of Dogs was the most gripping military action I have read of in a while and its ending just shattered me. The parallel plots involving Felisin, Kalam, and Icarium were all incredibly well concieved and well told as well. A solid installment in the series.

I've now started on House of Chains. I found the section on Karsa Orlong absolutely brilliant as a story, although I do wonder if it achieves much more than establishing the Toblakai's backstory. Actually, it probably does, and I'll only know another book down the line!

As usual, Erikson continues to write some of the finest prologues in the genre - short, breathtaking and satisfyingly mystifying.

[Sirathiel]

Ok, you guys managed to convince me that this series is a must read. Now I've got to figure out how and when to get my hands on these books... Hmmm, they might make a nice couple of presents to my boyfriend. Luckily, he's got the same taste in books as me...

[erickad71]

You've convinced me also. Luckily the first book has just come out in my book club. It'll probably be a month or so before I can get to it though.

[tonic]

Im Queue 26 of 28 for Midnight Tides....This is Infuriating.

[knivesout]

Well it's a good time to re-read the older volumes and figure out more of what was going on, then.

[rune]

I did read Gardens of the Moon which I felt was a complex story. There quite a few character plot lines, and I felt that the author tried to spread these stories to thin, (all that jumping around from to each characters storyline left me dizzy)
I can't complain about the writing style it was really well done, the scenes I felt were gritty and well written. I did find it a struggle getting through this first book and though I enjoyed how magic was used in the story and the dark, realistic description of the battles and characters lives, I felt it was a hard slog.

So when I started Deadhouse Gates and had to try and learn about new characters, it was just too much and I put it down

[knivesout]

Rune, may I suggest you do what I did - read Memories of Ice second, as it follows the fates of the Bridgeburners through and then move back to Deadhouse Gates, by which time you will be immersed in the overall flow enough to take on the new settings and people? As a matter of fact, there are several characters from Gardens in Deadhouse Gates. Deadhouse Gates is my favourite in the series so far by the way - you really have to read about the Chain of Dogs!

[rune]

Originally Posted by knivesout

Rune, may I suggest you do what I did - read Memories of Ice second, as it follows the fates of the Bridgeburners through and then move back to Deadhouse Gates, by which time you will be immersed in the overall flow enough to take on the new settings and people? As a matter of fact, there are several characters from Gardens in Deadhouse Gates. Deadhouse Gates is my favourite in the series so far by the way - you really have to read about the Chain of Dogs!

I don't actually have to books now. If I can't get into a book the 1st time I gets donated to my local library

[dwndrgn]

My library doesn't have it yet and the online stores are only still selling the hardcover versions. I don't know if a paperback version is available yet in the states but I'll get it as soon as I can. After all of knivesout's accolades, I'd feel foolish to not at least give it a try!

[erickad71]

If you join the Sci Fi Book Club you can get it in hardback for (if I'm remembering correctly) under 15 dollars. Don't know if you're interested in anything like that, but I thought I'd let you know about it

[Falagar]

A big fan of Erikson and Tales of the Malazan Book of the Fallen here. Currently about 200 pages into Midnight Tides, so far so good. I really like Erikson's description of military campaigns. And though his characters' possess pretty similar philosophies (everyone seem to have given up on life and humanity) it's a pretty nice (and fresh, at least to me) approach.

[knivesout]

Ah, you're a lucky one then. I'm still waiting for the mmpb of Midnight Tides.

[Falagar]

Must...resist...urge to post...spoilers...