Malazan: Book of the Fallen Series

[Denis Dyack]

Hi Everyone,

My first thread :). Anyway, I am currently reading my favorite fantasy series of all time and I wanted to share it with everyone here.

It is called Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson. It is a series of 10 books - 8 of which are now complete. I would describe them similar to the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R R Martin but on a larger military scale.

The book of the fallen is a reference to a book Napoleon used during his campaigns. He would write down the names of all his fallen comrades on the battlefield and these series cover large military campaigns of the Malazan Empire.

The first book is called Gardens of the Moon:

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n2/n13031.jpg

Unfortunately this is the worst book of the series and often turns people away because of its complexity and rough edges. However, the 2nd book onward is none stop awesome.

The 3rd book Memories of Ice blew me away - imagine a story that is told over hundreds of thousands of years through an ice age - WOW.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2470160703_f640471a2b.jpg?v=0

I am currently reading Toll The Hounds and so far so good.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n29/n146872.jpg

If you are looking for good fantasy, I highly recommend.

For those interested here is a list of the series. The last 2 still to come:

1. Gardens of the Moon (1999)
2. Deadhouse Gates (2000)
3. Memories of Ice (2001)
4. House of Chains (2002)
5. Midnight Tides (2004)
6. The Bonehunters (2006)
7. Reaper's Gale (2007)
8. Toll the Hounds (2008)
9. Dust of Dreams (forthcoming)
10. The Crippled God (forthcoming)

BTW - these book titles were planned as the first book was published and Erikson has not wavered. Each book is pretty much self contained in story but deals with the overarching story about the war between the gods.

Be prepared to learn about gods, ascendants, eldar races, soul taken and more!

Salute!

Denis

[RedVenom]

sounds awesome man, but im gonna be hooked on too human. its going to be hard to put this game down :lol: enjoy the books though

good work SK team, this has got to be one of the best if not best RPG i have played

[Sevens]

BTW - these book titles were planned as the first book was published and Erikson has not wavered. Each book is pretty much self contained in story but deals with the overarching story about the war between the gods.


Any returning characters or do you have to get used to new protagonists and antagonists with every book? At least some of the gods should be there to last, right?

Does the focus of the story tend to be on a relatively large group of people or on a few individual characters per book? What's more heavily weighted, character development or the development of the world/universe?

Does magic play a/the prominent role or does technology/science?

What's the general tone of the stories, dark or light?

[Konvict8811]

Nice. I needed something to get my mom for her Birthday, this will be perfect. I got her some of the the George R.R. Martin "Song of Ice and Fire" books last year. Needless to say she loved them and really enjoys those types of books. Ill be sure to order a couple of these for her.

[Denis Dyack]

BTW - these book titles were planned as the first book was published and Erikson has not wavered. Each book is pretty much self contained in story but deals with the overarching story about the war between the gods.


Any returning characters or do you have to get used to new protagonists and antagonists with every book? At least some of the gods should be there to last, right?

Does the focus of the story tend to be on a relatively large group of people or on a few individual characters per book? What's more heavily weighted, character development or the development of the world/universe?

Does magic play a/the prominent role or does technology/science?

What's the general tone of the stories, dark or light?

Man returning characters yes. The first one has too many characters (more than Dune as example) but after that it become manageable. Many races, many characters, many that return, many many that fall :). Its all magic and anthropology - no technology. And the gods are all returning players - The Crippled God is at the center of it all.

If you are interested in technology and myth than you should check out the Hyperion Series - Dan Simmons - great great stuff.

[Denis Dyack]

Nice. I needed something to get my mom for her Birthday, this will be perfect. I got her some of the the George R.R. Martin "Song of Ice and Fire" books last year. Needless to say she loved them and really enjoys those types of books. Ill be sure to order a couple of these for her.


If she liked Martin, she should like these. These are generally more violent (if thats possible) and more larger in scope - less character driven at times and more political and complex.

[Zakath]

Once I'm done reading Orcs ( Stan Nicholls ), I'll make sure to look for these books.

[Orannis]

I thought no one else would have heard of this series. I had to order Toll the Hounds from the printing press place to get it. I am currently waiting on Return of the Crimson Guard to come out (i did not have enough money to buy one of the 300 special copies). Who is your favorite character from the series so far? You can pm me about ti so we don't give any spoilers away about the multiple hundreds of deaths. Also, these novels are relatively long (800-1000 pages) and are very interesting and complex. The series is also highly quotable as Erikson use the viewpoint of multiple characters and you will find out the back story/thinking of some of the more "bad" characters.

[Denis Dyack]

I thought no one else would have heard of this series. I had to order Toll the Hounds from the printing press place to get it. I am currently waiting on Return of the Crimson Guard to come out (i did not have enough money to buy one of the 300 special copies). Who is your favorite character from the series so far? You can pm me about ti so we don't give any spoilers away about the multiple hundreds of deaths. Also, these novels are relatively long (800-1000 pages) and are very interesting and complex. The series is also highly quotable as Erikson use the viewpoint of multiple characters and you will find out the back story/thinking of some of the more "bad" characters.


So many characters but I think the ones that spring to mind are Karsa Orlong, Kruppe and Icarium. And of course the crippled god but on the gods i could go on forever as they are so interesting and different.

[exkon]

Thanks for the suggestion Denis. I might have to wait until the series is finished. Nothing I hate more than getting sucked into a series just to find out it's not done yet. Makes waiting for the sequels much harder!

I know your a WH40K fan, I was wondering if you have read the Horus Heresy series yet? Still ongoing and probably one of the finest WH40k stories out there. The Grey Knights and Space Wolves books are also favorites of mine. Highly recommended.

[Denis Dyack]

Thanks for the suggestion Denis. I might have to wait until the series is finished. Nothing I hate more than getting sucked into a series just to find out it's not done yet. Makes waiting for the sequels much harder!

I know your a WH40K fan, I was wondering if you have read the Horus Heresy series yet? Still ongoing and probably one of the finest WH40k stories out there. The Grey Knights and Space Wolves books are also favorites of mine. Highly recommended.


I have not read the book yet but I have a Grey Knight army. I always loose with them but they look so cool :). I also have a Necron army that I use to taunt those people who like win a lot :).

[exkon]

I have not read the book yet but I have a Grey Knight army. I always loose with them but they look so cool :). I also have a Necron army that I use to taunt those people who like win a lot :).


I know! GK are totally cool looking. I have a few termies painted just for display purposes. Probably the coolest looking kits EVAR! LOL at the Necrons, I HATE fighting them.

[Speak]

Cheers Denis, been looking for some new books to read, Help me sleep at night!

Also, could you reccomend any good Norse Mothology (TH Related stories such as Valhalla, Loki and Baldur etc) Books/Movies?

[samski]

*Avoids the Warhammer discussion*

You have me interested Denis. I'm going to start my final year at school next year (before college), and I am going to be doing Literature and I need some books to warm me up for The pride and prejudice.....*sigh*.

How "heavy" are each of the books, I am wondering how much I should try and pick up (yes try, my local library and bookstore are shocking).

Thanks Denis.

samski

P.S. Congradulations on your first thread :)

[Sevens]

I have not read the book yet but I have a Grey Knight army. I always loose with them but they look so cool.


Kudos. I also choose style over power.

[thatmunkybites]

Cool. Sounds like a great series. Have you ever read David and Liegh Eddings' series called The Belgariad and The Mallorion? I highly recommend them for any fantasy lover.

[Jamo483]

I've heard of this series but was unsure if i should pick them up but i think i might give it a go now seeing as though you give it a good rap.

[laxfish76]

i saw these books at a coles bookstore near where i live, read a bit, looks good but if i recall correctly, the vocabulary was pretty complex :S not to say im stupid, but my vocabulary isnt too rich and i dont want to constantly be looking to find what a crazy word means....does anyone know if this book is too articulate (lol) for me?

EDIT: NVM, just want to know if anyone thinks its too "advanced" for a teen, if i will be not enjoy it, probably will, say pretty much all of them at a small local bookstore, must be a pretty good series :)

[Denis Dyack]

*Avoids the Warhammer discussion*

You have me interested Denis. I'm going to start my final year at school next year (before college), and I am going to be doing Literature and I need some books to warm me up for The pride and prejudice.....*sigh*.

How "heavy" are each of the books, I am wondering how much I should try and pick up (yes try, my local library and bookstore are shocking).

Thanks Denis.

samski

P.S. Congradulations on your first thread :)


These books are very heavy. The thickest/dense books I have ever read. You can't skim and they are large volumes. Not to be taken lightly :) but I love them.

[AKAtheMilkman]

its funny, i just saw this thread today, but i bought Gardens of the Moon yesterday at a yard sale with alot of other books. i've already started The Giver, but i'll definitely start gardens next

[samski]

*Avoids the Warhammer discussion*

You have me interested Denis. I'm going to start my final year at school next year (before college), and I am going to be doing Literature and I need some books to warm me up for The pride and prejudice.....*sigh*.

How "heavy" are each of the books, I am wondering how much I should try and pick up (yes try, my local library and bookstore are shocking).

Thanks Denis.

samski

P.S. Congradulations on your first thread :)


These books are very heavy. The thickest/dense books I have ever read. You can't skim and they are large volumes. Not to be taken lightly :) but I love them.

Thanks Denis, I have hired my Auntie (the Librarian) to search for some of the books.

Should i read from book one, even though thats the worst book of the series? If not, do you recommend which one I should read first?

After reading, I'll be sure to catch up with you and talk about the books.

samski

[Denis Dyack]

Thanks Denis, I have hired my Auntie (the Librarian) to search for some of the books.

Should i read from book one, even though thats the worst book of the series? If not, do you recommend which one I should read first?

After reading, I'll be sure to catch up with you and talk about the books.

samski

Sounds good - always like to talk about them :)

[samski]

I found house of chains and I'm going to go pick up Deadhouse Gate and Memories of ice tomorrow. Should last me a long time :). I'm wanting to start reading House of Chains right now but I'm holding back so i can read 2 > 3 > 4. ;)

samski

[Eleazar]

Usually I find most fantasy and sci-fi books to be cheesy, but if it is being recommended by someone who's job is to tell stories, I'm going to have to look into this.

[cApAc aMaRu]

Just started reading the first book. Very good so far, and from what I have read and heard so far it sounds like it may have had a few influences on TH ;) Not that there is anything wrong with that.

[Sevens]

What book to start with if one wants to get a good/the best idea of how interesting the series might be for oneself?

[samski]

Eiself, I talked to him yesterday about it and he told me to start with the second book. They are soo hard to find in Australia though. =.='

samski

[cApAc aMaRu]

http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/

[samski]

Thats $25 per book. Booktopia sells and ships them for around $11.

samski

[cApAc aMaRu]

whats booktopia?

[samski]

Much like galaxybooks. Online store.

samski

[cApAc aMaRu]

galaxy is a real shop in sydney :P

[KefkaForKing]

I got the first book from Amazon the other day and am really enjoying it :)
Very readable and exciting story; lots of intrigue and interesting characters. It's got me back in a fantasy mood after all the high tech of TH.... so I'm thinking of playing oblivion again, or BG2, and looking forward to Dragon Age.
I'd like to see SK do something strictly fantasy again.
Thanks for the recommendation Denis :cool: (Funny, most of the books I bought recently were recommended by Denis - should start a book club ;) )

[samski]

Or we could just become housewives and join opera's.

I have barely started Deadhouse gates (I was told not to read the first book yet), I'm holding off for a massive day train ride up to some different states in Australia.

samski

[Eleazar]

I just ordered it last night, accidentally put it on my mothers card but I can deal with that later.

[KefkaForKing]

Or we could just become housewives and join opera's.

I have barely started Deadhouse gates (I was told not to read the first book yet), I'm holding off for a massive day train ride up to some different states in Australia.

samski

I recommend reading from the first...


I just ordered it last night, accidentally put it on my mothers card but I can deal with that later.

I am o drunnk now u r toatallyh ok as Oponn sees it so do dont worry :)

[Eleazar]

lol, no more of lack of sleep so I forgot that the card on the account was the one that went to my parents that was only supposed to be used for school books.

[Sevens]

I just ordered it last night, accidentally put it on my mothers card but I can deal with that later.

Accidentally, right.

[Eleazar]

Got the book today mailed in a grocery bag, lol.

[samski]

I'm going to another state on a train, its an 11 hour ride so I'm hoping to really put a foot in the book over these 5 or so days.

samski

[Eleazar]

Good luck with that. I probably won't start on it until I learn how to use the source SDk Hammer Editor.

[cApAc aMaRu]

I'm going to another state on a train, its an 11 hour ride so I'm hoping to really put a foot in the book over these 5 or so days.

samski

Feel free to drop into the shop! ;)

[ManiacalV Dog]

I just finished the first book.... Wow. Calling it the worst in the series is a bit misleading. I could not put it down... I will be starting the second book shortly and look forward to the entire series.

[cApAc aMaRu]

I just finished the first book.... Wow. Calling it the worst in the series is a bit misleading. I could not put it down... I will be starting the second book shortly and look forward to the entire series.

Ditto on the just finished book 1. Its a bit of a grind at first but really picks up in the second half.

[Eleazar]

I just finished the first book.... Wow. Calling it the worst in the series is a bit misleading. I could not put it down... I will be starting the second book shortly and look forward to the entire series.

Maybe the rest of the series is just that freaking awesome.

[cApAc aMaRu]

Finally got book 2. Just found out Erikson is an archaeologist, which seems pretty obvious in retrospect...

I'm kinda confused about his worlds geography though, I have no idea where Genabackis, the continent from the first novel, is compared to the settings in the second.

[Blahgeeha]

These books are very heavy. The thickest/dense books I have ever read. You can't skim and they are large volumes. Not to be taken lightly :) but I love them.

Yeah they are about 700-900 pages each with small print, they re so good though, y'all should definitely read them. On a side note another author, Ian Cameron Esselmont, is writing five books in the series. He has two of them out already and i cant find them at any book stores. Havent looked on the interney yet though.

[laxfish76]

Yeah they are about 700-900 pages each with small print, they re so good though, y'all should definitely read them. On a side note another author, Ian Cameron Esselmont, is writing five books in the series. He has two of them out already and i cant find them at any book stores. Havent looked on the interney yet though.
stop bringing up old threads, just make a new one

//laxfish76

[cap am]

stop bringing up old threads, just make a new one

//laxfish76

because TH.net needs more junk?

Reading book 3 now, things are starting to make MUCH more sense... i wouldn't want to have skipped 1 or 2 though

[Mason Cain]

I have read the first 7 books so far, been a fan for years. I was lucky enough to meet Erikson at Waterstone's in the UK when he was doing a signing tour for the 8th book a couple of months ago :D

[cap am]

Reading the first of Esslemonts books set in Malazan universe now

[The Yetti]

Raymond E. Feist

Starts with Magician:Apprentice and is still going. Has to be about 12-15 books at least. One of the best authors I have ever read. For Fantasy Fiction anyway. Pug rules.

[Wildkarde]

Cool. Sounds like a great series. Have you ever read David and Liegh Eddings' series called The Belgariad and The Mallorion? I highly recommend them for any fantasy lover.

These are my favorite fantasy novels so far, I read them about once a year or so! I would guess that Zakkath has read them too ;-)

I'll have to look into this Malazan series soon!

[cap am]

Reading Toll the Hounds now!

[Orannis]

Denis, did you read the Toll of the Hounds and Return of the Crimson Gaurd?

[Sevens]

Raymond E. Feist

Starts with Magician:Apprentice and is still going. Has to be about 12-15 books at least. One of the best authors I have ever read. For Fantasy Fiction anyway. Pug rules.

Didn't convince me in the long(er) run.

[RAziel1979]

Denis, did you read the Toll of the Hounds and Return of the Crimson Gaurd?

I asked Denis Dyack for you and he said that he read Toll the Hounds but not Crismon yet. Toll was amazing, he said.:)

I don't know what these books are about, but I might check them out in the future.

[Denis Dyack]

Maybe the rest of the series is just that freaking awesome.

It is - 2nd is awesome, the next (memories of ice) is unbelievable.

[Denis Dyack]

I have read the first 7 books so far, been a fan for years. I was lucky enough to meet Erikson at Waterstone's in the UK when he was doing a signing tour for the 8th book a couple of months ago :D

Nice! I would love to meet him some day :)

[cap am]

Nice! I would love to meet him some day :)

Meet him and get him to sign a game deal? ;) Warrens bring up so many interesting gaming possibilities...

[Nixon]

Didn't convince me in the long(er) run.

Agreed. Aprentice and Master are good, but it gets a bit dilluted after that.

[laxfish76]

I keep seeing these books at my local Coles, I don't know if I should purchase the first.

I have too many books to read now, though.

[Mason Cain]

DD quoted me! :D

Seriously though, everyone should read them.

Then, REREAD them. I guarantee, the second and third read through is exponentially better when you understand the world and its rules and its players.

[Blahgeeha]

It is - 2nd is awesome, the next (memories of ice) is unbelievable.

Isnt that the book where Kruppe survives a hit from Caladan Broods hammer and where they cefeat the Panninon rebels? Also does anyone remember which book and which warren the Otataral dragon was found in?

[Randalthor]

got the 1st book on as soon as it came out and loved it and they did just keep getting better these are my 5th fav set of books

[Denis Dyack]

Isnt that the book where Kruppe survives a hit from Caladan Broods hammer and where they cefeat the Panninon rebels? Also does anyone remember which book and which warren the Otataral dragon was found in?

There is a fan site called the Malazan Empire for the series can be found here where all the answers are:

http://malazanempire.com/site/index.php

The Pan Dominion stuff is in Memories of Ice.
And I didn't mention it directly but I thought Toll the Hounds was awesome.

[samski]

Sigh, i still have those books sitting on my work bench. I started reading but before I could get the chance, I was engulphed in school work.

samski

[Sevens]

Sigh, i still have those books sitting on my work bench. I started reading but before I could get the chance, I was engulphed in school work.

samski

That's got to be a whole lot of school work, especially lately ;)

[samski]

3 Essays and 4 tests in one week keeps me pretty much glued to the computer screen. My fingers are so sore, I can barely type this... ;)

samski

[Eleazar]

My problem is that I have a hard time bringing myself to reading the book. Still haven't gotten past the first chapter.

[Blahgeeha]

I still cant find Return of the Crimson Guard and apparently the hardcover is out of print. However, the guy at the help desk of Barnes and Noble said the paperback is going to be released this june or july.

PS Denis Quoted Me Yay!

[Sevens]

My problem is that I have a hard time bringing myself to reading the book. Still haven't gotten past the first chapter.

You've got to be in the right mood and environment, provided that you potentially care about the content, of course. Don't force it, I'd generally say.

[Null17]

Man returning characters yes. The first one has too many characters (more than Dune as example) but after that it become manageable.


More than Dune? Wow. I'll have to give them a try over the summer though. I enjoy a good fantasy or sci-fi novel, but there aren't enough, or they are lower level writing.

Oh, random thought, heard they're doing a new Dune movie. Hope its done right--a LOT of potential.

[Eleazar]

You've got to be in the right mood and environment, provided that you potentially care about the content, of course. Don't force it, I'd generally say.

Well last time I forced myself I ended up reading one of my favorite books of all time in American Gods.

[SuperJay]

Well last time I forced myself I ended up reading one of my favorite books of all time in American Gods.

Word, I just got done with Anasi Boys... looking to pick up American Gods soon. And restart the Sandman novels from the first. :p

[Sevens]

Well last time I forced myself I ended up reading one of my favorite books of all time in American Gods.

As I said, generally. That by the way doesn't mean you wouldn't have read the book later - and enjoyed it more.



And restart the Sandman novels from the first. :p

Damn. These got to be boring.

[Eleazar]

Well normally I need to force myself to read it otherwise I will never read it. I have to get into a book to actually want to read it, and usually that nly happens by forcing myself to read it.

[Sevens]

Well normally I need to force myself to read it otherwise I will never read it. I have to get into a book to actually want to read it, and usually that nly happens by forcing myself to read it.

That's interesting. What's unpleasant at the beginning?

[Zakath]

So I just finished reading the 3rd book in the series, but it seems like Ive only finished the 2nd one in fact. Apprently, the french version is different. It's like Deadhouse gates has been divided into 2 different tomes. Anyway, now I'm hooked and I gotta wait for the 4th book to come out. They sure take their sweet time translating the series.

[Sevens]

So I just finished reading the 3rd book in the series, but it seems like Ive only finished the 2nd one in fact. Apprently, the french version is different. It's like Deadhouse gates has been divided into 2 different tomes. Anyway, now I'm hooked and I gotta wait for the 4th book to come out. They sure take their sweet time translating the series.

Why don't you get the UK ones?

[Zakath]

Cause I prefer reading books in french.

[Sevens]

Cause I prefer reading books in french.

Fair enough. I tend to prefer reading original texts.

[Zakath]

Yeah, I like watching movies in the original version, but for a book, it's just much more relaxing not having to translate every word I'm reading :)

[Zutroy]

I'm reading Midnight Tides right now, this really is turning into a great series with some awesome characters, but I have to agree it was rather hard to get through the first one; the narration felt rather sloppy jumping all over the place and it really felt like I was starting at chapter 5-6 instead of a proper intro to the world. But what started like clichè high sorcery is now this great sweeping series on par with Martin.

I think my favourite was the 2nd book - Deadhouse Gates. Specifically reading all the battles in the Chain of Dogs. The description of Pormqual riding his horse when they sallied out had me laughing so hard the gf thought I lost it.

[Orannis]

I am waiting on Dust of Dreams, and have read all the others except the Necromancer books. I agree with people in saying that the first book starts of a little rough, slow and unfocused. But after reading them all, it works very well. And btw, all the books have a slowish start and end in a ****ing exstatic finish. Can't say which book is my favorite though, as they all are amazing. And for favorite character, that to is hard, so many great characters.

[Zutroy]

I finished Toll the Hounds last month. To me it was probably the weakest book of the series. The whole Black Coral arc and everything involving Nimander felt out of place in the larger story and I couldn't get into it. I enjoyed the Darujistan arc (very good story for the kid I won't name to avoid spoliers).
Aside from that, I still think Coltaine and the whole Chain of Dogs arc in Deadhouse Gates is still the best part of the series, but Karsa Orlong definitely has become my favorite individual character.

Until I can get ahold of Dust of Dreams I started on the Esselmont books. The first one was alright, but short and not really adding anything to the world. I should get ahold of the second book (Return of the Crimson Guard) shortly, and we'll see if it's any better. For a world they co-created, Esselmont hasn't been putting in his share of effort :P

edit: I should probably start another thread for this but has anyone read The Gentleman Bastard books from Scott Lynch?

[RAziel1979]

I started Reading Hyperion and boy it is good so far!
Once I'm done with that series, I will jump on this books for sure.

[Platinum]

Necro'ing his threads won't get him to talk any sooner, Raz. ;)

[RAziel1979]

I need to try Bro!
Anyway I am reading the first Hyperion Book, I just didn't want to create a new thread for it.:)

[Zutroy]

No necro here. I just finished Return of the Crimson Guard yesterday, and I have a shiny new copy of Dust of Dreams which the gf surprised me with just this morning, so I'm almost current with the series.

[RAziel1979]

SO if you have Dust of Dreams then Denis might be reading that too.
I wanna check them out as soon as I'm done with Hyperion.:)

[Orannis]

No necro here. I just finished Return of the Crimson Guard yesterday, and I have a shiny new copy of Dust of Dreams which the gf surprised me with just this morning, so I'm almost current with the series.

Both books are good! DoD is slow and does end in a major cliffhanger. Thankfully erikson knows how to write (fast and good).

[Zutroy]

Return of the Crimson guard was definitely better than Esselmont's first book. For one, it was a length worthy of the rest of the series, and it actually seemed relevant to the ongoing story that Erikson is pumping out. But I didn't like the character of Kyle at all - he really just felt like a 5th wheel to whatever anyone else was doing - and it sometime seemed like Esselmont was thinking to himself "I really don't feel like writing this bit", and then the event would just get glossed over. Or some character would just suddenly arrive at some location when you would have really expected some coverage of their journey in between.

The worst was Skinner the Avowed. Maybe I missed it, but I never really heard a justification to why he went rogue or why any of the other Avowed would follow him. That really could have used some coverage, cause it felt like a big gap.

Also, I don't recall it every being explained who Traveler was. It seemed important.

[Orannis]

RotCG was meant as a tie in to Toll the Hounds, as such traveller's identity did not need to be revealed. And Skinner becomes the king of chains, hence his betrayal.