Just finished GOTM

[Jason_Taverner]

they were nasty covers saying that I have two copies strange

[Zee]

Good lord, I'm 2/3rds of the way through GOTM (coming over as a Martin fan while waiting for Dance with Dragons), and I have to say at times I find it difficult following the flow of Erikson. I've found myself going back and re-reading a passage because I didn't understand it the first time I read it, or I just "skimmed" it and missed something important. As it happens it's taking me a long time to read this book, much longer than I normally take to get through a similar sized book.

I think it's well worth the effort though, I'm beginning to really look forward to seeing what happens next and I'm starting to like some of these characters. After reading about how the books jump around from different storylines I'm just worried that I won't be able to keep all the hundreds of characters in order from book to book.

I never used to read fantasy novels, now I think I'm turning into a fantasy geek.

[biodroid]

I really enjoyed the action, very fast paced descriptions of the fighting sequences etc. Although I was quite confused about the story it was still a great read. Got DG and MoI waiting after I read Insomnia by King. I am a slow reader so it will take me a while.

[Sparks the Knave]

GotM turned out to be a great read. it's written in a strange way and lacks a lot of visual descriptives, but it is a good book and well worth reading though the first half of the book to get to the second part of the book. I think his writing got better as he went thats for sure. still I have to say I hate tattersail and I suspect always shall (read annoying cow).

[Zee]

Finally finished this book! I'm glad to hear I'm not the only reader who is confused by a lot of what is going on in the book. I'm eager to carry on though, not thinking of giving up at all because the quality of writing is very good, it's just a lot to take on sometimes. The warrens are very confusing for me, and the ability to keep all the characters in my head and remember who's on what side, what motivations each character has etc. I hope the future books can expand upon and clear up some of my confusion. Looking forward to starting Deadhouse Gates.

[The Curious Orange]

I was as confused as hell on first reading. I went back and re-read GOTM after finishing MOI, and found it a lot clearer to follow second time round. It remains a highly confusing structure for a story, not helped by the fact that a major sequence near the begining is told in flashback without anything signalling to the reader that it is a flashback.

Deadhouse Gates remains the strongest book for me, purely because of the strength and scope of the story.
The characterisation and dialogue is somewhat sketchy in the earlier novels, but gets better with each book, as does the writing style. However, Erikson is not the strongest wordsmith, and still writes some clunky, awkward prose (IMO)

SE's worldbuilding is second to none, but worldbuilding to me is set dressing. Add me to the "I prefer GRRM" camp.

[nixie]

I've recently persuaded a work colleague to try Erikson, he is a big fan of the Arthurian legend and recently got into Tad Williams. As I always have a book with me he asked my advice on a fantasy series with a bit of bite. I pondered between ASOIAF and the Malazan series, went for Malazan as I prefer Erikson to Martin. He found GOTM confusing but carried on with it as he found the magic system fascinating. He got on better with DHG but still couldn't see what I was so swept up with. He's now reading MOI, and today fetched me in a little toy dragon, as a thank you for steering him towards the best book he's ever read. An other convert.

[Junomidge]

I don't see a need to compare any book to any other. I stumbled onto ASOIAF by picking up a book my brother just finished, and onto the Malazan Empire through my brother-in-law offering me a book to read when I had none. I had been anxiously awaiting the next GRRM book, and had almost given up on fantasy completely. I've always preferred Sci-Fi.

The two series are just so different, but they are both just amazing and I can lose myself for hours in their worlds.

[Connavar]

Originally Posted by nixie

I've recently persuaded a work colleague to try Erikson, he is a big fan of the Arthurian legend and recently got into Tad Williams. As I always have a book with me he asked my advice on a fantasy series with a bit of bite. I pondered between ASOIAF and the Malazan series, went for Malazan as I prefer Erikson to Martin. He found GOTM confusing but carried on with it as he found the magic system fascinating. He got on better with DHG but still couldn't see what I was so swept up with. He's now reading MOI, and today fetched me in a little toy dragon, as a thank you for steering him towards the best book he's ever read. An other convert.

He reminds me of me.

GOTM confused the hell outta of me but the magic system fascinated the hell outta of me that i kept reading even through the slow and tedious parts. Thankfully the second half was much better.

Im gonna read Deadhouse Gates soon and hope its much more even GOTM and cant wait to know more of the magic system,the gods etc

[GOLLUM]

Originally Posted by Connavar of Rigante

Im gonna read Deadhouse Gates soon and hope its much more even GOTM and cant wait to know more of the magic system,the gods etc

DHG is awesome! It's also guaranteed to make you use the Kleenex tissues....

[chopper]

Having read this thread through, I've reordered GOTM from the library to give it a second try (last read in 2002ish). I managed to finish it last time around, but was completely nonplussed.

Currently in Pale with Tattersail. Its not as much of a struggle as last time...

[Rane Longfox]

Sounds like a good sign

[DarrellR]

Originally Posted by GOLLUM

DHG is awesome! It's also guaranteed to make you use the Kleenex tissues....

Or make you rant, cuss and just want to strangle someone.

[VionesspXmoone]

In the last two years I have started this book maybe 5 times, one of those making it over half way through. I loved the story and the characters, and did not have a hard time following it like I was warned I might, so I have no idea why I can't finish it! I even bought the next two books because I know I will want to continue with the series. Hopefully after what I am reading now I will be able to get to it and finish it finally. Someone needs to kick me in the rump and make me.

[Tansy]

I've just ordered this online - my very first Erikson