That experience of “Ok, this is interesting…” -> “Eh, this slog is bringing it down to 3.5, maybe 4 stars” -> “Wow! That ending!!!” is pretty much how I felt for most of the books.

@RedFuryBooks

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Ha! Good to know! 😄

So glad you loved this one. I will never, ever forget the ending to this book - what an emotional rollercoaster!

@RedFuryBooks

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Thanks, Matt! I find myself continuing to think about a lot of the smaller moments in this book that had real weight and heft, and I didn't recognize all of those at the time. A lot to unpack and think about - something the best books do!

I preferred Gardens of the Moon as a first-time reader, but Deadhouse Gates left a deep impression on me over time. It also helps to understand that this series is flipping some familiar fantasy conventions in a postmodern/poststructural way. I agree that even with that in mind, the characterization is brilliant! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

@RedFuryBooks

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Interesting that you liked Gardens of the moon more (at least upon first read!). I find myself thinking about DHG and a lot of the scenes that were more important than you would think. (You=than I thought when reading them!). Looking forward to memories of Ice!

@Johanna_reads

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@@RedFuryBooks I read the first two books when there was little to no Malazan content on BookTube (before I started my channel as well), so I had no idea that we would switch continents and have a new cast of characters (get used to that, by the way!). You’re right: Deadhouse Gates has huge ripples throughout the entire rest of the series!

Fantastic catch with Trygalle Trade Guild! This is not a point of confusion or a mistake. You are onto something and keep this in your mind for Memories of Ice! When thigs like this happen in the future, try to reframe it not as being confused, but that you are piecing together information and that maybe there is something there. More often than not you are right and it is deliberate!

@RedFuryBooks

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Oh, I so love this approach - thank you!

It may sound sappy from me but I really loved a quote from the book that was "sleight of hand" as with a lot of the book these soldiers are on a march that seems destined to fail and they slowly lose hope and even their own humanities. However a theme I felt personally was that out of all the pain and suffering the characters we followed found a singular purpose in life and that was the children. The scene where Felisin names the younger orphan girl Felisin for the hopes that unlike herself, the younger Felisin can one day live her own life and not suffer all that she had to go through. Was really touching to me personally

@RedFuryBooks

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That was a great line! There were so many small moments in this book (like those two) that I look back and realize had much more import than on the surface. I can already see why so many people get so much from rereading this series.

I enjoyed Gardens of the Moon, which was surprising for me because I was nervous going into it. This was back in Jan 2021, and I hadn't read all that much fantasy up to that point. Deadhouse Gates was a bit of a struggle for me for the 1st half, more so getting adjusted to new world and characters, but by 2nd half I was all in and yea -- that ending was nuts. I feel like you're going to like Memories of Ice. It's got some great horror elements that kept me riveted. My last Malazan book I read was House of Chains. It's where I left off about 2 years ago, and thinking of continuing on with the read along when everyone gets to Midnight Tides

@RedFuryBooks

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You definitely have me interested in Memories of Ice! I hope you join us in the series read when we get caught up!

Love this format. And love that you’re reading Malazan. My advice is just to enjoy each passage on an individual basis, and be ok with not understanding everything. Things become more clear as you read on, like a dense fog gradually lifting

@RedFuryBooks

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Good to know - thanks! Love the dense fog lifting analogy lol

I think Memories of Ice is where it really elevates. Lots of known characters return with only few new ones. Fewer cuts between pov’s. Epic!

@RedFuryBooks

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Can't wait!

Will bow out after the intro as I have not read Malazan. Just wanted to drop a like 👍 and I look forward to watching these videos another year.

@RedFuryBooks

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Thanks, Al!

Deadhouse Gates remains one of my favorites of the series. I came away in January after reading it for the third time thinking that it's a perfect book. Coltaine and the Chain of Dogs sticks with me and I think about it often. One of the most deeply impactful emotional reads I've ever experienced.

@RedFuryBooks

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Absolutely! I keep thinking about all of the smaller moments where Erikson just uses a lot of subtlety to get his point across. Masterful writing.

@ladrac198

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@@RedFuryBooks he really is a master at his craft. Also had to change my comment, this last time was my third time😂 Don't know how the word first got in there haha

I really enjoy these vlogs, Josh! I just finished the whole series about a week ago and found it such an exhilarating, awe-inspiring ride. Certainly in my top 3 series of all time. Having said that, I still had multiple moments of confusion or uncertainty through each book. It’s all part of the journey, and it all pays off!

@RedFuryBooks

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So go to know this - thanks for the advice based on your experience. And glad you enjoyed the vlog!

Loved your video. The vlog style really suits Malazan books, and the format is great. I have a suggestion that from book 3, you can make these videos full spoilers. Because for the third book in a series there will hardly be any viewers who will watch a long vlog of a book they haven't read. So almost all the viewers will be those who have read the book. Then full spoilers will make it much better. Also at the end of this video, you can make it a little more detailed review. For Memories of Ice, just remember that it is probably this densest book, even though its the most enjoyable and easy to follow. So give the book enough time to sink in while reading. Otherwise it will be a blast.

@slidenaway

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Agree with spoilers 💯

@RedFuryBooks

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That's great advice, Sourav, I think going full spoilers after this one is probably a great idea. It might make it longer, but would probably spur even greater discussion. When I edited this, I found rewatching the moments when I was talking about more specificity was more interesting, so I think that will be a goal for Memories of Ice.

I really enjoy watching these, if I had done this during my read of DG I would have went from being depressed feeling like I am about to DNF the series. And than next minute in the next update I would be seen raving over how much I love the book. Really loved the book personally

@RedFuryBooks

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Glad you enjoyed the video and it sounds like we had a similar experience. But I'm definitely looking forward to continuing!

We had a very similar experience with this one! I totally agree that having the small group from bk 1 really helped anchor me in this new place. Overall though I think Erikson leveled up majorly as a writer here with his communication with the reader compared with Gardens. I too enjoy the more classic narrative style of following one or a small group of protagonists the whole time, but as you go in this series I do think a core group slowly emerges that’s possible to latch onto, while still appreciating the new characters who pop up in each book and are so distinct and interesting. I really loved this vlog style and would love to tune in for more!

@RedFuryBooks

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Glad you liked the vlog, Ben! I'll definitely do this for future books, but will start talking more spoilers and plot points, since I think at this point only people who have read these will be hanging out.

I’m reading through Malazan for the first time, it’s nice to hear another first reader’s thoughts ! I was already hooked with gardens of the moon, though it was confusing at times and the reading companion helps a lot (thanks Matt). I liked deadhouse gates a lot but had some trouble with the pacing in some parts (also not a fan of military fantasy). I’m currently halfway through memories of ice and in my opinion it’s flawless so far.

@RedFuryBooks

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Oooooh... you have me excited for Memories of Ice!

I don't know why I avoided this series for so long! GotM was confusing - albeit very intriguing - but I LOVED Deadhouse Gates. I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing more of Mappo and Icarium in later books - Icarium and his machines was mentioned in passing in GotM so I'm guessing there's a Big Reveal to come eventually. Currently about a third of the way through Memories of Ice and the series just keeps on expanding in scale, scope and stakes. If Erikson can keep up this quality (and by all reports he does, and sticks the landing in book ten) then I can see this easily becoming one of my favourite book series ever, in any genre. Looking forward to your vlogs for the rest of the series as you get around to them :)

@RedFuryBooks

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It sounds like we had a very similar experience with the first two books. I hope to see Mappo and Icarium so far - there's more there that we need to know and experience. I definitely loved that duo.

Damn is definitely the word that sums up deadhouse gates for me. Mappo and Icarium is one of my favorite duos in all of fantasy, probably literature.

@RedFuryBooks

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Yes! I loved Mappo and Icarium and hope to see them again. But "Damn" is correct in this book. So many instances where that's about all I could say to express what I was feeling!

Great vlog Josh. DG is probably the book I remember the most scenes from and is probably my 2nd favourite in the series. Enjoy the ride!! I have the final book to go and have went from loving the series to hating it, then back again. I think I'm never going to re-read this, then wake up the next day and can't wait to re-read it. It's a puzzle, for sure 😮

@RedFuryBooks

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Yeah, I can definitely see some ebb and flow with enjoyment. I've heard that from some other Malazan vets. I'm definitely excited at this point to continue!

I love Deadhouse Gates. I think it's one of the best in the series. Memories of Ice is also a fan favorite. It's fun to watch other people read Malazan for the first time. I need to do a reread but I'm going to give it some time. I just finished Crippled God last year in June, and I still have more Malazan books to look forward to.

@RedFuryBooks

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Thanks for checking out the video! I have a lot of pages ahead in this series, but am excited now.

Love these video vlogs! "Deadhouse gates" and "Memories of ice" are the best fantasy books I ever read, after books with Fitz :-) and are also heartbreaking. I am really happy you enjoyed this book, and can't wait to see what you think of the next books in the series, some very interesting things are about to happen 🙂

@RedFuryBooks

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Glad you enjoyed the vlog, and I'm definitely excited to continue!

Loved the video! I’d have to agree with most folks that books 2 and 3 are favorites of mine. I will say, there is another one coming up that introduces a whole cast of new characters and, at first, I was put out by this, but by the end I had found 2 of my most favorite characters from the series. Keep at it sir! Looking forward to seeing what you think as you continue onward.

@RedFuryBooks

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Good to know! And I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I definitely excited to continue!

Cool vlog! I am currently on book 5 and have no idea what is going on but I'm having fun with it. Looking forward to more of these to help understand and get more immersed in the series.

@RedFuryBooks

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Glad you liked it, and I hope you continue to enjoy the series!

Very glad you're into it now! I was nervous due to your reaction to Gardens in the previous video since I got hooked with that one already, but judging from your thoughts in this one you'll probably end up really liking the series. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts about the rest of the books later down the line.

@RedFuryBooks

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Thanks! I'm excited to continue!

I think everyone who reads Malazan has a ".....Wait this isn't what I expected going in" moment. Once you get past that and things start clicking, it's full steam ahead - if you liked this one, you're golden all the way through the ending. Can't wait for your MoI thoughts!

@RedFuryBooks

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Good to know! I'm definitely really excited to continue, which I couldn't say after Gardens of the Moon. Should be a fun ride!

@MattonBooks

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What Zan said. I was a little worried after you read Gardens, but it’s a book I expect any possible reaction from. But considering your enjoyment of DHG, I don’t have much doubt that you’ll love the rest too, especially MoI! Welcome to Malazan! 😀

I LOVE this style!!! I also LOVED that the last video your hair was slightly messed up........AS IT SHOULD BE!!! LOL. I just started MOI and I think starting notes in the beginning is a great idea until you get your bearings.

@RedFuryBooks

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Haha, yeah, that last bit was a late night lol! I hope we both continue to enjoy the series!

Love the vlog style. It's funny that you say your not a military fantasy fan, yet this vlog is almost as is you're reporting from the reading trenches as literary bombs explode all around 😁Great job!

@RedFuryBooks

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HA! Brilliant analogy! Glad you enjoyed the vlog - it was fun to do.

Another great vlog! Glad you really started getting into the Malazan groove. It's such a huge world with so many characters and covers so many themes. Once I felt like I started to understand, that world opened up to me so much more. Memories of Ice is a favorite of a lot of people, can't wait to hear your thoughts!

@RedFuryBooks

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I can't wait for Memories of Ice! And yes, I felt I hit a groove about a 1/3 of the way through this one and was just enjoying the writing and the world and the characters. Glad you enjoyed the vlog!

Great video

Well, I was already spoiled of your enjoyment of the book due to GR, but it's still fun to watch the Vlog and how you elaborate on it. That being said, don't get used to being anchored, at least not yet hahahaha, I only have read the first 5 books but Erickson knows how to subvert expectations and his characterization can make you pass from hating a character to loving it by the end of the book, I'm eager to watch your reactions to that in books 4&5(specially 4 at least in my case). Taking notes on where each pov character is located can be beneficial; I did not do so, but I can see the value in doing so. To be honest, in this series in particular, I like to be a little confused, to develop my own theories, to be at peace with not knowing everything when I wanted it, knowing that everything will eventually fall into place and probably blow my mind away.

@RedFuryBooks

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I can totally see that (you're wanting to stay confused and developing your own theories). I kind of did that with the "Is it Apsalar or Felisin?" at the end of that scene. I had concluded Felisin, thinking that Erikson was most likely subverting our expectations. Turns out I was right on that one!

I absolutely enjoyed deadhouse gates way better than gardens of the moon

Glad this was a hit. Erickson's writing does take some getting used to. It also gets more refined as the series goes on. GotM probably ranks low on people's list for the reasons you give. It is hard to compare when you are more books in. But it is APs favorite.

@RedFuryBooks

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AP's on a different plane of literary understanding than the rest of us lol! I'm definitely excited to get into Memories of Ice in May!

It's interesting how we as fantasy readers are so used to having good guys and bad guys that when we enter a new book, we automatically try to define the characters as to which side they are on. And Erikson subverts that.

@RedFuryBooks

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Absolutely!

I enjoy the vlog! I completed the 10 book series in September and thought it was well worth the investment of time and confusion on my part. I plan to continue with Ian Esslemont’s books as well. I read Night of Knives and while his writing style is a lot different from Mr. Erikson, I found the book enjoyable. I plan to continue reading in that world next month.

@RedFuryBooks

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I'm glad you enjoyed the vlog! It seems that most people thatfinish the series all say it's worth it, so I definitely look forward to where Erikson takes us next.

This was my favorite of the first three (I only read three). It was great to follow you in this style, Josh. MoI will be fun to see too. Hope you enjoy it. I think full spoiler talk might suit the format better tbh?

@RedFuryBooks

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Yes, that is my thought as well- full spoilers going forward!

Yes!!!! You did it and loved it!! Funny thing to note - at first you were a little frustrated with the POV skipping around, and then you didn’t mind it so much when it kept you from getting bogged down with the military stuff for too long. Not to say your annoyance isn’t valid - of course it is. But yeah get used to it, and try to see the purpose and utility behind it :) I assume someone in your discord helped you understand that at this point, Dujek and Bridgeburners are still technically on the same side as Coltaine. Bridgeburners felt betrayed by the Empress and Tayschrenn, but it’s unofficial shady shit, you know? Hope that helps with the Trygalle Trade Guild stuff Looking forward to further chats about this with tall Alex et al, and on to MoI!!! Oh also side note - your assessment of the first 5 books is correct: 1 and 3 pair, 2 and 4 pair, and 5 is new setting. After that it kinda settles down. Kinda 😃 But don’t worry - just trust Erikson and you’ll be fine!

@RedFuryBooks

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Thanks, Chris, I appreciate all of this. And I did get the Dujek information I needed (and then even more during Kalam's talk with the Empress!). As of the POV shifting, I eventually got into it, and got used to Erikson's rhythm as an author. It just for some reason took awhile for me in this book. Look for our next chat on DHG on my channel April 11. Announcement soon!

@slidenaway

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@@RedFuryBooks oh great April 11 is not far away!!! I will indeed watch for the announcement but also appreciate the advance info of course 😃

♥️! Our friendship is saved! 😆

@RedFuryBooks

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🤣🤣🤣

I've also made it through the first two books and have had a similar experience. After GOTM I wasn't in a rush to keep going. But after DG I'm looking forward to the next book, and will join along the April/May readalong schedule. Erikson showed in DG he knows how to write tragedy.

@RedFuryBooks

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Awesome! Glad we both found our groove with this one. And you're right about Erikson writing the tragic moments so well, as there were so many of them at the end of this book.

@brianrogers4344

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@@RedFuryBooks I'm about 100 pages into book 3 and am now sold on finishing the series. Strong start so far.

@RedFuryBooks

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@@brianrogers4344 good to hear!

One thing I LOVE is that you can pick up "reveals" before they are given because there are many hints given before each. For example in Garden's of the moon I forgot which character when reading the deck of dragons noted that, when Emperor Kellenved and Dancer were "assassinated" the house of shadow entered the deck. Not sure if I am recounting it perfectly. But it speaks to why re-reading the series is probably so rewarding

@RedFuryBooks

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I would bet so. And so many things in the deck of dragons I'm sure are foreshadowing that we miss the first time around.

So much fun to see your journey with this book. I'm starting House of Chains next month. So just a bit ahead, but reading a lot slower than you. So I'll definitely keep following the journey. Quick question. Awesome pictures above your couch with the red background and silhouettes. What are they?

@RedFuryBooks

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Glad you like the pics - those are prints I found online somewhere of scenes from Firefly, one of my favorite shows. (A Joss Whedon-run sci-fi western that only lasted one season).

Malazan books def take a lot longer to read through and I feel that is probably due to Erikson every now and then using a term I have to think over, or even just a term from the world of Malazan itself. Due to this I have noticed I definitely am unable to "skim" through pages. There is also the fact that each line can have important things written in or between that I have to take my time to digest

@RedFuryBooks

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I'm thinking similar things with this right now, too. Although it took me about a week to read, I'm wondering if I should have read it even slower? To try to digest everything more fully.

So. Malazan hasn't been hard to read for me. I didn't find the first or second book complicated or confusing; however, I've been trying to read The Prince of Nothing series and it IS hard for me to latch onto and understand. I think this is the first book I've every had trouble reading lol. Have you checked this series out? Sorry I know it doesn't pertain to this video, and I'm only 6 minutes in. I got distracted! lol

@RedFuryBooks

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Haha no worries. I haven't read Prince of Nothing trilogy yet, but it'll on the TBR. But most likely not until after Malazan.

Great video Josh! Such a fantastic book and very glad you enjoyed it. I was grinning when you mentioned the Trygalle Trade Guild scene, knowing what comes later. @berserker8884's idea of reframing those moments of confusion is awesome advice. Not sure if I tagged correctly there. Anyways, I can't wait to follow along with your experience with the next one! Cheers

@RedFuryBooks

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Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video and can echo the previous commenter's advice, which seems really sound.