August 13, 2007
Steven Erikson
I’ve been reading my way through Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series over the past year, and I can’t say enough good things about it. Epic in scope and possessing a narrative style that scratches a cerebral itch which had gone far too long without scratching, I found myself compelled to read just one more page. That was about 2000 pages ago.
The first novel, Gardens of the Moon, is a bit of a running start and can be intimidating at first (who are these people? what are they doing? where is my exposition?) - but perseverance is well rewarded after the first few chapters, and you will find yourself drawn into a tale that defies all preconceived notions of what a conventional fantasy novel should be.
I’m just finishing the fourth book in the series, House of Chains, and continue to be amazed by the author’s skill and imagination. The next novel in the series sits on my bookshelf with its brothers, and I eagerly await the moment when its secrets are revealed. To date, seven books have been published and the series is intended to wrap-up after then tenth.
If you are looking for a good, long read and aren’t afraid of elaborate, interwoven plots then I highly recommend this series. In terms of difficulty, I find the reading level to be somewhere between Terry Goodkind and Frank Herbert. Do yourself a favor and try this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
Posted by Aaron on August 13, 2007, 11:26 am permalink top | general
Must. Borrow. Book!
You mentioned Goodkind! *shudder*
The Malazan Book Of The Fallen is right up there with Donaldson and George R. R. Martin, IMHO.
Unfortunately I am not familiar with the works of those two, but I will take your word on it.
As for Goodkind…I enjoyed Wizards First Rule when I first read it. I enjoyed it less and less as it was re-printed every year under a new title
I’m currently taking a pause in my Malazan tale to finish up another series who-shall-not-be-named, and then I will resume with Midnight Tides.