Just finished GOTM

[Quick Ben]

Originally Posted by Khale

Ok, I follow you now and agree. It was my understanding that people posting that the story was confusing were merely referring to the fact that story-lines can be confusing "at that time" and you just have to trust that you will figure it out later when more information is available.

That certainly is the case when you get to Deadhouse Gates. In my opinion, that book made the plot in Gardens seem as simplistic as a child's book. Nonetheless, I thought both were very good.

Here is a snippet from a review of DG that I thought was very entertaining and accurate:

Yep I agree completely.

There's that many things going on in the Malazan world that I found it easier to just let myself 'go with the flow' and not worry about why or how certain things happen. You can't possibly have yourself investigating every little detail as to what's going on. A general outline of the plot and following the sequences should be enough to take you to the end where everything becomes clearer. Don't worry too much about the complexities.

I didn't really find the Gardens plot too confusing, well not after the first half anyway but DhG was all over the shop. Probably the most confusing book I've read to date (though admittedly that's not saying much ) especially the Icarium/Mappo storyline. But it also ties up nicely at the end so no harm done.

[dreir]

Finished GotM!!
(I know it sounds like I took a long time but I actually read the bulk of it within the last 2 days.. been too busy prior to that)

Now I can't wait to read DG
Not to mention MoI which most of you guys think is awesome..

Thanks to you people now i have to fork out the dough for 7 more books! :P

- Dreir -

[Sar]

I just finished GOTM as well. I really enjoyed it. I found that the way he jumps the story line around and then ties it together reminds me of Tad William's story telling. It adds a certain element of suspense to the story. You keep thinking, "How is this going to connect?" It's a good affect.

I also like that in the preface of the new edition of GOTM Erikson says, "piss on compromise."

Awsome!

[dreir]

Yeah, possibly the most inspiring preface I've ever read, lol..

- Dreir -

[nj1]

Just finished GotM and must say I really enjoyed it (picked up the paper back for £3.99 last week from WHSmiths).
What I want to know is what was the point of the coin bearer, I mean what did he have a coin for?
It seemed to me that he was only a small part in the actual plot and didn.t really affect the outcome of the story, except for lobbing a brick and witnessing some events that would scar you for life. Why did he recieve so much protection?

I'm diving straight into Deadhouse Gates next and hope it's as good as GotM.
Also was there any mention of the gardens on the moon, if not why the name for the book?

[Lenny]

Gah, I've forgotten things!

Crokus was the coinbearer, aye? He has some massive parts in the other books. There was importance to him as well for some reason or other (which, surprise surprise, I've forgotten!).

There was a mention of a myth, yes - a fella who tends that gardens on the Moon, and I seem to remember Sorry telling Crokus how she used to think there were gardens on the Moon when she was younger.

[nj1]

Originally Posted by Lenny

Gah, I've forgotten things!

Crokus was the coinbearer, aye? He has some massive parts in the other books. There was importance to him as well for some reason or other (which, surprise surprise, I've forgotten!).

There was a mention of a myth, yes - a fella who tends that gardens on the Moon, and I seem to remember Sorry telling Crokus how she used to think there were gardens on the Moon when she was younger.

Yeah, Crokus was the coin bearer but all he seemed to do was cary a coin and muse about being in love with da rich lass which he wasn't after all, but to me he didn't really do anything important to the outcome of events, considering he was protected by all sorts including some Crimson Guards poping up out of nowhere and then disappearing again and the way it was written I epected him and the coin to play a major role in events

[Lenny]

Crimson Guards?! Damn, I really need to re-read!

---

Finished GotM; have some questions (spoilers) - sffworld.com

Read through that for some other musings on the Coinbearer - it seems to be generally accepted that he played no part. I'm starting to think that the reason for it was so that he could get lucky and escape this, that and the other - a side effect of being the coinbearer.

[HoopyFrood]

Yes, he didn't seem to do much; it seemed to me that the coin was important mainly because of Oponn's messing about in the events of the first book. Thus when Paran decides to pull himself out of their meddling, Crokus no longer wants the coin and throws it into the lake.

Perhaps, however, Erikson will show in a later book how something small that Crokus did way back at the beginning had monumental consequences on the outcome of the entire series (just a thought...) I noticed in House of Chains the other day that Crokus mentioned the coin, wondering why he threw it away, and was asked if he regretted doing such. Perhaps he will...? (All just my own musings).

[nj1]

Perhaps the coin was just a lure to bring certain people together at certain times in order to change a possible out come?

[dreir]

Good point. The very act of trying to protect Crokus might have put several characters in places they might not have come to otherwise. But I'm tired and if I think on this too much I'd prolly end up with a sprained brain.

Hmm.. I've always thought the 'moon' in the title referred to Rake's moon. Now that I think about it, I have no idea why..

- Dreir -

[Quick Ben]

Well this is probably a bit off topic but since you guys are reading GOTM now I'd just ask a question since I don't have the book on me.

Early on in the book when Paran visits his home in Unta and meets his two sisters, one of them gives him the cold shoulder whilst the other is a bit more cordial, which sister is which? Can you check for me please.

Thanks in advance

[HoopyFrood]

Felisin is the one that greets him. Tavore is the one that gives him the cold shoulder. I'm pretty sure that's the right way around (I don't have the book to hand either), anyway, especially considering the personalities of both when their own stories start up in later books.

[Lenny]

It's at the end of Chapter 1, and he's first greeted by Gamet (it's amazing the things you forget, or don't take notice of until you go back to them), and then inside the house by Tavore. I haven't flicked on to find Felisin, because it'll be like trying to find a needle in a haystack the size of Wales.

And yes, I do have the book to hand.

[Rane Longfox]

'Unplanned,' he conceded, 'but done nevertheless. Not stationed here in Unta, though. My visit is only a few days.'
'Have you been promoted?'
He smiled. 'Is the investment about to reap coin? Reluctant as it was, we still must think in terms of potential influence, mustn't we?'
'Managing this family's position is no longer your responsibility, brother.'
'Aii, it's yours now, then? Has Father withdrawn from the daily chores?'
'Slowly. His health is failing. Had you asked, even in Itko Kan. .
He sighed. 'Still making up for me, Tavore? Assuming the burden of my failings? I hardly left here on a carpet of petals, you may recall. In any case, I always assumed the house affairs would fall into capable Her pale eyes narrowed, but pride silenced the obvious question.
'At her studies. She's not heard of your return. She will be very excited His sister snorted, turning away. 'Felisin? She's too soft for this world, brother. For any world, I think. She's not changed. She'll be happy to see you.'
He watched her stiff back as she left the hall.

So there you go