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@radiosilence17

4 жыл бұрын

Please read and review the whole series. You won't be disappointed 😁

@themelloest

4 жыл бұрын

Stephen Donaldson is one of Steve Erickson's Favourite authors. Donaldson's quote on SE's malazan is used by Erickson to promote his 10 book epic. Trust me... Thomas Covenant is one of those books you only ever know about by way of word of mouth or recommendation from a loved one . it's a hidden treasure trove waiting to be dug up and shown to the world. X marks the spot, hope you find that thar treasure. you'll be richer for it. peace

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

Checkout my Swedish wheel of time books

@hamzajuelz1956

3 жыл бұрын

I know it is pretty randomly asking but do anybody know of a good place to stream newly released series online ?

Malazan really isn't for everyone. The series requires an insane level of commitment so I understand the hesitation people have when approaching it. That said it's my favorite series of all time! And I hope it gets more love and exposure.

@KateMaccio

4 жыл бұрын

Glyph 123 I’m a little over halfway through now and I just want to buy them all and binge. Loving it.

@Severian1

4 жыл бұрын

@@KateMaccio I love it so much. So glad that you are enjoying it too. I'm a bit of a Malazan apologist so it always makes me happy when new readers love it. Enjoy the rest of the journey!

@OsSLatvia

4 жыл бұрын

The biggest mallazan problem is the insane learning curve. I have tried listening gardens of the moon audiobook multiple times but after few houers of listening i understood that i have no idea whats going on in the book. Plus after that i read that next books follow different characters with no connection to first book so i gave up on it. Though someday i will get through it (and think if i read instead of listened to audiobook it would be easier to follow whats going on in the book)

@Severian1

4 жыл бұрын

@@OsSLatvia oh yeah. The learning curve is really steep and the characters are a lot. The magic system is huge and evolving and confusing at times. Initially I had problems keeping everything together but as I kept reading the story got better. I totally get you. Give it a try again, maybe get to the third book. If you're not hooked by then maybe the series isn't for you and that is totally ok!

@Jay-vp3kk

4 жыл бұрын

@@OsSLatvia As someone who has read over 100 fantasy series in my lifetime I had exactly the same issue with this series, it's the only series I ever encountered where I was just completely lost the entire time and after reading the entire first book I had no clue what happened, who the characters were or what was going on what so ever.

Congratulations on your full youtube career!

@deanryanmartin

4 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on the sponsorship too. That's dope!

Someone who is huge Malazan fan, PLEASE make a channel. I'm begging you. I've been looking for one for a while and it would be a HUGE guidance to people getting into the series like myself. I'm always so overwhelmed with the books that I couldn't even get passed the second book.

@WhyWeWork

4 жыл бұрын

I don't have the time to make another channel, but there is so much to talk about!

@ParadigmFluxEmporium

4 жыл бұрын

Tor.com puts out pretty good reread with commentary from both a new reader and an experienced reader of the series. Just Google Malazan Reread and you can find it. Its pretty helpful at pointing out what things are important to keep in mind and remember for each chapter and how the little details affect the over story arch throughout the series.

@lifesabeach2597

4 жыл бұрын

Elliot Brookes has a buddy read going with a facebook page to go along wit it

@davidecamurani7389

4 жыл бұрын

I think being a Malazantuber is a full-time job. You have to read it consistently, summarize content and teories. My brain is hurting just thinking about it xD

@notme716

4 жыл бұрын

There’s a great podcast called Ten Very Big Books that’s two first timers and a rereaders sharing thoughts chapter by chapter

Erikson is so good at humour later in the series that I've forgotten how unrelenting the tone is in Gardens. Yes! You will meet less bad ass characters and characters you get very deep with even though you have only known them for two pages. Theres even a POV of a cow at some point. Based on your complaints for this book I can't wait to see what you think of the rest!

@bryson2662

4 жыл бұрын

Do you remember where that cow POV was by chance?

@paulramberg9081

4 жыл бұрын

@@bryson2662 it's spattered throughout all of Toll the Hounds. I just looked and it's actually in way more chapters than I remember.

@Severian1

4 жыл бұрын

I just reread Gardens and noticed the huge disconnect between it and the rest of the series. It gets so much better and the dryness that is GOTM is frankly non-existent in the other books.

@itzazkii6343

4 жыл бұрын

@@Severian1 I read the first 5 and gardens of the moon was 2nd best to me. Other than deadhouse gates and GotM the books were pretty unreadable for me :(

@Severian1

4 жыл бұрын

@@itzazkii6343 really? Book five has to be one of the funniest books of the series. Bugg an Tehol shenanigans had me in stitches every time they appeared. Well, everyone has different tastes.

Just wait until you meet Tehol and Mr Bugg!

@tracib.7725

4 жыл бұрын

Dance With Me Then they are MY FAVORITE!

@adsm6464

4 жыл бұрын

And Sgt Hellian: But be nice or she will cut her tits off. Edit: Spelling

@Severian1

4 жыл бұрын

My favorite duo!

@axelmanica4103

4 жыл бұрын

Literally the reason why MT is my favorite in the series. That and the sengar brothers

@ikekobrinsky5517

4 жыл бұрын

Good picks!!!! Tehol and Bugg. Man, soooo goooodd

All of us Bridge Burners are frothing at the mouth for more Malazan videos! Keep trodging along Daniel. Make the reviews Dammit!

@Severian1

4 жыл бұрын

First in Last out! I'm still waiting for more videos from him.

Jeez there's still so many fantasy series I need to read, Malazan sounds amazing and definitely like my type of series, I just know I'll have to finish off a bunch of other series before making the commitment to start this one. Great review!

@tylerhobbs7653

4 жыл бұрын

It gets pretty brutal, ability-to-read wise, and pretty brutal, fuck-with-your-emotions wise. On the other hand, it's gotta be up there with Tolkien on a how much I love it scale.

@Cieges

4 жыл бұрын

Dude. We’ll be waiting for when you finally start malazan then

Absolutely love this book. Confusing and chaotic and completely unique.

@DanielGreeneReviews

4 жыл бұрын

Perfectly put!

Hopefully more lighthearted in the future, he says. With Deadhouse Gates looming on the horizon.

@RaZeyLWindBladE

4 жыл бұрын

DG? Reapers Gale. Reapers Gale is where it's at. Also, Memories of Ice.

@Bandoolero

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha!

I’m on the Reaper’s Gale right now. It took me 4 tries to get through the first book...and only just managed with audiobook. I absolutely HATE the way he basically drops you into the world. No character building, no world building. Just bam. You and Tattersail are on this adventure. It honestly felt like it should have been a Book 5 of a series. Now that I’m in it, I get the world, the scope, and I *think* I know what the end goal is I’m very much enjoying it. The EPICNESS is fantastic! But geez-o-Pete....it’s hard to start!

@thevinarokiarajl2149

4 жыл бұрын

reading as I'm typing this. :)

@TheJonMullins

4 жыл бұрын

This makes me want to trudg through the beginning..

@mubbles1066

4 жыл бұрын

Traci Bailey The lack of any explanation whatsoever is what hooked me😊

@derekdurst9216

4 жыл бұрын

Probably will finish Reaper’s Gale today, and I have to say, so far Memories of Ice and The Bonehunters were my favorites

@tracib.7725

4 жыл бұрын

mubbles1066 different taste keeps the world interesting.

I love this series. I stumbled upon this one while searching for another epic fantasy after finishing Wheel of Time.

@notme716

4 жыл бұрын

Liandré Yamara I found it after finishing ASOIAF. Big change in everything on the transition.

The beginning of a new era of sweet Greene content :D

@DanielGreeneReviews

4 жыл бұрын

Well this one was made while still working full time, the sentiment is true :) haha

The hardest series ever to start reading and I say this as an experienced fantasy reader. Erikson and more so Esslemont can be quite tiring with endless repetitive "history repeats itself" chapters. I don't much like his magic system or the battles either, so I agree that this is less about pure enjoyment. However, there is undoubtedly real emotion here and some of the best fantasy characters (Hood, Rake, etc) ever. The scope is truly epic and even though the end of the Crippled God isn't fully satisfying, it must have been incredibly hard to write.

@rileykuhl8011

4 жыл бұрын

LordMichaelRahl I thought the magic system was unique and intelligent. Building off past magic in a way, just as history and culture builds off the past. It gets a little confusing at times but it’s so creative.

@LordMichaelRahl

4 жыл бұрын

@@rileykuhl8011 I mean, sure I get the theme, the Warrens being the new magic Krul formed from old pure chaos, but there's just not enough variety for me. People shapeshift, have Ascendant "power" as long as they don't interact too strongly with the mortal plane, the Warrens are pocket dimensions and people throw "magic" at each other. Doesn't compare with detailed Sanderson like hard magic systems, but that's just me.

@rileykuhl8011

4 жыл бұрын

LordMichaelRahl LordMichaelRahl becoming an Ascendant has always been a bit confusing but I don’t think you need to avoid the mortal plane. Instead it seems like you need to achieve some things there and almost grow famous by your deeds. And before now I considered the magic system to be a hard system but now I see it as a mix. It definitely has rules and consequences but at times the mages can pull shit out of nowhere to fix a problem. And I see each Warren as unique and different, with specialties, or limitations. So I see what you mean.

@andrewjennings236

4 жыл бұрын

While the end of series has its flaws (“Dust of dreams” I’m looking at you) Overall I really liked the ending. Yes there’s some plot lines that get dropped / unresolved, but you have to expect that for this type of series. At least the “main” conflict of the series got tied up in a satisfying manner, which is infinitely better then similar series that will never finish (game of thrones, Kingkiller.)

@Bunny_Aoife

4 жыл бұрын

I remember seeing an interview with Erikson, in which he explained, that his reasons for keeping his magic system kinda vague, basically stems from the idea that it is just not fully understood by anyone, neither in world nor by himself. Thereby he wants to keep it more mysterious and also give it a more evolving and organic feeling. And I believe he did also use Sanderson as the opposite example. Been a while since I saw it, but something along that line of reasoning.

Malazan is definitely a series that will probably stand by itself for decades to come. The unique style works really well, although the writing can be difficult. It isn't for everyone, but if you can get through it then you're basically guaranteed to love it. There's also so much to look at involving the influences on it and how it is different.

Daniel, I think your review is spot on. He drops you right in the middle of a hugely complex world and expects you to just keep up. The series as a whole can absolutely be a slog (this from a 30+ yr fantasy consumer). The audio books are helpful with that, they are SO well done. That being said-I have laughed out loud more during some of these books than I rarely have in fantasy novels. And I have teared up more during these books than I rarely do with other books. By the end of the series, it’s worth the journey.

@moresoysauce5489

Жыл бұрын

The audiobook narrator is so freaking good. It's interesting because I never see/hear people talking about the Malazan audiobooks but they're genuine top notch

I'm about to start Deadhouse Gates and I definitely agree with ur Gardens review. I'm one for massive worlds too. Also props for calling for a Malazan channel and not trying to hog the world!

I am half way through GOTM and I think exposition is done very well.I never felt like characters were explaining things to the reader,everything felt very much natural.Characters are so diverse(soldiers,mages,commanders,gods,magical beings,spies) it feels normal that they have to explain things to each other,unlike some other books where mages explain to other mages how magic works because of exposition. I think Erickson is spending too much time explaining geography and describing buildings,but not enough time describing characters. I really want to know what Malazan soldiers and their armor look like,I Imagine them like Roman soldiers. This is my second epic fantasy book so I hope it will be worth it. :)

I have just finished Gardens Of The Moon and must say that I loved every single page. You hear a lot of people saying that it’s difficult or overwhelming but I didn’t feel that way at all. The story was exciting, inventive, well paced, and fascinating. I loved the characters and found their trials and tribulations moving and engaging. It has to be said that Erikson’s writing is far superior to many fantasy novelists I have encountered in the past. I feel far too many people try to race through books just to tick them off their lists, DONT DO THIS ! Treat large tomes like this as a saga, a journey…..take it at a leisurely and comfortable pace. The object is to enjoy the story, not just to get to the end. In closing I would say to folks considering reading this series…..Just dive in, forget all the moans about it being over long or complex, and immerse yourself in this amazing world. This first book was brilliant.

Yay for Malazan content!!! \o/ I have a huge crush on Anomander Rake xD Have read until book 3, I stopped... cause I got too attached to some characters that have perished, and cried until I fall asleep, and up until now, I still feel an immense hatred towards the characters that killed 'em. I don't know when I'll start reading it again. But I intent to start from book one again :D

"I cannot just be the Malazan channel" - The Wheel if Time channel

Late to the party. Just finished gardens, I'm absolutley in love, everything I could have wanted, for me at least. I like how you mention the characters being portrayed in a similar fashion to herbert's dune, totally agree and I think that's what lead me to enjoy it as much as I do.

I remember reading Gardens of the Moon a long time ago when I was still relatively new to the fantasy genre. I found it very tough to follow in the beginning and middle parts of the book but loved the ending and found the world and magic system intriguing. its definitely a writing style that doesn't hold your hand like most books. I never got passed the 2nd book back then. I might have to pick it up again soon

I started reading Malazan and it’s great so far! I’m like half way through the first book. I love the bouncing perspectives because it holds my attention (ADHD lol).

When I read gardens of the moon I had this real sense that the story would be really served well as a graphic novel. I felt it had an Alan Moore tone. And I pictured all the bridgburners as being stocky like gears of war characters :)

I'm actually really glad you're doing this. I only even heard of the Malazan books from finding your channel and the mentions of it that have come up in some videos or in comments and I realize how massive of a world it is. Personally I am a slow reader and am tackling the Wheel of Time, and the Ringworld books at the moment (if you wanted to do some sci-fi Ringworld would be a fantastic series to hear from you on by the way!), probably followed by Stormlight Archive. Wheel of Time seems to have what I've always wanted from a chosen one story, where I unfortunately was not exposed to it early enough. Harry Potter always disappointed me, Eragon I liked but didn't finish the fourth book actually, and then stuff like Tolkien is fantastic but Frodo is not an OP chosen one by any sense, and then the Shannara books have the Druid character, but not a staple protagonist across the series. Just a random comment that started as a thanks for the commitment to Malazan, because I really haven't been able to find anyone else on youtube talking about it in the way you do with WOT as you said. And also just saying how much I appreciate your channel in general as its brought so many fantasy (which I love) series on my radar that I just somehow never heard of.

I’m going to read it, but I like the fact that you hardly told me anything. Thank you for not ruining it mind you this is a review and I think you did a good job reviewing it. You basically let me know that it has a serious tone throughout Without ruining anything.

So am I the only one that, while reading the series, thought/imagined that it would make a phenomenal anime-style show series?

@michaelandrews117

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe have the creators of Avatar The Last Airbender tackle it? Or perhaps WIT Studio (animators of Attack on Titan) could handle it.

Started reading Gardens of the Moon last week and the amount of information you are given in the first few chapters is insane. It's like dropping into the middle of a series and having no idea what's going on

Malazan sucks you in....it's one of the most if not the most epic fantasy series ever written.

@malcomalexander9437

4 жыл бұрын

I tried reading the first book. I got bored so I dropped it. Did the same with Wheel of Time. Was reading the first book, got bored, and dropped it. Way of Kings I actually finished, probably won't read the rest though.

@tomascanas9143

4 жыл бұрын

Malcom Alexander 🥶I can understand why WoT isnt for everyone but dropping it at book 1 is so frustrating, i am on book 4 and I guarantee you that it gets better

@george65517

3 жыл бұрын

@@malcomalexander9437 Damn, first time I hear someone say he finished Way Of Kings, but did not continue the series

@malcomalexander9437

3 жыл бұрын

@@george65517 I don't really like reading series. I definitely prefer one shot books.

@malcomalexander9437

3 жыл бұрын

@@george65517 Plus I'd rather wait for the series to finish before reading it.

I started this series about ten years ago and was completely thrown off from the scope. Erickson is seriously something else. Fiddler is one of my most favorite characters of all time. Malazan is absolutely a hard read. Erickson does not hold your hand, nor does he explain himself. You have to seriously work, but it’s so so worth it.

Malazan reminds me of Elden ring. It’s hard to get into and not for everyone, but if you put in the time you’ll experience one of the coolest and largest scale fantasy worlds ever.

Malazan is the greatest fantasy series I have ever read and I have read a lot. Look forward to your reviews

M & D Fantasy Corner is the closest I've found to a malazan channel. But I would really want one. I don't want to be the one to do it, it would be too crappy.

Currently halfway through The Bonehunters, I did enjoy Gardens of the Moon in the same manner that I enjoyed The Eye of the World. I do think that Steven Erickson dose become more flexible in his tone as the series progresses. I do agree with your points concerning characters and feeling somewhat at a distance from them. All in all sound review, keep up the great work and am glad you are reading Malazan Book of the Fallen once again.

I read Gardens of the moon and really struggled with it. I tried to work out what it was and Daniel you got it. The tone just doesn't change all that much. I got used to it to a certain degree by the end. However I didn't pick up the second book when I got my audible credit, got Joe Abercrombie's First law first book in stead. I hope I can return to Malazan some day.

A timely review for me as I've just picked up Gardens of the Moon and I intend on completing the series. Wish me luck 🙂

@ChrisJohnson-pr9jq

3 жыл бұрын

July 2021 and I've just bought the entire series,I have a lot of experience of reading very long stories, but I hear a lot of people struggle to keep track of everything, and don't quite understand how erikson writes and structured the series, slightly overwhelming to be honest, but I'm excited to start them, how did you get on?

I've been considering making a Malazan channel myself, since some time - but it's really more because I'm interested in thematic analysis and Malazan has such incredibly rich themes. My vision would basically be a Malazan channel to the extent that Hello Future Me is an Avatar channel... don't know how exciting that is for other people. By the way, it sounds like you've encountered Malazan fans on r/fantasy - you should try the specific Malazan subreddit: people are WAY more nice and understanding there!

@oliverschoneck7750

4 жыл бұрын

Go for it!

I’m always impressed by the effort you put into your ads. So many youtubers just do low effort but you don’t.

Good luck. Read the first 4 are great but DENSE

I had never heard of it, although The Crippled God had already been published. I had given up on G.R.R. Martin, because he decided to write the TV adaptation first. And then I found this book. I scanned over the blurb, read the foreword and bought it. Now I'm reading Reaper's Gale and I don't think I will ever need another fantasy series.

@shawn6745

4 жыл бұрын

Martin only wrote a couple of episodes for the show

@AvanToor

4 жыл бұрын

@@shawn6745 Oh, so how ARE book 6 and 7?

@shawn6745

4 жыл бұрын

@@AvanToor Will let you know when they come out. Honestly there is a *ton* of fantasy to read, and more constantly coming out so I don't have any rush for the rest of ASOIAF. Il enjoy them but I think people who are really impatient for them need to try more series, there are others just as good, if not better, than ASOIAF (like Malazan)

@AvanToor

4 жыл бұрын

@@shawn6745 What I meant was, if he hasn't been working on the TV show, what the hell has he been doing? And I stopped caring about all of it around season 6. Just lost interest. I have a hunch about why, though. Here's a series I CAN read that knocks Ice and Fire out of the park.

I'm hyped that you're commiting to finish Malazan! Currently reading through the main series for the first time (starting book 7) and each book is so distinct and interesting that I think you'll really find a lot to enjoy here. I love hopping on Reddit and YT and seeing what everyone thought after every book so I'll definitely be tuning in if you keep on doing these!

Malazan does burn you out, even though I’ve loved it. After House of Chains I needed a break to read some other books and I got 150 pages into Toll the Hounds and needed to do it again. So I’ve read quite a few books and will read a few more before I get back to it, maybe over winter break.

Just started this book (about 100 pages in) and I am super hooked. Super hooked. I love the puzzle and constantly looking for clues as to who is what and what is going on. Like a jigsaw puzzle looking for where pieces fit and setting some pieces aside for later... so good for me. Everything is so intriguing. We'll see how I feel at the end.

I started Gardens of the Moon a few years ago. Got like 3 chapters in, told myself I wasn’t ready, and went back to finish Riyria. I am curious though.

PLEASE tell me you'll be doing the Ian C. Esslemont books too! The series intertwine so much and characters move in and out, and sometimes die, so often that you NEED to read both to fully appreciate them. There are guides on how best to approach reading both out there. As far as Gardens of the Moon goes, I think most Malazan fans can agree that it's a little rough, at least as far as Malazan books go. Erikson is still working things out, so there's some stuff that doesn't gel with later books and it really is a "sink or swim" type book, since you're kind of dropped into, not just the deep end of a pool, but an ocean during a storm.

I'm glad you made this review, I found your channel because of it. im on book 7 of Malazan and because of your channel I'll work through WoT after I finish Malazan

Excited to follow you as you dive in to Malazan. Certainly a graduate level fantasy series and not for the faint of heart.

me: is Malazan a good series? my brother: ye, by the 3rd or 4th book you will get 1000% into it and only love it more! me: third or forth...?! darn.. 3 times i have tried to start this series(and there will be a forth), but just like when you want to stop smoking, you need to mentally prepare. PS: im a veteran fantasy reader. WoT is my favorite

@khamul29

4 жыл бұрын

As a veteran fantasy reader, Malazan would feel like graduation. I have not find anything so complex and hard as Malazan. I suggest you read The Black Company first, so you get used to the "militia and soldiers" theme. But please, do read them. Once you start to understand (around book 4 haha) you'll get hooked. :)

@wolfyvonwoods1791

4 жыл бұрын

@@khamul29 Ye, as my brother said, around book 4 it gets really good xD I have read The Black Company. Did a few years ago, 4-5 books i think. Wasn't my thing. Btw, only in the fantasy genre do you need 4-5 books to decide if you like a series or not. Got 2 love that

I get what your saying that this book isn't for everyone. I've read this after A Song of Ice and Fire just looking to fill a void that the saga has left in me. What I can say is that it's the 'highest fantasy'' series that I've read and I really doubt that I'll read one ever higher. This book has it all if your looking for active gods old and new (which is awesome), legendary heroes and mere mortals being played and defying those deities. The concept of Ascendants are truly one of the best thing that I've read. I have to admit though that the series is not an easy read. There are a lot to take in. Especially if you're really not deep into high fantasy. Goodluck!

Great review. I am currently reading it and struggling through it.

Incredibly happy to see you tackling this, it's a long road but so worth it.

Hands down my favourite series in all of literature. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I've read Gardens of the Moon, and tried the second book and only got around a third way through it. My friends continue to rave about it so I'm gonna jump in again in the new year. Wish me luck.

It was worthwhile reading through this epic fantasy series. There will be a whole range of characters you love and who will fade away. And some of them you will encounter again. Was fascinated with the ever changing Deck of Dragons which reflects the various Houses and their Gods/Ascendents and respective Soldiers. You always wonder who will fill which place in the hierarchy of each House as the story progresses. And the system of magic in this world which is more of a Space than a Force is fascinating to uncover. All in all, a true epic that requires a slant of mind that can savor a deep and complicated plot rather than an easy and linear fantasy story telling. So good that I started reading it again. And the reread is where it truly shines.

Great review Daniel! Even as a rabid Malazan fan who's read or listened to the entire series and Ian's books 3 or 4 times each, I appreciate the fair criticism. Looking forward to your next vids.

Good to see you finally do Book 1. IMO, it's the greatest series I've ever read. And yes, I basically explain it to a few ppl as advanced fantasy. Still, a mate I recommended it to, loved it. Yea, 1 of my fave things is after my heart was broken in Book 2 and Book 3, he still managed to introduce me to these flawed but brilliant characters. Good one Daniel. Keep going with the books

ehhhh I'm excited you're reviewing these! I usually read 4-5 books a month at the same time and was reading Malazan as well...it took me 2 years. Good luck!

I'm reading GOTM right now and it's really unlike any boonive ever read. So far I would say I've definitely enjoyed other books more but I've never experienced this level of intrigue. I just feels like I'm reading 10 books at one time that are obviously all connected. It's like layers upon layers upon layers of plot.

I loooove the Malazan Series. I know it can be hard to get into and it can be confusing but I really love it. For me personally its the Fantasy-series that I enjoyed reading the most. I also really love the Humor of the series and how well it is written.

Nice! I’d prepare yourself for a distinct lack of “everything is going to be OK” moments going forward :D The humour later on will fill that void for you I think

Malazan takes everything to a whole new level, sadly it's not for everyone.

@linjicakonikon7666

2 жыл бұрын

And that level isn't higher.

I just started it, there’s a flying castle and alternate dimensions in the first 2 chapters and your just supposed to except that. 10/10

Welcome to the Bridgeburners Daniel. You have so many wonderful new characters to meet. I actually subbed just to watch your journey, and I'll be looking forward to the next 9 videos on the topic. BTW, WoT was one of my earliest reads in the fantasy genre, so I've enjoyed your coverage of that as well. Keep up the good work.

To understand your first read of Gardens of the Moon, you need to understand one thing: The author doesn't want you to understand. If you can get past that, you're good to go. If you can't, move on. But if you get confused, don't bother to go back and re-read the last couple of pages, just press on to the next EPIC part.

As a long-time Malazan fan, I cannot agree more, the Book of the Fallen is not for everyone. Gardens of the Moon starts the series with a bang, which is both a blessing and a curse. You need to arm yourself with some patience as the necessary information to properly understand what's going on is scattered among several books and the cast of characters is huge. Once you get past the first couple of books, however, you are more than rewarded. As for concerns about the tone, I can understand; it is mainly a story about soldiers and war, and doesn't shy away from the darker sides of humankind (the siege of Capustan O_O), but it also has lighter moments. Of course, most of the cast being soldiers, expect snarky comments, dark humor but also honest-to-good heroism and self-sacrifice. And a mule-riding duel. Something new readers ahould be aware of: the setting is a shared creation of Erikson and Ian Cameron Esslemont. The latter's books (Novels of the Malazan Empire), while not necessary to follow and understand the main plot of the MBotF, nevertheless give a lot of useful extra information, and pick up some plot threads that may feel... let's say... not fully resolved in the main series.

I'm on my third try with this book, what a relief to see I'm not alone in my struggle with GotM! Looking forward to a summary video 😉!

The characters definitely get more fleshed out as the series goes on, not always explicitly. Often the thoughts they have require making your own connections to truly appreciate the depth of the character development. This aspect of the books which really makes you think is part of Erikson's style that I really enjoy. And ohh boy if you think Gardens of the Moon is getting dark, whoo it gets much worse. But in a good way. A very real, very gritty but satisfying way.

im a huge fan of epic fantasy. and even for me malazan is too much. i forced myself through 4 books before giving up for now. ill finish it, one book at a time, but i need an actual guide to keep up with whats happening.

@Ubersicht

4 жыл бұрын

I HIGHLY recommend keeping Malazan Wiki at hand while reading, whenever a character from three books ago appears that I don't remember what they were up to I look the character up and in a minute I'm all set to continue reading. It's divided by book so you don't spoil yourself, it's a great resource.

@AK4525

4 жыл бұрын

There is also a malazan reread at TOR.com that is done by someone whose read the series a few times, and a new reader so you can get a spoiler free version. When things get confusing it is very helpful

@houndsanddirewolves

4 жыл бұрын

Michael Crosby Tor’s reread of the fallen is a great tool! I definitely recommend trying go get to Bonehunters, it’s personally my favorite book of the series.

@bryson2662

4 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dron/__MTBUSvbSGn1uywMfdF9A.html These guys are going through the series. They're on book 3 now. The podcast called 10 very big books is also reading through right now. They've just started Deadhouse Gates.

@jonvalett6708

4 жыл бұрын

@@AK4525 I used the tor.com reread as well. It was absolutely essential to help me understand what was going on.

Really interesting to hear your opinion. Cant wait to hear what you got to say about Memories of Ice, Midnight Tides and Toll the Hounds

Congrats Daniel! Excited that your hard work paid off. Happy KZread career!!!

I have also only just read the first book and agree with you completely! It was really something special, a world I have not seen before, but also complicated and distant.... Will definitely try more books of this series as I do think it was well written, and had some amazing and real characters.

Me and my friend are doing Malazan content on YT in a form of Podcast. We do like 10 40 minute episodes per book. We are at book 3 currently. Compared to your content we are still little rough around the edges but i think we are improving. Anyway as a long time viewer and brand new subscriber ( as im huge fan of WoT ) im glad u are doing Malazan content too. U can check M&D Fantasy Corner channel if u want. Any input from someone with actual experience would be appreciated .

Tbh I didn’t feel like Malazan was too one tone for me. It was very much quite dark and militaristic, but then there was Kruppe. And I fucking love Kruppe. Every scene from his POV was pure gold and it was much sillier and more chill

From the forward "Beginning with Gardens of the Moon, readers will either hate my stuff or love it. There’s no in-between. Naturally, I’d rather everybody loved it, but I understand why this will never be the case. These are not lazy books. You can’t float through, you just can’t. Even more problematic, the first novel begins halfway through a seeming marathon - you either hit the ground running and stay on your feet or you’re toast" well screw you Steven, I don't dislike your book because I am unable to stay on my feet, I find it rather mediocre and did not feel like getting invested in dull characters.

I just finished the book and I agree with you: this book is not everyone. I started reading Epic Fantasy last year with WOT (I recently finished book 7), Stormligh Archive, Mistborn, etc. But if I have to be honest with myself, I really did not understand A THING about this universe. I am still confused 5 mn after closing this book. I am here trying to understand the words I've read.

Just wait till you read "Midnight tides", it has plenty of humor. My favorite in the series.

I tried reading Garden's of the Moon a few years ago and stopped about 70% in because the story jumped around. It felt like it skimmed a lot of great story without anything deep.

@willisix2554

4 жыл бұрын

That's how I felt it just jumps around and doesn't seem to have any Focus, I finished it but I'm going to try one more book if it's like the first one I'm out

@wanderdragon1075

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve tried reading Gardens of the Moon twice. I just can’t do it for exactly this reason. It felt a little haphazard, and even though I liked some of the characters it just got to be too much. Now having WoT under my belt though, maybe I’ll give it one more shot.

@willisix2554

4 жыл бұрын

It reads A Lot Like The Wheel of Time series, which I didn't like at all

@TaigaGaoo

4 жыл бұрын

The story of the book itself is.. really easy to follow. First act: The Malazan Empire wants to take the last free city in the continent, Darujhistan, after taking Pale. All the Malazan characters, literally, go on journey to reach the city for one reason or another. Second act:, the Darujhistan characters are presented, and you spend time learning about them and how things are in the city now that the Malazans are coming to take it while also seeing the Malazan characters on their journey to the city. Third Act: All the characters converge on Darujhistan for the climax. There's at this point there's about 2-3 subplots that are just slightly touched by a couple of characters, which you won't get fully at the moment because they are going to explored and developed in the later books. The story doesn't "jump around" it shows the PoV of all important characters.

@willisix2554

4 жыл бұрын

@@TaigaGaoo it doesn't Jump Around? Yea, right if you say so!

Just started Book Two Darujistan, i gotta agree it’s chaotic many characters pop up without any background story but i love it.

Malazan is amaizing it became one of my favorite series

Lol. Was just sitting here waiting on your morning video.

@DanielGreeneReviews

4 жыл бұрын

Had a minor delay due to sponsorship issues. Was my fault. I was very late with sending them the spot.

Yep, at least some big boy stuff. Malazan world's scale and epicness can't be compared to anything, it's just fucking monumental. You just need to chew trough it and it gets more and more worth it, and at some point you just stand in awe of things you witness in these books. Keep goin!

Watching this video as an avid fan before diving into the world of Malazan for the first time. And yes, Daniel, kangaroos are great.

Definitely a series that you have to pay attention to. I'm almost done with Midnight Tides and a lot of things are starting to come together.

One of the best fantasy series of all time... not a kids tale with an evil immortal "Lord Terribad" (named like that) against a new super-fast apprentice, goody-goody hero who defeats this little super-bad immortal power-giving kingdom in a year, but not after a somewhat embarrassing and cliché love story. And yes, Malazan it's not for everyone.

hahahahaha the ice cream analogy got me real good. It's actually perfect I totally understand what you mean, I'm one of those that wants EPIC and god damn this series is that!

You are absolutely right this series is not for everyone. This series has great characters and serious depth but it is epic!

@daniel Greene, Thanks for posting this review and the overview video of the entire Malazan series. I am looking to start reading a fantasy book series. I know that you - and others - state that Malazan is not ideal for beginners due to the lack of "hand holding" and detailed, in depth world building in the series. However, I consider myself to be an avid reader - regularly reading high level texts that require detailed analysis, knowledge of background, research, etc. in academia. Do you think malazan might be appropriate for me? Happy for others to chime in as well. Cheers

This books are a true Master piece. The first few books are meant to draw you in by keeping characters mysterious but soon enough you will get to know them very intimately by way flash backs, character interactions, and internal contemplation; and while the tempo does settle down the book all keep you at the edge of your sits. I read the books as they were being published and the waiting between books was excruciating because I just didn't want to stop reading. My favorite book has to be the 2nd of the series Deathouse Gate.

I often describe Malazan as halfway between ASoIaF and TWoT. It’s not a great idea to get too attached to characters, but many that you love will be alright. If you like witty repartee, then you’ll enjoy this series. If you like to read between the lines, you’ll enjoy this series. If you need closure for every little plot, if you need everything spelled out, then you probably should avoid this series. The great thing about this series in my view is that it’s a challenge, or perhaps a puzzle. Subtext is a big part of this series, and it gets better with each reread. Stick with it, Daniel! Witness.

Love the script Ohio shirt during the sponsor

thanks for doing malazan! im in the middle of The Blade itself and was hoping to do malazan next. also gratz on youtube careering!!

For me the Malazan-series started growing on me during Deadhouse Gates and becoming a fullblown obsession in Memories of Ice. Gardens of the Moon is a good starting point, sure, but it does grow even more the deeper into the series you go, imo

Please! Review Legend by David Gemmell

420K subscribers Mr. “Greene”. That’s “Lit”. Okay sorry for the puns, I did finish Gardens of the moon recently and am excited to move on to Deadhouse Gates 👍🏻

Book 2 is kinda hard to get through, first time through. (It’s absolutely wonderful now) but please Daniel, I’ve watched a lot of your videos, you WILL love this series!! Character development is in depth and wonderful! Book 4 it really takes off!!

Have you ever read Micheal Moorcock Eternal Champions books?

I read Gardens of the Moon with Elliot Brooks in her readalong and I gotta say I was intimidated at first, and there's a lot to learn and pay attention to, but I ended up -loving- Gardens of the Moon and I can't wait to continue the series. After stumbling through that first 100 pages or so it all just kinda came together for me and it wasn't so hard to remember who was who anymore. The books are kinda hard to find and since I want all hardcovers (I just happened to get GotM in Hardcover at the used book store and now I want my editions to be the same size on the shelf) so I'm just sniping cheaper copies on Ebay or Thriftbooks when I can, but you gotta catch them out. Q.Q Deadhouse Gates should be here before October though!

I basically gave up on trying to figure out who people are and what going on until about book 3. The entire series took me about 6 months. Which was a major time sink. I still don’t know how I feel. When I finished it I just kinda felt like “wtf did I just read”. But as things came together in my mind and as I distanced myself/thought about it more... I started to enjoy it retrospectively.

I recently finished the main series of Malazan and absolutely loved it. On the topic of comedy, it really doesn't change much in that aspect until near the middle of the series in my opinion. That is to say, it has comedic moments here and there with certain characters but not really until Midnight Tides and Bonehunters does it become funny for long periods. Sgt Hellian has to be one of my favourite comic relief characters in this series and there are a few. Enjoy reading.