FutureZombie
Banned
1. What is The Malazan Book Of The Fallen?
I'd describe it as a very complex and ambitious adult epic fantasy series. I say adult not because there is a gratuitous amount of sex or violence (though there is a lot of violence) but because these books are complicated and intimidating to read. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of characters, and the books show glimpses of the past as far back as 300,000 years. Magic plays a large role in the series and is presented in a unique, albeit confusing way, however (in my opinion) the books are at their best when the magic is downplayed. The story centers around The Bridgeburners, an elite military company in the Malazan Empire, but they are far from the sole focus of the series. For example, there is one book in the series where almost no previously met characters are present.
The Malazan world consists of many different human and nonhuman races, as well as a formidable number of ascendants. Their stories weave together throughout the ten books. For the most part, each book takes place on one continent, and gradually it is revealed how large the world really is.
2. Is the series complete?
Yes. The good news is, you don't have to worry about the series never ending; the 10 part Malazan Book Of The Fallen is complete, however there are more stories to be told in the Malazan world. The 10 books in the "Fallen" series are...
The really great news is that Steven Erikson and his partner Ian C. Esslemont have written, and are continuing to write, more books set in this world.
3. Why should I read this series?
There are a number of great reasons to read these books, but in my opinion, first and foremost is the characters. The characters range from hilariously eccentric to solemn and empathetic. Like many other fantasy series, most of the characters are not good or evil so much as they are human (even when they aren't). There is some fantastic character development (Karsa Orlong's arc is particularly incredible) and there is a good mix of dramatic, gritty moments contrasted with some really good humor. If you don't fall in love with Kruppe, Tehol, and or Iskaral Pust, I feel very sorry for you.
The second best reason to read these books is that Erikson has the best imagination I have ever witnessed. The world he's made is fantastical and I felt as though all his ideas were brand new and exciting. There is a lot of mystery and reveals throughout, and each book will leave you wanting more.
If you want an epic fantasy series that does away with most fantasy tropes, and never, ever talks down to the reader, this may be the series for you.
4. So I should read this series?
WARNING: These books are not easy to read. Throughout the series I frequently went from:
to:
The magic is especially complicated, but it's more than just that. Erikson's writing often makes some sections feel like philosophy and there are times when I read 3-5 pages and had no idea what the hell he was talking about.
The first book is not newbie friendly, but by the end of the second book, I think you will be hooked on the series. It is worth the time investment just to witness his incredible imagination. You just have to give it some time because you will not understand everything that is going on, particularly during the first book.
5. Does the series reach a satisfying conclusion?
Well this is really the million dollar question, isn't it? The series is 3.3 million words long, so it better deliver at the end, right?
I would say it does, when you look at it in the correct light. I did not know this going into the series, but basically this is one huge story from the world. It is not the only story from this world, and therefore there are many questions that are left unanswered, and characters whose stories are not yet done. But the story of The Bridgeburners does conclude in a satisfying way.
If you go in to this knowing that you're getting the story of The Bridgeburners, and not necessarily the story of every single character you meet (because hopefully those stories are still to be told) then you will enjoy the ending. It does wrap up in a satisfying way, and Erikson doesn't jerk the reader around with ambiguity at the end of the tale.
Overall, it's an incredible ride. And again, I think Erikson has created some of the best characters of all time, whether it be Kallor, Hellian, Kruppe, Onrack, or anyone else from a huge list of unique persons. I can't wait to read more from Erikson and Esslemont, and I would love to discuss these books and characters with other people who have read the series.
I'd describe it as a very complex and ambitious adult epic fantasy series. I say adult not because there is a gratuitous amount of sex or violence (though there is a lot of violence) but because these books are complicated and intimidating to read. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of characters, and the books show glimpses of the past as far back as 300,000 years. Magic plays a large role in the series and is presented in a unique, albeit confusing way, however (in my opinion) the books are at their best when the magic is downplayed. The story centers around The Bridgeburners, an elite military company in the Malazan Empire, but they are far from the sole focus of the series. For example, there is one book in the series where almost no previously met characters are present.
The Malazan world consists of many different human and nonhuman races, as well as a formidable number of ascendants. Their stories weave together throughout the ten books. For the most part, each book takes place on one continent, and gradually it is revealed how large the world really is.
2. Is the series complete?
Yes. The good news is, you don't have to worry about the series never ending; the 10 part Malazan Book Of The Fallen is complete, however there are more stories to be told in the Malazan world. The 10 books in the "Fallen" series are...
The really great news is that Steven Erikson and his partner Ian C. Esslemont have written, and are continuing to write, more books set in this world.
3. Why should I read this series?
There are a number of great reasons to read these books, but in my opinion, first and foremost is the characters. The characters range from hilariously eccentric to solemn and empathetic. Like many other fantasy series, most of the characters are not good or evil so much as they are human (even when they aren't). There is some fantastic character development (Karsa Orlong's arc is particularly incredible) and there is a good mix of dramatic, gritty moments contrasted with some really good humor. If you don't fall in love with Kruppe, Tehol, and or Iskaral Pust, I feel very sorry for you.
The second best reason to read these books is that Erikson has the best imagination I have ever witnessed. The world he's made is fantastical and I felt as though all his ideas were brand new and exciting. There is a lot of mystery and reveals throughout, and each book will leave you wanting more.
If you want an epic fantasy series that does away with most fantasy tropes, and never, ever talks down to the reader, this may be the series for you.
4. So I should read this series?
WARNING: These books are not easy to read. Throughout the series I frequently went from:
to:
The magic is especially complicated, but it's more than just that. Erikson's writing often makes some sections feel like philosophy and there are times when I read 3-5 pages and had no idea what the hell he was talking about.
The first book is not newbie friendly, but by the end of the second book, I think you will be hooked on the series. It is worth the time investment just to witness his incredible imagination. You just have to give it some time because you will not understand everything that is going on, particularly during the first book.
5. Does the series reach a satisfying conclusion?
Well this is really the million dollar question, isn't it? The series is 3.3 million words long, so it better deliver at the end, right?
I would say it does, when you look at it in the correct light. I did not know this going into the series, but basically this is one huge story from the world. It is not the only story from this world, and therefore there are many questions that are left unanswered, and characters whose stories are not yet done. But the story of The Bridgeburners does conclude in a satisfying way.
If you go in to this knowing that you're getting the story of The Bridgeburners, and not necessarily the story of every single character you meet (because hopefully those stories are still to be told) then you will enjoy the ending. It does wrap up in a satisfying way, and Erikson doesn't jerk the reader around with ambiguity at the end of the tale.
Overall, it's an incredible ride. And again, I think Erikson has created some of the best characters of all time, whether it be Kallor, Hellian, Kruppe, Onrack, or anyone else from a huge list of unique persons. I can't wait to read more from Erikson and Esslemont, and I would love to discuss these books and characters with other people who have read the series.
