I love how much more Erikson has started engaging with content creators. We've got a podcast, interviews, comments, essays. It's amazing! EDIT: Multiple podcasts, though I didn't quite catch the name of the one Steven mentions here.
Im listening through Ten Very Big Books as I'm reading the series and Erikson is a fan of the podcast himself and listens to it as well and he has bwen on the show three times already lol! He is there for every book. What an author, love the guy so much
"Certainty is not a virtue." This interview was excellent. The more I learn about Erikson's intent, the more excited I become about Malazan. Memories of Ice just jumped up on my TBR.
This quote immediately stood out to me. I've always felt that the truth is found in the glory of the mystery, not the answer. And you are in for an absolute treat!
Government officer: "But we should not stick to rigid principles." Hank Rearden: "Try to pour tons of steel without rigid principles." (Atls Shrugged) You have of course thing in life you can never be certain about. But without certainity in many others you could not live through day🙂
One of the most unrivalled and legendary epic fantasy tapestry I’ve ever read! The gigantic scope of world building,plot twisting and events just leave you breathless…you wanna hold a bit turning pages and u just cannot! It grasps u from beginning to end! Unmatchable and unlike anything else! The totally massive immersion and at the same level with Martin’s GOT only!❤
I'm astonished to find this interview NOW after 3 years and also after 7 years of me from my first reading of “Gardens of the Moon”. Stephen Erickson should be the least of the writers to explain nor give excuses for weak character creation criticism at all!. he might be the most thorough detail driven writer delimiting characters on his books and specially in these 10 books series. I have to say … me, living in a remote small country, having a signed book from him is the biggest treasure one nerdy boy could ever have dream to have. I was that boy, later in my 30s thrown back in time to a feeling of wonder and awe just like in the early days of my night readings. Thank you, Brittany and Mr. Erickson (sorry for taking 3 years to actually say this) for this wonderful brief opportunity to be near your ideas directly from you! such a great interview!
I just watched another interview before this one, and in both of them hearing that criticism of his characterization is apparently an issue for a lot of people just absolutely blew my mind. Like WHAT!? I've been actively reading fantasy since I was 12 (32 now), and I can not recall any other author who has so skillfully and deftly guided me to be so fully invested into characters. No other work of fantasy has ever come close to how many times I'd be laughing out loud and then crying like a friggin' baby on the very next page as this series has. Everything that ever happened to pretty much any of the characters, I truly felt and believed it. It is exactly his absolutely magical skill of creating fully actualized, real people, that has made it an immense challenge for me to find new fantasy to read these days that I'm even capable of being remotely satisfied with.
Here I am, discovering this podcast and I've JUST recommended Book of the Fallen to a friend on the basis of his CHARACTERISATION among others, after reading it so many timea end to end. WHUT?
Malazan is in my opinion, the greatest fantasy series ever written. The depth, complexity and history of the world is just mind blowing. Every time I read his books, I have this problem where everything else feels too basic and simplistic. It’s so good in fact, I think it should be studied at college/university.
@@BookswithBrittany Completely agree. As an English major in Sweden I wrote my thesis on Tolkien, but looking back now - after reading the entire series thrice - I've had so many thoughts on how I could have used this series. If I ever go on for a dissertation MTotF will be the one. It's the most rewarding literature I've ever read.
Roman Batista The ending is very good, however not all plot lines are resolved at the end. This was intentionally done by the author. It is a satisfying conclusion. If your someone who likes to have everything answered, then you may be a little disappointed. It’s also worth pointing out that Erikson is writing a trilogy which takes place after the main series following one of the main characters. Hope this helps.
I have to say, one of the characters that affects me most is Felisin. There seems to be a lot of hate for her out there in internet-land. Maybe this upsets me because when I first read her story my own daughter was 14, just a wee bit older than Felisin herself. This tale of a child trying to cope with horrific events makes the big tough guys seem rather inadequate. It annoys me that so many readers don't understand that Felisin is a child and is trying to do her best. Her story is one of the saddest in all 10 books.
Indeed. I’ll stay vague to avoid spoilers. The meeting between Felisin and Tavore later on was heart wrenching. How could you not feel sympathy for the little sister?
I think it's sad and possibly ironic that, in a 3 million word essay that deals heavily with the importance of compassion, readers lack compassion for one of the most traumatized characters who acts EXACTLY like a survivor of sexual violence.
I'll admit that I didn't feel much sympathy for Felisin the first time through, and part of that I think is because I didn't grasp how young she actually was, but the major reason I disliked her was because she had these others with her (specifically Heboric) that were trying to help and all she ever did was lash out at them. My second time through however, I was truly crushed reading through her story and it really struck me as significantly more tragic than the first time. I felt like I understood why she would lash out the way she did and couldn't bring myself to judge her as harshly as I had initially. I think part of this is that reading through the series made me a more empathetic person.
This guy doesn't give any key to enter to his world, but how outstanding cycle is it when readers make efforts to find themselves their own way! Steven Erikson's (too) complicated ? Yes! Well worth the effort required, it's maybe the most ambitious (adult) fantasy i've ever read in my life (i'm 50, now, love Fantasy during more than 30 yars), i salute you Mr Erikson.
I’ve been a subscriber from almost the beginning of your channel and I remember when you fan girled out when he commented on your review of his book. Now you just interviewed him!!!?? So proud! I love how he reassures us that ‘not understanding’ everything the first read is normal and that was his intention. My respect for him as an intelligent author just jumped way up!
Wonderful interview. I stumbled onto this series at a fortuitous time where my first read through ended at the same time The Crippled God was published. I’ve commented elsewhere that the most remarkable part of these stories is the concept of attention. What we pay attention to and the attention paid back to us. How this games the world around us not in a table top way, not literally, but in…the way the universe seems to delight in our participation
Steven Erickson, you changed my life. I'm 14 and I'm reading the series for the second time. I also wanted to tell that Toll the Hounds is my favourite novel too.
Thats so amazing that you have read it at your age. I wish I had the chance to experience that then, and read it again at my current age. I'm 32 now, and I read the series for the first time two years ago. I wish you a wonderful life :) It'll get really rough at times, but in retrospect, it's exactly what completes the whole that makes this life we have here something so absolutely beautiful. If the people in Malazan made it through all that they did and you were there with them for the journey, then know that whatever life throws at you (almost whatever.. caution advised), you can and will handle it... and though sometimes you're left with scars, so long as you don't let them weigh you down and consume you, they too will become badges of honor for the trials you survived and that made you a more complete, wisened human being. A life truly lived.
I may not be reading this series anytime soon but I am buying the books and having them stare at me from my library as a reminder that my reading "Everest" is awaiting my summiting of it's peak. Great video.
"I was trained as a short story writer".. Explains A LOT !! I've always thought of these books as a collection of short stories, some related some unrelated. Riveting interview though. Good Job Brit..
The books I buy the most, are the ones I can go back to and discover something new everytime I read them. I really look forward to starting this series.
Currently on my first reread of the series and this is the first time I heard Erikson speak. I love that man and the books are my absolute favorites. The Chain of Dog, the Watch and the campaign in Letheras are some of the best storylines ever created. Awesome interview!
Kudos to Steven Erikson for creating all these memorable stories and characters. Floating mountains, knife fights, irritating funny dialog, levitating assassins, nuclear level magic, and there is always the next badass around the corner. Guess it's time to visit Malazan again. Thanks for this awesome chat!
Thank you for this great interview. This got me interested in the Malazan series and led me to buy the books. Can't wait to start my journey through the Malazan world. You're a great interviewer and Steven Erikson comes across as a really wise wizard :)
Malazan was what made me a fan of fantasy literature for life. I was a huge manga reader, but I've just read a dozen of books or so. And when I finished with Malazan, I fell in love with the world and genre.
@@BookswithBrittany Thank you! A great Malazan fan, read the entire series. As a fantasy writer myself, this has been a fantastic interview to watch, inspiring and encouraging. Keep up the good work! A. A. Saloen
@John That would be an honour, sir. Yes, A Tide of Sacred Ice is the name of the series. Just type 'Alexander Saloen', my author name, into Amazon, and the three books so far should pop up. Here are the titles: 1 The Orphan and the Dragon of Ice 2 The Blood of Queens 3 Children of the Pact I am currently working on the fourth installment, which I hope to have somewhat down by the end of this year. The virus thing has put a big lid on things, but I'm doing all I can to finish it. Hope you are safe and well. All the best, Alex.
its amazing how Steven Erikson connects storylines. For something that is happening in book two or book three and you are reading and thinking what is this all about, and then you are reading book 7 or book 8 and you realize 'oh this is because what those guys did in book 3'. As malazan is not a small book, it amazes me how Steven Erikson had planned or had thought out everything that would happen. This is the reason most people don't get these books, or people usually stop reading in between thinking that it doesn't make any sense. But for those who power through it, I think there isnt a single book that compares to how brilliant this book is. Hats off to Steven Erikson
The three novels he mentioned as his favorites to write are my favorite to read, for different reasons entirely. Also, when he says "It comes back in book 7 or 8", he really means it. Toll the Hounds (the 8th novel) was such a blast to read, and it tied up things comming as early as book one. Amazing interview, it's so nice to see your channel growing. Steven Erikson is amazing, both author and person to have a conversation with.
I put off Malazan for years, despite repeatedly attempting to break through the 50ft impenetrable ice wall which was GOTM. After the 7th try I finally succeeded and have never looked back. The Malazan series (especially GOTM) is the most daunting experience I've had in over 30 years as a consumer of fantasy and the one which has had the biggest impact on me as a reader. It took well over 3-4 years before I managed to find the time to dedicate to the series and a further year to get through all 10 books. Looking back I realize the crux of my issue with the first book was that I expected to be spoon fed. Too often with authors like Sanderson and Rothfuss (who I love btw) you have these straight forward linear narratives with characters introduced over time that immediately make sense in the context of the wider story. In my first few times with with GOTM I had an absolute seizure with the sheer amount of ping ponging of the narrative and glossing over of the lore, I frequently had to retread chapters to try and make sense of certain terms and vague references to locations, Gods and religions, that was, until it all clicked and I finally realized that to enjoy Malazan, I had to let go. So I pushed on and stopped trying to sense of every plot detail, character and piece of lore, I just trusted that eventually, everything would make sense. Malazan was the first series I had ever read that forced me to work, while also demanding absolute trust hat in the end it'll all come to together. It's for this reason that It's my all time favorite series of books, eclipsing the likes of Sanderson with TSA , who although I still love, appears derivative when compared with the breadth and scope of what Steven Erikson has built.
I disagree. This series introduces so much ill defined and inconsistent backstory, along with a magic system that's completely arbitrary, unlike Sanderson's rule based systems that aren't just deus ex machina props. There's legit criticisms to be made of this series.
I am very glad I saw this in my line-up! You did an awesome job with a very well known and read author...so glad you took the effort to reach out to Erickson, and for his obvious appreciation for your professionalism, thoughtful questions, and style. I'm sure he's had many interviews that had him just wishing it we over! The first 2 times I read The Fallen, I flew thru pages and skipped all of the Poetry, and it wasn't until read #3 that I made myself slow down and really think. My estimation of Erickson went up several notches...where'd he get the ideas for all of those "writings"? How about Fisher kel Tath and how he made him come alive as a poet and then a character! Sorry to blather, but really, congratulations on a really fine interview!
Steven Erikson: The attaniment of power is regardless of gender(paraphrasing here) From chapter 1 of Gardens of the Moon, I had this impression. loving this for many reasons
I switch from reading to audio through out the series, but when I audible I literally replay each chapter 2 to 3 times. Making for a rather extended listen, but his lore is so rich I catch connective tissue each time than end up pausing, and looking through previous read books just to say.....ahhhhhh or whattttt! The gratification factor is huge in this series.
That was great I’m a long time Malazan fan And it certainly adds more layers for consideration when reflecting on the work to hear these insights from the author! Very cool
Wow i feel so happy for you. I started to watch your videos just because you look such a nice person and also, obviously, cause by watching your videos i discovered so many great books. And now that your channel is growing and ...you have the oportunity to interview Erikson!!! what!?! Really really happy for you. Keep going Brittany!
Still working on the series, but my favorite book so far has been Memories of Ice. Tool, specifically. The analogy of a flawed piece of flint making a flawed tool still makes me cry.
Omg this is amazing, can’t believe I’m only just seeing this. RUclips algo failed me. Erickson is the 🐐. When I am reading Erickson my brain works better and I think differently in a good way. Never experience this with other authors even great ones.
Just finished my Gardens of the Moon reread and I’m working thru Deadhouse Gates for the very first time. I think one of the strengths and weaknesses of the first book is the fact that Erikson trusts his audience-he goes a bit further than Frank Herbert in regards to sinking or swimming. But I’m loving it so far. I can tell that Erikson likes all the same things that I like-epic battles between powerful characters, badass swords a la Elric’s Stormbringer, and ancient cultures and artifacts and all the cool stuff most fantasy junkies want. But there’s something else here that sets it apart. I suppose it’s Erikson’s call to compassion. He cares about his characters without falling in love with them to the point that nothing bad can happen to them. I think compassion is one of the most important things in life... and I love all the cool fantasy trappings. I can’t wait to read what else is coming down the line... and I have no idea what’s next. It’s very refreshing.
Never have books made me cry so much, one paragraph I'm crying with laughter, the next I'm crying with sadness. Bitter sweet and well thought out. With some of the dialogue worthy of Tarantino. He does just drop you in a bucket of history, with you needing to sink or swim on your own. Which makes them great for a re read. And for those who find most books predictable. If you need everything explained with tidy conclusions then these are books to avoid. Every character see's the truth differently and consequences effect everyone in there own way. Good, bad or just tragic.
What a genius I'll never get over it. Each paragraph is a fricken story in itself. I remember first picking up the series thinking I would just read it one time through. I mean it's fricken 10 books. But now that I've finished I can't fricken wait to read it again. Love this man lol
This is the first time I have seen my favourite author explaining his books, and I love it. I'm on my third re-read of the series, and am already planning my fourth read to include the books outside the main series in the correct chronological order.
I am obviously late to the party, but this is very interesting. While I don't understand much, I find it a masterpiece. I can also jealous of your handback copies. Can't get those anymore. If they ever announced a reprint of whole set I would be first in line. Good job with interview and thanks for doing it.
Brilliant interview so insightful, I have only just finished book 10 and the whole series just blew me away the emotional impact Ericsson brings out is is like nothing I have ever experienced from any medium, i feel liked dried up sponge after some chapters! It's like Green mile times 100 ! His writing is just genius for me he is up there with Mozart and Shakespeare.
Awww, it's nice to see his face again! The last time I saw him in person, we spent 3 days sitting together in a really hot marquee in France at a wonderful fantasy book festival!!
Yep. Never understood the lack of empathy for Felesin either. As if life isn't f'd up enough as a normal teenager in a loving home.. Great job with this interview. Very well put together, and definitely looking forward to more.
This Interview was amazing! Erikson is such a great writer, i loved hearing his view on all this. Also, you asked great questions, you're a great interviewer!!! Earned yourself a subscribe (Sorry for mispellings, english is not my first language)
Wonderful interview! You had amazing questions prepared and facilitated such an enjoyable and insightful conversation with Steven. Also wow what an opportunity! Great work :)
I felt as a boy the teachers in school never put a book in front of me I wanted to read. English class is much more accessible to young girls according to studies I'm aware of. I didn't pick up a novel by my own choice until I was 20. When I found something I was interested...I was hooked for life.
This is a superb interview. Much of it I knew from other chats or his essays in the past. But his defense of what would commonly be called "soft magic" is fascinating.
One of the few book series I have read multiple times and enjoyed it as much, if not more each time. I thoroughly enjoy picking up new small details each read. My all time favorite books, by my all time favorite author. I loved hearing about his reading of The Iliad at a relatively young age, and his re-reading in college. It reminds me of the feelings I personally experience when reading top notch literature, and explains why I love the series so much!
Wanted to listen to just ten minutes of the interview and then get some food....yet im still here at the 41st minute and hungry. Mr. Erikson has some real wisdom in his words, especially by the end. Interview well done!
I love this notion that unanswered questions are a good thing. Just like name of the wind. The mystery and unknown are what make it great. Gives you something to think about after finishing the books, always wanting to come back.
So awesome to be able to hear about the thought process behind the series directly from the creator and hearing him once again defend his work to his critics. Great interview!!
My favorite fantasy series ever!! Loved this interview. Great stuff!! Steven Erikson is so intelligent, as are you. You gave us all a great interview with great questions and responses from both of you. I'm very impressed.
This is a fantastic interview. Good questions, and man, Erikson seems like such a cool dude. Would love to be able to sit down with him and just chat about stuff.
I am glad that even Steven himself is suprised how much Felisin is hated amongst fanbase. For me it is my favourite character in the series. And to not take into account as Steven said that she is traumatized lost girl in harsh wordl when judging her actions is being unfair. I am not ashamed to say that if i was in similar situation I would act very simliarly to her so great to hear this from author himself.
when i started reading only 7 books were out so ive read the first seven book 8 times and the rest slightly less as they were released and i reread the entire series every book release im currently listening to it for the first time.
Great interview! Had to pop the headphones off for spoilers... maybe you could mark when they will appear? I'm going to stop at 17:20 to be safe. Thanks for the video!!!
I wish you could have seen the look on my face when I saw this RUclips notification. This is amazing content Brittany! I'm trying to remember... didn't Steven reach out to you after your MoI video and even send you an autographed copy of the book? And now this bad ass interview. It seems like he has gravitated to you. So cool! I didn't realize Steven had such a strong background in anthropology. His revelation that people liked Rake because of all the mystique rang true for me. I'm really curious which grim/dark author he was referring to that struggled with criticism. Anyone know?
Hahah, awe thank you! He did reach out to me, so kind of him. A few people were discussing it on Reddit. I’m really not sure, although I have my guesses.
What a fantastic interview! He's such a cool guy to listen too and you were so authentic and professional with your questions Brittany. Bravo! You just got a new subscriber from AUS 😁
I love how much more Erikson has started engaging with content creators. We've got a podcast, interviews, comments, essays. It's amazing! EDIT: Multiple podcasts, though I didn't quite catch the name of the one Steven mentions here.
Im listening through Ten Very Big Books as I'm reading the series and Erikson is a fan of the podcast himself and listens to it as well and he has bwen on the show three times already lol! He is there for every book. What an author, love the guy so much
@@berserker8884 I've only seen the fireplace podcast but thank you for the name, I'll be sure to check them out now that I know about them.
@@andrju3916 You are welcome!
Q
I definitely appreciate how much he engages with his fans.
This is so freaking cool! Good job! 💪🙏👌
I'm waiting for the day you get to interview SE. You have to ask him about your casting videos.
@@sujmedic I'm waiting for Iskar to get SE there too!
Thank you! :)
Your doing amazing content too Iskar!! So good.
Great land Britney!!
I'm watching this as I type this, but this is SO COOLLLL that you get to interview Erikson!
I was very fortunate :)
"Certainty is not a virtue." This interview was excellent. The more I learn about Erikson's intent, the more excited I become about Malazan. Memories of Ice just jumped up on my TBR.
Thank you! I’m sure you’re going to love it!
This quote immediately stood out to me. I've always felt that the truth is found in the glory of the mystery, not the answer. And you are in for an absolute treat!
Government officer: "But we should not stick to rigid principles."
Hank Rearden: "Try to pour tons of steel without rigid principles."
(Atls Shrugged)
You have of course thing in life you can never be certain about. But without certainity in many others you could not live through day🙂
The man who created the Chain of Dogs
And I guess all that other cool stuff too
@Yash thanks, you too brotha
One of the most unrivalled and legendary epic fantasy tapestry I’ve ever read! The gigantic scope of world building,plot twisting and events just leave you breathless…you wanna hold a bit turning pages and u just cannot! It grasps u from beginning to end! Unmatchable and unlike anything else! The totally massive immersion and at the same level with Martin’s GOT only!❤
"Stuff you like, you steal."
Steven Erikson, 2020
😂
what he meant was good artist coppy great artist steal
@@miuyiyuyo Yeah! Cause work you like you support!!
As someone who runs a DnD book heavily inspired by him, glad to hear it lmao
I'm astonished to find this interview NOW after 3 years and also after 7 years of me from my first reading of “Gardens of the Moon”. Stephen Erickson should be the least of the writers to explain nor give excuses for weak character creation criticism at all!. he might be the most thorough detail driven writer delimiting characters on his books and specially in these 10 books series.
I have to say … me, living in a remote small country, having a signed book from him is the biggest treasure one nerdy boy could ever have dream to have. I was that boy, later in my 30s thrown back in time to a feeling of wonder and awe just like in the early days of my night readings. Thank you, Brittany and Mr. Erickson (sorry for taking 3 years to actually say this) for this wonderful brief opportunity to be near your ideas directly from you! such a great interview!
Okay, I have some things to say...
1. Your HAIR 😍😍😍
2. So proud of your getting this interview!
3. What a top bloke Steven Erikson is!
Her's too.
Thanks so much guys ☺️🤍
I just watched another interview before this one, and in both of them hearing that criticism of his characterization is apparently an issue for a lot of people just absolutely blew my mind. Like WHAT!? I've been actively reading fantasy since I was 12 (32 now), and I can not recall any other author who has so skillfully and deftly guided me to be so fully invested into characters. No other work of fantasy has ever come close to how many times I'd be laughing out loud and then crying like a friggin' baby on the very next page as this series has. Everything that ever happened to pretty much any of the characters, I truly felt and believed it.
It is exactly his absolutely magical skill of creating fully actualized, real people, that has made it an immense challenge for me to find new fantasy to read these days that I'm even capable of being remotely satisfied with.
Man I agree so much. I felt the same way when I first heard the criticism as well!
Here I am, discovering this podcast and I've JUST recommended Book of the Fallen to a friend on the basis of his CHARACTERISATION among others, after reading it so many timea end to end. WHUT?
Malazan is in my opinion, the greatest fantasy series ever written. The depth, complexity and history of the world is just mind blowing. Every time I read his books, I have this problem where everything else feels too basic and simplistic. It’s so good in fact, I think it should be studied at college/university.
Completely agree!
@@BookswithBrittany Completely agree. As an English major in Sweden I wrote my thesis on Tolkien, but looking back now - after reading the entire series thrice - I've had so many thoughts on how I could have used this series. If I ever go on for a dissertation MTotF will be the one. It's the most rewarding literature I've ever read.
He ruined alot of other books for me cause his are just so good
Roman Batista The ending is very good, however not all plot lines are resolved at the end. This was intentionally done by the author. It is a satisfying conclusion.
If your someone who likes to have everything answered, then you may be a little disappointed.
It’s also worth pointing out that Erikson is writing a trilogy which takes place after the main series following one of the main characters.
Hope this helps.
You'd love the Children of the Star Series by Danielius Wolflord. Definitely not basic or simplistic.
I have to say, one of the characters that affects me most is Felisin. There seems to be a lot of hate for her out there in internet-land. Maybe this upsets me because when I first read her story my own daughter was 14, just a wee bit older than Felisin herself.
This tale of a child trying to cope with horrific events makes the big tough guys seem rather inadequate. It annoys me that so many readers don't understand that Felisin is a child and is trying to do her best. Her story is one of the saddest in all 10 books.
Nice comment. I feel like it's much the same way in real life. I need to be better to the Felisins in my world.
Indeed. I’ll stay vague to avoid spoilers. The meeting between Felisin and Tavore later on was heart wrenching. How could you not feel sympathy for the little sister?
I think it's sad and possibly ironic that, in a 3 million word essay that deals heavily with the importance of compassion, readers lack compassion for one of the most traumatized characters who acts EXACTLY like a survivor of sexual violence.
^^^ this!
I'll admit that I didn't feel much sympathy for Felisin the first time through, and part of that I think is because I didn't grasp how young she actually was, but the major reason I disliked her was because she had these others with her (specifically Heboric) that were trying to help and all she ever did was lash out at them.
My second time through however, I was truly crushed reading through her story and it really struck me as significantly more tragic than the first time. I felt like I understood why she would lash out the way she did and couldn't bring myself to judge her as harshly as I had initially. I think part of this is that reading through the series made me a more empathetic person.
This guy doesn't give any key to enter to his world, but how outstanding cycle is it when readers make efforts to find themselves their own way!
Steven Erikson's (too) complicated ? Yes! Well worth the effort required, it's maybe the most ambitious (adult) fantasy i've ever read in my life (i'm 50, now, love Fantasy during more than 30 yars), i salute you Mr Erikson.
I agree, well worth the effort!
It's a writing lesson, by a master. Thank you Steven Erikson and Brittany.
He’s so intelligent, it was my pleasure.
The interviewer's questions are quiet good, as are Erikson's responses.This is a lovely dynamic.
A trilogy about a character who won't be in the first book. I LOVE Erikson! lol
Same 😂
I’ve been a subscriber from almost the beginning of your channel and I remember when you fan girled out when he commented on your review of his book. Now you just interviewed him!!!?? So proud! I love how he reassures us that ‘not understanding’ everything the first read is normal and that was his intention. My respect for him as an intelligent author just jumped way up!
Thank you!! It was such a happy moment for me ☺️ The man is a genius. So much respect.
Wonderful interview. I stumbled onto this series at a fortuitous time where my first read through ended at the same time The Crippled God was published.
I’ve commented elsewhere that the most remarkable part of these stories is the concept of attention. What we pay attention to and the attention paid back to us. How this games the world around us not in a table top way, not literally, but in…the way the universe seems to delight in our participation
Great job. Your channel has been a great guide for avid readers.
😊
Steven Erickson, you changed my life. I'm 14 and I'm reading the series for the second time. I also wanted to tell that Toll the Hounds is my favourite novel too.
Thats so amazing that you have read it at your age. I wish I had the chance to experience that then, and read it again at my current age. I'm 32 now, and I read the series for the first time two years ago.
I wish you a wonderful life :) It'll get really rough at times, but in retrospect, it's exactly what completes the whole that makes this life we have here something so absolutely beautiful. If the people in Malazan made it through all that they did and you were there with them for the journey, then know that whatever life throws at you (almost whatever.. caution advised), you can and will handle it... and though sometimes you're left with scars, so long as you don't let them weigh you down and consume you, they too will become badges of honor for the trials you survived and that made you a more complete, wisened human being. A life truly lived.
@@Arthur_CNW thank you so much
@@diegorapini5227
you are a legend my friend to read this series 2 times at this age. Cheers.
@@romanbatista3286 thanks :)
I may not be reading this series anytime soon but I am buying the books and having them stare at me from my library as a reminder that my reading "Everest" is awaiting my summiting of it's peak. Great video.
This is so amazing! What a fantastic opportunity for you to interview him!
I was so excited!
Erikson and Esslemont absolutely rock. Brittany, too. Great interview. Erikson is surprisingly engaging and open.
"I was trained as a short story writer".. Explains A LOT !! I've always thought of these books as a collection of short stories, some related some unrelated. Riveting interview though. Good Job Brit..
Thank you! I thought it explained a lot as well.
The books I buy the most, are the ones I can go back to and discover something new everytime I read them. I really look forward to starting this series.
Currently on my first reread of the series and this is the first time I heard Erikson speak. I love that man and the books are my absolute favorites. The Chain of Dog, the Watch and the campaign in Letheras are some of the best storylines ever created. Awesome interview!
Thank you! I would agree, he’s a genius
Kudos to Steven Erikson for creating all these memorable stories and characters. Floating mountains, knife fights, irritating funny dialog, levitating assassins, nuclear level magic, and there is always the next badass around the corner. Guess it's time to visit Malazan again. Thanks for this awesome chat!
Thank you for this great interview. This got me interested in the Malazan series and led me to buy the books. Can't wait to start my journey through the Malazan world. You're a great interviewer and Steven Erikson comes across as a really wise wizard :)
Thank you! Hope you enjoy the books as much as me :)
Malazan was what made me a fan of fantasy literature for life. I was a huge manga reader, but I've just read a dozen of books or so. And when I finished with Malazan, I fell in love with the world and genre.
No matter how much you’ve read, it’s amazing!
Dude WTF you landed an interview with one of the GOATS?? AWESOME!! 😆😆
A great interview Brittany! It's awesome watching your channel grow :) On a side note, I love Steven's green walls, they're so quirky
Thank you! ☺️
Omg me freaking too haha.
Watching this in Norway. Lovely interview, great to see you both!
Alex
Thanks for watching!
@@BookswithBrittany Thank you! A great Malazan fan, read the entire series. As a fantasy writer myself, this has been a fantastic interview to watch, inspiring and encouraging. Keep up the good work!
A. A. Saloen
@John That would be an honour, sir. Yes, A Tide of Sacred Ice is the name of the series. Just type 'Alexander Saloen', my author name, into Amazon, and the three books so far should pop up. Here are the titles:
1 The Orphan and the Dragon of Ice
2 The Blood of Queens
3 Children of the Pact
I am currently working on the fourth installment, which I hope to have somewhat down by the end of this year. The virus thing has put a big lid on things, but I'm doing all I can to finish it. Hope you are safe and well. All the best,
Alex.
After watching this interview, I want to start reading the Malazan books.
Do it!!
You won't regret it
I read up to book 3, then went back to the start. Unlike most books, rereading brings more joy than the first time.
@@jchangesqlawcenter 100% theres so many tiny bits of foreshadowing
Don't start with book 1
its amazing how Steven Erikson connects storylines. For something that is happening in book two or book three and you are reading and thinking what is this all about, and then you are reading book 7 or book 8 and you realize 'oh this is because what those guys did in book 3'. As malazan is not a small book, it amazes me how Steven Erikson had planned or had thought out everything that would happen.
This is the reason most people don't get these books, or people usually stop reading in between thinking that it doesn't make any sense. But for those who power through it, I think there isnt a single book that compares to how brilliant this book is.
Hats off to Steven Erikson
One of the best SE interviews out there. Thanks to both of you for doing this.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed 😊
The three novels he mentioned as his favorites to write are my favorite to read, for different reasons entirely. Also, when he says "It comes back in book 7 or 8", he really means it. Toll the Hounds (the 8th novel) was such a blast to read, and it tied up things comming as early as book one. Amazing interview, it's so nice to see your channel growing. Steven Erikson is amazing, both author and person to have a conversation with.
He sure is and thank you!
I put off Malazan for years, despite repeatedly attempting to break through the 50ft impenetrable ice wall which was GOTM. After the 7th try I finally succeeded and have never looked back. The Malazan series (especially GOTM) is the most daunting experience I've had in over 30 years as a consumer of fantasy and the one which has had the biggest impact on me as a reader. It took well over 3-4 years before I managed to find the time to dedicate to the series and a further year to get through all 10 books.
Looking back I realize the crux of my issue with the first book was that I expected to be spoon fed. Too often with authors like Sanderson and Rothfuss (who I love btw) you have these straight forward linear narratives with characters introduced over time that immediately make sense in the context of the wider story. In my first few times with with GOTM I had an absolute seizure with the sheer amount of ping ponging of the narrative and glossing over of the lore, I frequently had to retread chapters to try and make sense of certain terms and vague references to locations, Gods and religions, that was, until it all clicked and I finally realized that to enjoy Malazan, I had to let go.
So I pushed on and stopped trying to sense of every plot detail, character and piece of lore, I just trusted that eventually, everything would make sense. Malazan was the first series I had ever read that forced me to work, while also demanding absolute trust hat in the end it'll all come to together. It's for this reason that It's my all time favorite series of books, eclipsing the likes of Sanderson with TSA , who although I still love, appears derivative when compared with the breadth and scope of what Steven Erikson has built.
I disagree. This series introduces so much ill defined and inconsistent backstory, along with a magic system that's completely arbitrary, unlike Sanderson's rule based systems that aren't just deus ex machina props. There's legit criticisms to be made of this series.
I am very glad I saw this in my line-up! You did an awesome job with a very well known and read author...so glad you took the effort to reach out to Erickson, and for his obvious appreciation for your professionalism, thoughtful questions, and style. I'm sure he's had many interviews that had him just wishing it we over! The first 2 times I read The Fallen, I flew thru pages and skipped all of the Poetry, and it wasn't until read #3 that I made myself slow down and really think. My estimation of Erickson went up several notches...where'd he get the ideas for all of those "writings"? How about Fisher kel Tath and how he made him come alive as a poet and then a character! Sorry to blather, but really, congratulations on a really fine interview!
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed!
Steven Erikson: The attaniment of power is regardless of gender(paraphrasing here)
From chapter 1 of Gardens of the Moon, I had this impression. loving this for many reasons
I switch from reading to audio through out the series, but when I audible I literally replay each chapter 2 to 3 times. Making for a rather extended listen, but his lore is so rich I catch connective tissue each time than end up pausing, and looking through previous read books just to say.....ahhhhhh or whattttt! The gratification factor is huge in this series.
I enjoyed this interview immensely- thank you so much! New sub!
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!
Still come back to this, ive learned so much from this man from only 2 interviews ive watched.
Cant wait to get to his books
That was great
I’m a long time Malazan fan
And it certainly adds more layers for consideration when reflecting on the work to hear these insights from the author! Very cool
Thanks! I agree, hearing his thoughts about developing the books added so much!
Wow i feel so happy for you. I started to watch your videos just because you look such a nice person and also, obviously, cause by watching your videos i discovered so many great books. And now that your channel is growing and ...you have the oportunity to interview Erikson!!! what!?! Really really happy for you. Keep going Brittany!
Thank you so much! 🤍
I just finished gardens of the moon the other day and loved every page of it, so excited to continue the series.
Still working on the series, but my favorite book so far has been Memories of Ice. Tool, specifically. The analogy of a flawed piece of flint making a flawed tool still makes me cry.
Omg this is amazing, can’t believe I’m only just seeing this. RUclips algo failed me. Erickson is the 🐐. When I am reading Erickson my brain works better and I think differently in a good way. Never experience this with other authors even great ones.
Just finished my Gardens of the Moon reread and I’m working thru Deadhouse Gates for the very first time.
I think one of the strengths and weaknesses of the first book is the fact that Erikson trusts his audience-he goes a bit further than Frank Herbert in regards to sinking or swimming. But I’m loving it so far.
I can tell that Erikson likes all the same things that I like-epic battles between powerful characters, badass swords a la Elric’s Stormbringer, and ancient cultures and artifacts and all the cool stuff most fantasy junkies want. But there’s something else here that sets it apart. I suppose it’s Erikson’s call to compassion. He cares about his characters without falling in love with them to the point that nothing bad can happen to them. I think compassion is one of the most important things in life... and I love all the cool fantasy trappings. I can’t wait to read what else is coming down the line... and I have no idea what’s next. It’s very refreshing.
And yet I was shocked by the death of Whiskeyjack
This interview showed up on my feed and it was exactly what I needed to start the morning. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Congratulations on this amazing opportunity!
Thank you!
Great interview! I can’t wait to pick up this series, just bought gardens of the moon!
Thank you. Oh I hope you enjoy it!
Never have books made me cry so much, one paragraph I'm crying with laughter, the next I'm crying with sadness.
Bitter sweet and well thought out. With some of the dialogue worthy of Tarantino.
He does just drop you in a bucket of history, with you needing to sink or swim on your own.
Which makes them great for a re read. And for those who find most books predictable.
If you need everything explained with tidy conclusions then these are books to avoid.
Every character see's the truth differently and consequences effect everyone in there own way. Good, bad or just tragic.
O man I was wondering what you were talkin about when you said to check your interview with him. This is badass!
Thank you!
15:27 is the perfect look because that was my exact inner response: overwhelm, but also something about that BEING THE PLAN.... so, so satisfying.
Minor spoiler warning for anyone that hasn't finished reading Deadhouse Gates or Memories of Ice, at 15:20-15:40.
ty! saw this at 15:19 just in time to mute :D
THANKS
What a genius I'll never get over it. Each paragraph is a fricken story in itself. I remember first picking up the series thinking I would just read it one time through. I mean it's fricken 10 books. But now that I've finished I can't fricken wait to read it again. Love this man lol
This is the first time I have seen my favourite author explaining his books, and I love it. I'm on my third re-read of the series, and am already planning my fourth read to include the books outside the main series in the correct chronological order.
It's really awesome listening to Erikson talk about my favorite series of all time. Thanks for doing this interview both of you!
My pleasure!
I am obviously late to the party, but this is very interesting. While I don't understand much, I find it a masterpiece. I can also jealous of your handback copies. Can't get those anymore. If they ever announced a reprint of whole set I would be first in line. Good job with interview and thanks for doing it.
Fantastic interview. Genuinely hope this won't be the last time .
Brilliant interview so insightful, I have only just finished book 10 and the whole series just blew me away the emotional impact Ericsson brings out is is like nothing I have ever experienced from any medium, i feel liked dried up sponge after some chapters! It's like Green mile times 100 ! His writing is just genius for me he is up there with Mozart and Shakespeare.
I’m so happy for and the grow up of your channel! Great interview and without big spoilers, perfect!
Thank you dear 🤍
I think Stephen Erikson just became my favorite person😅 This interview was fantastic!
Great interview!
And happy birthday Steven!
Thank you!
Seems like a great guy. Looking forward to starting in January. Nervous, but looking forward to it.
He is the best! Don’t be nervous...as he says, you’re not meant to pick up on everything your first read through!
He is totally awesome! Thank you for this interview!
My pleasure!
Oh my god Brittany I can't believe I didn't see this video! Congratulations on getting this interview, so deserved!
Thank you so much! 😊
Awww, it's nice to see his face again! The last time I saw him in person, we spent 3 days sitting together in a really hot marquee in France at a wonderful fantasy book festival!!
Yep. Never understood the lack of empathy for Felesin either. As if life isn't f'd up enough as a normal teenager in a loving home..
Great job with this interview. Very well put together, and definitely looking forward to more.
Thank you so much! ☺️
This Interview was amazing! Erikson is such a great writer, i loved hearing his view on all this. Also, you asked great questions, you're a great interviewer!!! Earned yourself a subscribe
(Sorry for mispellings, english is not my first language)
Thank you so much :)
Wonderful interview! You had amazing questions prepared and facilitated such an enjoyable and insightful conversation with Steven. Also wow what an opportunity! Great work :)
Thank you so much! 🤍
I felt as a boy the teachers in school never put a book in front of me I wanted to read. English class is much more accessible to young girls according to studies I'm aware of. I didn't pick up a novel by my own choice until I was 20. When I found something I was interested...I was hooked for life.
This is a superb interview. Much of it I knew from other chats or his essays in the past. But his defense of what would commonly be called "soft magic" is fascinating.
That’s one of my favorite questions he answers as well!
Easily my favorite book series and this is my first time on her channel. I would like to say really good interview and hot damn! She is gorgeous!!
Steven is the best fantasy writer I've ever read! Only part 3 of the kharkanas trilogy to read now, erikson is EPIC
One of the few book series I have read multiple times and enjoyed it as much, if not more each time. I thoroughly enjoy picking up new small details each read. My all time favorite books, by my all time favorite author. I loved hearing about his reading of The Iliad at a relatively young age, and his re-reading in college. It reminds me of the feelings I personally experience when reading top notch literature, and explains why I love the series so much!
I loved learning that as well!
Wanted to listen to just ten minutes of the interview and then get some food....yet im still here at the 41st minute and hungry. Mr. Erikson has some real wisdom in his words, especially by the end. Interview well done!
I could have asked him questions for much longer haha. Thank you!
I love this notion that unanswered questions are a good thing. Just like name of the wind. The mystery and unknown are what make it great. Gives you something to think about after finishing the books, always wanting to come back.
I completely agree!
So awesome to be able to hear about the thought process behind the series directly from the creator and hearing him once again defend his work to his critics. Great interview!!
Thank you!
My favorite fantasy series ever!! Loved this interview. Great stuff!!
Steven Erikson is so intelligent, as are you. You gave us all a great interview with great questions and responses from both of you. I'm very impressed.
Thank you so much! It was a great experience getting to chat with him ☺️
Im one of those people that only read books for school. 10 years later and I decide to read Malazan. I'm loving it.
This is a fantastic interview. Good questions, and man, Erikson seems like such a cool dude. Would love to be able to sit down with him and just chat about stuff.
The man the myth the king. I’m so excited, thank you!!!
Glad you enjoyed!
I've just found your channel, and I'm impressed; you did really well with the interview!
Thank you!
Way to go Britt, what a score!! Great job and keep up the good work 😊
Thank you! ☺️
Great interview, thank you!
Great interview! Love Your Malazan journey. Huge respect.
Thank you!
I think Steven's analogy about archaeology best explains his creation of the Malazan empire. The different layers...
I am glad that even Steven himself is suprised how much Felisin is hated amongst fanbase. For me it is my favourite character in the series. And to not take into account as Steven said that she is traumatized lost girl in harsh wordl when judging her actions is being unfair. I am not ashamed to say that if i was in similar situation I would act very simliarly to her so great to hear this from author himself.
Awesome interview. I've been waiting for a good one on one with Erikson for a while. Thabks for doing this!
My pleasure! 😊
Awesome interview, still haven't picked this series back up after a long gap due to uni. This made me excited to start it over 😊
Giiiirl I just watched his interview with Daniel Greene this morning! You’re going places.
Thank you! :)
This was awesome. I’m starting this in January and it’s nice to have some backstory from the author himself. Awesome job.
Thank you!
Awesome. Great interview Brittany. And yes, you are pretty smart, your read-along is one of the most insightful I've seen online.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate that ☺️
when i started reading only 7 books were out so ive read the first seven book 8 times and the rest slightly less as they were released and i reread the entire series every book release im currently listening to it for the first time.
Great interview! Had to pop the headphones off for spoilers... maybe you could mark when they will appear? I'm going to stop at 17:20 to be safe. Thanks for the video!!!
That was... way too short!!! The man is amazing! You did a great job. It would be fantastic if you could make another interview with him. Loved it!
I will definitely do another! I could have talked for hours haha
Big up, Brittany! Congrats. A lot of good questions that got him talking. Loved it!
Thank you! ☺️
I wish you could have seen the look on my face when I saw this RUclips notification. This is amazing content Brittany! I'm trying to remember... didn't Steven reach out to you after your MoI video and even send you an autographed copy of the book? And now this bad ass interview. It seems like he has gravitated to you. So cool!
I didn't realize Steven had such a strong background in anthropology. His revelation that people liked Rake because of all the mystique rang true for me. I'm really curious which grim/dark author he was referring to that struggled with criticism. Anyone know?
Hahah, awe thank you! He did reach out to me, so kind of him.
A few people were discussing it on Reddit. I’m really not sure, although I have my guesses.
Such an enjoyable interview, so relaxed and informative.
Thank you! :)
What a fantastic interview! He's such a cool guy to listen too and you were so authentic and professional with your questions Brittany. Bravo! You just got a new subscriber from AUS 😁
Thank you so much ☺️