Wonderful to get a sense of your Malazan journey here, Johanna, and I'm excited to hear much more in a few hours when we get together with our friends!
Thank you, Michael! I’m still riding emotional wave from having finished the series in late December. Later this week, I also plan to have a non-spoiler discussion video on the series as well. :)
I have yet to tackle this series, but heard so many great things, but also that it is among the most difficult of reads. How do you compare its difficulty/accessibility to Bakker's Prince of Nothing series, or Frank Herbert's Dune books, or GRRM's A Song of Ice and Fire?
Fascinating. I’m very tempted to read this series, having gotten back into fantasy again recently. I had a copy of Gardens of the Moon years ago but never got round to reading it. Thanks for the really comprehensive overview
I am like you, I absolutely loved Gardens of the Moon. I am almost halfway through the second book, and it’s really picking up the last couple of chapters, but so far I’m not liking it quite as much as Gardens of the Moon. Which I know, is opposite to most people, who say that the series really went next level with Deadhouse Gates. I wonder if it’s because a lot of people felt overwhelmed by Gardens of the Moon and thought it was very complex. Personally, I didn’t think so , so I just loved it. I’m hoping Deadhouse Gates is now revving up and going to end up being even better than Gardens of the Moon, that would be wonderful, and doubly wonderful if the series continues to get better with each book. I hear Memories of Ice is one of if not The best of the bunch. Johanna Keep up the great work, this video is great, I don’t think I’ve seen anyone do just a spoiler free retrospective across all the 10 books like this. I really like this.
Thank you so much! It does sound like our experiences of those first two books are very similar. The end of Deadhouse Gates is impactful, and I think you will enjoy Memories of Ice! I hope you enjoy your continuation through the series, and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts so far!
Hi Johanna! I recently discovered your channel, thanks to Philip Chase. Thanks for this overview of Malazan! It is the first time that I have felt confident that I should dive in to the series. Like you mentioned, Malazan has an intimidating reputation and I had my own hesitation after initially starting the first book. Looks like it is back on my TBR. Thanks, again!
Scotty, thank you so much for watching and sharing your experience. Even knowing I missed many things as a first-time reader, I found this series rewarding and awe-inspiring! Wishing you a wonderful Malazan journey!
Gardens of the moon is underrated. I really loved it! You are right. The moment you finish it , you feel like reading it again. Didn't like Deadhouse Gates much. But, Memories of Ice has a great first half where I am currently now.
Thank you, Angie! I’m impressed that you didn’t like Deadhouse Gates and decided to continue. Memories of Ice is very different than the previous two, and they keep changing from there. Please let me know when you finish Memories of Ice. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’m relatively new into SFF but I haven’t encountered story telling like this before. After reading it, the structure and constraints a lot of other stories abide to has become so apparent while reading them. These constructs are obviously there for a reason but it’s definitely eye opening and refreshing to see something so different. I couldn’t imagine trying to predict what happens next in one of these books, things just happen and you go with it. Like, I’m just a few hundred pages into DoD but he’s still introducing and exploring the themes through dozens on new characters, tribes and whatever the hell The Snake is. I don’t think things being so thematic and the plot so obscure and would work if he didn’t reward us with some serious emotional payoff but he has every single time so far. When you get to the last 200 pages of a Malazan book you know that some serious shit is about to happen. I think the way he builds tension in his climaxes and big actions pieces is a super underrated element in his writing. The waiting is unbearable at times unbearable, I feel like a dog that knows it’s about to fed lol. For some downsides, some of the individual plot lines can fall flat if you aren’t able to pick up on their thematic importance. That’s definitely happened to me a few times. There’s also times where character motivation seems super abstract and distant from the reader. I mentioned unpredictability before and I think it’s both a strength and weakness. Before, I would have said that there are some seemingly important plot events that occur and are then never mentioned again but a few of those have actually been brought up early into book 9 so I’ll hold off on that criticism. The good far outweighs the bad though and it’s easily been my favourite fantasy series so far. Would love to see future authors that take inspiration from him.
Fantastic insights about this series! I’m constantly finding more things to appreciate in Erikson’s writing, and you are so right about the way he is able to build tension. Interesting what you said about individual plot lines falling flat if unable to identify thematic importance. That’s true, which is why I think having discussions can really bring some of those into perspective-they have for me anyway, especially when contrasting those plot lines with themes in other storylines. Identifying character motivation might drive some reader crazy if they’re used to a lot of fantasy that makes that so blatantly clear at times. I think I’ve grown fond of having constant intrigue in that area. Thanks for sharing all of that!
Thank you, Chas! It truly is the book I look forward to rereading the most. So many echoes throughout the rest of the series from that book. I can't wait to hear more of your Malazan thoughts as you continue the series!
Such a wonderful video, I loved hearing your thoughts on each book individually and the series as a whole. It sounds like these books were very moving and impactful for you, like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I thought I would never start this series, because it just sounded so dense and intimidating, but hearing you talk about it made me reconsider that and I am actually eager to give it a shot now. I am trying to go in with zero expectations and we'll just see how it works out for me. Still don't know when I will get to it, but I hope sooner rather than later. Thanks for sharing this video, I really enjoyed it, Johanna :)
Thank you, Esmay! It's not a series I recommend lightly or for everyone, but some of the intimidation factor might be overblown. Most people hear about the density of the books and then they're surprised to find Gardens of the Moon much more readable than they expected. I do recommend checking trigger warnings for the series, but otherwise, going in with an open mind is the way to go! I would love to hear about your journey through the books when the time is right!
@@Johanna_reads I can't wait to share my thoughts when I finally get to it. Thank you for all the wonderful content you have put out on this series already ;)
Thank you Johanna. I’m about two thirds through Dust of Dreams and have been reflecting on the series thus far with much emotion. I have so much appreciated your thoughts as well as those of whom you mentioned on the other channels. I can’t wait to head over to Jimmy’s channel to hear what you and the group have to say about Dust of Dreams. I’m so grateful for these resources that have made my experience so much richer and understandable!!
Thank you, Michael! There is truly nothing like this series. It brought me to tears so many times. I’m excited for you to be so close to the end of Malazan Book of the Fallen and hope you feel satisfied with it. Thanks for your support!
Thanks you for this video, I'm even more excited about reading this series, I'm about half way through Gardens... I can kick myself, a friend has been urging me for at least a decade to read Steven Erikson. There are three series I must finish while on this planet, and those are The Book of the Fallen, Wheel of Time and Proust's In Search of Last Time.
I'm so excited you're on the journey now! I think there is no better time, considering the wealth of discussion now happening on the series. Hope you enjoy your time!
A very nice summing-up, Johanna! Like you, ranking the novels is very difficult. Looking back, though, I see that GotM, DG, BH, TtH and the two concluding volumes impacted me the most. It will be some time before I'll reread them, because I'm reading Esslemont and Janny Wurts' Wars of Light and Shadow series (which I think you'll love...), but when I do, it will be quite an experience!
Wonderful to hear which ones impacted you the most! I'm hoping to get into some of the Esslemont books this year, either Night of Knives or the start of Path to Ascendency. Wars of Light and Shadow sounds amazing, but also quite the undertaking. I might wait a while before starting that one, but I hope you enjoy your time reading it!
I read GoTM and i loved it! Malazan feels so...tense compared to other fantasy series. It feels like every chapter has a higher purpose. I am really excited to continue with the series!! I will be watching all your Malazan content as i go. :) Happy reading!
I’m so glad you loved Gardens of the Moon! I love what you said about every chapter having a higher purpose! I remember feeling that way as well. I hope you enjoy the journey!
Really interested in the Malazan series but it's going to be a while before I can start on them. I can't watch all the spoiler videos/discussions out there until then but for now I'm glad you've posted a no spoiler one, so thank you for that.
Thank you so much! I've had friends say, "I want to watch your Malazan videos but can't yet," so I thought it would be great to share a non-spoiler one. Another one is coming soon as well!
Wonderful video Johanna! I read the entire MbotF recently for the 1st time as well, and I found my experience echoed yours in many ways. I also find I keep going back to think about some of the events in Memories of Ice & Reaper's Gale. Now as I read works by other authors, I keep looking for similar depth and nuance that reading Erikson taught me. The other great part about reading MbotF is the tremendous community here on BookTube! I gained so many insights from watching yourself and others discuss these novels. It's definitely helped increase my enjoyment of the series. Thanks again!
I appreciate hearing your experience! This series has been so amazing for reflection, discussion, and community. Erikson’s writing has also made me more interested in different narrative approaches or in-depth explorations in fantasy and other genres. Thanks!
I greatly appreciate your spoiler-free discussion here, especially the mentions of conflicts and themes. I'm late on my goal of starting the series, beyond looking over the first few pages of Garden of the Moon, but I'm hoping to get to it soon. Not only do I want to experience the series, but I feel like I've been missing out on one of the best part of BookTube by not being able to watch the spoilery videos about the Malazan books.
Thank you, Jeremy! It is a huge adjustment considering what we're used to in fiction. Malazan Book of the Fallen deconstructs following one main POV or small group of perspectives or any normal approach to fantasy narratives. It's not for everyone, but I'm so grateful for what it did for me.
@@Johanna_reads That changing POV concept reminds me of the animated series for Star Wars: Clone Wars. I'm glad I heard the discussion and know if before going in, because if you're not expecting it, it could really be enough of a shock to turn it into a negative.
@@jeremyfee I almost DNF’d the series after book 2 because the world and character list expansion seemed too much for my brain, but I then learned it wasn't necessary to read in the manner of attaching to one thing. Once I started to focus more on theme and what was on the page before me, it started to flow more for me. Still hard not to grasp at making sense of everything--or maybe impossible not to--as a first time reader.
I'm slowly getting through R Scott Bakker's 7 books but enjoy the world building and sense of immersion very much - would you recommend these books for these things too?
100% yes, I would! MBotF is probably the most immersive fantasy I've ever read. I'm loving Bakker's books so far, and I hope you enjoy Erikson as well!
Great video! I'm finishing up another series (The Expanse) before I dive back into Malazan and Memories of Ice. Looking forward to getting into this series more steadfastly.
I'm reading through for my first time and am absolutely loving it! I'm looking at throwing in Esselmont's books at appropriate times (already did Night of Knives). Currently in the middle of Deadhouse Gates and am just in love. it's heavy, but the themes are so good. I have already teared up with just the weight and cost of the journey in that book... I cannot wait to finish and continue in the series. Thanks for your thoughts!
I'm sure that I will eventually pick this series up, but I'm focused on Stormlight Archive right now, and I plan to read Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings first as well. I read Wheel of Time series for the first time in 2020, so I know the sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing such a large series! Great job, and thanks for sharing!
Great video! I am currently reading Toll the Hounds (almost to 300) and I am really enjoying the series but I am already looking forward to rereading the series because I know I missed so much. I need to take notes while reading but I find that so hard to do when I am trying to fit in pages randomly during the day.
Thank you! I can relate! I did take a copious amount of notes for several of the books, but even then, I know I missed so many things and just accepted that after a while. I’m sure a reread will be an amazing experience, but it’s still pretty fantastic the first time. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series!
Thanks for sharing your journey here! Malazan is a long series so it's interesting to get a perspective on how each book click w different readers. I'm currently reading the bonehunters and I'm really enjoying it, definitely agree it feels like more is happening faster than in previous books.
Thank you, Maddy! The Bonehunters is relentlessly action-packed! I agree that it's fascinating to hear different perspectives on each book. I hope you enjoy the rest of the rest of the series!
Loved hearing about your Malazan-story! When i read Gardens of the Moon, there wasn't any booktube yet. I was hesitant at first because it was military stuff, but i bought the rest of the series as soon as i got to Kruppe's part, from that moment on i knew this was for me. And after finishing the Crippled God, i immediatly started Gardens of the Moon again 🤗.
I might be dusting off my Gardens of the Moon copy soon. Haha! I hear what you mean. It's so amazing how this is military fantasy, but it's also so much more and can appeal to so many different type of readers. Thank you so much! 😊
Thanks for sharing this. I’m in the middle of “Midnight Tides.” I knew nothing of Malazan except that it was recommended to me. I’m loving it, but also trying to pace myself at a book a month. I’ve played D&D and GURPS. My understanding is that many of the characters and events come from Erikson and Esselmont’s GURPS games.
Midnight Tides is amazing! I'm so excited to hear you're enjoying the series so far, and I think that a slow, even pace is the way to go. True about GURPS though I know so little about that system of gaming. Thanks!
Wonderful overview!! I'm halfway through GOTM and I'm loving it. I took a lot of reviewers advice and just dove in with no expectations. The biggest compliment I can give the first novel so far is that it immerses you in its world, I'm taken away for however long I'm reading it. It's an intense feeling. I was initially going to break up each novel with different book altogether but I just might read the series continuously until the end. I'll let you know. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Nigel! I agree with how immersive the series is even as early as Gardens of the Moon. There were times I'd stop reading and feel like I just left a dark theater awestruck that it's bright outside or suddenly nighttime. I hope you enjoy the journey!
Love your take on Gardens, the further I got in the series the more I felt that Gardens was a lot better than people give it credit for, and now having read it a 2nd time just recently it's even better this time around. I'd heard some grumblings about how Malazan is super hard to get in to but I'm glad I wasn't swayed, when I realized most of the confusion is basically about Erikson not holding your hand with endless exposition I felt stupid for almost not giving the books a chance since I love this approach to worldbuilding and storytelling. Shoutouts to Caladan Brood, the metal band. If I hadn't randomly discovered them years before even knowing what Malazan is, I'd probably have missed out on reading this absolute masterpiece.
Thank you for sharing that! I just recently reread the prologue to Gardens of the Moon and felt like the words sparkled off the page. I really think Erikson set things up beautifully. I really need check out Caladan Brood, the metal band. I've heard great things!
@Johanna I heard that these books stay with you long after you finish them. I felt the same way about Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun. I had such a profound reading experience that I needed something equally fulfilling to get my hands on after BotNS. I'm so glad I found your video and, by extension, this series.
@@jer2dabear They really do stay with you! I’m still deeply feeling the impact of the series over a year later. I really want to get to BotNS at some point within the next year or two. Thanks!
I agree with you regarding book 1 & 2. Loved 1 struggled with 2. By book 3 I was hooked, and for the rest of the series regretted not paying better attention to 2. Upon reread, I believe book 2 is a masterpiece! BTW, I read this series for the first time whilst it was being written. I didn’t know a soul who read it at the time. Was on an island. Cheers
This was really interesting! I feel like I’m going to be sending you lots of messages when I start my Malazan journey haha. Great video as always, Johanna!
Send them my way! 😅 I camped out in the Malazan section of Allen's discord for some of the books. Wonderful, non-judgmental help there too! Thanks, Zara!
It was great hearing your experience with this series! I wish I had continued with DG a lot sooner after GotM, but I also feel that it came at the right time and made me fall in love with the writing and the world. I'm currently in MoI, and I am loving it too. I definitely agree that these books stick with you and have so much to unpack and explore. I'm only 2.5 books in, and I know it's just the tip of the iceberg but I'm already in awe of this world and these books. ❤
Thank you so much! I cannot wait to hear more of your thoughts as you continue the series. The fact you're loving the first three books is a great sign for loving the rest of the series! I just recently reread the prologue to Gardens of the Moon, and the words sparkled off the page. It's amazing the way you build context as you read on and look back at previous things in a new way. Happy reading! 🤍
It was great hearing about your Malazan experiences, Johanna! I'm hoping to begin this series late this year or early next year. It sounds like there are many deep themes to explore here!
Thank you, Ryan! Gardens of the Moon, Book 1 is less theme-driven, but the other books become more and more theme-intensive. Erikson explained in a video that he actually starts with theme when he writes and layers characters and story over the themes. Would love to hear your thoughts when you start!
@@Johanna_reads That's so great to hear that Erikson begins with theme when crafting his books! I wish more authors would use this approach; it tends to lead to richer stories!
I'm on Memories of Ice, and so far my feelings about each book have been very similar to yours. Unlike you, I went in to the series knowing a lot about it- no plot points other than a character name or two, mainly I just knew that the series is notorious for being potentially confusing/hard to follow, that Gardens of the Moon is considered to be a "rough" start and the hardest to read, and that the books jump around a lot and don't always continue on with the characters/locations of the previous books. I actually think that knowledge made me enjoy it even more, as I went into the first book expecting to have to force myself to push through it... but much like you, I found Gardens of the Moon to be a great read! Personally, I love that feeling where a story is going crazy and you have no idea what's going on (when done well, of course), and really enjoy being forced to try to piece things together. Deadhouse Gates was a bit slower to pull me in, but by the end I liked it even more than Gardens of the Moon. The first book was really fun and just incredibly intriguing, but ultimately Deadhouse Gates felt more thematically rich to me and had much more impactful moments overall. I'm a little over half way through Memories of Ice right now, and I am enjoying it so so much. I seriously won't be surprised if by the end this is my new favorite fantasy series. It's like the third book takes all the best elements of the first two books and mashes them together, and then turns the dial up to an 11 and adds awesome new elements. Can't wait to finish and progress through the series! And to give an idea of where I'm standing with each book in the series so far: * Gardens of the Moon: PLOT: 8/10 ||| PROSE: 9/10 ||| CHARACTERS: 9/10 ||| WORLD: 10/10 ||| PACING: 8/10 * Deadhouse Gates: PLOT: 9/10 ||| PROSE: 9/10 ||| CHARACTERS: 9/10 ||| WORLD: 10/10 ||| PACING: 8/10 * Memories of Ice (so far): PLOT: 10/10 ||| PROSE: 10/10 ||| CHARACTERS: 10/10 ||| PACING: 10/10 Memories of Ice is easily shaping up to be an all time favorite book in the genre, and I'm only like 65% of the way through it!
Thank you for sharing this, Colin! With the way you described your experience so far, I also wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up becoming your favorite fantasy series! I still can’t stop thinking about it 8 months later. The books have a way of staying with you, and Erikson is brilliant in how he gets you to reflect back on events in previous books through later books, always deepening the context. Wishing you a wonderful Malazan journey!
Having finished House of Chains recently, Midnight Tides is a breath of fresh air (not that I disliked HoC). Although, I still have no idea where the story is going!
Re-read when? You make a great point, returning back to earlier parts with a new perspective makes them better. About DoD and that infamous scene. On re-read a certain character was introduced and I instantly remembered that part and felt my heart sink.
I don’t know when I’ll reread the series because I still need to read other series in the Malazan world, but maybe soon or maybe later. I just know I have to at some point. That scene is so devastaing.
There was always something off for me with the old cover art for The Bonehunters and it just hit me: the geography of Malaz city! It's either been flipped or the artist never even looked at the map. (Or were the maps only added in later editions?)
Soooo.... this sounds really interesting, big series. You mentioned that it was a relief from the hard magic systems you'd been reading, is it a soft magic system? I feel like those are harder to find for some reason, at least for me anyways.
I would say there is a magic system. There are boundaries and consequences, but it's not too heavily explained and much is still strange and mysterious to me, which I personally appreciate. This is personal preference, but I get easily fatigued when everything is very spelled out and action is interrupted to explain more.
I too had never heard of this series before I first read it. I'd actually only picked up Gardens of the Moon because of a metal band named "Caladan Brood" that I really enjoyed. I found out that their music was based on Malazan, so I thought I'd check it out. I never imagined I was in for such a powerful read. On a first read through, I was all in for Karsa Orlong - I could never get enough! After a second read, I'd say my favorites are the Genabackis books - Gardens of the Moon, Memories of Ice, Toll the Hounds. I found TtH especially very moving.
Really enjoyed your thoughts on the series. I’m on my second read through and it’s as cool and nuanced as I’d hoped. Totally agree the Gardens of the Moon is better than it gets credit for. Subscribed.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy thanks buddy. Mostly better. still a bit shit after a long day of work and I sure which quarantine was still 14 days instead of the politically/economically motivated 5-10 days.
I'm on my first read. Just about to start The Bonehunters. So far I'd say this series has quickly become my favorite series of all time. And I'm only halfway through. I can't wait to start the second half.
This was very helpful, Johanna! I admit that I wish I could go into the series without any preconceived notions, but I’m hoping that won’t negatively skew my outlook! January has been a tough reading month, so I’m only halfway through GotM, but I’m hopeful that I’ll finish it soon. I’ll try to take your advice and not leave too much time between books 😅
Thank you, Sarah! I'm so excited to hear your thoughts along the way! No rush to finish Gardens of the Moon or immediately pick up the next book. Honestly, I don't know if for me it would have made a massive difference as far as retaining details, but I am learning that focusing on fewer series at a time generally works better for my brain! 😅
Update from me, finish GOTM, loved it, fell in love with the characters and the way everything comes together. Now into the first few chapters of book 2, DHG, life is good
Hooray! Thank you for the update! I saw that there will be a liveshow for Gardens of the Moon on the channel Steve Talks Books tomorrow at 11am EST. Thought I'd mention it in case you're interested!
Oh man! I've been really feeling like picking up Deadhouse Gates more and more recently! I just have so much I have to read for uni but I really want to pick it up! 💚
The first time thru I really liked this series, after a reread I decided it was the best story I ever read. Seriously, it makes so much more sense the second time through.
I can only imagine right now, but I'm sure I'll experience that someday! I know just rereading the prologue of Gardens of the Moon was incredible and emotional. Thanks!
Great series, I've read it years ago and loved it. I will begin "The God is not willing" in few days. Unfortunally Esselmont is not published in Italy yet. I hope it will be in the future to complete the experience. My compliments about the video.
Thank you! I didn't realize that Esslemont's books are not yet available in Italy. I hope that changes soon. I'm picking up The God is Not Willing in about a month or two and am so excited for it. Enjoy!
"You can put them into a ranking order for me" -- nice try Johanna!😂😂 Very interesting to hear your thoughts. Since I decided to continue reading Malazan I'm very curious about how other Malazan readers experience the series. Like you I loved GoM. But Deadhouse Gates and I will not be friends. That book gave me so much grief that I will most likely skip it if I reread the series. Thank you, for sharing Johanna!
Hahaha! I thought it would be an interesting thought-experiment. 😁 Deadhouse Gates does have some heavy stuff, and it’s always interesting to hear individual experiences of each book in the series. Thanks!
Hello me again I've started Toll the Hounds, the preceding books in the serious have been nothing shy of phenomenal. I don't think I'll be able to read anything other than Erikson again. Mainly because the characters are all lovable and instantly memorable. I read Return of the Crimson Guard before I started Toll the Hounds. I enjoyed it but not like Erikson, too many differences and for some reason the characters take more time to creep into your heart. Coming back to Eriksons after Esslemont seemed like coming home. Anyway, back into the Book of the Fallen series and won't touch the Path to Acendancy series until I'm done. Take care until next time.
@Johanna aye, and then on to the Kharkanas and First Tale of Witness. And then I'd like to listen to the audio book series. The narrator of the Malazan series has done a great job in my options.
I'm not even finished the series, yet its already solidified itself as a Top 5 favourite fantasy series for me. I'll be resuming once I've caught up on the Stormlight Archive though I might wait a week or after Rhythm of War to pick up Reaper's Gale.
I read paperback for everything except The Crippled God. I read that one mostly on ebook because I was traveling, and I found it so much easier for notetaking and highlighting (if you're into that sort of thing). :)
not best - gardens of the moon worst - error best - yes having read the series more time than i can count, my ranking has changed each time with the only constant being that gardens was never top - it depends on who you are at the time of reading, and the next time you read you will have changed
Gardens of the Moon didn’t take me to the emotional extremes some of the other books did, but it will always have a special place in my heart for introducing me to this world and filling me with a sense of indescribable wonder.
Who knows. One day you may do vids on hearing __________ (a composer's) symphony series. Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, Dvorak, Bruckner, Mahler, Sibelius, Nielsen, Vaughan Williams, Shostakovich et al. That bunch. :-). Have fun reading the other books in the Malazan series. One day u may become an expert. :-)
@@Johanna_reads Didn't say 0 re on this channel per say. However, somethin' to think about, perhaps. ... Readin' thru all those Malazan books is an achievement. Dunno if I'd have the patience to read all those millions of words.
