Erikson here. Just a quick note to thank you all for your genuine enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. Listening to you was very enjoyable. What more could a writer ask for than to see people discussing their work? These KZread events are very much a new experience, changing the way writers engage and interact with their audience. Such a thing pretty much never existed before, beyond conversations at conventions or book signings. For writers of genre fiction (though I would argue with myself against even using the distinction, because I view Contemporary Literary Fiction as a genre, one that is in fact profoundly distant from the trunk of the literature tree, that trunk being Epic Fantasy in its purest form as found in Gilgamesh, the Iliad, etc), we've always been further removed from any ongoing dialogue or analysis, back when newspapers and 'serious' magazines like the New Yorker or Harper's published reviews, criticisms and literary analysis, but only for a fairly narrow range of what they held to be serious, grown-up literature, rather than 'popular,' genre stuff. Now, these days, such stalwart institutions have been more or less stepped around (though, being an old fart, I still dream of someone reviewing one of my books in Harper's or the New Yorker, which I also know will never, ever happen), making their gate-keeping increasingly irrelevant. In fact, the gate they guard is itself now obsolete, standing forlorn on an ill-kempt patch of ground beside the online freeway of discourse. Anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy the Malazan novels. Oh, and the proper pronunciation is 'Maw-luz-arn.' Just kidding.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you enjoyed our discussion, and in turn I thank you for writing such wonderful books for us to discuss! The point you make in between the parentheses is one of the main reasons I started my channel -- in fact, it's one of the main reasons I created and began teaching a Fantasy Novels course at my college (I just taught Gardens of the Moon for the first time last fall, by the way, and it was part of an "imperialism in fantasy" theme -- it went brilliantly). For most of human history, we, the storytelling animal, have been spinning tales of fantasy, and it seems to me that fantasy answers a call from somewhere deep within the human spirit. Let the gatekeepers keep their damn gate. The view beyond it is a bit dismal anyway. Perhaps they'll eventually catch on and join us where the real fun is happening. As for me, I'm happy to have found this vibrant community of book lovers on KZread/BookTube/MalazTube -- there may not be a fire to sit around, but these are amazing people who watch videos and post comments and form friendships over books. Now, that's the real thing! Thanks so much again for your beautiful stories!

@IskarJarak

3 жыл бұрын

I’m excited to be able to have people to discuss these books with at all. Having such knowledgeable and genuinely fun people to discuss them with is a treat on a whole other level, and to be able to get feedback and explanations from you yourself is such a privilege and makes it all even more enjoyable. Thanks for your engagement with the community-it’s made it a lot more rich and fun!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@IskarJarak I second that!

@Rogue_VI

3 жыл бұрын

When I read Malazan, BookTube wasn't a thing, so there weren't many people to talk about it with. Most of my friends hadn't read it yet or started it but didn't like it. While I am not participating in Mike's read-along, I am really enjoying the conversations. My re-read will come before too terribly long. Oh, and I just watched a video where someone pronounced Malazan very close to 'maw-luz-arn.' It was VERY difficult to listen to. :D

@nickcarlson2708

3 жыл бұрын

A contemporary Gilgamesh or the Iliad is the new way i'm going to spruik this to my friend. Are there any other modern additions to this particular trunk of epic fantasy? I would love to find more.

Thank you so much for inviting me on, Philip. And again, sorry I derailed your topics so much. I had so many questions!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

No derailment that I recall - all I remember are your awesome questions and insights! It’s a joy to talk books with you, my friend!

@Rogue_VI

3 жыл бұрын

Are you still doing a wrap-up for GotM on your channel?

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@Rogue_VI I’m pretty sure Mike will be!

@mikesbookreviews

3 жыл бұрын

@@Rogue_VI Spoiler talk #2 tomorrow! Then I plan to have Iskar on to talk about the book at month's end.

@Rogue_VI

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews My time sense is so wacky right now that I forget there are still 2 weeks left in the month. :)

I feel like Allen is the one most likely to accidentally spoil something because he gets so excited and can't contain himself.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Ha ha! So true!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@ernstbrehm1135 My lips are sealed!

@sweetlard2113

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Kindly ask this is mentioned to Allen. Spoilers for a book we've read is one thing, but off-handed comments about the Azath houses and survival of certain characters throughout a series is a massive spoiler given the bottle neck moments so many of them will surely end up in. That said, I love the man's enthusiasm and everything you all are doing here.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@sweetlard2113 Thank you! That’s on me too, and I appreciate your input. We’ll be careful about spoilers in our future chats. Having been in a few of these discussions, I have to admit it’s hard to avoid spoilers, and sometimes I don’t realize it’s a spoiler until later. This can happen especially during enthusiastic moments, and Allen’s enthusiasm and joy are absolutely contagious! Thanks so much for watching!

@Yungshamgod

2 жыл бұрын

@@ernstbrehm1135 BRUH you are just as bad!!!

Amazing-that was fun stuff! Thanks for letting me participate and chat with you great people!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

A Malazan chat with Iskar Jarak? Sign me up any day, anytime!!!

This was so much fun! In retrospect, I probably did say too much about the Azath (whoops) but so much fun anyway!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

It’s always fun to be in your company, my friend!

@robpaul7544

3 жыл бұрын

Not nearly enough to spoil anything - having bits of additional information will rarely if ever spoil the books 😉

@TheLibraryofAllenxandria

3 жыл бұрын

@@robpaul7544 i agree!

Philip, this was an absolutely great video. Really enjoyed it. It also rather eloquently illustrates an aspect of Erikson's writing that we overlook... The balancing of elements to appeal to a very broad audience. You want battles and military fantasy? Done. You want magic and fantastical imagination? Done. You want buddy cop shenanigans? Done. You want poignancy and emotionally resonant? Done. Fun characters, humorous characters, noble characters, relatable characters, heroic characters, but above all, believable characters? Done. And all done and balanced in one narrative that ensures there is enough of all for all. That was a longwinded way of saying that I really enjoyed how each of you liked completely different aspects of the novel. Fantastic conversation. I look forward to more of them.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, A.P.! I’m glad you enjoyed it, especially since you’re our guest for Dust of Dreams! That is, if you don’t mind! Please?

@ACriticalDragon

3 жыл бұрын

I would love to.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@ACriticalDragon Awesome!

Love Kruppe both for humour and the fact that he hides his power so so well....under a veil of procrastination and street magic....

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I completely agree!

@shawngillogly6873

3 жыл бұрын

I love Kruppe as well. But then other than Tayschren, is there anyone I *truly* hate?

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@shawngillogly6873 Bidithal?

@shawngillogly6873

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy no. But after some thought, I said "Duh. Laseen." And no. I don't accept her excuses. And then the Councilman and Lady. But those are the 2 you're supposed to hate. So they don't count. Don't know why Bidithil doesn't register on the hate scale for me. Maybe on reread #6. Lol Now, the character I'd most like to see a revenge plot against is introduced in Book 2. He and Rudolph from the Dresden Files are the 2 characters who most need a blood-reckoning in modern fantasy, methinks. Edit...ok. admit I was wrong. Bidithil is loathsome too. He got buried because I meant GotM characters. Further in the series, MANY more. Including some other fans like...take Kallor, please.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@shawngillogly6873 That is indeed a list of the loathsome! But if anyone can show me a side to a character I don’t expect, it’s Steven Erikson.

murillio is one of my favs too. cmon people, show murillio some love!!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Murillio is too charming not to love - just ask all the aristocratic ladies of Darujhistan!

@SJ-GodofGnomes21

3 жыл бұрын

Lots of love for Murillio here!

Mike n Philip in malazan discussion... It's like dream come true One of the funniest discussion videos I ever seen

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, Anil! Glad you enjoyed- those guys are a lot of fun!

@mikesbookreviews

3 жыл бұрын

You and I both.

Excellent video guys, that hour flew by really quickly!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it, Ruthan - yours is an endorsement I highly value!

Hooray for seasoned BookTubers! No secret that I loved Gardens of the Moon, and it wasn't until after reading it that I heard so many say it's the weakest in the series or something "to push through.' Then I hear discussions like this, and I stop doubting myself. Great discussion!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad the chat was useful to you, Johanna!

I really appreciated Mike's questions, cause as someone (like me) who has only read Gardens of the Moon so far he was able to voice the sort of questions that I have about the series and what I just read that wouldn't have otherwise come up in a conversation between only people who know the series very well.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I second that! Having the person with the questions in a conversation enriches it greatly.

That was a fun Malazan discussion - next best thing to actual participation ! ps. Anomander Rake is my favourite character. Whilst others seek power and the status of becoming an Ascendant, he is prepared to sacrifice all for his people ( the Tiste Andii. )

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

So true, and that is the essence of what makes Rake so compelling to me. It’s a major thread of his character arc, even back in The Kharkanas Trilogy. So glad you enjoyed the chat!

I've only read GOTM so far. My husband doesn't read novels(he's a manga guy) but he's always into my journey. He laughed at me the whole time I was reading this book because he'd check in and my explanations were more sound effect than actual words. He finally told he didn't understand anything about this book and I enthusiastically said, "me either and it's frigging awesome!"

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

7 ай бұрын

Ha ha! I love it! Best wishes for the rest of your Malazan journey, Tabitha!

@MoonStone_Empress

7 ай бұрын

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I've been kicking myself for putting this off for so long. My reading slump has been broken and I'm excited to see what else this vast world has to offer.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

7 ай бұрын

@@MoonStone_Empress It has more to offer than I can describe - and it can be a transformative journey. Best wishes!

English is not my first language but when Erikson's narrative clicked in my brain, I was hooked! Theres something close to narrative poetry in some of the early pages, every paragraph seems to have been taken care of, carefully and artfully designed. Anyways, Im loving this series!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

7 ай бұрын

I’m so glad you’re loving Malazan, and I think your observation about Erikson’s prose is both accurate and eloquent. Cheers!

@jforozco12

7 ай бұрын

As I advance through this beautifully written book I'm starting to get the feeling the over stylization of Erikson's prose is the main reason people are put off, especially because most of us come to fantasy not to appreciate an elevated example of the literary artform but to evade. Its a mistake to approach malazan as one would approach a work done by Sanderson or any YA author, just my 2 cents. Cheers! @@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

7 ай бұрын

@@jforozco12 I agree - Erikson’s prose is majestic and versatile. It’s the product of careful study and a brilliant mind. And it carries the weight of his complex story beautifully.

You only get to read it for the first time once, so cherish it.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

So true! On the other hand, I’m loving it even more the second time.

I really loved this. Hope to see these for the rest of the series!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you so much gentlemen for doing this! You've cleared some stuff up and pointed out a few things I missed. Can't wait for the up coming episodes.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad we could be helpful! It was also a lot of fun to chat with those three. I wish you the best as you read Malazan!

Loving these chats! I'm following in Mike's readalong and this is really helping my memory and interest in the series in the breaks between books.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad the chats are helpful to you - this one was a lot of fun!

It's been so cool seeing you and Mike put out so much Malazan content right now! I love this channel and the level of discussion here and I love the Malazan animations that Mikes channel showcases. I just recently started reviewing the series on the Legendarium green team podcast. every time one of y'all puts out a new malazan vid someone inevitably shares it in our Discord in the Erikson channel. it's great to be diving into the Book of the Fallen on a parallel course to such awesome booktubers. 😊

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, and that’s so cool to hear about the Discord! I’m truly grateful that people enjoy the discussions. Malazan is just so amazing to talk about. And yes, Mike’s intros are the best - they’re like movie trailers!

Wooooo!!! So excited..... I’ve been waiting for this video.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Happy to oblige!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I hope you’ll enjoy it!

This is awesome. Love seeing the Malazan content. I was instantly hooked by Gardens of the Moon and it is my favorite book, because that feeling of being introduced to such an amazing world was one of a kind.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

I love Gardens of the Moon for that too. Reading it feels like getting immersed into the Malazan world, and rereading feels like coming home.

Again a great discussion guys, loved it! It's great that not only there's a lot more attention focussed on the Malazan books , a large percentage of it comes in the form of these talks and discussions. So many perspectives, questions and answers. Just awesome 🤓

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

It’s a ton of fun to be involved in these discussions- it’s almost like being in grad school again, but more fun!

Thanks for the hosting such wonderful discussions, Phillip! Between this planned series of group discussions and your one-on-one discussions with A.P., we're in for a lot of great Malazan content well into the future! I can''t wait! I look forward to following along as I read through the series, as I too am currently following Mike's read along schedule. Though, I see myself binging the series by the end of the year >_

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you’re enjoying Malazan so far, and I’m grateful you also are liking the Malazan content. I feel like I could endlessly talk about these books, and it’s so much better to do so in discussions! Happy reading!

Lorn was one of the most interesting aspect of Gardens that I was disappointed that we didn’t get more of her. As for the booby trapping the roads, this was the part where I had the hardest time suspending disbelief. That not a single one of them thought about the gas until the very end.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Yep! That’s one of those “oops” moments. Perhaps because Darujhistan is unusual in that respect, it didn’t factor into their plans. It did provide some dramatic tension!

Amazing video, Philip. Loved seeing all of you talking so passionately about this absolutely great series. I’m doing Mike’s read along for the series and in it for the long haul. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the subsequent discussion of the rest of the series. :)

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you enjoyed the chat! It’s going to be fun discussing the whole series.

Fantastic! Love all the appreciation that Malazan is getting recently. Great chat guys.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

This is one of my favorite book series, I gotta subscribe and listen

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thanks so much for watching and subbing!

Been waiting for this video! appropriate the Malazan content :)

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I hope you enjoy- it was fun to chat with those guys!

this is so awesome. just finished GotM and quarter of the way through Deadhouse and LOVING IT! Top Tier content, great work!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Best wishes for the read!

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you, gentlemen! I’m glad that I’m not the only one slightly annoyed by Kruppe. 🙊 I look forward to reading the rest of the series with Mike’s Warband and watching all of the Malazan content you gentlemen roll out. Thank you! 😊

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad this was helpful, and I hope you’ll love the read along!

Great video. Helped clear some aspects of the book for me.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

So glad this was helpful to you!

Hi Philip and guests. Great video and awesome guests⚔🛡🗡🏹

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! The guests are indeed awesome!

Great discussion and great idea for a series, Philip! I am excited to watch the next ones as I go along with the series. I enjoyed gardens of the moon and got a lot out of this discussion! I am really looking forward to diving deeper into the series, I feel like I’m just skimming the surface atm 😂. Great job! Thanks, guys!! 👍

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, and I’m so glad our discussion was useful to you! It’s a lot of fun to chat with fellow fans, and it usually produces some new insights. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the series!

Just finished reading the first book. I love listening to other peoples take on things ! Cant wait to get through the next few

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

My best wishes to you as you continue through Malazan!

I love this. Even though I don’t plan on starting this series until 2022, I don’t mind the spoilers because I know I won’t remember most of them. What I will remember, though, is that booktubers that I trust are passionate about this series and are enjoying themselves reading it. That is what I will remember and that is what has helped me invest my time and money in all the series that I have in the past 12 months. Thank you for doing what you do guys.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Those are kind and encouraging words, and I deeply appreciate it. Comments like yours keep us going!

Great discussion. These always remind me of my college BA/MA English years. Gosh , I miss having people to chat with books with (in person). Envious.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

BookTube often reminds me of the best parts of my BA and grad school too. People coming together for the love of books, but no research papers, exams, or grades!

Awesome video! I’ve just read Gardens Of The Moon as part of Mike’s read along. The Bridgeburners remind me a bit of the crew in Full Metal Jacket - hot take!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Very cool comparison!

Brilliant discussion. Malazan at its best makes me want to be a better reader. At its worst is that it's so good I struggle to read any other fantasy series.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

Жыл бұрын

I’m glad you enjoyed the discussion, Michael. Cheers!

Excellent chat. Three topics I wished you had covered: the Deck of Dragons; convergence (power draws power); and the scheme of the basic plot (freeing Raest to weaken Rake). The last one is difficult to untangle, because Rake himself ultimately has little to do with what happens to Raest, although the other soletaken dragons get weakened in the process. Also, if Raest was supposed to be the main obstacle, it makes me wonder about whether releasing Tayschrenn’s demon was integral to Laseen’s plan, or simply a back-up measure. I’ve read this book three times and I still am not sure I have unraveled it all.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

All excellent topics! Yes, the last couple hundred pages are dizzying, and I’m sure quite a few new readers (and veterans!) would like to walk through them. Thanks, as always, for watching and commenting!

Fantastic discussion. I finished Gardens of the Moon last night, and have frustrations with the plotting/events/explanation style to be sure, but not enough to shelf the series. Hearing the writing style improves and things connect (in time) is giving me a lot of hope for keeping momentum up for this enormous, bewildering series. Really enjoyed hearing things that were so confusing to me at the end (The Finnest, the Azath houses) being detailed. My favorite section was Paran breaking the Hounds’ chains within Rake’s sword.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you found our discussion enjoyable and helpful, and I hope you get a lot out of the series!

I love how wound up Allen gets. LOL.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Allen makes every discussion brighter - I love the guy!

@mikesbookreviews

3 жыл бұрын

I feel like I'm boring while on a video with Allen ha ha

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Same here!

@jericosha2842

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews "Be funnier, your personality is boring!" haha!

I'm loving this because it's everything I've wanted an epic fantasy story to be. This level of precision and artistry what I wanted from The Wheel of Time. I'm about Halfway through The Dragon Reborn and I'm about to DNF the whole series out of boredom and dislike of literally the entire cast. What I've read of Malazan (Book 1 and 2) has been an eye opening experience. I've been looking for this for years without knowing it. I went in knowing absolutely nothing but I just buckled up for the ride. I'm asking a few questions but I'm trusting the series to answer them in good time so I'm just in the moment, enjoying one of the best first time reads of my life

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I have great respect for WoT, but there’s simply nothing like Malazan, in my opinion. Erikson has the boldness and the talent to transform tropes into something that feels authentic to human experience to me. I’m on my reread of the series and can’t believe how immersed I am. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the books!

Ganoes a prick? The man was absolute badass in this book. Spoilers ahead: Killing a Hound of Shadow? "Must've been my lucky day". Entering the throne room on horseback? "Waddup empress?" Meeting a random dude on some hills? Literally leading to the most bro moment in the whole book. Getting inside Dragnipur? Summons a god, almost suffocates him and gets away with it like a madman. Spending five minutes with a hot chick? Easy bed time. What a guy! Great talk guys!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Well said about Ganoes Paran! That equine entrance to the throne room is fantastic. So glad you enjoyed the video!

@Rogue_VI

3 жыл бұрын

He's one of my favorites.

@mikesbookreviews

3 жыл бұрын

I thought so at first. But the whole statement was I thought his arc this book was the best one.

@hopeprevails3213

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews I see. Glad you enjoyed in in the end, Mike! I think in general he has one of the greatest arcs in the whole series. But I guess that's RAFO.

Great discussion guys can’t wait for Deadhouse Gates!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It’ll be here before you know it!

Just finished this, great conversation. I've read through twice and still learned a few things. I'd say the only thing I'd like to hear more about are the meta narratives, breaking of fantasy tropes, Erikson's and Esselmont's archaeological and history background influencing races/cultures, and the general overall theme (without spoiling anything of course).

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! A.P. Canavan and I discuss most of those things in our ongoing collaborative series on the Malazan books. The spoiler free videos are all on my channel, and, except for Gardens of the Moon, the spoiler filled videos are on his channel: A Critical Dragon. We've also chatted with Steven Erikson a couple times as well as Ian Esslemont, whose books we're reading as well.

Hi, Philip! I really enjoyed watching your discussion. You guys are like Malazan ninja turtles. You are Donatelo, Iskar is Leonardo, Mike is Raphael, and Allen is definitely Michelangelo :D Greetings from Serbia!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Ha ha ha! That’s my first time being called a ninja turtle, and I’m immensely proud! Thanks so much for watching all the way from beautiful Serbia!

This channel is amazing!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@SJ-GodofGnomes21

3 жыл бұрын

I agree

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@SJ-GodofGnomes21 Too kind!

Really enjoyed this chat.... Brightened up a pretty poor day...

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the chat. I hope the rest of the day somehow improves, though I know there’s just so much going on right now, especially for those healthcare workers on the front lines. My very best wishes to you!

Wow! Great discussion guys. I've joined Mike's warband and just finished Gardens of the Moon so this was like eavesdropping on a great book club discussion. I can understand how people can dislike Kruppe, but I found him to be a great character for subverting expectations because he has so much hidden power under his somewhat bumbling exterior. I've really enjoyed the series so far and like Mike said it's so different from anything else I've ever read. Great characters with a whole lot of nuance. One of my favorite little character touches was very early in the book with Paran; he was very concerned for the safety of the horse and I loved what that said to me about his character and how I saw it reflected in a lot of his later actions. Looking forward to the next book and the next discussion.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you enjoyed our discussion! If it came across as an enthusiastic conversation you might hear at a book club, that’s perfect- exactly what I was hoping. Thanks for watching!

Mike is finally here!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

He is indeed! We had our First Law chat a while back, but Mike is welcome anytime!

I found Adjunct Lorn fascinating as a character. Currently on Deadhouse Gates.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Same here! I find her both interesting and tragic. I’m also starting Deadhouse Gates!

@TheBlueOwlX

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Starting Book 2 of Deadhouse Gates. It's so freakin' good.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheBlueOwlX Deadhouse Gates was the book that made Erikson’s genius clear to me the first time I read it. Just amazing!

So glad I read the book and listened to it. I got so much more out of it that way. Loved it. In fact, I was going to try and stick to Mike's read along schedule but I HAD TO dive into Deadhouse Gates. (Sorry Mike. ) Thank you all for this video.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you enjoyed the chat! I have to say that these discussions are my favorite thing to do on BookTube, and so it’s good to hear that others enjoy watching.

Thanks for this very entertaining video, guys! It was lovely to watch it! Allen was extremely fun, especially when talking about the Moranth munitions :) Keep up the good work! :)

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! It was a fun discussion, and I’m looking forward to more of them over the course of this year. It’s a wonderful time for Malazan fans on KZread, and it’s so wonderful to have readers like you being part of it!

@RoxanaMagdaD

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy you are always SO KIND! Thank you very much, Philip :)

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@RoxanaMagdaD But it’s true that you viewers are the ones that give this meaning. I would have quit a long time ago without encouragement from all the generous people who watch videos because they’re passionate about books. And it’s a lot of fun!

@RoxanaMagdaD

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy wonderfully said, Philip. I think it's a win-win, everyone benefits from this. Thanks for everything you do for us and for always being this kind, wonderful person. You have my deepest respect and admiration! :)

Perfect timing. I just finished my reread last night. What a fantastic epic story. Eric is a courageous author willing to kill major characters without epic climatic events or battles. Death is not always heralded with trumpets, but is rather brutal and shocking. Great discussion and thanks for representing us gray (Arctic blond) hairs.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Ha ha! Always proud to represent the oldsters on BookTube! Congratulations on finishing the reread - I loved it even more the second time.

@francoisbouchart4050

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I concur. My reread was a deeper experience.

Very entertaining stuff! The time for Malazan certainly has arrived. (Almost halfway through Reaper's Gale, which is now really hitting its stride.)

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

It has indeed arrived! I'm glad to be in the midst of it too. Have fun with Reaper's Gale!

@JohanHerrenberg

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Thanks, Philip!

I will return when I finish the book.... Looking forward to this. Some of my favorite booktubers in one place? Sign me up

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of the book and the discussion!

Best part of the book is Anomander’s sword prison...coolest nightmare scene with Paran, the hounds, the chains...gave me chills

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Dragnipur is unlike any other weapon in fantasy, and it plays an interesting role in the series!

@TheCossak

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I’m excited to learn more about it. It’s so interesting.

Loved this discussion! I’m currently on my first reread of the series

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you enjoyed our chat! I’m on my first reread too, and it’s absolutely mind blowing!

@full-timehuman

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I liked Gardens of the Moon the first time (I listened to the audiobooks), but I think it might be bumped up to a 5/5 read for me this time. Seeing all the foreshadowing (I forgot the Crippled God was mentioned in GoTM) has been super cool, and I mostly understand the epigraphs now.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@full-timehuman Exactly the same for me - very cool!

This is awesome. I finished The Crippled God nearly 10 years ago. Think a reread is in order.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I can’t believe how much more immersed I am during my reread, and I loved the series the first time.

WHY IS ALLEN SO UNASSUMINGLY HILARIOUS

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Ha ha! That’s the question of the century!

Alan, love the Oceans Eleven type group feel of the Phoenix Inn crew and love Murrilio!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Oceans Eleven - nice comparison!

@bparsons1987

3 жыл бұрын

Also the sappers running away from the demon lord when they were trying to blow up the city and Kalam was trying to track them down made me laugh out loud

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@bparsons1987 There’s a ton of great humor in the series, a fact that is often overlooked, I think.

From reading comments I feel like Allen is the Kruppe of this conversation. Hilarious to some annoying to others. Great chat!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Ha ha! The intended irony of your observation gave me a huge smile since Allen famously dislikes Kruppe - very nice!

My dudes your enthusiasm for the series wont stop cropping up as spoilers for me, who just wants book 1 discussion. Cant finish.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, and best wishes for the read!

What! I loved Kruppe!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Same here! I think Allen only pretends to be a Kruppe hater. It’s worth hearing his imitation!

So much fun. Iskar hits on the head - people are looking for the ring, frodo, sauron and where Mordor is to find out what the series will be about and get frustrated as they just aren't there. Ten Books is great to listen to as they ask a lot of the same questions on their journey and their reactions when they kind of get the answers. Allen is Bugg. Is that golden Christmas tree leaning ominously in the corner?

@TheLibraryofAllenxandria

3 жыл бұрын

I'll take it. Bugg is best manservant.

@EricMcLuen

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria Better than Sam?

@TheLibraryofAllenxandria

3 жыл бұрын

@@EricMcLuen like a million times

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Ha ha! So glad you enjoyed the discussion! Bugg is awesome!!!

This was fun to watch. Just started deadhouse gates.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it!

@kennethadderley6897

3 жыл бұрын

My favorite of the series!!!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@kennethadderley6897 One of my favorites too!

Yay! Another Murillio fan!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Count me among them too!

@SJ-GodofGnomes21

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Almost Dumas like in his tragedy.... Broke my heart. Mappo also....

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@SJ-GodofGnomes21 Perhaps he’s a nod to Dumas - I’d love to ask Erikson about that!

The humor is one of my favorite things about the series! If you look at Kruppe, Iskaral, Tehol & Bug alone...

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

So true! There are so many things to praise about the series, but I think the humor is not praised enough.

@Velsero

3 жыл бұрын

Gotta love that simple manservant...

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@Velsero Such an unassuming old fellow!

When I got to that Sorry reveal at the end.... It definitely creeped me out. It's very rare that a Fantasy work does that to me

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Malazan is full of surprises!

@johanjoseph4802

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy can't wait for the deadhouse discussion too. This read-along is just too good. Can't have imagined things like this happening a decade back🔥

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@johanjoseph4802 It’s a good time for fantasy on BookTube!

I feel so stupid now. I grew up reading KJV Bible and your explanation of divers just hit me upside the head. I should have known!! But I'm listening and not reading and I was just thinking in terms of diving in and yeah .... divers makes much more sense. Thanks.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

All these little things! I’ve had plenty of those moments- this particular one hit me when I realized the word “diverse” is related.

Loved the discussion. Was there ever a discussion on deadhouse Gates? I would listen to you 4 all day. Can't wait for Mike to finish the series if he hasn't already.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, we did not follow up on this discussion, though it was a lot of fun. I have, however, discussed nearly all the Malazan books with A.P. Canavan, who is an advance reader for Erikson and Esslemont. Cheers!

@monksean

2 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy yes, I'm an avid fan of that series and was in sync with you guys through toll the hounds with where I was reading but couldn't wait to finish it after that due to the lapse in time between that one and dust of dreams. It's sure good to see that you two are getting back to the series though now and I can't wait to hear the discussions on the crippled God and maybe even the kharkanos series

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

@@monksean Cool! I’m starting The Crippled God in a few days, and then Assail. After that, I plan to keep up with any new Malazan book as soon as it’s published.

@monksean

2 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy enjoy your reread. Just finished it as a first read a few months ago and I already want to reread it

lineup is fuckin STACKED

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Those dudes are the best!

I finally read GotM and get to watch all of this now 😄

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

I hope you’ll enjoy our antics!

@KFoxtheGreat

2 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy it was so much fun! And it was really nice having Mike there to ask all of my newbie questions for me 😂 I look forward to watching your other videos as I go through the series!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

@@KFoxtheGreat I’m glad to hear it! Mike did a great job with his questions.

I am agreed with Allen. Blackdog swamp is referenced throughout the series. can we get a book about that please?

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

A lot of fans would love to see that!

Awesome video. Maybe just a tad too much info given out about stuff like the azath being places to travel to and from, and some more info revealed in later books, but over all was great to listen to

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! We’re going to be a bit more careful in future videos about those things. One person’s helpful information is another’s spoiler, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. Glad you enjoyed otherwise!

Allen either loves or hates characters he's a funny dude! I've not seen any of his videos before. Will have check them out.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

He’s the most fun BookTuber I know!

Kruppe is my favorite3!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

I’m a Kruppe fan too!

So i just finished the book and i am currently loving these discutions. rEgarding the Warrens, i got the impression that Elder Warrens were not more powerfull becasue they where older but because they where used by more powerfull races, similar to how an Elder God is not exactly a more powerfull than a current god.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a great insight into Warrens, FM! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the discussions so far, and I hope they’ll help you to get even more from the books. Cheers!

@36:00 that Kruppe part was hilarious hahaha

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Allen’s Iskaral Pust imitation is also worth watching!

Well Allen, as long as you like Nihilism and Existentialism you'll love Erikson.

44:00 Talking about "chaos" - when I read this I thought to myself this is like Naked Lunch, which Burroughs wrote by literally cutting up his manuscript and rearranging it randomly and pasting it back together.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

That’s actually a very cool comparison!

@raswartz

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Here's my question. When I first read this, I thought it was a run-of-the-mill in medias res / flashback narrative device. Now, I'm wondering, is this something more like Slaughterhouse Five or Twin Peaks, where time itself has become "unstuck"? In other words, Erikson is presenting the events in a "linear" way, the problem is that the events themselves occurred out of order, i.e. the characters themselves would have seen Hairlock cut in two before the battle started, etc. Or am I overthinking that? It seems like the Warrens can influence time as well as space, so why couldn't "chaos" in the warrens cause a glitch in the way time flows around huge magical events?

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@raswartz That is the essence of A.P. Canavan’s suggestion, so you’re definitely not overthinking it. In fact, since A.P. first mentioned it, I’ve found it a compelling interpretation. Chaos has reordered events. Very cool!

@billyalarie929

3 жыл бұрын

@@raswartz this just absolutely destroyed me.

The true identity of Shadowthrone and Cotillion is not something that is blatantly obvious, and I think that is so cool because you dont even need to realize that for them to work in the story.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I feel like it’s strongly hinted at, but perhaps it’s best left unsaid until it becomes really obvious later. Of course, knowing it adds layers to them, but you’re right that the characters in GotM stand on their own.

@joshramirez7

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Its definitly hinted at, but with the different layers and complexity of this book, stuff that is hinted at gets lost in the shuffle haha I have personally talked to a couple first time readers like myself and they had no idea.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@joshramirez7 That’s good for me to keep in mind, then!

I’m not watching the entire video since I haven’t read it yet. But you all have definitely eased my anxiety and I feel encouraged to start with Garden of the Moons. Thanks for that :) Btw, I’m new to your channel and saw that your a professor and that you teach a course about Fantasy literature? Is that by any chance an online course? I would totally sign up for that 😂

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad we could be helpful in encouraging you to start Gardens of the Moon! Malazan is an amazing series, and I hope you’ll enjoy it. My Fantasy Novels course has always been face to face, but I’m thinking about creating an online version. Happy reading!

@FineReads

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy let me know if you ever add a virtual course. Nearly done with my MBA and need to find something new to study 😂 have a great weekend!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@FineReads Will do!

In the middle of the second book now. The only thing I have looked up on the Google machine is the world map of the setting. The maps in the books are not the easiest to discern. Other than that, I'm reading these books for the first time and reading them back to back to back (repeat many more times).

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve consulted that map many times myself. My best to you for the read!

I love Kruppe. He is like the Scarlet Pimpernel. All veterans of D&D have played a version of him at some point 😊.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Excellent comparison!

@jakebishop7822

3 жыл бұрын

Kruppe appreciates that sentiment! Some people do not appreciate his rotund self, alas Kruppe is exhilarated by your enthusiasm.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@jakebishop7822 Ha ha ha! Kruppe loves this!

@djsuth7727

3 жыл бұрын

I think Kruppe appeals more on a re-read. I remember being slightly irritated by him the first time I read GotM. He is actually the only reliable narrator in GotM - if you can fathom his use of language. All the other characters, even powerful entities like Rake, Baruk, Ammanas etc don't have a full grasp of all the threads in play.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@djsuth7727 That’s a very cool insight about Kruppe’s language!

At 31:50, Allen asks why they didn't just kill him. This question is answered more than once in the series, and it's not "so that he'd be around in GotM". And I'm pretty sure it's also answered in GotM, but I wouldn't swear to that, so I won't spoil it here.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

True! It’s so hard to avoid spoilers, and I think we might have slipped here and there as it is, so it’s probably for the best we didn’t actually answer that one.

Man I hope we get to see lorn somehow again. Just finished GOTM an hour or so again.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

I found Lorn to be an interesting and tragic figure. In fact, I made a video focusing on her, my “Morality in Malazan” video, because I find her arc in Gardens of the Moon so provocative.

@Isaiah_McIntosh

2 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I'll be watching that one in 2 or so hours. Gotta watch the spoiler discussions with you and AP on GOTM and the one one with iskar, Mike and Allen. I really want to reread already. I went into the book with my literary criticism goggles on but by the aftermath of pail I was so enraptured in the characters and plot. Gotta try a deeper reread........9 books till then.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

2 жыл бұрын

@@Isaiah_McIntosh Sounds like a great plan -- have fun with all those videos, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on them!

Mike, holding us back c'mon! Haha

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

Ha ha! He’s pulling some new readers ahead too, so it all works out!

@bmoneybby

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy oh ya, definitely. I reluctantly didn't join the BIG read along. But it sounds and looks fun. Maybe in the future I'll be able to hop on a read along with y'all.

I'm with Alan.... Deadhouse Gates was the big sell for me... Loved GoTM though

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I’m in that boat too. Chain of dogs just blew me away!

@SJ-GodofGnomes21

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy even just thinking about it gets me

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@SJ-GodofGnomes21 Likewise!

@kennethadderley6897

3 жыл бұрын

I was emotionally drawn in. Awesome book!

I don't think I've read a book where I've loved and rooted for so many characters.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

That’s an excellent sign! Many more amazing characters to come!

Kruppe reminded me of Varys from GOT so I kind of guessed the EEL thing a little bit early. Not much mind

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

Жыл бұрын

Great catch! Kruppe is certainly a slippery one!

I wish there was 50% less ads in these longer videos

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I do too! All I can do is turn them off or on. KZread decides how many to put.

@raswartz

3 жыл бұрын

yeah I'm about ten minutes in and skipped like three already.

@raswartz

3 жыл бұрын

this is almost unwatchable

@AndrewsWizardlyReads

3 жыл бұрын

@@raswartz Philip, Mike and Allen are in my top5 book tubers. So I can deal lol it’s just irksome.

@harrycoleman727

3 жыл бұрын

Tip: Skip to the end of the video then press replay

1:04:23 did you read Crippled god? Also, this little clip from Reaper's Gale: 'it is not common that... that I attend to arrivals in person" 'My name is Beak.'

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

We’ve all read it except for Mike - he’s in for quite a ride over the next two years!

I took Rake wearing the dragon mask to the fete that he was having a laugh that for as long as he has been around no one would notice that he was telling everyone who he was. I have read every book in the world multiple times so it is hard for me to to GotM with fresh eyes, GotM is a great read on the second time through compared to the first.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I thought the same about the mask - definitely a wry sense of humor there! I also agree with you about the second read - incredible!

@jdracing551

3 жыл бұрын

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy ​ if you guys ever come up short on a fourth hit me up. I am a youtuber just not brave enough to do something scripted and solo yet but I have gone deep into Malazan.

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@jdracing551 Awesome! I see you have a channel with some very cool looking videos of dirt bike courses/racing. I’d be terrified to do that!

I was under the impression that Circle Breaker was actually Fiddler lmao

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

Жыл бұрын

There are so many connections in the series that we’re tempted to find them where they don’t exist. It’s always good to be on alert with Malazan, though!

Hahahaha philosophy and fireballs!

"Four grandpas of Booktube today" lol

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

For the record, not one of us is an actual grandfather yet! 😁

Erikson or ICE do need to dedicates some time to the Mott Irregulars!

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I vote for that!

Hi Philip, I was wondering what platform you used to video call each other?

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

3 жыл бұрын

I use Zoom. So far, it’s worked very well for me, but you need the fancier version to have long conversations. Best wishes!