Spoiler Chat: Midnight Tides (Book 5 of Malazan Book of the Fallen) with Philip Chase 

Happy to be able to listen to these as I finish each book now. Feels like unlocking an achievement. Platinum level dad joke "shadow of his former self." Well done.

I began laughing when I got to that conversation where Warrens are being explained - five books in! It was nice to know that what I thought I understood about warrens was pretty accurate at lease!

Ha ha! Brilliant thumbnail, my friend! Of course, you realize that anytime you invoke D’Octor Ph’Antasii, his brother from another mother P’Rofessor Fireballs is sure to appear! 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 And don’t forget the apostrophes - I thought we agreed on the apostrophes! 😁😁😁

The best thing about reread is connecting dots from different books. My favorite is realising that Thardaas Buhn is the same Tise Eidur we saw in Memory of Ice. The one Quick Ben found near Coral.

I feel so stupid. OF COURSE the god of the seas didn’t get rid of all that flood water under the palace simply because he’s a more competent engineer!

Great discussion, as always! I always learn something new from your conversations. And thank you so much for the share! I feel very honored to have received a shout-out from the great D’octors! 😊🙏

The Mael arc was probably the most enjoyable just to see all of the hints dropped all over the place that were almost painfully obvious. But regarding themes and the notion of compassion, while many authors beat you over the head with their opinions, the ghost of the this one poses a lot of 'what if....' questions leaving the reader to answer them which I find immensely entertaining.

*The State of the truce is strong* ( at least while those War Mules are available to the Canavalians...) The Counsellor and I have this running joke on Iskar's Discord: how does Silchas KNOW Hood has balls? There's just one reasonable answer: Silchas Ruin, Jaghut proctologist...

I always come away from your guys’ videos with a deeper and richer understanding of the books, learning about things I never picked up on. It helps me appreciate the series even more. An absolute pleasure to watch.

I am on my 3rd read-through of the Malazan book of the fallen, and every time I find more to enjoy in the storytelling. These books are not diminished by prior knowledge, and I believe the spoilers are more likely to add to the enjoyment than subtract from it. You should definitely keep labelling the "spoiler talks" as such, but I would guess that many readers will find that the spoilers add to the experience. I very much enjoy these videos because they fill the need to reflect on the story I have been reading. Thank you very much, both of you!

Another awesome video, thank you gents! I CAN NOT wait for the "Spoiler Chat" for Forge of Darkness and Fall of Light. Oh and Orb Scepter Throne and Blood and Bone. Outside the main 10 but they wrecked me as well.

I just finished this book and continued my ritual of devouring every discussion on it. Starting, of course, with yours! Mr. Erikson continues to blow me away with his ingenious writing and creativity. I understand why so many people struggle to rank the books because each one is brilliant for different reasons. I enjoyed some of the exchanges with Pust and his wife in HoC, but Tehol and Bugg in this book brought about much smiling and a few hearty laughs. One such exchange I highlighted takes place when Tehol and Bugg go to get Shurq from the fancy brothel she is working at. It goes like this... Tehol opened the door and stepped into the room. Behind him, Bugg hissed, ‘Errant take me, look at all the breasts!’ The wall panels and ceiling continued the theme begun on the wooden railing, a riotous proliferation of mammary excess. Even the floor beneath the thick rugs was lumpy. Even re-reading it while typing it out made me audibly laugh. "A riotous proliferation of mammary excess" might be the funniest thing I have ever read in a book. On top of his brilliant action, his amazing characterization and brilliant world building, he's this funny too. We truly are spoiled to live in a time where we get to read his works. Can't wait to get to Bonehunters and then back to your chats with Dr. Chase, and scene break downs with Mr. Erikson. Cheers, A.P.!

My wife had to go out of town for work so I'm consuming all the content I missed out on the past few weeks. It's been three hour+ long AP conversations in a row and work has never flown by so quick! This community y'all built is simply awesome for conversation starved people everywhere 😁

I am on my first read of the Malazan series, having just started it a few months back and when I'm reading now I don't spend time on the themes as much and try and enjoy / figure out the plot more, but I loved this video as it really showed me the deeper aspects of the book and the meaning behind so much of the dialogue, interactions, and characters. For a young reader like me, this is a great experience and I'm thankful that both of you were able to provide it for us

Watching this in 2023 with the global conflicts in play, and the themes in this book were incredibly relevant.

One of my favourite of the series. The complexities of clashing cultures was more poignant on this reread. Canada is coming to terms with the very recent atrocities of residential schools and cultural genocide 😢. Thank you for the great video.

Love it, I know no one in my surroundings that have read or are read this books, feeling like i am having friends accompanying me through this journey.🙏 I would be very interested to here the two of you dissecting Gene Wolfs- book of the new sun

It’s great to see another video from you, Professor Fireballs! :)

The continuing adventures of Doctor Fantasy and Professor Fireballs. A Life in the Night. A heavy thrum could be felt, travelling through the floor and walls of the room, oppressive in aspect. The raised floor ahead barely hidden behind faded curtains, ghosts of entertainment past, worn and marked. Fireballs stood, leaning against the frame, a crackling voice announcing his arrival to the crowd. Thinner yet again. Like myself. Damn you Fantasy. Why could the man never be on time? Scattered applause in the room, the crackling voice yet again. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together for the Prestidigitator of the Prologue, the Dissector of Dialogue, Professor Firebaaaaaals" A flash of light, the curtains fluorescing, flowing and twitching as if alive and seeking to flee to the shadows, yet held aloft by the heavy iron rod above. Music begins to play, jangling, discordant. Fucking U2 again. Second album. Second track. Hood's balls the irony. A sharp intake of breath, Fireballs leans forward. Once more into the breach. The dark blot ahead, the shadow of the podium awaiting him. He reaches out to the curtain ahead.. Speak. Must speak. The stage. A hand grips his shoulder, slowly turning him around. Square spectacles, pipe, dinner jacket. Of course. "Did you miss me?", Fantasy whispers with a grin. Bastard. Fireballs rubs his eyes with the back of his hands. "Last night I think, the crowd is lean, ever more so since Steven has left us for all that poetry.." "So you always say, yet here we are. You know the faith is unsustainable by Booktube alone. The populace will always need the living voice of multi-layered ambiguity." "Ah, so we say. But they taunt us so. Did you not hear the opening music?" "Professor doctor professor, even if there is but one of them, we must speak, our voices the rings spreading across the water after the striking of the stone." "Yes, but still, the last night my dear doctor professor doctor, for me at least, for I have just now ascertained the deepest truth in the Book of the Fallen. For though it has the gilt and trappings of the fantastic, it illuminates the present in theme and scope, exposing us for the suppurating pestilence we are." Fantasy was silent a moment. "Doctor professor professor doctor, you don't mean to say that Malazan is...science fiction? Have we been...wrong all this time?" "Yes", sighed Fireballs, "I think, professor professor doctor professor sir, we may have some backpedaling to do." He glanced at the curtain. "Drink, Sergeant Tweedy?" "Don't mind if I do, Corporal O'chre"

I didn't expect this book to be so great being set in a whole new location and with a new cast. Great book

Spoiler talk for breakfast. Fantastic!

Yeah! I finished Midnight Tides yesterday and now I can finally watch this video :)

Yes!!! I loved this book. It started rough for me but once I got my footing I was hooked. This book was hilarious

Great discussion, gents! I consider MT to be a perfect combination of satire and tragedy: satire gives us the exaggeration and magnification to make a truth/truths comically clear, and tragedy very often centers on familial conflict and/or dysfunction (starting with Oedipus Rex). This book can make you laugh out loud, but it also can give you that oppressive sense of inevitable destiny.

I've been saving this video since I finished Midnight Tides. I wanted to watch it on my birthday. Which is exactly what I'm doing.

Thanks so much for another awesome video! All this talk of water and tides and you forgot the one beach (and tent) the story comes to again and again :-D I also really liked the image of Rhulad decorated in golden coins. I'm not good at analysing but coins strike me as very ridgid and restricting which might reflect on the Edur society? And the image of the coins just goes very well with Lether.

I thought Udinaas and everything that happens with him and his relationship with Rhulad was one of the most interesting things in the series so far. I especially like the way Michael Page narrates him in the audiobook.

Fantastic breakdown wow. I just finished Midnight Tides today and came straight here, as usual. Loved this book but you both bring sooo much out I didn't realise. Brilliant literature.

The biggest twist of all would be if Erikson and Esslemont had been deliberately mispronouncing their own names for all these years

Thank you for this discussion! I'm so glad you did this now that I have the novel very fresh in my mind. In my opinion, this novel has it all! Made me laugh, cry, scream, reflect upon... I was just in awe when reading it and these discussions just add SO much enjoyment to the reading experience, so thank you both!!!

Yes, finally explain warrens but then introduce holds, thanks Steve.

Great video! I have been reading Malazan for a few months now and I just finished Midnight Tides. This was probably my least favorite entry so far because it was so divorced from prior plot points. We are thrust into a new continent with not even one mention of the Malazan Empire throughout the entire book, and even fundamental concepts that inform our understanding of the series such as Houses, warrens, and the common pantheon are replaced by foreign notions. This was tough for me. The one connection we have is Trull Sengar. For me as a reader, this was too painful. I really struggled to make my way through the Tiste Edur chapters, knowing all along what awaited Trull. Those many scenes of brotherhood and kinship… Knowing who the Edur serve, and what can only await them as a result… Erikson is a monster! Nonetheless, I admire the book. The Beddict brothers were a joy, particularly Tehol and his friendship with Bugg. The stuff with Shurq was frankly disgusting, but Kettle was adorable. And I loved many aspects of the other POV character chapters. But this was such a dark, hostile, unforgiving read. I yearn for the happy go-lucky moments of the past, like the Siege of Pale…

This book is vintage A fire read 🔥🔥🔥

Edit: I forgot to say, thanks for the great discussion. They are so informative, fun and really help me processing all my thoughts on the books! I agree that looking at this story as just US versus native americans. However, by looking at this story as just a generic representation of imperialism also loses part of the contents of the book in my opinion. The long reflections on societies that work mostly through money, debt and individualistic meritocracy read also like a commentary on current western society (I was going to say economy and that is exactly the problem, when those two are too similar to each other). And yes the US would again be just an example, but in the case of these detrimental values I feel it is the pinnacle of this way of existing. And I think how Philip mentioned the smaller parallels between Lether and the US, I would argue that is meant to be a bit on the nose in that respect.

Always enjoy watching the spoiler chat after finishing one of these epics. They give a nice sense of closure and great me up for the next book. Looking forward to the next installment!

Just finished Midnight Tides, so your videos on it is a must. I think for, this was the most straightforward one yet. Although I could just be getting used to the narrative style (if that’s the right term) Loved all the characters, and I was equally interested in all the plot lines. I swore off these massive fantasy series years ago (because of the time commitment) but I’m glad I decided to read this series

*Ding-dong* *Ting-e-ling* Indeed 😂 Such a fantastic book, and you brought up so many great points. There's just so much here about identity and the lies we tell ourselves, both as individuals and as cultures. The damage and the pain that brings, but also the growth and necessity. Self-image versus the image we present. There's too much to discuss, but I could listen to you gents for many more hours doing just that. Thanks 🙏

One interesting aspect of Hull's betrayal by the Nerek is the reason why the Nerek did this after worshipping Hull for such a long time. They felt that Hull, by siding with the Edit had not only betrayed Leather, but that he had betrayed himself in a way by not having the capacity to forgive himself for his role in the Nerek conquest. So the cycle of betrayal is more layered and complex, ultimately showing that betrayals always begin with a deep, more personal betrayal of one self.... At least that's what I too from the book. Amazing video again! I really look forward to these conversations between RU-vid's greatest doctors and professors: Pha'ntasii and Fireballs.

Another great conversation. I just finished Midnight Tides a few minutes ago. I really enjoyed it. The final scene in the throne room was so epic. I'm looking forward to The Bonehunters.

This was great. Thank you.

Thanks alot for another brilliant video I finished reading midnight tides yesterday, and really look forward to these videos. Very much appreciated until the next time I am about to start The bonehunters. Happy reading, and once again a massive thank you.

I was thinking about the Sioux Uprising and Dakota War of 1862 while reading the book. I have always lived in in area where that is a part of our local history. Fantastic discussion! I'm glad to be able to watch these videos for Midnight Tides finally. :)

I loved this book when I read it a few weeks ago, it's my favourite of the five I've read so far, edging out Deadhouse Gates. But your videos give me a new appreciation for each one, especially here, to think that the Letherii is like a manifest destiny empire and the Edur are like a Native American tribe of old that could have taken over gives the story a lot of thematic depth. Everything with the Sengar brothers is so well done, The Crippled God is really interesting here and his speech to Rhulad about peace is amazing, a few of the duels are so cool, damn Iron Bars is such a badass and of course Tehol and Bugg are S tier characters. It's amazing how you talked for over an hour and I still think there's a lot more to say about it. My only issues with the book are small, everyone bowing to Rhulad after he comes back from the dead is a bit too easy, I was expecting Hanan to say that it's not a true resurrection, that this is a spirit possessing the corpse and then demand that the sword be cut from Rhulads hands. Fever Witch is so unpleasant to Udinaas when he's continually kind to her and I dislike that. The stuff at the end with the Azath's prisoner escape is a bit much to wrap my head around, like there's this whole thing where Iron Bars kills a demi-god off-screen, it was a bit much to keep track of. But in all I love it.

A.P I always like the spoiler talk more, cause it's more understandable. Never have i really believed in the concept of spoiling. Books are not one and a half hour thriller movies. Besides i think masterpieces don't necessarily need to be protected from spoilers. I mean i have not even read Midnight tides. What happens is that i watch malazan videos, so i know what to look for, and the character names and the plot points would blur by the point i get to read the book myself. Awesome video as ever, Dr. Canavan

Wow! I can't express how grateful I am to be following along with these discussions as I read through this series the first time. Excellent analysis of betrayal, water, magic, character perspective, colonization, and the cost of compassion. I haven't watched Quick Jen's video yet in fear of later spoilers, but I will definitely check it out! I kind of wondered if Erikson was making some kind of commentary on the beauty industry in a humorous way with Shurq. Interesting info about funerals, by the way. Cheers for making it to the halfway point!

Apologies in advance if you've talked about something similar since, as you see, I'm.... a wee bit behind XD - curious if AP you and Dr Chase, once you finish the ten books might have another discussion maybe focused on full series arcs - particularly thought of that here with what you were talking about with Ganoes, the Errant, the introduction of the Holds, etc - and how that develops later... but there's tons of similar threads that could really stand a great full series view from it of course. Anyhow, absolutely fantastic, a pleasure as always. This is easily one of my favorites in the series, and I think the point where first time through I realized I was totally in love. Great discussion... looking forward to catchup up with your talks XD

Goodness Gracious Great B’alls of Fire - Nice Discussion. Would have liked to have seen some discussion on Erikson’s Subversion of the quest trope. One of the cool things that looms over this book is the puzzling relationship between Bugg and Mallick Rel. Erikson’s playing in various books with the effect of worship is one of the deeper themes in the books. One other thing I like is that what Tehol is doing, with Bugg’s help, is creating a crisis of liquidity in the Letheri markets.

Wonderful chat, thank you! I am pretty proud I had suspicions of Bugg and his identity quite early on and I managed to pick a lot of the subtle details that lead me to figure out who he is. I am normally not that frightened by spoilers, but this kind of lore detective work that I truly enjoy stops me from watching videos about the rest of the books. But I've started reading the Bonehunters and I hope to be able to keep up with your reading schedule as well. PS. nobody minds more Dad jokes! :D

I'm only halfway through the video, so it's possible this will be mentioned later, but you guys are switching to a different theme and I want to write this down before I forget: Building off what you guys said about the theme and symbolism of water in the book, I think you missed one 'suggestion' of how the title can apply to the book (SPOILERS for Reapers Gale): An important aspect of tides is that they come and go. They build up gradually, only to flow away from the shore. In Midnight Tides and Reapers Gale, the edur act as the tide. Initially, they conquer the letherii, gain control, and insert their power. However, just as the tide will inevitably fall away, so too does the edur conquest inevitably fall away at the hands of letherii culture. This inevitability was hinted at in MT, and carried out in RG. I'm really enjoying this discussion of one of my favorite novels in the series so far! Keep up the great work!

I was gonna take a break from the series after Midnight Tides but now I think I'll do so after Bonehunters. Its just so addictive. Just like that nectar.

I'm just catching up with you guys - just finishing Midnight Tides. I was very aware throughout the entire book of many of the themes you mention. Like the presence of water. This was a very satisfying read.

I just finished Midnight Tides for the first time. I could not put the book down for the final 300 pages or so. I don't remember the last time I felt this devastated by a novel. Unbelievable work. Easily the best of the series so far. Also, A.P, do you know as to whether Erikson has been informed or influenced by psychoanalysis to any significant degree? The (oft repeated) themes of repetition, and many of the characters fulfilling roles/plots unwittingly, are highly suggestive of psychoanalytic influence.

I love that AP provided the plot of Wedding Crashers about 3/4 in 😂

Stellar work as always boss! Have you read The Second Apocalypse series? I'm on the first book and I'd love to see you dissect one of those!

I watched this yesterday and I forgot to comment. *The horror!* Thank you for the lovely educational conversation, it's always a delight! See you in the next one 🤓

Great video! I've been binge watching both of your content(not just the malazan stuff) and I absolutely love every minute of it thank you so much. I was looking to pick up a new series or even just a stand alone novel to read and was wondering if you had any good suggestions.

The more a watch this videos the sooner my reread becomes.

Finally finished my re-read of Midnight Tides so I was able to watch this. Question: How long do you think the Crippled God have his tendrils in the Pannion Seer? How does the timeline match up with Hannan Mosag's discovery of the Crippled God's power? Is the Crippled God powerful enough to split his time/power between to different continents like that? It seems like it would have taken years to build up the army and power base on Genebackis just like it would have taken many years for Hannan to unite the tribes. Just wondering how much of this back story overlaps. As always, great discussion!

Did anyone else notice he crossed out “Phillip Chase” and put “Dr.Fantasy”????

I am keen on hearing what you made of Trull’s decision (or, indecision) of denying Rhulad’s plea for help to end his agonizing state of pain in the throne room. (You referenced it briefly at the end of the discussion but not from Trull’s view). Did he reject an act of compassion in favor of pragmatism? Betraying not just the request your emperor, but your younger brother-in favor of... the future of your people?

Yea it is kinda weird because I’m reading midnight tides and want some complementary content to engage with so this spoiler talk maybe isn’t the perfect thing.. but I’ve already read it so I don’t think I’ll be less inclined to finish the book after watching. Hopefully even more so

I would love a sequel series or just book that deals with a lot of these gods that are left hanging after the series (no spoilers). And them dealing with Paran. Sort of simplistic but I would like more with them. Maybe some answers in The God is not Willing?

I see your literate employment of the tool of jests by masculine parental units are still in full force! In regards to changing culture and assimilation, I would also point out how the English had rulers from Scotland, the Netherlands and Germany assimilated into their culture & become national icons: Dutch William of Orange as an Icon of British Unionism in Northern Ireland. Or how Queen Victoria has become the most British Icon that have ever “Britished”, even if as Blackadder puts it: Darling: “Look, I'm as British as Queen Victoria!” Blackadder: “So your father's German, you're half-German and you married a German?!” A bit of topic, but recently I learned that I have an “connection” to Ireland myself, sort of: Through nobility on Shetland, I am a direct descendant (greatx18-grandson) of Edward Bruce, the brother of Robert the Bruce, who died in his attempt to become High King of Ireland.

Sorry, I mean In the Home Screen, if you look closely

I’m surprised that with so many comparisons of invaders and manifest destiny being made, that the Roman occupation of Britain doesn’t get mentioned more often, both in this discussion and others. The UK was occupied by the Romans for longer than there has been a United States of America.

A.P, bingeing on your videos makes me nostalgic for reading Malazan again. I just finished Stormlight Archive and wasn't too impressed. I would love to hear some suggestions on Malazan-like fantasy!

Hannan Mosag did warn those pesky Sengar kids.

a shadow of his former self you made me spit coffee all over my nice shorts on the way to work you terrible man

Wow the Kruppe and Pust hate...

You missed one set of brothers. Gerun Ebrict and Harlest. I may be a little fuzzy, but aren't the Seregal also brothers?