Malazan Book of the Fallen Series

AbusesToilets · 04-07-2021 9:23pm

ixoy wrote: »

According to rumours on /r/Malazan, his next book - Jhistal - is cancelled. It's part of his Path to Ascendancy series so it'd have been a prequel series anyway. Nothing confirmed yet.

I'll be starting 'The God is Not Willing' tonight and, as per poster above, I'm assuming a lighter tone than the previous two books.

I wonder why they cancelled it? Have enjoyed the path to ascendency series so far. He's not a patch on Erikson, but I love learning more about that period

ixoy · 04-07-2021 9:41pm

AbusesToilets wrote: »

I wonder why they cancelled it? Have enjoyed the path to ascendency series so far. He's not a patch on Erikson, but I love learning more about that period

It seems sales were decent, according to Erikson. It's pure speculation now with some wondering if it's just the US publication that's cancelled. The US publications are often well behind anyway, including with 'The God is Not Willing' which is months away there.

I thought the last book was a little weak, but generally enjoyed him fleshing out the back story so I hope there's more and the rumour is not entirely correct.

AbusesToilets · 05-07-2021 12:56am

ixoy wrote: »

It seems sales were decent, according to Erikson. It's pure speculation now with some wondering if it's just the US publication that's cancelled. The US publications are often well behind anyway, including with 'The God is Not Willing' which is months away there.

I thought the last book was a little weak, but generally enjoyed him fleshing out the back story so I hope there's more and the rumour is not entirely correct.

That would be mad if they didn't publish in the US. Is the new book out in Europe already? It's on US Amazon for Hardcover pre-order.

Glebee · 15-07-2021 8:28pm

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117559742#Comment_117559742

Wow, almost finished Midnight Tides and have to admit its completely not what I was expecting . Probably my new favorite so far in the Malazan series.

ancapailldorcha · 16-07-2021 9:26am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117617155#Comment_117617155

You could argue that Tehol and Bugg alone make the series worth getting through. The Bonehunters was my favourite but Midnight Tides is a belter. Sets up Reaper's Gale nicely.

FileNotFound · 16-07-2021 9:44am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117617155#Comment_117617155

Keep plugging - have to say Toll of the Hounds was my favourite. Honestly the whole series seems a bit choppy as it lays the base in the initial books but after that its character development and getting you invested in certain characters.

You come to understand the magic etc. behind it all.

I've read the series a few times as there is so much to absorb.

FileNotFound · 16-07-2021 10:00am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117618801#Comment_117618801

Tehol and Bugg are brilliant - really are.

Gesler and Stormy another bunch, Liked the way Hood is portrayed too.

ixoy · 16-07-2021 10:05pm

Just finished 'The God is Not Willing' and it's very enjoyable. Even if part of a trilogy, it stands alone quite well and feels quite streamlined running about half the length of a standard Malazan novel. Dealing with the fallout of some events a decade on from "The Crippled God", it's got classic Malazan marine banter, memorable characters (love Stillwater), plenty of bits that go over my head as ever, more lore, philosophical marines, monsters. Nothing like Kharkanas in tone and definitely worth a read.

Glebee · 31-08-2021 9:06pm

Just started The Bonehunters after a small break from Malazan. Using audible for this one has have a good bit of driving to do over the next few weeks so should rattle through it. Unfortunatly im 4hrs into a 42hr listen and have not a clue whats happening with a lot of this. I thought I was getting to grips with Malazan but the start of this has me lost again for soem reason.

Glebee · 10-09-2021 6:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117830499#Comment_117830499

My god, glad I kept going. All of a sudden I cant get enough... I suppose anyone whose read it knows what section ive just came too... Brilliant..

keane2097 · 10-09-2021 9:59pm

I actually had a post written out to say I thought Bonehunters was the best book in the series whether that would make you feel better or worse, but obviously forgot to hit the post button! I remember thinking it was a good solid Malazan book and next thing maybe half way through it just blew up. Glad to hear your experience is a good one too.

Glebee · 11-09-2021 8:35am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117874828#Comment_117874828

Blew up being the correct term to use.🤣

Glebee · 26-09-2021 9:02am

Finished The Bonehunters, I think its left me a little underwhelmed to be fair. The first big set piece was really enjoyable but after that Im not so sure. Definitly was a solid Malazan story but I felt that the middle of the book went over my head. Also the closing section sort of lost me again completely.☹️

Glebee · 12-01-2022 5:42pm

After a Malazan break ive started Reapers Gale.. There must be something in these books that keep me coming back for more..

lordgoat · 23-01-2022 12:15pm

I gave up on them about 80% into book 9. Book 9 was totally pointless and meandered aimlessly imo. Prob will read a summary of book 10 and park them.

ancapailldorcha · 23-01-2022 1:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118520670#Comment_118520670

I'd stick at it. In the introduction to Dust of Dreams, Erikson does say that it's only the first part of a two-part story. He apparently doesn't like that sort of thing but it was the only way he could do it. The Crippled God is a fantastic book and it's great way to wrap it all up. Honestly, it's worth it. Dust of Dreams does have a strong ending as well.

Glebee · 26-01-2022 12:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118463180#Comment_118463180

30% through and have not a clue whats happening with some of the story arcs, im close to breaking I think. Too many new characters, I dont even know what side there on sometimes...

Glebee · 27-02-2022 8:02pm

Reapers Gale eventually finished. My god half of that book could of been left out and it would have made no difference. Need a few days to decide if I take straight into Toll of Hounds but my gut is telling me to take a malazan break.

*Edit: Change of plan im going straight into Toll of Hound...

AbusesToilets · 04-03-2022 8:21pm

Quite enjoyed the God is Not Willing. I thought the changes and developments it showed occuring throughout the Empire were very interesting.

Glebee · 11-03-2022 8:51am

40% through Toll the Hounds, this is really a struggle and I feel like just packing it in. Only reason im still going is that ive come to far at this stage to just quit. Again the same as Reapers gale alot of stuff about nothing or maybe it just all going over my head.

AbusesToilets · 11-03-2022 4:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118766572#Comment_118766572

Surprised you'd be struggling tbh. TtH is where a lot of the plot threads start to get tied together. The journey with Karsa and Traveller is a bit slow alright, but the climax is pretty amazing

Glebee · 11-04-2022 11:26am

Still only 70% through Toll the Hound. Sweet Jesus this is a slog. If this was book 3 or 4 I’d have given up on Malazan completely I think.

lordgoat · 13-04-2022 4:31pm

I gave up 70% into book 9, zero regrets

AbusesToilets · 15-04-2022 3:50am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118910557#Comment_118910557

I only have vague memories of TtH. The journeys of convergence and the subplot with the police officer and murderer were a little show. It has a pretty amazing climax tho.

Glebee · 04-05-2022 2:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118910557#Comment_118910557

Eventually finished Toll the Hounds. My god that nearly finished me with Malazan. Absolutely hated it and the thoughts of starting another Malazan book is not good. Although Book 9 cant be as poor as Book 8 im hoping. Think im definitely due a Malazan break at this stage. Will I be back?? Probably at some stage as ive come so far I just cant give up.

ancapailldorcha · 04-05-2022 2:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119015218#Comment_119015218

My experience with Malazan is that they're probably the worst books I've seen for just picking up from time to time. Much better to slog through if possible. I thought book 10 ended the series brilliantly though.

lordgoat · 07-05-2022 9:42am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119015218#Comment_119015218

I thought book 8 was grand, enjoyed it after the first slog st the start. I really couldn't handle book 9 at all, gave up on it. No regrets... yet... I'd take a break for a day or two but don't leave it too long or else you'll never come back! I'd advise you to at least give it a go.

AbusesToilets · 21-05-2022 1:29am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119015218#Comment_119015218

That's interesting, I've generally seen folks extoll TtH online. What was it that you found off-putting?

Glebee · 21-05-2022 7:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119015218#Comment_119015218

The storyline went completely over my head. I can honestly say I had not a clue what was happening and 3 weeks after finishing if I had to write a quick summary I'd be really struggling to remember anything. That's saying something from a really large book. I did not think that would happen so far into the series. Just hated it but stuck it out to try to get to the end. Have just started Dust of Dreams and after only 5% in I get a different feeling about this one that I will enjoy it more.

Glebee · 02-06-2022 3:53pm

60% through Dust of Dream.. Im sure theres a story here somewhere but my god this is hard work in parts. Majority could be just wiped and it would have no impact on the story. Ive come too far to quit and am avoiding just reading chapter spoilers to get book 9 and 10 read and move onto something more forgiving.

Glebee · 19-06-2022 12:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119150129#Comment_119150129

Got to 70% and just deleted, it was turning into such a chore to try and read that the thought of trying to finish this and then start book 10 was just too much. Lifes too short to slog through books you dont like imo. Overall really liked books 1 - 7 but Book 8 and 9 just finished me with Malazan. Anyway onto something that I can understand and dont have to read a chapter summary after reading each chapter.

lordgoat · 20-06-2022 9:51pm

Same for me Glebee, no regrets left it in the same place as you did

Glebee · 19-07-2022 9:10am

I cant believe but ive gone back to try and complete Dust of Dreams.. It was gnawing at the back of my mind constantly since I put it down. maybe I just needed a break away from it.

Glebee · 30-07-2022 4:53pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119357657#Comment_119357657

Book 9 eventually finished. In a way I'm glad I went back to finish it out. Don't know if I'll ever start book 10 though. Usual final epic set piece but was it worth having to wade through, I don't know. Overall I find myself enjoying the main Malazan army story arch but some of the other groups are way over my head

ancapailldorcha · 30-07-2022 9:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119408523#Comment_119408523

I thought The Crippled God was a great end to the series. I say go for it.

AbusesToilets · 04-08-2022 1:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119409767#Comment_119409767

The last two are quite a bit apart from the other books I thought. From what I remember, they're obviously more tightly focused. I was hoping they would do more with Paran and the Master of the Deck stuff myself.

Also, love your signature quote ACD, been meaning to compliment you on it all week.

ancapailldorcha · 04-08-2022 3:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119428272#Comment_119428272

Thanks. That's made my day!

Glebee · 13-10-2022 12:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119408523#Comment_119408523

Book 10 - The Crippled God started, might be finished by end of the year all going well...... Wish me luck.

ancapailldorcha · 13-10-2022 12:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119738939#Comment_119738939

Good luck! I love TCG.

Nate--IRL-- · 13-10-2022 1:07pm

Kept seeing this thread over the years. Not really a fantasy fan, but just blindly bought Gardens of the Moon to see what the fuss is about. Know nothing other than it's worth the effort of sticking with it.

Nate

Glebee · 23-11-2022 9:51pm

55% through The Crippled God and it's a struggle for me I'm afraid. Not a clue what's going on the majority of the time. Just want to get this finished and move away from Malazan never to return again.

AbusesToilets · 13-01-2023 4:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119913403#Comment_119913403

I'm sorry you're struggling with it. Dust of Dreams and the Crippled God are really almost a separate story arc from the previous books. Lots of lead in but then quite isolated from what I remember. Revolves around the convergence of various powers vying to control Kamisod, if I'm remembering it correctly.

Glebee · 19-01-2023 1:04pm

"This ends the Tenth and final tale of the Malazan book of the Fallen"

Done at last. Must look back and see when I stared Gardens of the Moon, seems like an eternity ago....

AbusesToilets · 25-03-2023 10:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120129082#Comment_120129082

Congrats, just in time to start the God is Not Willing series.

Clegg · 25-03-2023 10:08pm

I had no idea there was a thread on the Malazan series. It's a hard series to first break into as Gardens of the Moon just drops you right into a half told story. Lots of high magic and fantasy trappings, but the best parts are the individual character arcs and motivations.

Itkovians actions in Memories of Ice is one of the high points of modern fantasy imo. And Anomander Rake is one of the best fantasy characters of the last 30 years.

Glebee · 26-03-2023 8:05am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120401135#Comment_120401135

Picked up first book a few weeks ago for 99p so could not resist. I think it's going to be a while though before I start it. Need a break from Malazan.

AbusesToilets · 26-03-2023 8:17am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120401731#Comment_120401731

I can imagine. The new series seems less layered, the plot is more self contained. Have you read any of the Black Company books, by Glen Cook? They have a similar feel to the Malazan, in terms of characters and perspective. Erickson took a lot of inspiration from them.

keane2097 · 26-03-2023 10:09pm

I think I remember The God is Not Willing being a bit less demanding that a MBOTF novel.

Glebee · 20-08-2023 10:26am

If your on the fence about trying out Malazan now is your chance.

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/steven-eriksons-malazan-book-fallen-tor-publishing-group-books?hmb_source=&hmb_medium=product_tile&hmb_campaign=mosaic_section_1_layout_index_1_layout_type_threes_tile_index_1_c_steveneriksonsmalazanbookfallentorpublishinggroup_bookbundle

Dave_The_Sheep · 12-11-2023 7:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120401165#Comment_120401165

I find it surprising how many people have read it, or are coming around to reading it.

It's certainly a 'sink or swim' series introduction. There's a guy I know starting off now on the audiobooks and he's pinging me every so often along the lines of "what the ****!? is going on here with X". I don't tell him anything - just if he's close to the money with his understanding.

Malazan Book of the Fallen Series

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