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Posts Tagged ‘Malazan Empire’

Steven Erikson, Malazan Series. To Read Or Not To Read?

Posted in Books, Musings, Quickies, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 13, 2012 | 2 Comments »

     I have read Steven Erikson’s first four Malazan novels and would like some advice as to whether or not to continue.  You can read my reviews (published over the last two weeks) on my homepage.

    Your thoughts folks …

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House of Chains (A Tale of The Malazan Book of The Fallen ~ 4) by Steven Erikson

Posted in Books, Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 11, 2012 | 2 Comments »

     Erikson is a writer at the top of his game with the fourth book of his Malazan series delivering more of the same and then some!

     Fans will be familiar with the author’s distinct style and structure: unlikely pairings undertaking strange journeys which impact upon the martial and political landscape in unexpected ways.

     Erikson’s tales mimic the evolution of real history so those who prefer traditional quest-driven yarns may feel frustrated by the lack of conclusions. There is however a realism and sense of immediacy seldom achieved by the Fantasy genre.

     House of Chains concludes most of The Whirlwind Rebellion plot and getting there is a brilliant, challenging and addictive read.

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Memories of Ice (A Tale of The Malazan Book of The Fallen ~ 3) by Steven Erikson

Posted in Books, Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on May 7, 2012 | 2 Comments »

     The third novel in the Malazan Cycle suffers the same highs and lows as its predecessor.  The first half is over-plotted and over-populated, more of an endurance test than an entertaining read.

     Once various subplots unite, for a spectacular midway siege, Erikson shifts up a league and delivers martial action and emotional character beats with familiar aplomb.

     Erikson’s enthusiasm for his secondary world is infectious, but his pacing and structure continue to irritate.

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Deadhouse Gates (A Tale of The Malazan Book of The Fallen ~ 2) by Steven Erikson

Posted in Books, Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on May 6, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

     Too many new faces and places sap momentum in this now sprawling Fantasy series.

     Erikson’s prose has a captivating quality which will win patience from his readership but many sub-plots seem circular and unnecessary. Characters are absent for several chapters so, by the time they return, you are likely to have forgotten who they are and what they are doing whilst the unceremonious dumping of a hugely important plot revelation is unforgivably clumsy.

     Erikson’s Magic System seems over-complicated and only partially formed, suggesting a world and a plot which is dangerously close to escaping the clutches of its author.

     Erikson is at his best when describing martial combat and strategy. His central plot thread, the imperiled exodus of refugees, is strong enough without extraneous sub-stories. Erikson’s promise is unmistakable but he needs more focus.  Less is sometimes more.

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Gardens of the Moon (A Tale of The Malazan Book of The Fallen ~1) by Steven Erikson

Posted in Books, Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , on May 5, 2012 | 11 Comments »

     Forget polite introductions and sedate world-building because Erikson’s opener is a merciless drag through war, politics, questing and magic which may swamp and baffle less dedicated Fantasy fans.

     Gardens of the Moon may be overpopulated and over-plotted but Erikson holds chaos at bay with genius page-turning prose and infectious enthusiasm.

     With a little more focus and honing the Malazan Books could achieve brilliance.

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