Since the end of August, I’ve been working on reading Deadhouse Gates, the second book of the massive series, Malazan Book of the Fallen.
What took me so long? Personal life issues aside, this book is a beast.
“Icarium turned to him with a faint smile. ‘I am my own curse, Mappo. I have lived centuries, yet what do I know of my own past? Where are my memories?” pg 22, ebook
What is the book about? Here’s a summary from Goodreads: “In the vast dominion of Seven Cities, in the Holy Desert Raraku, the seer Sha’ik and her followers prepare for the long-prophesied uprising known as the Whirlwind. Unprecedented in size and savagery, this maelstrom of fanaticism and bloodlust will embroil the Malazan Empire in one of the bloodiest conflicts it has ever known, shaping destinies and giving birth to legends.”
In addition to a handful of characters from the previous book, readers are introduced to Felisin, Tavore, an entire host (two or three hosts really) of warriors and epic leaders, new magical warrens, monsters (some old, some new) inhabiting these warrens. And more, so much more.
My favorite character in this entry wasn’t even human, it is a house- Azath. It is one of a handful of magical places that connect worlds together and holds secrets that even the bravest among us do not dare to know.
I would get so much reading done in a place like that. :p
My other favorite character is a historian, Duiker. He’s living and remembering the history of a band of soldiers who are working to save refugees from a vengeful desert army.
“The historian stepped outside into the rain, drawing in lungfuls of clean, cool air as he once more wrapped a cloak about him.” pg 45
It is a march with no end in sight. In fact, it takes up much of the 834 pages of the ebook.
Most of this story is occupied with war and it is very grim. For readers who like dark fantasy, this would be a good pick.
It was not a time to be alone, in the heart of slaughter, where every piece of wreckage or burnt and torn flesh seemed to cry out silent outrage. Sites of battle held on to a madness, as if the blood that had soaked into the soil remembered pain and terror and held locked within it the echoes of screams and death cries.” pg 225
I can’t say it was my cup of tea. I’m far too optimistic for dark books. But I made it through this one.
“The unknown pursues the ignorant, the truth assails every scholar wise enough to know his own ignorance, for that is the meaning of unknowable truths.” pg 512
Besides the characters, my other favorite part of this book is the magic system which author Steven Erikson continues to reveal one measly crumb at a time.
“The Wickans know that the gift of power is never free. They know enough not to envy the chosen among them, for power is never a game, nor are glittering standards raised to glory and wealth. They disguise nothing in trappings, and so we all see what we’d rather not, that power is cruel, hard as iron and bone, and it thrives on destruction.” pg 556
I thought I had a map in my head of the warrens from Gardens of the Moon and how they all fit together. But Erikson upended that map in this book. I expect he’ll probably do it again in the next one- if I ever attempt it.
It is easy to see why, despite its difficulties, this series has a serious fan base. It is complex enough that you’re either totally into it, or totally out. I think I fall somewhere in-between.
Only recommended for fans of dark fantasy. Everyone else, steer clear.
Thanks for reading!
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