Thank you Philip! So interesting how SE describes theme and his books as a way to attack his own beliefs because I’ve always come away from reading these books with a very sobering view of myself, which is one of the things I love about them. You can’t help but keep it real with yourself... interesting that he was doing that as a tool for himself as well. AP is also offering such great insights as well, and is always so interesting to listen to and the genuine friendship between him and SE shines through and seems to put him at ease, which makes it even more enjoyable. Thank all three of you for this video. Gonna finish, but wanted to let you know that I appreciate this conversation from you!
Thank you, Iskar! This is a long one, but, as you've observed already, there are some real gems in here from Erikson and A.P. It's so sure that reading Malazan is in many ways an exercise in self reflection, which is one of the many reasons why we love this series so much. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the video, my friend!
Always great to watch these kinds of conversations. Glad to see Father Ochre joining you and AP. The puns were on point :D More concretely: Philip, your handling of the flow of these conversations is amazing. Sometimes we take things for granted, but I want to tell you explicitly that you do a great job in this type of discussions. On a lighter note, an initial attempt at High House Wutube: Elders: - Father Ochre ( Erikson) - Father Verdigris ( Esslemont) Ascendants - Magi 1 ( Prof. F'ireb'all) - Magi 2 ( Dr. Ph'antasy) - Guardian of the Wutube ( Iskar Jarak) - Assassin ( Ruthan Badd) Feel free to add and modify
Thanks so much, Niflrog - I really appreciate it! I’m the flow man, and A.P. is the razzle-dazzle guy! 😁 There’s definitely room for more members of The House of WuTube, such as the Knight (Niflrog)!
Loved the way Erickson described leaving space in the narrative for Esselemont. Like a Jazz musician leaving space for another to fill in, riff and improvise and pass it back. Its what i enjoy most about the Malazan story right now. Its sooooo much fun. Love it. Bring on The Jhistal, Witness, and Walk in Shadow. Eagerly waiting to hear what gets played next.
Omg this just made my weekend. Every online Erikson sighting now feels like a victory over bad-faith bludgeoning and that's something I will always show up for.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy also I have seen Malazan on a lot of peoples top 10. It’s definitely on mine. And usually they ones who don’t have it haven’t read it yet
@@darren2880 It’s my number one. I also have seen it on many “best fantasy” lists online. Time Magazine totally dropped the ball with their “Top 100 fantasy” list, however.
Wow this was such a treat and a fantastic experiance to watch. Seeing Mr Erikson back was just so brilliant and as always watching him discuss his writing is a phenominal treat, as is having both you and A.P adding your own insights and contributions to the conversation. I cant wait to see the three of you discuss the entire series together when your reread is done. I think for that one you may need to break it into two parts lol. Such a great video for weekend, honestly this has made my weekend.
Thank you, Jack! I’ve started thinking about the big finale video already too, and I hope Erikson will join us. It also occurred to me that two parts might be wise! 😂
I love hearing Erikson talk about his books! You can tell he really listens to what people say about his books, and enjoys hearing the different ways people interpret what he's written. He may say what he intended to convey, but I never feel like he says a reader is wrong if they didn't quite take something the way he meant it. He just seems so respectful when he gives his explanations and intentions!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I enjoy it anytime D'Octor Ph'Antasii & P'Rofessor Fireballs have a chat with Mr Erikson. Always fun and full of insights, I learn so much.
I’m so grateful that you all are doing what you are doing with this read along. To have access to the thoughts of professional readers and such free and transparent access to the author is an unparalleled experience. You all have made my favorite fiction series even more enjoyable and meaningful than I could have ever wished. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Gabriel! Expressions of gratitude like yours in this comment are all I need to keep me going on this channel. It’s a privilege, of course, to talk with people like A.P. Canavan and Steven Erikson. But every interaction, every comment left by a viewer, has been a vital part of this experience for me. Cheers!
This was wonderful! I loved your question regarding the writing process for implementing themes, and I loved Erikson's response! I can already see examples in the first five books of how characters are in conflict with certain themes. You all addressed how certain themes that become prominent in a book can be identified in previous books. That's definitely been my experience for each book I've read! I'll notice a theme but then see its connection to previous books. It's a been a while now since I read Gardens of the Moon, but one theme idea that came to mind for me during this discussion was alliance. There were so many strange alliances in that book, shifting allies, and begrudging allies. I thought of the scene you mentioned between Lorn and Tattersail as one example. That might be a stretch, but that came to mind. Thanks for this wonderful discussion!
Thank you, Johanna! Alliance is definitely an important theme for Gardens of the Moon and the series as a whole, so great insight! I also loved Erikson’s response to the question about incorporating themes. It was a joy to talk with him and A.P.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Thankfully it is! At times when I have bad anxiety and need an escape the books and now the videos on youtube have been a great source for me of something to throw my mind into that feels rewarding and healthy. Something good to obsess over lol
I am so addicted to these videos as I'm doing my own series reread, so first of all thanks for what you do! It must feel great to state your opinions on themes of these books and have the author agree with you and build off your analysis to state his own opinions. I'm really enjoying A.P on these videos too and you guys work well together!
Thanks, Blake! The discussions with A.P. have been my favorite part of being on RU-vid, and having the chance to chat with Steven Erikson has been such an amazing honor, not to mention enriching for my experience of his books. I’m so glad the videos are enjoyable for you!
A month ago this popped up in my feed, after 10 minutes I closed the video and added to my watch later list, thus began my re-read of the series. Moved onto Bonehunters this week, so I came back to watch this half-way theme recap video, great insights. The second read of this series is such a different experience. Thank you for this upload and the resulting prompt to start the series again
Thank you for the wonderful comment, MrEtown! I’m happy the video spoke to you in that way. On the verge of completing my reread with A.P., I completely agree with you about how impactful the second read is. Every book blows me away. My very best to you as you continue your reread!
Did this video break the length record for Malazan videos? Loved the puntastic start and then the approach to writing themes within the books! This is perfect weekend listening material for me! 🥰
@@rupertcrump1312 haha, that was a mini heart attack :D but yeah, listening to some of my favourite people while struggling to make cake helps a lot with morale!
I likewise am learning so much from these conversations...delving into the thematic, and structural points has been so instructive and enjoyable. Cannot thank all three of you enough!
I’m very happy to hear this! The professor in me loves it when learning is happening, and I certainly learned a lot during the discussion. Thank you for the positive feedback!
A quick question, I will pose it to other Malaztubers. What author, living or dead, would you like to see let loose in the Malaz world and what would you like them to tackle?
Excellent question, though I suspect that, rather than being quick in answering, I could make a half hour video on this by myself, or if discussing it with A.P., we’d go on for an hour and a half. Anyway, how about Ursula Le Guin writing the story of a girl with talent becoming a mage?
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I would definitely watch that video Philip. 👍I left my own answers on Quick Jen's Kindly and Pores video. One of them is Tehol and Bugg in a post CG Lether written by Oscar Wilde.
Great discussion! And you savvily walked the line as host/moderator/participant. We're just all so damn lucky that Steve has made himself available to the community like this. So rich and rewarding.
Thank you! I wholeheartedly agree with you about how lucky we are that Steven Erikson has shared his insights with us in such an open and friendly way. Also, I love it when people use the word "savvily" in connection with anything I do, so thank you for making me smile!
I'm late to the party but we've finally finished watching this. Thank you! :) The puns were fantastic, and so was all the conversation. I'm very grateful for every single discussion you guys record! It'd be nice if you guys got SE to join the Crack'd Pot Trail discussion :P
Oh, that’s a wonderful idea, Rox! Then there would be three of us giving poor A.P. a hard time. 😁 I’m glad you enjoyed this discussion - even the puns! It was an incredibly enjoyable experience for me, and I’m happy if any other Erikson fans take pleasure from it. Cheers!
Another day, another Malazan video, and another round of P'Rofessor Fireballs puns. Thank you Philip for your opening question about Erikson's technique. It's always facinating to get insights into a fellow creative's process.
I loved Erikson's answer to that question. I keep picturing an old, worn-down barrow in the landscape, covered with wind-blown grass. Beneath the surface lies the theme.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy yes, that was a great way of explaining it. What resonated for me was also that what ever he tells us is his way of doing it and everybody else will have to figure out their own process. I think that's so true. If I would explain how I paint it would only be of limited use to others. Also explanations are nice but to learn a craft you have to practice it.
@@brush2canvas849 So true! Everyone works out their own approach to creative endeavors. Somehow, I enjoy learning about how the creative process unfolds for others too. There might be some reflection of myself even as I appreciate the differences.
Fantastic conversation again. I feel privileged being able to read the series almost alongside you and listen to your enriching discussions. Keep up the good work. Love from Hungary
Thanks so much for the kind words, and I’m happy that our discussions have been enriching for you. They have been crucial in deepening my appreciation and love for Malazan as well. Happy reading to you!
Wonderful discussion. Was wondering if you could possibly make a video on reading tips, such as how to read quicker coupled with increasing focus and comprehension. Thank you, and be well!
Thank you! I consider myself a slow reader because I’m always pausing to admire sentences. I know only one genuine tip for reading faster while increasing comprehension, and that is to read more and more until you get better. Pretty lame advice, I know. But I’m suspicious of people who claim to teach speed reading. Reading fast decreases comprehension and makes you miss details. I could be wrong, but that’s my take without having done any comprehensive research on the topic. Thank you for watching and commenting!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy My whole perception for reading changed, as I used to see it as a chore in school being forced to read books but as I get older and am discovering my interests I am finding reading to be a great hobby. I will continue to read, and hope to improve the skill. I just finished "Interview with the Vampire" by Anne Rice, and am starting Stephen King's "Dead Zone" now. You have a real gift for eloquently describing these stories, and I appreciate the work you put into these videos. Cheers!
Hello Dr. Chase! No fire puns from me, this video has reached its quota :) Just finished Midnight Tides yesterday so here I am. After reading through the comments I don't know how much I can add beyond everyone's already effusive praise but here goes. Philip -- perfect host/moderator (plus, bonus insight!) AP -- absolutely next level profound analysis Steve -- the Holy Father (joking but... lol) I just want to say how enjoyable these are. The insights into what you and AP think/feel, alongside the inner workings of Erikson's weird and crazy brain... it adds so much to my first-time reading experience. I can't even imagine reading these books with no extracurricular material, and I admire anyone who did. But I don't need to imagine it because I have you guys, plus so many other content creators. Last thought is I just keep coming back to Erikson and the gift he gives us with his time and transparency. It is a truly wondrous thing. I ALMOST enjoy listening to him talk (about... ANYthing) as much as I enjoy reading his books. Each book I finish, I rush to listen to the interview he does with the Ten Very Big Books podcast, videos like this, interviews wherever I can find them that won't spoil the later books. And it all just increases my love for the series, and makes me wonder what we did to deserve a gift like Erikson himself. Anyway please keep up the good work!! I'll be watching AP's Critical Convos from this book tomorrow I think, and then hopefully back here to your channel for more Malazan content as I get further into the series!
Hello, Chris. Your wonderful comments here are a perfect illustration of why we make these videos. Even without any fire puns. 😁 I’m so glad you enjoyed the discussion and took some things from it. Also, I completely agree with everything you wrote about A.P. and Steven Erikson. They are both brilliant and kind, making them pretty fun to hang out with. My very best to you as you continue to read the series!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Aw thanks sir! I'm glad that I can brighten your day a little and reaffirm your work here. See you on another video soon!
My favourite thing about the interviews with Steven Erickson... He’s perfectly happy to discuss themes from the Malazan series, but he’s already done the hard work writing them and letting his work speak for itself speaks enormously about the humble merit he gives himself.
"Hark Kaminsod! Witness the Summoning of Eri-Cke-Shon the Co-Creator, by A'ei-Pi the Hibernian APostate of Eri-Cke-Shon the Co-Creator and Philippos of Yaankeey, Oracles of the Malazan Co-Creators!" Thank you to you both, Professor Chase and Doc AP, for a great Midway Discussion! Always fun to get Erikson's own take on the themes and the writing process: Loved the metaphor of themes as a "Hidden enemy"/"Buried Underlying Structure"! As a tangent: I openly admit that one thing I love about (by many loathed) "Phantom Menace", is how the Ancient Ruins and the partial buried statues on Naboo almost without any Dialogue give Naboo both a feeling of a genuine, but Forgotten and Mysterious, Past (akin to Angkor Wat or Stonehenge) and an Atmosphere of Human and Societal Hubris worthy of Shelley's "Ozymandias", making it without any shame my favourite setting in Star Wars. As such, Erikson's masterful use of present but mysterious past in general and archeological features in particular, is one of my favourite features of his writing. Less serious: Since Doc AP has announced the "Death of the Author", does this offically give you both the title of "Literate Necromancers"?
The layers of the past Erikson presents in his books make up one of my favorite features of the series. It’s not just compelling world building - the past is almost a character influencing the present. Aren’t all critics necromancers of a sort, preying upon the corpses of all those dead authors (since the author is, of course, dead)? 😁
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Precisely that Professor: The Past not only makes the Physical Malazan World a Character of it's own and shapes/scars the characters and societies with Nostalgia and Past Trauma, but is a Character on it's very own, well put! I think many writers are good at showing how geography and societies shape individuals (and vice versa), but few manage to show the impact of the evolution of time on geography and societies, and some not even with individuals! Erikson masters them all!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Yes, it has felt like a somewhat feverish dream. I had some time on the plane recently, which helped. Basically all of my spare time over the past month has been poured into these novels. And we Australians have just entered full lockdown, so now I guess I will have even more time to dedicate to them. See you on the other end of The Bonehunters!
I was pleasantly surprised you mentioned witnesses wrt the Chain of Dogs ending. That's a great theme that I feel often goes unspoken or unnoticed by the readers and I was planning on pointing it out right before you did. It's also a theme that recurs in the (spoliers for Memories of Ice in replies)
Yes, witnessing is all over the place, both within the books and on a meta level between the reader and books. And that scene you mention is definitely one of the most powerful!
If its possible, can you please forward this message to Steven Erikson Sir, First, I loved the MALAZAN BOOK OF THE FALLEN series and I fell in love with the series since the 1st book and have kind of binged through the entire series in 7 Months. And at the end I was left with the feeling that I wanted more, not of all as many including Fiddler and the gang have earned a well earned rest but Ganoes Paran, he has so much potential and I just wanted to know if there are any plans for a spin off series that revolves around High fist Master of the Deck Ganoes Paran and his army perhaps discovering more of the different elder warrens with a new foe. I and many others would just love to see more of him.
Hello, Suryansh! That's a great suggestion, I think! I'll pass on the message the next time I have a chance to chat with Steven Erikson, though that might not be for a while. I'm happy to hear that you've found Malazan so immersive and awesome!
Starting House of Chains on June 1 with Mike’s Malazan Army so I’ll need to come back after another 2 books. Honestly I can’t imagine a better time to be a new fan of this series. Thanks for all the great content.
Our pleasure, and I wish you much fulfillment in your Malazan read - Mike’s read along is the perfect way for new readers to immerse themselves in the series!
Great discussion! Just starting on Bonehunters (first time Malazan reader) so this was a good discussion to propel me into the second half. Thank you to Philip, A.P. and Steven!
One theme I got from Gardens was the notion of “just following orders”. Very easy to sit in judgement, i.e Lorn being furious with Tattersail, but much harder to act when you’re in that situation, Lorn releasing Raest against her own morality.
Most definitely! The temptation to excuse conformity to wrong actions because we are all cogs in the wheel, denying personal responsibility in the process, is a big Malazan theme. Thanks for the excellent comment!
Currently nearing part 4 of Reapers Gale and I’m loving the content. I’ve burnt through this series, it’s made me read 500 pages yesterday. It’s already my new favourite. Thx for all the vids
Super interesting comments of A.P on walking in the other shoes. Amazes me how difficult is sometimes. It happens to me all the time not with Toc but Felisin. I know she's influenced by a mad goddess, that she had suffered a lot of things, and that she deserves compassion and everything around at a theoretical level. But somehow I cannot get over the times she's really so disgusting and emotionally sadistic with everyone during the desert traveling in Deadhouse Gates. And I admit it makes me feel bad. Because I feel real disgust for a character beyond the "empathy breaking point" when it's supposed to be redeemed in the eyes of the reader... I think it's because reminds me a lot of a real someone in my past... how powerful these books are, yeez
I agree with you on most of the things besides the crippled god. I'm halfway through the series. And i think its the opposite way. The crippled god is mentioned constantly. And you see him plotting and pulling strings. He is for me the constant presence that is looming over the story. But the chracters don't know about it. Besides Quick Ben. I loved it that way.
Thank you! As far as I can recall, we do not know the ages of the Sengar brothers. I assume that Tiste Edur can potentially live as long as Tiste Andii, but I don’t see anyone like an Anomander Rake among them. Trull and his brothers must have been born well after the events of the prologue since they are ignorant of them, or at least the “real” version of them, until later in the story. Characters who appear in Kharkanas and have some association with the Tiste Edur, such as Scabandari, have a god-like status among the Edur, again suggesting they are younger, though some might be thousands of years old. I’d love to ask Erikson your question!
Well it took a while but the quarter dropped (as they say in Dutch) about rejoice. The theme is central, where I had more of an issue with the plot, but the plot is not the point... Interesting as always, thanks for the discussion.
Hello there, Malazan nr1 Romanian reader and fan here, High Denul User Dr.Harp. I salute you! First of all i am happy to see Steven Erikson again! With your permission and help, have a question for Steve, and i belive you can ask him while going through Bonehunters. In the ending of the book, when Fid starts to play his fiddle and in process he's breaking his audience heart, well my heart was broken also. What i mean is , throughout the books ending by the time Travore returns to the ship, all the fighting , tragedy, delicious honor scenes, betrails, riots, blood , sword clashes and screams ,I had SONG in my head, telling me it was Fid singing, and the song was for those who fell but also for that night's events. Anywhay my question is this: Did Steven Erikson had a certain song in his mind when he wrote this? If he dad, what was the song?
Hello, Ofrim! That is an awesome question, and though I won’t have a chance to ask Steven Erikson, it’s possible that A.P. might. So, though I can’t promise an answer for sure, I’ll try to ask A.P. to ask Erikson so that we can tell you the answer when we do our spoiler discussion of The Bonehunters. Cheers!
I just finished Midnight Tides a couple of weeks ago so I’m just now getting to this video. I’m about 40 minutes in, but I wanted to pause to express my agreement on Mr. Erikson’s great character work. As I read, I come across a character and think I’m going to hate this guy but by the end of the book, I have some compassion or empathy for that character. While I might not agree with his or her actions, I understand in some cases what is driving the actions. Also, I don’t know what it says about me that I really want to read the Bauchelain and Korbal Broach novellas Mr. Erickson has written. I never expected to want to follow along with 2 necromancers. Lol. Should I wait to finish the 10 book series before reading the novellas?
I think you’d be absolutely fine to read the six published novellas (in volumes one and two) anytime now without fear of spoilers for MBOTF. You met Bauchelain and Korbal Broach in Memories of Ice, so the novellas will simply build on those characters with some of the most bizarre, uncomfortable, and hilarious scenes in the Malazan world. Happy reading, Carolyn!
Another excellent talk - thanks again as ever! Bit short though 😂 The layers and insights just keep piling up, as do the puns 😌 Very much looking forward to the next half, Kharkanas, Bauchelain and Korbal Broach , and hopefully sooner rather than later Rejoice 🤓 By that time we'll have several new books to talk about 😋
It was a bit of a pun-pile at the beginning, wasn’t it? There’s much to look forward to, and I will read Rejoice - I’m committed now since, when we weren’t recording, I told Steven Erikson I’d read it after I finished everything Malazan! And I look forward to it. We’ll try to make these a bit longer just for you, Rob! 😁
Have you ever considered converting these videos into a Podcast format? I enjoy watching/listening, but 2 hours is a bit long to sit in front of my laptop.
I’ve never done a podcast, but it sounds like a fun thing to try. Of course, you could wander around while the video plays on your laptop or phone without watching. You would miss seeing our handsome faces, though!😁
Chiming in on the last few minutes about plots and themes of the series. There plots that go through the books and varying themes, but the overall plot remains hidden for some time. It is this ambiguity that can both be enjoyable and frustrating. Would love to read some of the theories banded about when the books were first published. And I think verisimilitude is the P'rofessors ochre.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy And if you Google the word.the example given is 'the detail gives the novel some verisimilitude.' But it is just one of those words that will jump out to me now.
It’s interesting that Erikson seems to have considered himself *obligated* to squeeze two books together in The Bonehunters. I wonder if he ever considered making the series eleven books instead!
@@captainbritain7379 from what he said here and looking at the size of the latter books im guessing either he didnt or couldnt. Obviously i am always in favour of more Malazan from Stephen Erikson or Ian C Esslemont so I wish he could have had more books but maybe he just didnt need it outside of this instance?
I bet he could’ve written twenty books if he’d wanted to. I’m content with the ten we have, but, of course, there’s Kharkanas and The God is Not Willing coming too!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Yes i plan to backtrack and Read Kharkanas when the 3rd is up for pre-order and THe God is Not Willing after I finish Assail by ICE. We have been blessed by a wealth of Malazan and I cant wait to devour all of it lol
It was a ton of fun for me. We talked a while longer after recording, and I felt like we could’ve chatted for hours and hours more. I hadn’t even realized just how long the recorded discussion was!
It's always nice to know you have materials to pass your 2hrs driving especially with something like that. Great as always and especially I liked how AP pull the light in the right direction so we can see the play of Shadow in this series
One VERY tangential question which has come to mind after seeing the trailer for Edgar Wright's Sparks documentary on the Mael brothers is... did that band factor in the name of our favorite aquatic god?
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy What little of that video I watched was rather illuminating (couldn't watch too much, as I have only read 2.333... Malazan books so far). But it is bookmarked for when I do manage to get thru the 1st five. (Currently tackling Hobb's Farseer, amongst other things)
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Will do. It has been since these books first came out that I read them. Barely recall them at all, just remember that I was utterly enthralled by them. I'm reading them and taking notes on how she writes character, studying her as a prime example of expert character work. And her prose is definitely as wonderful as Guy Gavriel Kay or Tad Williams, so that is inspirational as well.
The puns great. Imass a lot of them. We’re just trying to have a goat time. That’s all I have to say about Driss. I lied I can still Jhag around. I will not be Chained. Sorry to Bugg you.
Gotta love how Steven 'Stoneface' Erikson just sat there plotting through that whole introduction. I do wonder though, is this the start of something new or just a pun off?
AP during the MOI discussion be channeling my favorite long dead, totally non controversial German bearded boi "Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please; they do not make it under self-selected circumstances, but under circumstances existing already, given and transmitted from the past. The tradition of all dead generations weighs like a nightmare on the brains of the living."
Estou empezando a ler Malaz, e non lle vexo ningunha dificultade á lectura, non entendo como todo o mundo di que o 1* libro non hai quen o entenda. Considero que está moi claro, incluso o proceso de entender o que son as sendas
Thank you Philip! So interesting how SE describes theme and his books as a way to attack his own beliefs because I’ve always come away from reading these books with a very sobering view of myself, which is one of the things I love about them. You can’t help but keep it real with yourself... interesting that he was doing that as a tool for himself as well. AP is also offering such great insights as well, and is always so interesting to listen to and the genuine friendship between him and SE shines through and seems to put him at ease, which makes it even more enjoyable. Thank all three of you for this video. Gonna finish, but wanted to let you know that I appreciate this conversation from you!
Thanks, Iskar! As you say, Erikson and A.P. offer some real gems in this discussion. That’s a great insight about how reading Malazan encourages self reflection, and I’ve experienced that too. I hope you enjoy the rest of the chat!
