Quick continuity query

[JDP]

Hi, I've just started reading this series. I've almost finished the first book GotM, but my library doesn't have the second one DG (though they do have the rest of the series - well, the ones that are out). I've heard that the stories are kind of self-contained, so can I skip straight to the third one, and read the second when it's been ordered in, or will that screw up the continuity for me?

Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated...

[Green]

I'd advise you to read them in order.

Sure, you can read them out of order, just like you can watch the Godfather trilogy in the wrong order. It'd be your loss, though.

[Overread]

Definatly don't read them our of order - they are complex enough without jumping books

[Rane Longfox]

Yup, I third what they said - while you could read them out of order, it would get even more confusing that it is otherwise, unfortunately.

[nixie]

You could read them out of order but not advisable. I know it seems like that book three should come after book one, but as the series goes on everything slots into place.

[Wiggum]

I think I would probably still be suffering from a case of vertigo if I had tried to read them out of order.

[KiwiBird]

I disagree with all the above

You just have to know in wich disorder you can read them.
For instance after reading book 1, you can perfectly read Midnight Tides, since it is also somwhat of a beginning but in another end. Or after book 1 you can also read Memories of ice.

That said, for the third book, it is definitly better to have read the second one first. As for the last two, these should best be read after you read all the others, cause those two dont stand so well as read/stand alone books.

[Overread]

Kiwi - that makes little sense?

[KiwiBird]

huh? I Dont get the question.

[JDP]

Hmmm... I think, from the general consensus, that I'm gonna have to put on my patient hat, pick up my sharpest poking stick and go and bother someone behind a desk at the library. Thanks for all your responses!

[Rane Longfox]

Sorry if it's the wrong answer JDP, but it would get far too confusing otherwise I suspect. Deadhouse Gates and Memories of Ice occur at the same time, and there are small interractions between the two sets of characters that are actually quite important to the story. Reading Memories... first would make these seem to be utterly pointless, which, considering I rate Memories... as one of the best books I've ever read, you dn't want to do, because it would just make it a worse book.

Hopefully that makes sense

[Wiggum]

Yeah, you seriously do not want to mess with the intergrity of Memories of Ice.

[KiwiBird]

I dont quite follow why not, then again, i always read books too fast, once i start i cant quit till i am finished, meaning allnighters.

At the very least you have to admit that it is more then perfectly possible to start reading midnight tides after the first book.

Anyone of you actually been able to read Night of Knives, i swear it is impossible to find in belgium, and i'm not gonna ebay.

[Green]

It's possible to read Midnight Tides, but it would be stupid. The book was written with readers in mind who had read up to HoC. It speaks of a certain beach-loving antaganist that you're supposed to be very familiar with by then.

Night of Knives... Can't you order it from Amazon UK (or Canadian, or wherever)? If not, don't worry, it's not that great anyway.

[KiwiBird]

Grumble, and this is my last word on the topic.