The bit where Rake wanted to spare Whiskeyjack from killing those Tenescowri women and Whiskeyjack thinking that he was talking about being kind to them instead of him (WJ) stayed with me. This book man.
For some reason Itkovian's story hit the hardest for me. I don't have the eloquence to explain it, but I would say compassion is the central thesis of the entire series. Remember that priest who betrayed the Grey Swords, and Itkovian began to punish him, gruesomely, but then Itkovian took on all the man's pain for himself in the end? I'm sure most of us readers hated that priest. But instead of him escaping or just getting killed, Erickson takes the time to have this villain be _understood_ by a character who should have hated him, but who instead possessed infinite compassion. As Itkovian says, "Compassion is priceless in the truest sense of the word. It must be given freely. In abundance."
What i really like is that Paran and Silverfox did neither instantly fall in love all over again or had a giant conflict and became enemies (as it would be in many a bad TV series - looking at you "Charmed") but rather gradually accepted that they had just moved on. It feels "real" in a way you'd think impossible in a world full of magic and cataclysmic events.
That said. Erikson is VERY bad at romance in my opinion. Almost all his romances seem to come out of nowhere. Whiskey Jack and Korlat? Just suddenly together. Even Paran and Tattersail have all of about 5 minutes of page time together before they're "in love." It's really not the best, but I'll give it to him that at least the romance doesn't get in the way of the storyline even if it is rushed.
@@IshtarNike That's something I think a lot of fantasy fans are just so used to we don't even notice it anymore. It's so consistently an issue with the genre you just kind of learn to accept it unless the book is literally tagged as a fantasy romance novel.
Whiskyjack's death is one of the only scenes I've ever read in a book that made me actually sob. And then I cried again when Paran and Quick Ben went to look at the Brideburners tomb in Moon's Spawn. Absolutely overwhelming book.
The worst part about it? Completely avoidable if he'd just gotten some healing for his goddamn leg. He was fighting a *legend*, and he would have won if he hadn't been so "can't right now, Mallet, too busy". Gaining the heart of one Tiste Andii and the friendship and admiration of another - just another day in the life of "Holy shit, is he for real?" Whiskeyjack.
So many great and loved characters (obviously Whiskeyjack..), but _Itkovian_ really touched me; so much tragedy, yet so much strength and sacrafice .. just mind blowing; but yeah, these books have so much going on, they're exausting.
Itkovian has more development in a 1 book arc than many lead characters do in a 5 book series. And spoilers..... the pay off...beautiful, brilliant. But man...couldn't he have waited 5 more minutes. Then Whiskeyjack doesn't die. Rake is back to restrain Kallor. The Bridgeburners aren't annihilated. Dujek isn't broken. The entire series turns, and not just for good, on one act of compassion. Yeah, Erikson can put you through it like no one else.
I think the one thing that got me the most about Whiskeyjack's death was everyone's reactions to it. Specially Mallet's. We've seen him through the whole book trying to fix Whiskeyjack's leg, with the sargeant ever refusing. And I like that it doesn't feel out of place for Whiskeyjack to do this either: he was doing it since Gardens of the Moon, when he had terrible headaches but held on as long as possible before asking for Mallet to heal him. So, upon seeing Whiskeyjack's body and realizing what had happened, Mallet simply crumbled. He felt as if it was his personal fault that his sargeant was now dead. If only he had managed to heal his leg, he might have been able to kill Kallor and would be standing there next to them. But he didn't, and he isn't. Of course, we all know it's not his fault, but he doesn't see that. Also, they wiped out THE ENTIRE FUCKING BRIDGEBURNERS????? I was not expecting that AT ALL. Like, really? From 30 odd to, like, 7? And, I mean, even if I did guess at that, I would never guess that neither Hedge nor Trotts would be included in the surviving Bridgeburners. There also great character moments from almost everyone. I wasn't expecting that much depth to Tool, Kilava and a lot of other characters. Very few didn't feel fleshed out at least a bit. Like, we met a lot of random people, like Gruntle, Stonny and Itkovian, for example, and they actually ended up having a great deal of importance and focus, and Steven didn't forget the characters we already knew either. Anomander Rake, Brood, Kallor, K'rul, Kruppe, Quick Ben, Paran, and the list goes on. Just fucking awesome. And I 100% agree with you on the Itkovian's "I am not yet done" quotes. Then, after he finally managed to do something incomprehensible even to the T'lan Imass themselves, for a mortal was carrying the burden of tens of thousands of beings whose lives spanned hundreds of millenia, he was finally done. It was so good, but also so sad to see him gone. But it was very beautiful seeing how basically everyone cared so much about his death. They had lost thousands of people in the battle of Coral, and yet so many of the surviving took the time to go, one by one, say their farewell to the Shield Anvil. And the T'lan Imass making sure that his place of rest would remain unperturbed was great, too
These books feel like a gut punch whenever I finish them. I will never forget the Fall of Coltaine or the Siege of Capustan, the grand moments and the quiet ones. The thematic depths. Silverfox as a living metaphor for postpartum depression, where the child in this case literally sucks the life out of the mother, will always stay with me. She's so much more but I won't say much because spoilers. Toc went through so much! Especially with the Matron. Then there's the Pannion Seer who echoes a bit of Felisin in that they're both hurting souls lashing out against the world. There's a third echo of this theme in the Crippled God too and they progress in scale. I love these books so much! Thank you for these in-depth videos. They are the only way I can experience the books for the first time again.
I got chills seeing your response to Whiskeyjack’s death, listening to the quotes you selected, and also knowing what’s to come later in the series! I know how intimidating it can be to talk about a Malazan book, and you present such a genuine response, depth of understanding, and consideration of the difficult questions I think Erikson was trying to elicit in readers. Loved this review!
@@Johanna_reads it's okay, i stopped reading after your first sentence and I just should've avoided looking at the comments at all. I was just curious why there was a merphy review on a different channel.
@@hellgast0 it definitely isn’t! I’m sorry you got spoiled on that but like Merphy says in this video; death is pretty different in Malazan. It has different meanings and consequences than in any other series that I can think of. So while you will lose the emotional impact of that scene (somewhat, its still powerful), you still have no idea where that thread will take you, which is an incredible journey yet to be revealed.
More than Whiskeyjack, it was the Iktovian scene which shocked me in this book. The sheer audacity to do what he did. And as Mephy mentioned, that scene where Whiskeyjack chose to give those women a "merciful" death, instead of what Rake offered them. And then, when he looked back at his army thinking of how they must feel about him. And then, Rake telling him not to underestimate his army, that they understand, and respect and love him all the more for what he did. And then there was that scene where both Onearm and Mallet cannot understand how Whiskeyjack could have lost (he used to be able to provide Dassem with a challenge). And everyone making sure that Mallet never finds out the truth as that would break the man, completely and irrevocably. Then, there was the ending that Mhybe got, from Silverfox. That scene, earlier on, where Kruppe stood unfazed before Brood's hammer and actually came out unscratched. Moon Spawn's destruction and sacrifice. Korlat finding and then daring to love after millennia, only to lose it before our eyes. The actual origin of the Pannion Seer. The introduction of the Seguleh and the dynamics of their civilization and culture. Also, remember how Onearm's "betrayal" isn't really one. It was just a way for him and Whiskeyjack, and Rake and Brood and Kallor to combine forces so that they could face the bigger threat, the Pannion Domin. How Tayschrenn was there all along, spying on them, for Laseen. How he gave it all up to try and save Whiskeyjack in the end, but failed. So much happened!
I had a very different reaction to Whiskeyjacks death. When I read the scene I actually didn't feel sad at all because I got so angry at him and the fact that he didn't heal his leg. I was furious I kept saying is this really it ?! However the sadness hit me later during the final chapter when Paran and Quick Ben go into the Moon's spawn to see the Bridgeburners graves. Quick Ben saying their names and then talking about them and also Whiskeyjack ahhhhh I shed some tears alright. So even though it was delayed I did feel sad in the end :( (I just realised you didn't even mention Korlat in the review. I felt so bad for her it hurt my heart a lot. I'll never forget the scene where she's standing under the Moon's spawn and the water is falling on her )
Watching you recount the events from this book made me feel like I'm remembering memories from my past. I've got chills the whole way through the video.
Erikson's writing is masterful at all levels: from huge, epic scenes to the small gestures in more intimate exchanges. One scene I'll never forget (I think it's in GoM) is when Dujek Onearm realizes Toc is feeling self-conscious and shy in front of a group of people because of his hideous face wound, so he almost casually strokes his own stump while welcoming him. A small but beautiful gesture in recognition of shared pain. Dujek is respected and loved by all his troops, but Erikson never outwardly says why. It’s with these kind of scenes that the reader understands why his troops literally and almost blindly die for him.
Each book has been more and more pay off for me, although House of Chains has been the hardest for me so far but was essential for my enjoyment of Bonehunters right now
Your enthusiasm for this series is infectious. Your reading of whiskey Jack's death produced some tears. I have read the series 3 times, and your recounting after 1 read is beautiful.
My favourite fantasy book ever. This book has it all. It's as close to perfection as I've read. Even down to the small scene of the way Paran gathers himself after a tough confrontation and the Bridgeburners finally acknowledging him as their captain.
I was waiting for your Memories of Ice review for a long time. I really wished you mentioned more about Itkovian. He is an incredible character and I cried so many times in his scenes. When he takes the pain of everyone in the city, when he tries to take the pain of the Crippled God, when he takes the pain of the entire T'lan Imass army, those scenes are so beautifully written and so heartbreaking. The memories of the T'lan Imass, their pain for so many years, Itkovian took them just before a battle where they could be so useful, but yet he did it, even though it was not convenient for others, because of compassion, which must be without any reason or bindings. The scene of Anomander Rake and Whiskeyjack's execution of the women is even more poignant for something else, about the revelation that Rake is doing it as mercy, for Whiskeyjack, to spare him the cruelty and the burden, he is taking on the burden himself. And the realization that Whiskeyjack goes through in that scene, and later about executions. So beautiful. Also no mention of K'chain Chemalle, dinosaurs with blades as hands, such a cool and unique race in a fantasy series.
He did it because it needed to be done, because that was his duty as Shield Anvil. He was one of, if not the most, utterly professional characters, fictional or real, I have ever encountered. The Bridgeburners talking shit about the Fener mercenaries made me so fucking angry I had to put the book down. I'm tearing up just thinking about him and the nobility of his sacrifice. The scene where everyone is dropping off personal items for his grave mound breaks my heart. It reminds me of the funeral procession for my father. People around here stop and pull off the road onto the shoulder as a funeral cortege goes by, and I remember breaking down crying because it was such a lovely gesture, even for people that didn't know dad. I was also pretty bitter about it because I didn't think he'd gotten nearly enough respect in life, yet there it was in death. Kind of like Itkovian, now that I think about it. Maybe that's why it hits me so hard.
Memories of Ice is the best book of the series--imo. It is at the very least the high point of the first half of the series. It is so intensely emotional, especially at the end. For me it is the beginning of journey to understanding the series.
I felt like there was little chance to improve upon what the 1st three books did, but cannot place MoI at number one after finishing the series. It is hard to choose a favorite single book because of how well the 10 work together to tell such a grand story.
One of my favorite lines in the book. "its not going to clear.. " really cemented quick Ben's place as being just totally awesome! Doesn't elaborate or automatically open a Warren
Ahhh glorious. I’ve been waiting for a year. Thank you. So happy to see your reaction to Whiskeyjack’s death. Ithkovian’s scene was what moved me the most though. I cried so much it was beautiful 😭 Also glad you’re starting book 4 this year I was scared we’d get one malazan book a year 😂😂 Also happy belated birthday to the lil one
Awesome review as always! I hope you talk with some people who love Malazan in the future like Philip Chase, AP Canavan, Jimmy Nutts, Andy Smith, Joshanna(I hope I am spelling your name right. I appologize if not.), Allen and Erikson himself of course. And others like Books with Brittany and Daniel even. It would give you the opportunity to work through these moments, emotions and also clarify a lot of things. Furthermore, theme is arguably the most imporant pillar of Erikson's writing and it is very worth while to see what is going on thematically. AP and Philip are the two masters of that.
Memories of Ice is my favorite of the series so far as well. The scene that got me was how they paid respects to Itkovian at his burial. And Paran and Quick Ben going to Moon Spawn to see the Bridgeburner's tombs.
Concerning Toc's decision to leave Envy's group, remember in book 1 mention is made of Jaghut Tyrants' ability to influence and control the minds of others. While it's never said overtly in Memories of Ice, the madness of the Tenescowri and Toc deciding to leave seems very likely to be the mental influence of the Seer.
I just discovered your channel by searching Malazan content on YT, and I'm glad I did! I finished Memories of Ice some months ago (and House of Chains I finished earlier this week!) and I gotta say, MoI is literally one of the best books I've ever read. It's dense, yes, and sometimes it feels like you have no idea what the hell is going on, but once the picture clears a bit it hits you like a ton of bricks. And it's so well crafted, the payoffs are worth it *because* the books are well done and Erikson carefully takes his time. There's an Itkovian quote at the climax that lives rent-free in my head: "We humans do not understand compassion. In each moment of our lives, we betray it. Aye, we know of its worth, yet in knowing we then attach to it a value, we guard the giving of it, believing it must be earned. T’lan Imass. Compassion is priceless in the truest sense of the word. It must be given freely. In abundance." What a fucking quote that is. What a moment. Itkovian is *that* dude... and so is Whiskeyjack. I admit I cried by the end of Deadhouse Gates and what had happened to Coltaine's Chain of Dogs. I cried again by Memories of Ice's climax. "First in. Last Out. For the last time." -> if that doesn't get you even a bit misty eyed I think something must be a bit wrong with you. That and the very last line of the epilogue both got me right in the feels. I'll be waiting for your House of Chains review, Merphy! :D
One thing that I really enjoy about Malazan is that the characters have such amazing back stories. The cliché of the old beaten down guy in front of you maybe being the super general 30 years ago is actually possible in Malazan. And the back stories are dribbled out bit by bit where they have amazing impact as we slowly get to put together their full story. We loved Whiskyjack for who he is in the current timeline of the book, and then discover how his back story causes events in the present to take on whole new angles
An absolutely great book. You are into it now. The way these stories are written is so great. I may need to reread, because watching you react makes me remember how these books touched me.
Caladan Brood striking at Kruppe and the devastation....leaving Kruppe untouched, and more importantly unfazed, on a pillar of rock amidst a lava flow. That was like watching something out of the MCU for such a power flex. And the reference that there's some god behind that confidence, but no one can think what god it could be? (We know Kruppe represents the audience, so he's literal plot armor or we wouldn't read)
Wait till you reach Midnight Tides. That book will surprise you. Its a favorite for me in the series along with Memories of Ice, Bonehunters, Reapers Gale and Crippled God. BTW, good review.
I just started my reread of this series after I only got to midnight tides on my first read. I just finished MoI. Life got in the way of finishing this dense, amazing series. It’s odd and amazing that I feel the need to get fully immersed into this series and when I have to big of a break, I felt the need to start from the beginning again to “respect” the series. Just reading up to Midnight Tides, I never read a series like this. Only experiences I had in fantasy that affected me this way have been Storm of Swords and Lord of Chaos. Erickson is a fucking genius.
Just need to say your Malazan reviews are *so* good, it's a joy to watch the excitement and appreciation, (it's like you've bottled up bits of the pure elation one feels WHILE reading, truly wonderful stuff) it's jogged so many memories of the book for me. Also loved your appreciation of the Mhybe story, and how you point out Erickson gets at the heart of people's struggles.
In the /r/Malazan subreddit, when you hover over +Affiliated Links it'll show fan made companion guides with a bunch of fan art and maps for the books up to Book 6. Hope it helps!
Something to remember that death is just being sent into the realm of Hood the God of death. Also keep track of who and what dies by Anomander Rake's Sword Dragnipur as it contains a Realm as well.
2:20 "More than one philosopher has claimed that we ever remain children, far beneath the indurated layers that make up the armour of adulthood. Armour encumbers, restricts the body and soul within it. But it also protects. Blows are blunted. Feelings lose their edge, leaving us to suffer naught but a plague of bruises, and, after a time, bruises fade." Yeah those lines spoke to me as well.
Don't know how I missed this, because I've been trying to watch for your Malazan reviews. Definitely understand needing a break between Erikson books. Back when I read it, the old forums was active (up until about Tool the Hounds released and they migrated). And we used to read lighter fare (Dresden Files, to be precise, back when that was much simpler than it has become) between them. The ability of Erikson to wring thr reader emotionally dry, even a 52yr old ex-submariner reader, is unique beyond any save Tolkien.
“I have lost a friend” from Dujek just decimated me. The wavering pikes. The two marines. Mallet seeing the leg. Man, that’s how you kill a beloved character.
The death of Whiskey Jack is a saddening moment. One made more so, when in a later book (or off shoot, I can’t remember). We find out that Kallor survived due to something to do with the *minor spoiler* the entrapment of Draconus, death of Nightchill and fading of Krul
i could write a thesis on Death in Malazan, it's really not like the resurrection trope. Death is more like a place than a condition. to clarify: Toc is only in a body with that other guy, Ananader (?) Tool is not in there with him, and it's like 98% Toc in there anyway. The hardest part about the next book is that you don't pick up where this one left off, its happening almost concurrently. i found that frustrating, but you do eventually get used to it with this series 🥴
Gruntle and Stonny (spelling? Audio book reader here) joint story was huge for me, and is so commonly overlooked because of Whiskey Jack and Itkovian demise.
Thanks for the review. The scene with Itkovian taking in the pain of the imass and in so doing releasing them from their vow has a line about compassion that more or less describes a lot of the overarcing story. Silverfox wants to belong and needed even though she is a mixture of Tattersail, Nightchill and Bellurdan, but is still 1 person as any kid is a combination of 2, but with her she kept the memories of the others. (or at least that's how I read it). Anyway, she was not yet willing to release the imass from their vow, because she didnt want to be alone. Hope that made any sense... By the way, alot of people dislike the Mhybes storyline, but he tried to describe post natal depression in a literal showing. Please note too... A lot of people react in a similar way to people that just got a kid, the new parents should be happy, while it can feel to them like their old life is sucked away by their newborn.
@@Andre-xl2oe no thank you for the edit! I appreciate you explaining more about Silverfox and Itkovian. It did make sense and it's very helpful, thank you!
@@merphynapierreviews Now compare that to the theme of motherhood with the relationship between the matron and Toc. Erickson loves playing with various themes from different perspectives.
I like how express the feeling and that you can share that with us. There are many moments that you describe that are also high point in the novel for me. But there are two that I liked about the siege of Capustan. One, how Erikson describes the entering and the exit of the Bridgeburners, is consistent with how their actions are described in the tales, but you get to see it first handed. Second, the fall of the Mortal Sword of the Grey Swords. He defied Hood himself and the scene in battle is overwhelming. The most interesting thing is that at MoI you "think" you start to understand where the books are going...and then you read book 4 and get a bit confused...and then book 5 and say what the hell!! I am currently on book 7 and...still waiting to understand so many things... By the way, where is your blog?
Yeah, you suddenly get to understand why everyone talks about them the way they do, that hushed tone of "It's THE Bridgeburners". And you get to see how that awe and fear is *earned*, not because of "they're awesome and elite and the absolute bestest" but no, they're ordinary-but-extraordinary folks with endless determination no matter the price. I always say Deadhouse Gates is will break your heard, but Memories of Ice is "oh, you thought you knew what heartbreak is?"
There is soooo much to love about Erikson's writing. I love that he doesn't tie everything up in a neat bow. Life isn't like that so his writing isn't like that. You know what the characters know or what they choose to reveal... nothing else. They're strangers from a strange world and you're reading their stories. They're not going to explain obvious things to each other anymore than you would explain a toaster to your neighbor when you talk about making toast. You're an observer and you will not necessarily understand everything you're observing. I know that really bothers people, sometimes. They like their stories all compact and understandable with no loose ends. Erikson is just not like that. His stories are all about the journey, not the destination. My only real issue with his world concept is his time scale, it's too big and about the only thing that breaks my immersion when it comes up. PS Not me here, 5 months later, wanting to hug Merphy after dealing with Whiskey Jack's death. I'm sorry!
Malazan is a great source material for my own epic fantasy I wish to write one day. His writing for action scene, It's sooo condensed. One of my favourite moments was when the mage found Kalams face in the deck of dragons.
I'm glad it's taking Merphy so long to get through the books, because although I'm a couple books further along, it's definitely a slow read just due to the dense material.
And just when you think you are over it - Very well, permit me if you will this night. To break your hearts once more. This is the story of the Chain of Dogs. Whiskeyjack's death was tragic. But how many times did he mention there would be time to heal it later? There are a lot of events that in hindsight should have been obvious. But he wouldn't kill Whiskeyjack would he? And Itkovian does have some of the best quotes. I am done.
With all the "holy shit" moments going on in Memories of Ice, I really appreciated the less magnificent bits of the book, like those idiot necromancers Bauchelain and Korbal Broach. Are they menacing and a potential problem? Yes. Are they two of the stupidest people around? Also, yes! You know shit is getting very, very weird when necromancers are comic relief, but there we are. Also the Seguleh as a warrior culture - absolutely fascinating. They're definitely badass, but at the same time I got a very "Inspector Clouseau and Cato" vibe from them with the occasional attacks on Tool. Like, he's momentarily distracted by a butterfly, say, and then it's OH LOOK TIME TO ATTACK! Tool casually parries because he is, of course, First Sword, and within a minute or two there's unconscious Seguleh suffering from yet ANOTHER concussion inflicted by a 300,000 year old flint two-handed sword. Lessons learned? None. Future attacks fended off? Every single one. Tool's badass reputation? Further cemented. It's not quite throwaway material but the attention to detail and obvious love for every single character , whether they're hero, support or minor, is breathtaking.
Only now, hearing you reread that scene, do I finally realise why Kallor tried to kill Silverfox. I wonder if he still would have thought she was an abomination if Nightchill wasn't in there.
Erikson is the best at raising stakes I've ever read, and I've been reading for over 50 years. Every. Single. Book raises the stakes in this series on all fronts: emotions, plot, and character.
I feel like MoI was the book where Erikson found the tone that will continue through out the series. While the first two books had some crazy scenes, nothing there compares to the insanity of Dominium, tenescowri, mad matron etc. While first 3 books were ramping up the madness, later books kinda keep it on this level.
Erikson has stated that compassion is the main theme of the series. But to me, what Itkovian did was choose sacrificial lambs. Sure what he did was compassion, but for who? The build up, to me, was for the Imass to fight. Overall an awesome book and ranks right near the top of great novels. However, I liked Deadhouse Gates a little better.
As much as I'm loving these books, Erikson writes things that make no sense to lengthen his books, my proof is right this book here. Without explaining everything, if you're read this you know, Itkovian and the grey swords allowing Anaster to just run down a corridor and get away when they saw what his reaction to Itkovian's words alone did to the Tenescowri, make no sense whatsoever. The characters and author spend time in this book acknowledging the importance of taking out the leader, one soldier doesn't salute Whiskeyjack as not to identify him as a leader, Brukhalian acknowledges that flaming catapults are being thrown AT him because he can be seen on the highest building and therefore recognised as leader, yet the Shield Anvil just lets Anaster run away saying they'll see him later. Without even reading the rest I can know Anaster is going to be responsible for or a play a large part in events that simply wouldn't happen if the Grew Swords acted like normal sentient beings would. I've loved everything from the 2 1/2 books of this series so far except that makes no sense at all and neither does Kellenvend and Dancer taking over the realm of shadow without ANYONE having the slightest clue as we now know that as soon as people appear in a house the deck of dragons changes in the real world and I refuse to believe no one noticed the house of shadow change at the moment the emperor and dancer died. Or how Shadowthrone and the rope suddenly turn up just as 2 other people 'die'
The Mhybe was probably the most mentally and emotionally exhausting perspective I've ever read in fantasy. I feel that Erikson thoroughly conveyed her spiritual, mental and emotional turmoil but I never enjoyed her parts of the story. I understand their significance yet still never enjoyed them. She's actually the only part of the story I did not enjoy but despite that this is still my personal favorite entry in the Malazan series.
Damn did you wait a year to read the third book? i finished books 1 and 2 and needed a break. Been about 6 months now and I feel like I have to read book 3 before I really forget everything
This might be my favorite book of the series. Definitely the one that made me eat the rest of the series, as I was somewhat on the "meh, it's fine" side with the previous two books.
It has been a couple of years since I read the Malazan series and it is fun to relive reading the books when you discuss them. I share all the sentiments that are expressed in this vid. However... I feel that people are too forgiving in how Erikson develops his storylines and concludes them. While there are some very impressive (concluded) character arcs - like that of Itkovian - Erikson often seems to want to keep characters or story-elements around to further play with them. But then he has too much fun unpacking new ideas and characters and as a result major plots just fizzle out or charcters that are built up as world changing personas are hastily written off leaving a stale taste in your mouth. Tattersail/Silverfox is an early example of that, others to follow. I don't know how Erikson constructs his stories, but it looks to me that unlike e.g. Sanderson he seems to let stories just flow with his ideas and this results in very gripping story development and very little "dead space" where a story just needs to get from point A to point B while not much actually happens. But as a negative downside of that, some storylines become dead ends that are just left hanging even when they were built up as world-changing events. And I think that aspect becomes (naturally) more pronounced the further you get into the series.
You need to remember that it's a story being told by two authors, a lot of the elements of early Book of the Fallen like the Crimson Guard and Silverfox are picked up by Esslemont in his books... There are actually fewer dead ends than you think....
Just finished the book and it took me 18 days. The Spark and the Ashes (Book1) was a little too tedious for me. Perhaps I was getting impatient or I did not find some things that interesting. The rest of Memories of Ice was far better. The Pannion Domin was an interesting culture to explore, even if they were really messed up. Toc seems interesting as he manages to get caught up in some terrible circumstances. The K'Chain Che'Malle were a thrill with how devastating they were. It is weird that there are so many of them that are "undead." Brood broke new ground. Kruppe had a lot of fun moments that I liked. Too bad about Mulch as he did not survive, and he was quite a knowledgeable medic. For Example, he knew how to do an emergency tracheotomy of sorts. This book was decent enough for me to continue on. Hood's Breath, these are some dense books.
No worries all, this is on the correct channel. I now post on this channel on Tuesdays and Thursdays :)
perfect!
Tbf. Reading Malazan takes up most of ones life
cool
Murphy please read rhythm rogers secret of elector I am a big fan
btw
@@keravnos2231 took me 8 months so that's concerning
Can we take a moment to appreciate the audacity of Erikson to explore postpartum depression in an epic fantasy book
The bit where Rake wanted to spare Whiskeyjack from killing those Tenescowri women and Whiskeyjack thinking that he was talking about being kind to them instead of him (WJ) stayed with me. This book man.
Korlat weeping beneath Moons Spawn is a morosely gorgeous image that will stay in my head forever.
For some reason Itkovian's story hit the hardest for me. I don't have the eloquence to explain it, but I would say compassion is the central thesis of the entire series. Remember that priest who betrayed the Grey Swords, and Itkovian began to punish him, gruesomely, but then Itkovian took on all the man's pain for himself in the end? I'm sure most of us readers hated that priest. But instead of him escaping or just getting killed, Erickson takes the time to have this villain be _understood_ by a character who should have hated him, but who instead possessed infinite compassion. As Itkovian says, "Compassion is priceless in the truest sense of the word. It must be given freely. In abundance."
That quote from Itkovian hit me like a freight train. What a tragic character.
I'm on book 6 and he is still my favourite character
What i really like is that Paran and Silverfox did neither instantly fall in love all over again or had a giant conflict and became enemies (as it would be in many a bad TV series - looking at you "Charmed") but rather gradually accepted that they had just moved on. It feels "real" in a way you'd think impossible in a world full of magic and cataclysmic events.
That said. Erikson is VERY bad at romance in my opinion. Almost all his romances seem to come out of nowhere. Whiskey Jack and Korlat? Just suddenly together. Even Paran and Tattersail have all of about 5 minutes of page time together before they're "in love." It's really not the best, but I'll give it to him that at least the romance doesn't get in the way of the storyline even if it is rushed.
@@IshtarNike That's something I think a lot of fantasy fans are just so used to we don't even notice it anymore. It's so consistently an issue with the genre you just kind of learn to accept it unless the book is literally tagged as a fantasy romance novel.
Itkovian's last scene with tlan imas breaks me into million pieces everytime.
Whiskyjack's death is one of the only scenes I've ever read in a book that made me actually sob. And then I cried again when Paran and Quick Ben went to look at the Brideburners tomb in Moon's Spawn. Absolutely overwhelming book.
holy spoils sir
i shouldn’t be here tho, my fault
This is what i fucking get for reading comments on reviews beafore reading the book..
The worst part about it? Completely avoidable if he'd just gotten some healing for his goddamn leg. He was fighting a *legend*, and he would have won if he hadn't been so "can't right now, Mallet, too busy". Gaining the heart of one Tiste Andii and the friendship and admiration of another - just another day in the life of "Holy shit, is he for real?" Whiskeyjack.
@@lovrojelic8453I just finished it but I'm scared of reading these comments because I don't want people to spoil the future books/events
So many great and loved characters (obviously Whiskeyjack..), but _Itkovian_ really touched me; so much tragedy, yet so much strength and sacrafice .. just mind blowing; but yeah, these books have so much going on, they're exausting.
Itkovian has more development in a 1 book arc than many lead characters do in a 5 book series. And spoilers.....
the pay off...beautiful, brilliant. But man...couldn't he have waited 5 more minutes. Then Whiskeyjack doesn't die. Rake is back to restrain Kallor. The Bridgeburners aren't annihilated. Dujek isn't broken. The entire series turns, and not just for good, on one act of compassion. Yeah, Erikson can put you through it like no one else.
You have a great knack for picking out some of Erikson's best quotes.
🐐 Malaztuber. The High Fist
I think the one thing that got me the most about Whiskeyjack's death was everyone's reactions to it. Specially Mallet's. We've seen him through the whole book trying to fix Whiskeyjack's leg, with the sargeant ever refusing. And I like that it doesn't feel out of place for Whiskeyjack to do this either: he was doing it since Gardens of the Moon, when he had terrible headaches but held on as long as possible before asking for Mallet to heal him. So, upon seeing Whiskeyjack's body and realizing what had happened, Mallet simply crumbled. He felt as if it was his personal fault that his sargeant was now dead. If only he had managed to heal his leg, he might have been able to kill Kallor and would be standing there next to them. But he didn't, and he isn't. Of course, we all know it's not his fault, but he doesn't see that.
Also, they wiped out THE ENTIRE FUCKING BRIDGEBURNERS????? I was not expecting that AT ALL. Like, really? From 30 odd to, like, 7? And, I mean, even if I did guess at that, I would never guess that neither Hedge nor Trotts would be included in the surviving Bridgeburners.
There also great character moments from almost everyone. I wasn't expecting that much depth to Tool, Kilava and a lot of other characters. Very few didn't feel fleshed out at least a bit. Like, we met a lot of random people, like Gruntle, Stonny and Itkovian, for example, and they actually ended up having a great deal of importance and focus, and Steven didn't forget the characters we already knew either. Anomander Rake, Brood, Kallor, K'rul, Kruppe, Quick Ben, Paran, and the list goes on. Just fucking awesome.
And I 100% agree with you on the Itkovian's "I am not yet done" quotes. Then, after he finally managed to do something incomprehensible even to the T'lan Imass themselves, for a mortal was carrying the burden of tens of thousands of beings whose lives spanned hundreds of millenia, he was finally done. It was so good, but also so sad to see him gone. But it was very beautiful seeing how basically everyone cared so much about his death. They had lost thousands of people in the battle of Coral, and yet so many of the surviving took the time to go, one by one, say their farewell to the Shield Anvil. And the T'lan Imass making sure that his place of rest would remain unperturbed was great, too
These books feel like a gut punch whenever I finish them. I will never forget the Fall of Coltaine or the Siege of Capustan, the grand moments and the quiet ones. The thematic depths. Silverfox as a living metaphor for postpartum depression, where the child in this case literally sucks the life out of the mother, will always stay with me. She's so much more but I won't say much because spoilers. Toc went through so much! Especially with the Matron.
Then there's the Pannion Seer who echoes a bit of Felisin in that they're both hurting souls lashing out against the world. There's a third echo of this theme in the Crippled God too and they progress in scale. I love these books so much! Thank you for these in-depth videos. They are the only way I can experience the books for the first time again.
I got chills seeing your response to Whiskeyjack’s death, listening to the quotes you selected, and also knowing what’s to come later in the series! I know how intimidating it can be to talk about a Malazan book, and you present such a genuine response, depth of understanding, and consideration of the difficult questions I think Erikson was trying to elicit in readers. Loved this review!
Well i regret clicking on this video now.. just started the first book and didn't realize spoilers were gonna be a thing.. sad
@@hellgast0 Oh no! I’m so sorry!
@@Johanna_reads it's okay, i stopped reading after your first sentence and I just should've avoided looking at the comments at all. I was just curious why there was a merphy review on a different channel.
@@Johanna_reads i'm sure the story won't be ruined for me by one spoiler 😅
@@hellgast0 it definitely isn’t! I’m sorry you got spoiled on that but like Merphy says in this video; death is pretty different in Malazan. It has different meanings and consequences than in any other series that I can think of. So while you will lose the emotional impact of that scene (somewhat, its still powerful), you still have no idea where that thread will take you, which is an incredible journey yet to be revealed.
I don’t remember anything about Toc having Tool’s soul. Tool now has a flesh and blood body again.
Thank you, I was so confused.
More than Whiskeyjack, it was the Iktovian scene which shocked me in this book. The sheer audacity to do what he did. And as Mephy mentioned, that scene where Whiskeyjack chose to give those women a "merciful" death, instead of what Rake offered them. And then, when he looked back at his army thinking of how they must feel about him. And then, Rake telling him not to underestimate his army, that they understand, and respect and love him all the more for what he did. And then there was that scene where both Onearm and Mallet cannot understand how Whiskeyjack could have lost (he used to be able to provide Dassem with a challenge). And everyone making sure that Mallet never finds out the truth as that would break the man, completely and irrevocably.
Then, there was the ending that Mhybe got, from Silverfox. That scene, earlier on, where Kruppe stood unfazed before Brood's hammer and actually came out unscratched. Moon Spawn's destruction and sacrifice. Korlat finding and then daring to love after millennia, only to lose it before our eyes. The actual origin of the Pannion Seer. The introduction of the Seguleh and the dynamics of their civilization and culture. Also, remember how Onearm's "betrayal" isn't really one. It was just a way for him and Whiskeyjack, and Rake and Brood and Kallor to combine forces so that they could face the bigger threat, the Pannion Domin. How Tayschrenn was there all along, spying on them, for Laseen. How he gave it all up to try and save Whiskeyjack in the end, but failed.
So much happened!
The seguleh's culture in one quote "They chose to be insulted by our invitation to war."😂
I had a very different reaction to Whiskeyjacks death. When I read the scene I actually didn't feel sad at all because I got so angry at him and the fact that he didn't heal his leg. I was furious I kept saying is this really it ?!
However the sadness hit me later during the final chapter when Paran and Quick Ben go into the Moon's spawn to see the Bridgeburners graves. Quick Ben saying their names and then talking about them and also Whiskeyjack ahhhhh I shed some tears alright. So even though it was delayed I did feel sad in the end :(
(I just realised you didn't even mention Korlat in the review. I felt so bad for her it hurt my heart a lot. I'll never forget the scene where she's standing under the Moon's spawn and the water is falling on her )
SLIGHT SPOILER!!!
There is a reason why he doesn't heal it its explained in later books
@@hashirrana3030 oh ok well now I am excited to read more since I am still reading midnight tides. I really need to speed up
Watching you recount the events from this book made me feel like I'm remembering memories from my past. I've got chills the whole way through the video.
Erikson's writing is masterful at all levels: from huge, epic scenes to the small gestures in more intimate exchanges. One scene I'll never forget (I think it's in GoM) is when Dujek Onearm realizes Toc is feeling self-conscious and shy in front of a group of people because of his hideous face wound, so he almost casually strokes his own stump while welcoming him. A small but beautiful gesture in recognition of shared pain. Dujek is respected and loved by all his troops, but Erikson never outwardly says why. It’s with these kind of scenes that the reader understands why his troops literally and almost blindly die for him.
Each book has been more and more pay off for me, although House of Chains has been the hardest for me so far but was essential for my enjoyment of Bonehunters right now
The first part of house of chains was rough
@@adonayaklilu4683 I personally really enjoyed the first part of House of Chains, but I can understand why some people wouldn't.
Your enthusiasm for this series is infectious. Your reading of whiskey Jack's death produced some tears. I have read the series 3 times, and your recounting after 1 read is beautiful.
My favourite fantasy book ever. This book has it all. It's as close to perfection as I've read. Even down to the small scene of the way Paran gathers himself after a tough confrontation and the Bridgeburners finally acknowledging him as their captain.
I was waiting for your Memories of Ice review for a long time. I really wished you mentioned more about Itkovian. He is an incredible character and I cried so many times in his scenes. When he takes the pain of everyone in the city, when he tries to take the pain of the Crippled God, when he takes the pain of the entire T'lan Imass army, those scenes are so beautifully written and so heartbreaking. The memories of the T'lan Imass, their pain for so many years, Itkovian took them just before a battle where they could be so useful, but yet he did it, even though it was not convenient for others, because of compassion, which must be without any reason or bindings.
The scene of Anomander Rake and Whiskeyjack's execution of the women is even more poignant for something else, about the revelation that Rake is doing it as mercy, for Whiskeyjack, to spare him the cruelty and the burden, he is taking on the burden himself. And the realization that Whiskeyjack goes through in that scene, and later about executions. So beautiful.
Also no mention of K'chain Chemalle, dinosaurs with blades as hands, such a cool and unique race in a fantasy series.
He did it because it needed to be done, because that was his duty as Shield Anvil. He was one of, if not the most, utterly professional characters, fictional or real, I have ever encountered. The Bridgeburners talking shit about the Fener mercenaries made me so fucking angry I had to put the book down. I'm tearing up just thinking about him and the nobility of his sacrifice. The scene where everyone is dropping off personal items for his grave mound breaks my heart. It reminds me of the funeral procession for my father. People around here stop and pull off the road onto the shoulder as a funeral cortege goes by, and I remember breaking down crying because it was such a lovely gesture, even for people that didn't know dad. I was also pretty bitter about it because I didn't think he'd gotten nearly enough respect in life, yet there it was in death. Kind of like Itkovian, now that I think about it. Maybe that's why it hits me so hard.
Memories of Ice is the best book of the series--imo. It is at the very least the high point of the first half of the series. It is so intensely emotional, especially at the end. For me it is the beginning of journey to understanding the series.
I'd say 3,5 and 8 are the best.
I felt like there was little chance to improve upon what the 1st three books did, but cannot place MoI at number one after finishing the series. It is hard to choose a favorite single book because of how well the 10 work together to tell such a grand story.
One of my favorite lines in the book. "its not going to clear.. " really cemented quick Ben's place as being just totally awesome! Doesn't elaborate or automatically open a Warren
Ahhh glorious. I’ve been waiting for a year. Thank you. So happy to see your reaction to Whiskeyjack’s death. Ithkovian’s scene was what moved me the most though. I cried so much it was beautiful 😭
Also glad you’re starting book 4 this year
I was scared we’d get one malazan book a year 😂😂
Also happy belated birthday to the lil one
Awesome review as always! I hope you talk with some people who love Malazan in the future like Philip Chase, AP Canavan, Jimmy Nutts, Andy Smith, Joshanna(I hope I am spelling your name right. I appologize if not.), Allen and Erikson himself of course. And others like Books with Brittany and Daniel even.
It would give you the opportunity to work through these moments, emotions and also clarify a lot of things. Furthermore, theme is arguably the most imporant pillar of Erikson's writing and it is very worth while to see what is going on thematically. AP and Philip are the two masters of that.
Johanna reacts to the review in the comments.
Memories of Ice is my favorite of the series so far as well. The scene that got me was how they paid respects to Itkovian at his burial. And Paran and Quick Ben going to Moon Spawn to see the Bridgeburner's tombs.
Concerning Toc's decision to leave Envy's group, remember in book 1 mention is made of Jaghut Tyrants' ability to influence and control the minds of others. While it's never said overtly in Memories of Ice, the madness of the Tenescowri and Toc deciding to leave seems very likely to be the mental influence of the Seer.
Valeu! Sua reação a Malazan é algo lindo de ver. Muitos de nós sentimos as emoções enquanto você descreve sua experiência com cada livro.
Ayo! Comments are free bro.
54 dollars ☠️
I just discovered your channel by searching Malazan content on YT, and I'm glad I did! I finished Memories of Ice some months ago (and House of Chains I finished earlier this week!) and I gotta say, MoI is literally one of the best books I've ever read. It's dense, yes, and sometimes it feels like you have no idea what the hell is going on, but once the picture clears a bit it hits you like a ton of bricks. And it's so well crafted, the payoffs are worth it *because* the books are well done and Erikson carefully takes his time.
There's an Itkovian quote at the climax that lives rent-free in my head: "We humans do not understand compassion. In each moment of our lives, we betray it. Aye, we know of its worth, yet in knowing we then attach to it a value, we guard the giving of it, believing it must be earned. T’lan Imass. Compassion is priceless in the truest sense of the word. It must be given freely. In abundance."
What a fucking quote that is. What a moment. Itkovian is *that* dude... and so is Whiskeyjack.
I admit I cried by the end of Deadhouse Gates and what had happened to Coltaine's Chain of Dogs. I cried again by Memories of Ice's climax.
"First in. Last Out. For the last time." -> if that doesn't get you even a bit misty eyed I think something must be a bit wrong with you. That and the very last line of the epilogue both got me right in the feels.
I'll be waiting for your House of Chains review, Merphy! :D
Just started Dust of Dreams. Im so close to finishing!
One thing that I really enjoy about Malazan is that the characters have such amazing back stories. The cliché of the old beaten down guy in front of you maybe being the super general 30 years ago is actually possible in Malazan. And the back stories are dribbled out bit by bit where they have amazing impact as we slowly get to put together their full story. We loved Whiskyjack for who he is in the current timeline of the book, and then discover how his back story causes events in the present to take on whole new angles
An absolutely great book. You are into it now. The way these stories are written is so great. I may need to reread, because watching you react makes me remember how these books touched me.
Caladan Brood striking at Kruppe and the devastation....leaving Kruppe untouched, and more importantly unfazed, on a pillar of rock amidst a lava flow. That was like watching something out of the MCU for such a power flex. And the reference that there's some god behind that confidence, but no one can think what god it could be? (We know Kruppe represents the audience, so he's literal plot armor or we wouldn't read)
Wait till you reach Midnight Tides. That book will surprise you. Its a favorite for me in the series along with Memories of Ice, Bonehunters, Reapers Gale and Crippled God.
BTW, good review.
I just started my reread of this series after I only got to midnight tides on my first read. I just finished MoI.
Life got in the way of finishing this dense, amazing series. It’s odd and amazing that I feel the need to get fully immersed into this series and when I have to big of a break, I felt the need to start from the beginning again to “respect” the series. Just reading up to Midnight Tides, I never read a series like this. Only experiences I had in fantasy that affected me this way have been Storm of Swords and Lord of Chaos.
Erickson is a fucking genius.
Happy belated birthday!!!! Hope your daughter had an amazing day!!!
Wishing your daughter a happy birthday.
Thanks for the vid.
Just need to say your Malazan reviews are *so* good, it's a joy to watch the excitement and appreciation, (it's like you've bottled up bits of the pure elation one feels WHILE reading, truly wonderful stuff) it's jogged so many memories of the book for me. Also loved your appreciation of the Mhybe story, and how you point out Erickson gets at the heart of people's struggles.
Thank you for the review. The book as well as the rest of the series looks like something I would like.
In the /r/Malazan subreddit, when you hover over +Affiliated Links it'll show fan made companion guides with a bunch of fan art and maps for the books up to Book 6. Hope it helps!
Something to remember that death is just being sent into the realm of Hood the God of death. Also keep track of who and what dies by Anomander Rake's Sword Dragnipur as it contains a Realm as well.
This is my favorite book in the Malazan series! They are all great but this is my favorite. I'm about to start a reread next year, can't wait!
2:20 "More than one philosopher has claimed that we ever remain children, far beneath the indurated layers that make up the armour of adulthood.
Armour encumbers, restricts the body and soul within it.
But it also protects. Blows are blunted.
Feelings lose their edge, leaving us to suffer naught but a plague of bruises, and, after a time, bruises fade."
Yeah those lines spoke to me as well.
I'm genuinely impressed that you got through a review of MoI without mentioning Quick Ben.
Don't know how I missed this, because I've been trying to watch for your Malazan reviews. Definitely understand needing a break between Erikson books. Back when I read it, the old forums was active (up until about Tool the Hounds released and they migrated). And we used to read lighter fare (Dresden Files, to be precise, back when that was much simpler than it has become) between them. The ability of Erikson to wring thr reader emotionally dry, even a 52yr old ex-submariner reader, is unique beyond any save Tolkien.
Happy Birthday to your daughter!!
“I have lost a friend” from Dujek just decimated me. The wavering pikes. The two marines. Mallet seeing the leg. Man, that’s how you kill a beloved character.
It's so awesome watching you take this journey!
Thank you for this, I get tears in my eyes every time I read Whiskeyjack's death scene.
So glad to see this. Enjoy the next book when you start it, the first section is a big different to what's come so far
Happy birthday to Merphy's daughter!
The death of Whiskey Jack is a saddening moment. One made more so, when in a later book (or off shoot, I can’t remember). We find out that Kallor survived due to something to do with the *minor spoiler* the entrapment of Draconus, death of Nightchill and fading of Krul
i could write a thesis on Death in Malazan, it's really not like the resurrection trope. Death is more like a place than a condition.
to clarify: Toc is only in a body with that other guy, Ananader (?) Tool is not in there with him, and it's like 98% Toc in there anyway. The hardest part about the next book is that you don't pick up where this one left off, its happening almost concurrently. i found that frustrating, but you do eventually get used to it with this series 🥴
One other thing about the children of the dead seed. In the book The World According to Garp, Garp is a child of the dead seed.
Gruntle and Stonny (spelling? Audio book reader here) joint story was huge for me, and is so commonly overlooked because of Whiskey Jack and Itkovian demise.
HEYYYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NEW MALAZAN REVIEW BABY!!!!!
Thanks for the review.
The scene with Itkovian taking in the pain of the imass and in so doing releasing them from their vow has a line about compassion that more or less describes a lot of the overarcing story.
Silverfox wants to belong and needed even though she is a mixture of Tattersail, Nightchill and Bellurdan, but is still 1 person as any kid is a combination of 2, but with her she kept the memories of the others. (or at least that's how I read it). Anyway, she was not yet willing to release the imass from their vow, because she didnt want to be alone. Hope that made any sense...
By the way, alot of people dislike the Mhybes storyline, but he tried to describe post natal depression in a literal showing. Please note too... A lot of people react in a similar way to people that just got a kid, the new parents should be happy, while it can feel to them like their old life is sucked away by their newborn.
oh is that what he's said about her storyline? I didn't realize he was directly representing that with her story but that adds a lot to it
Sorry for the extensive edit... But yes, he said in one of his interviews. I believe the one with pixel, about women rights.
@@Andre-xl2oe no thank you for the edit! I appreciate you explaining more about Silverfox and Itkovian. It did make sense and it's very helpful, thank you!
@@merphynapierreviews Now compare that to the theme of motherhood with the relationship between the matron and Toc.
Erickson loves playing with various themes from different perspectives.
This book is iconic as hell for me. Itkovian, the gods, Rake, and the writing is second to none.
I'm glad I read Gardens of the Moon a third time. I would have dropped the series if I gave it up the first or second time.
One of us…..one of us … ;) glad you are digging it.
Book 4 is gonna be heavy. No cap. It also starts one of the best pieces of character growth I've ever seen.
Witness
I like how express the feeling and that you can share that with us. There are many moments that you describe that are also high point in the novel for me. But there are two that I liked about the siege of Capustan. One, how Erikson describes the entering and the exit of the Bridgeburners, is consistent with how their actions are described in the tales, but you get to see it first handed. Second, the fall of the Mortal Sword of the Grey Swords. He defied Hood himself and the scene in battle is overwhelming. The most interesting thing is that at MoI you "think" you start to understand where the books are going...and then you read book 4 and get a bit confused...and then book 5 and say what the hell!! I am currently on book 7 and...still waiting to understand so many things... By the way, where is your blog?
Yeah, you suddenly get to understand why everyone talks about them the way they do, that hushed tone of "It's THE Bridgeburners". And you get to see how that awe and fear is *earned*, not because of "they're awesome and elite and the absolute bestest" but no, they're ordinary-but-extraordinary folks with endless determination no matter the price. I always say Deadhouse Gates is will break your heard, but Memories of Ice is "oh, you thought you knew what heartbreak is?"
There is soooo much to love about Erikson's writing. I love that he doesn't tie everything up in a neat bow. Life isn't like that so his writing isn't like that. You know what the characters know or what they choose to reveal... nothing else. They're strangers from a strange world and you're reading their stories. They're not going to explain obvious things to each other anymore than you would explain a toaster to your neighbor when you talk about making toast. You're an observer and you will not necessarily understand everything you're observing. I know that really bothers people, sometimes. They like their stories all compact and understandable with no loose ends. Erikson is just not like that. His stories are all about the journey, not the destination. My only real issue with his world concept is his time scale, it's too big and about the only thing that breaks my immersion when it comes up.
PS Not me here, 5 months later, wanting to hug Merphy after dealing with Whiskey Jack's death. I'm sorry!
Malazan is a great source material for my own epic fantasy I wish to write one day. His writing for action scene, It's sooo condensed. One of my favourite moments was when the mage found Kalams face in the deck of dragons.
I'm late to this video because I am only just reading these books, but that blouse is amazing!
Merphy: Children Of The Dead Seed. If you know, you know.
Well done Merph, this was worth the wait.
This whole book was just perfectly done. One of my favourites.
You are making me want to re read 😅
Also happy birthday to your daughter, hope she had a lovely day 😊
I'm glad it's taking Merphy so long to get through the books, because although I'm a couple books further along, it's definitely a slow read just due to the dense material.
True. I finished in 9 months and wish it took me 900
This might well be my favourite book of all time... Just thinking about it stirs emotions within me...
Why am I crying?
I just finished the audiobook and sped over to this review. This book was fantastic.
And just when you think you are over it - Very well, permit me if you will this night. To break your hearts once more. This is the story of the Chain of Dogs.
Whiskeyjack's death was tragic. But how many times did he mention there would be time to heal it later? There are a lot of events that in hindsight should have been obvious. But he wouldn't kill Whiskeyjack would he?
And Itkovian does have some of the best quotes. I am done.
With all the "holy shit" moments going on in Memories of Ice, I really appreciated the less magnificent bits of the book, like those idiot necromancers Bauchelain and Korbal Broach. Are they menacing and a potential problem? Yes. Are they two of the stupidest people around? Also, yes! You know shit is getting very, very weird when necromancers are comic relief, but there we are. Also the Seguleh as a warrior culture - absolutely fascinating. They're definitely badass, but at the same time I got a very "Inspector Clouseau and Cato" vibe from them with the occasional attacks on Tool. Like, he's momentarily distracted by a butterfly, say, and then it's OH LOOK TIME TO ATTACK! Tool casually parries because he is, of course, First Sword, and within a minute or two there's unconscious Seguleh suffering from yet ANOTHER concussion inflicted by a 300,000 year old flint two-handed sword. Lessons learned? None. Future attacks fended off? Every single one. Tool's badass reputation? Further cemented. It's not quite throwaway material but the attention to detail and obvious love for every single character , whether they're hero, support or minor, is breathtaking.
The moment where The Third had to pause when Tool mentioned he was only using the flat of his blade was excellent.
Interesting to hear you say it feals like things are coming together. In hindsight, it's one of the more detached stories in the series
Only now, hearing you reread that scene, do I finally realise why Kallor tried to kill Silverfox. I wonder if he still would have thought she was an abomination if Nightchill wasn't in there.
Thank you. Love you. Awesome. :D
Perfect timing! I just finished book 3
If you love pairings, the best one is still to come
Om on book 5. Can it be some characters from that book?
@@dejanvranic8833 yes :)
Erikson is the best at raising stakes I've ever read, and I've been reading for over 50 years. Every. Single. Book raises the stakes in this series on all fronts: emotions, plot, and character.
Best book by far in the series. Although Deadhouse Gates was aswesome as well.
I feel like MoI was the book where Erikson found the tone that will continue through out the series. While the first two books had some crazy scenes, nothing there compares to the insanity of Dominium, tenescowri, mad matron etc.
While first 3 books were ramping up the madness, later books kinda keep it on this level.
This blouse is fire.
Awesome review!
Silverfox is actually four souls, not two. way more than just nightchill and tattersail
Erikson has stated that compassion is the main theme of the series. But to me, what Itkovian did was choose sacrificial lambs. Sure what he did was compassion, but for who? The build up, to me, was for the Imass to fight. Overall an awesome book and ranks right near the top of great novels. However, I liked Deadhouse Gates a little better.
wow your pronunciations for all the names are so different to mine it always takes me a second to figure out who you're referring to haha
the Mhybe is written as a textbook example of postpartum depression
As much as I'm loving these books, Erikson writes things that make no sense to lengthen his books, my proof is right this book here. Without explaining everything, if you're read this you know, Itkovian and the grey swords allowing Anaster to just run down a corridor and get away when they saw what his reaction to Itkovian's words alone did to the Tenescowri, make no sense whatsoever. The characters and author spend time in this book acknowledging the importance of taking out the leader, one soldier doesn't salute Whiskeyjack as not to identify him as a leader, Brukhalian acknowledges that flaming catapults are being thrown AT him because he can be seen on the highest building and therefore recognised as leader, yet the Shield Anvil just lets Anaster run away saying they'll see him later. Without even reading the rest I can know Anaster is going to be responsible for or a play a large part in events that simply wouldn't happen if the Grew Swords acted like normal sentient beings would. I've loved everything from the 2 1/2 books of this series so far except that makes no sense at all and neither does Kellenvend and Dancer taking over the realm of shadow without ANYONE having the slightest clue as we now know that as soon as people appear in a house the deck of dragons changes in the real world and I refuse to believe no one noticed the house of shadow change at the moment the emperor and dancer died. Or how Shadowthrone and the rope suddenly turn up just as 2 other people 'die'
The Mhybe was probably the most mentally and emotionally exhausting perspective I've ever read in fantasy. I feel that Erikson thoroughly conveyed her spiritual, mental and emotional turmoil but I never enjoyed her parts of the story. I understand their significance yet still never enjoyed them. She's actually the only part of the story I did not enjoy but despite that this is still my personal favorite entry in the Malazan series.
Merphy Great Review! I think it is a good time to read Night of Knives by Esslemont. It's short, thriller vibe and you get to see Malaz City.
Damn did you wait a year to read the third book? i finished books 1 and 2 and needed a break. Been about 6 months now and I feel like I have to read book 3 before I really forget everything
Love your spoiler reviews!
This might be my favorite book of the series. Definitely the one that made me eat the rest of the series, as I was somewhat on the "meh, it's fine" side with the previous two books.
It has been a couple of years since I read the Malazan series and it is fun to relive reading the books when you discuss them. I share all the sentiments that are expressed in this vid. However... I feel that people are too forgiving in how Erikson develops his storylines and concludes them. While there are some very impressive (concluded) character arcs - like that of Itkovian - Erikson often seems to want to keep characters or story-elements around to further play with them. But then he has too much fun unpacking new ideas and characters and as a result major plots just fizzle out or charcters that are built up as world changing personas are hastily written off leaving a stale taste in your mouth. Tattersail/Silverfox is an early example of that, others to follow.
I don't know how Erikson constructs his stories, but it looks to me that unlike e.g. Sanderson he seems to let stories just flow with his ideas and this results in very gripping story development and very little "dead space" where a story just needs to get from point A to point B while not much actually happens. But as a negative downside of that, some storylines become dead ends that are just left hanging even when they were built up as world-changing events. And I think that aspect becomes (naturally) more pronounced the further you get into the series.
You need to remember that it's a story being told by two authors, a lot of the elements of early Book of the Fallen like the Crimson Guard and Silverfox are picked up by Esslemont in his books... There are actually fewer dead ends than you think....
Tuesdays are now more fun! 😁
inside silverfox are tattersail nightchill bellurden and a litttle bit of hairlock i think
tray riding his stand alone book rejoice it is a SF book but if you like his style you well enjoy
One of my top series and MoI is one of the best of the series
Just finished the book and it took me 18 days.
The Spark and the Ashes (Book1) was a little too tedious for me. Perhaps I was getting impatient or I did not find some things that interesting.
The rest of Memories of Ice was far better. The Pannion Domin was an interesting culture to explore, even if they were really messed up.
Toc seems interesting as he manages to get caught up in some terrible circumstances.
The K'Chain Che'Malle were a thrill with how devastating they were. It is weird that there are so many of them that are "undead."
Brood broke new ground.
Kruppe had a lot of fun moments that I liked.
Too bad about Mulch as he did not survive, and he was quite a knowledgeable medic. For Example, he knew how to do an emergency tracheotomy of sorts.
This book was decent enough for me to continue on.
Hood's Breath, these are some dense books.
Btw why didn’t you put this on your main channel?