They told me Malazan was too hard to read. They failed to mention dinosaurs with sword arms.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

LOL!

@MaticustheRed

9 ай бұрын

I just started it, and I was shocked, SHOCKED by the swordarmasaurs.

@HamedRaza-bo3mt

8 ай бұрын

Wait till you meet dinosaurs with lasers

@ettuShaggy

6 ай бұрын

Umm, I would have started reading this a long time ago if I’d known!

@THBEnterAktion

3 ай бұрын

There’s dinos with swords for arms!? I’m reading tomorrow haha 😂

Yes...I realize that I have glitter on my head. I have a daughter, and she loves spilling glitter everywhere.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

@@hobbitholebooks832 imgur.com/vxcS6x4

@M4cTr1cK

Жыл бұрын

haha - that's so wholesome

@jessezigg

8 ай бұрын

Years ago, my "tough guy," fireman husband was at the fire station. One of his buddy-coworkers finally asks, "Do you have f'ing GLITTER on your FACE?!? 😂😂😂 (Same reason. He had a 3 year old daughter at home. 😉 )

Starting my 4th reading. The strangest thing about this book is that the MORE TIMES you read it, the BETTER it is. Absolutely the best Series ever written.

@sierra5360

5 ай бұрын

I suggest audiobooks. Makes re listening very easy and you can do it while doing chores ect. I do it when I’m going to sleep. It’s great

@Hosea405

3 ай бұрын

I've been reading it once per year for the past 5 years

Something I recommend to people when they start the series is to read Erikson's essay "Deconstructing the Siege of Pale" after they finish chapter 2 of GOTM. He has a brief forum post and then a PDF which he's taken and marked up the text and put his thought process in the margins. This essay really helped me to sort of see how he writes and the things he expects (or hopes) you pick up on. If you haven't read that essay I highly recommend it. His website is full of good stuff but spoilers are around so be careful. The Pale essay has no spoilers though. You can go there immediately after chapter 2 with zero worries. I don't think youtube allows links but googling "Deconstructing the Siege of Pale" should get you there.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes great suggestion, thank you for this!

@Kruppes_Mule

Жыл бұрын

​@@brontosa5351 Alrighty then. Easy solution go read something else. Amazingly simple eh?

The reason people fall at GOTM is because they struggle with letting go, so many authors provide little reader agency and and we as readers are used to being spoon fed the narrative is easy to digest chunks. GOTM is the first book I ever read that demands every single bit of your attention but gives back absolutely nothing in terms of narrative. If you don't just go with it, you'll be reading skimming back every few pages convinced you maybe missed some character intro or plot detail. It's a liberating book that taught me the art of letting go and just reading with no preconceptions of plot or narrative.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah very well said.

@neutronshiva2498

Жыл бұрын

I dont think I've had nearly as much trouble reading this book as most people seem to, but what you said is definitely how I felt reading GOTM. Its truly such a weird book that dumps you into middle os some conflict, with no explanation at all and once you start thinking maybe you finally get what's going on, it just ends :D

@midigee

Жыл бұрын

GOTM wasn't an easy takeoff for me- Deadhouse Gates however was even much harder to get into because I had expected a direct sequel that would pick up where GOTM had left off. As soon I came to terms with the fact that the rules here were different, I got completely lost in that universe. So in essence I just had to unlearn how I read conventional fantasy novels and learn how to read Malazan books. By The Bonehunters I just couldn't get enough. I've just finished Kellanved' Reach (which is my favourite) and have now picked up Forge of Darkness.

@aniruddhsathe2420

Жыл бұрын

So what are your view as this is the first fantasy novel im starting

I'm only about 30% of the way through Memories of Ice and it may already be my favorite series. I still can't stop thinking about the last 25% of Deadhouse Gates!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah Memories of Ice is incredible. Get ready for an incredible rest of the book!

@turtleanton6539

5 ай бұрын

What happened

Just bought gardens of the moon, wanted a massive series with just a bunch of creativity, a world to get lost in, I think I have found what I’m looking for.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You are in for an incredible journey. Enjoy!

@mephistoxarses8585

9 ай бұрын

.....and you'll never leave!

I always knew Malazan was something I wanted to read, but this video just made it absolutely essential

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes, do it!

So, you've FIRED UP my enthusiasm to get going on this! I thank you for taking the time to point new readers toward your "helpful hints." Your joy and enthusiasm for the series is palpable and contagious!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

8 ай бұрын

I hope you love it! :)

I’ve been reading this series for easily over a decade, and I’m only on book 6. I’ve reread the first 3 three times; I’ve read some of the esslemont books; I’ve taken breaks; I even went back and read the first prequel, thinking I’d do it chronologically (mistake!). Anyway, I love love love the whole experience. It never ceases to amaze me. I’m no spring chicken and my only hope is I can get through all of it before I kick.

These long breakdowns are some of my favorite videos on your channel. The few that you've done are amazing.

What a thorough breakdown and guide you’ve created here! I didn’t know about those slides. While I was lazy with additional resources, they are good to know about, and I did take notes. I also appreciate that you acknowlege that this series is complex and confusing at times. The perspectives of those who have finished The Crippled God vs. the perspective of someone reading the series for the first time are two vastly different things!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Johanna! Yeah I think many reviewers underplay how confusing it is. But I think it's better to just be honest about it but also say that this is okay!

This is my favorite series of all time. I read the main 10 books over the last two years and can’t wait to reread them. I own the rest and am dying to crack into them. One of my favorite things about this series is how un-Tolkien it feels. Most series or worlds or stories feel derivative of Tolkien’s mythologies and characters but this is just so original it blows my mind.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah well put about being "un-tolkien"

@holyheretic3185

Жыл бұрын

I recommend you do path to ascendancy, first one is dancer's lament. Its my favorite series outside the main ten and the three now are definitely in my top ten

In my humble opinion Malazan Books are by far the best fantasy series out there. Every book in series (from both authors) are top notch 10 outta 10 and I will always revisit these books every couple yrs (I'm actually re-reading *Orb Sceptre Throne* now) 2) I almost gave up on first book (GOTM) because it was to overwhelming but if you take time, be patient and learn how world works you're gonna have a good time. This isn't a series u want to speed through. U gotta chill, enjoy the ride and reflect on the awesomeness. Love these books because they've brought me a lot of joy. I wish I had all the books in hardcover 😂. P.s U did great job with this vid, great stuff my friend 🙏

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, that is super kind of you!

@cappy2282

Жыл бұрын

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews You have true appreciation for the series and I applaud you good sir 👍😁

Definitely going to move Malazan up on my reading list! Had no idea the companion guides and breakdowns were so through! Very enlightening, Thank you Matt!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

So happy I was able to provide some help!

I love that you said if you read 30 pages a day it'll take a year to read. Motivated me to give it a shot again, 30 pages is a lot more manageable than when i was trying to read a hundred pages of malazan a day

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah take it easy, it's a dense series so reading quickly isn't the greatest idea here.

LOVED this video. Thank you so much for doing a quick summary of ALL the Malazan books! Greatly appreciated!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You are most welcome!

What a great video AND resource for the Malazan world! Yes Matt I am one of those who have only read the 10,The Witness and Kharkanas books but you have convinced and convicted me to dive into the other books! I really wish your breakdown would have been available when I began Malazan a year and a half ago. It would have saved me a whole lot of time stumbling onto the outside resources you mentioned! So helpful and thank you Matt!!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

I bet you are going to love a lot of those Esslemont books!

I think I first read the end of deadhouse gates about 7 years ago now and I've definitely never forgotten it. Bought the audio book so I could listen to it every once in a while. Such a well built and profoundly touching end to a story.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes it really is. So glad you loved it!

This is such a great video idea! There are lots of complicated series that would surely get new fans after being encouraged with videos like these

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, that's my goal in making this video!

Thanks for this awesome video, Matt! This is getting me more and more excited to dive into this series eventually. Also, Dinosaurs that have swords for arms? That sounds so fricking cool!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, and some people ride on top of them as well. It's really bad ass.

Wow your timing can not be more freaking PERFECT!!! Just received all 10 books last week and I am 200 pages into Gardens of the Moon. Your previous videos/reviews on these books gave me the courage to just order the entire series and I'm sure I will be thanking you later. The internet had me intimidated about this series but 200 pages into GOTM and into the book that most people have slightly negative reviews on.......I am loving it and am able to grasp what is going on. But thats only after 200 pgs......so this may be a naive take at this time.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

No this is the most confused you will be. And if you like it so far you are guaranteed to love the series. You're reading the most boring part of the series right now.

Just started Gardens of the moon and ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT!!!!

@icetech6

3 ай бұрын

I hope you enjoy it... if you don't understand anything just keep reading... the writing style is different and takes getting used to. Easily my all time favorite series.. it kinda changed what/how i read...

You have convinced me! I think this will be my year of immersion in Malazan. Looking forward to utilizing all the extras you pointed us to. Thanks!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

So glad, I hope you enjoy!

Thank you for thei compehensive guide / overview of the Malazan seriers. It helps put things in perspective and has some cool tips that I want to check out after I finished GOTM.

Thank you for this video. I appreciate how comprehensive it was. I've only read the first book so I was glad there wasn't any spoilers.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure! The series only gets better after the first book, enjoy!

Thank You for this!!! Definitely needed this👍🏼

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You are most welcome!

I started reading this series because of the high praise you gave it in a couple of your videos I've watched before, I'm going slow because I'm reading other stuff, just halfway through the first book but it looks very very promising, you have good taste sir.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Keep going, the ending of the book is EPIC

Thanks for the video Matt! I'm excited to start Malazan this month and it's mostly due to your love for this series.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, enjoy!

Great breakdown, Matt, thank you! I wish I had known about these guides before I started reading the series!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah me too! I didn't realize they existed until a couple books in.

Great timing! I’m a little behind on getting started on this series but can’t wait to start and discuss on your discord.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, enjoy!

The humor is definitely one of my favorite things about this series so far.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

And you haven't even met the funniest characters yet! Strap in!

@stevenredpath9332

Жыл бұрын

The humour is important to counter point the very sad parts. In a series of this size you have to have laughter to go alongside the very sad moments.

@myself2noone

5 ай бұрын

What humor?

@josephwilson-doan4163

5 ай бұрын

@@myself2noone In a word: Kruppe.

@myself2noone

2 ай бұрын

​@@josephwilson-doan4163He wasn't funny.

My favorite series of all time as well. This video motivated me to start a 3rd re-read and use the extra resources you mentioned.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, enjoy!

Wonderful review very insightful thank you, how the author kept track of all this and made it so detailed and complex is beyond me. A work of true genius and so enjoyable.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

It really is a work of genius, 100% agreed!

Thanks Glitter Matt. You convinced me to read Malazan. Well done.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, I hope you enjoy!

you put it beautifully when you encourage new readers to continue reading in spite of the difficulties in malazan. tbh, the more i read fantasy, the more i appreciate Erikson's style of exposition. whilst it is beneficial to the readers to have the author to hold our hands, there's just something authentic and realistic watching two characters talking about the Warren without me understanding anything. its given, since they live in Malazan world and i'm not. in time, the right information will come to me to make sense of malazan world

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah very well stated!

Best non-spoiler Malazan video I’ve seen and that’s saying something. Gives me the kick I need to restart Deadhouse Gates after needing to stop for a couple months. Thanks!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yay! I hope you enjoy!

Very timely video. One of my goals this year is to read the whole series. I got stalled at the start of book 4 last time around. I’m ready to go all the way baby!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You got this!

Great video! I am reading the series for the first time and am about halfway through Deadhouse Gates. Thankfully I am doing this with a group of people, a few of which have read it before, so I knew going in that I wouldn't really know what was going on for the first few books, so I'm just enjoying the ride and trusting that I'll be able to put pieces together later. I had no idea that there were so many other books connected to this world! Not sure if I'll pick any of them up, but I guess that will depend on how I feel about the main 10 when I'm done.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah when you finish the 10, if you are obsessed keep going - but if not, best to just move on to other things.

Thanks for the inspiration to read the series. Great video, new sub

Great video. Thank you for this.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You are most welcome!

What an ambitious video! I like what you said about Erikson's philosophical musings being really accessible. I'm constantly blown away when I read this series ... and then there's a huge, epic action scene that blows me away on a John Wick level. Great video, still working through as I do

@ShelfCentered

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree, doesn't get more epic, even lord of the rings doesn't get there in world building which is why I eventually put Malazan above the sacred LotR.

@ShelfCentered

Жыл бұрын

Yep, best endings I've ever read anywhere bar none.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, and yeah I'm not normally one for philosophy but most of his is super easy to digest and really, really well done!

Never read the books, but listened to the complete series of the audiobooks 2x, about three years apart…the second time was glorious…

Thanks for the great video Matt! This is my favourite series of all time!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You have great taste!

Love your videos Matt!! I’ve never really considered reading Malazan because it seemed so intimidating, but your constant praise for the series has definitely moved it very high up on my TBR. Thank you!!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes, don't be intimidated!

@Arthur_CNW

Жыл бұрын

Doooo iiiiit! Absolute masterpiece.

@BooksRebound

Жыл бұрын

It's a masterpiece and honestly the intimidation factor is overblown imo. It's not really much more confusing that Game of Thrones. You just need to accept that not everything is going to make total sense. But most stuff gets at least partially explained within a few pages of you questioning something.

Thank you Matt I really enjoyed this video. Its facinating to me how different each of our taste can be even though we are all fans of the same series. You put Blood and Bone and Fall of Light almost at the very bottom of your list, yet for me both of them would be a contender for my favorite book in the series. One thing i do feel Esslemont does a bit better then Erikson is in how new recruits views on going to battle changes with their expierence. The best examples of this for me is Nait in Return of the Crimson Gaurd and Suth in Stoneweilder. I felt the same as you about Night of Knives the first time i read it, but the second time i read it i liked it way more and actaully appreciated the smaller story. Thank you for some of the hints, Im defintely going to check out that podcast.

I just started with Gardens of the moon yesterday, thank you for the pdf hint and your pros/cons assessments (for me everything you said it's a pro).

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You are most welcome. Enjoy!

Thank you for the excellent video - really got my hyped even more👍. I had already decided to start Malazan Book of the Fallen again this year (I already tried some years ago, but I DNFed in the middle of book 3). I will take notes as recommended and use the presentations, so I feel well prepared this time 😁

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah you'll get it without a doubt if you do that! Enjoy!

I read GOTM a couple years ago and wasn't in a rush to continue the series. Your excitement about Malazan encourage me to pick up DG. What an ending. There's still plenty that I don't understand, remember, or even like, but I can now appreciate how people can get obsessed with this story. I'm definitely motivated to keep going with MOI.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

It is such an impactful ending, I will never forget it. Enjoy MOI!

@brianrogers4344

Жыл бұрын

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Update: I'm now a Malazan convert. About 25% through MOI and am totally sold on reading this whole series.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

@@brianrogers4344 So awesome to hear! MOI is AMAZING - enjoy!

wow this video is amazing. I am finishing wheel of time now, and want to start malazan once Im finished, but I was scared of beeing overwhelmed with starting malazan after it. But after this I am excited to start it probably next year!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yay! I hope you love it!

Full breakdown in one hour? This video could be 6 days long and you still wouldn't be able to cover everything. Undoubtedly the best fantasy series ever.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

lol good point. More like "most full breakdown I could do in one hour"

@billyalarie929

Жыл бұрын

But it is probably the best breakdown of this thing I’ve ever seen. So there’s that.

Finished book Four, surprised to see how much time was spent reading about Karsa, honestly kinda nice the way most of the other characters were followed in the narrative. I loved the series as soon as I read deadhouse gates, the dynamic between Mappo and Icarium was amazing

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I agree, it was a little offputting right away how much Karsa was being followed, but then it really clicked with me and I really enjoyed that break in pace.

Hey Matt, I've been slowly reading through Book of the Fallen, and right now I'm about 20% of the way through Book 2 (Told you it was slow!), and so far I am loving it. I am a little confused but not overly. I absolutely love the sense of scale and wonder so far, and of course the prose is great as well. I just wanted to drop in and say thank you for convincing me to give it a chance.

this is the best overview of this book on youtube

First time reader, just finished The Bonehunters. This series is so amazing. Thanks for this great video.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You are most welcome - enjoy the rest of the series! You are almost there!

@midigee

Жыл бұрын

Y'Ghatan took my soul with it For me that was the most intense thing I had ever read.

This is the video I have been waiting for! I’ve read A Song of Ice and Fire, am working my way steadily through Wheel of Time and can’t wait to experience the mac daddy fantasy series Malazan Book of the Fallen!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

I hope you love it!

This is a spectacular overview. I'm currently 40% of the way through Memories of Ice and while I've enjoyed the series, this is the point where everything is fully clicking into place (I think I finally have all of the 7th Squadron straight). I've set a 30 page a day goal now 😄

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, get ready for a JAW DROPPING ending to that book. And yeah my goal was 30 pages when I was reading it as well. It's not something you want to blaze through.

I'm on my first read through! I've just started Midnight Tides. I'm guessing you were talking about Tehol and Bugg. Their banter is absolutely phenomenal! I agree, the way Erikson writes humour is just amazing. Kruppe and Iskaral Pust are 2 of the funniest characters I've ever read 😂

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I was talking about Tehol and Bugg - put I agree Kruppe and Pust are laugh out loud funny.

@thecrown11

8 ай бұрын

Planning a re-read of this, my favourite series of all time and just got a massive warm dose of nostalgia seeing this comment mentioning tehol & Bugg, Pust and of course Kruppe. Esselmont could’ve easily written a solo Kruppe book - what a great character, mind you there are loads of those! Roll on reading no.2!

The PowerPoint slides are so good! Reading GotM could have been so much easier if I had those slides back then!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah they are an absolute life saver when it comes to these books!

Hey Matt, been lurking on your videos for a bit now. Great stuff! Have to say, you and I are very similar in our take of Malazan. I think it is time for a re-read!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. I'm really looking forward to a reread soon as well!

I've just started House of Chains (book 4) and am absolutely loving the series, I agree I was a little lost while reading the first book but boy does it pay off! I'd say that if you are put off this series but have read Song of Ice and Fire with no problems then Malazan should probably be your next stop. As an avid fantasy reader character deaths are nothing new to me but to genuinely feel grief from reading a novel is extremely hard to do, Erikson smashes this out of the park in a way I have only experienced once or twice before. So glad there is so much more to explore from this series, I cannot wait!

Awesome channel, Matt! Subscribed =) Cheers from Brazil o/

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thank so much!

So I've read fantasy and been reading books for a long time fantasy was not always my favorite genre until about 10 years ago I have the first three books in my library but this series is very intimidating because it's 10 books I'm one of those that likes to start a series and read them all, so I would have to devote a lot of my time to it,your view is really good I'm definitely going to read them one day I don't see it happening this year maybe though, we'll have to see,great review either way I really am excited to read it when I do

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah it's a huge commitment to be sure. I did the same and read them all back to back and it took about 6 months.

Man, as someone who absolutely adores philosophy, poetic writing and tragedy(I assume it is a massive tragedy from what we learn in MBotF), you really sold me on Karkhanas lol. Toll the Hounds is my second favorite book in the series and I LOVED the Andii sections in the book, which is probably unusual. I'm currently reading Return of the Crimson Guard and loving it, but man do I just want to drop it and read Karkhanas instead! Especially because I am very interested in the history of Tiste, their civil war and in characters like Hood. Im super impatient and want to just CONSUME all things Malazan! Well, I will finish RotCG and Stonewielder and then switch to Karkhanas, because I don't think I could wait any longer.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, you will adore Kharkanas then, especially the second book.

I read Gardens of the Moon and Deadhouse gates this last couple weeks and am blown away. Posted some thoughts. I am so excited to begin the journey. It is not as daunting as it might first appear if you just hold on to some big picture things and general who's who. I know I missed a ton of the nuance but what did fall into place at the end of each book was a chefs kiss. Deadhouse Gates' ending will be remembered for a long time. Can't wait to re-read both of these books.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I often think of Deadhouse Gates ending on a regular basis. It's will forever stick with you! Enjoy Memories of Ice!

@DanExploresBooks

Жыл бұрын

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Oh my ****. I just got my first intro to.... Munug's master... I'll just say. Chapter 2 of Memories of Ice might be the bombest chapter and intro to what sure seems to be a villain I have ever seen. Quick Ben's encounter. Wow!! Wow wow wow!!

@DanExploresBooks

Жыл бұрын

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Hey Matt. I read the next 2 books and am Midnight Tides. Just checking in. ha

Hello 👋 thank you 😊 for a great video!! Happy reading to you!! 🎧📚

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Safina!

I’m so glad I’ll actually have the help of an useful wiki page that won’t spoil the book to death

The way I approach starting a scifi or fantasy series is to be simultaneously a passive and active reader. Sounds contradictory but it works. I am active in the sense that I mark or question parts of what I am reading. I am passive in the sense it that I want to let the author work his magic, get a quiet feel for his style and adapt my reading to it. This style helped especially very much with this series. So by the end of Gardens of the Moon I knew that this would be a series I would finish. The leftover plot points, what looked like underdeveloped characters, all that didn't matter. I knew all that would be reconciled by the end.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah very great style you have there!

Awesome! This is amazing because I literally just start Gardens of the Moon yesterday. It took me two hours to get through the prologue because I kept taking notes and was drinking in the prose. I’m used to fantasy writers not being able to write all that well (Terry Brooks). This guy is on another level entirely. Truly amazing. And the worldbuilding. I have no idea how someone stays organized enough to build something of this complexity. I’m so impressed and am loving it so far.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Wonderful, so glad you are loving it!

@mdc3227

Жыл бұрын

Don't take notes. It won't help you. Just go with it and accept that nothing you'll read in GOTM will make sense, he's not like Sanderson, you won't connect ANY of the narrative points because in the first book there are none. Just let the scale wash over you.

@Jabberwhorl_Cronstadt

Жыл бұрын

I took notes, too, for the first 6 books. Not so much so I could grasp and absorb everything. That would be impossible. But just because it helped me get immersed and more comfortable, overall. And I hear you about that prologue. For some reason, that image of an old weather vane squeaking in the wind above a burning city was extremely vivid and striking. The prose is so gorgeous (and only improves throughout the series). It really stuck with me.

@janeb9698

Жыл бұрын

I loved the weather vane description!!! I’m quite a ways in now. Still taking notes but not as many as in the beginning. Notes help a lot!

@joevesayaporn

11 ай бұрын

Did you read more books in the series?

The depth that I noticed you're talking about, I noticed in deadhouse gates when felisin and crew end up in the underground city, which they had no idea what it is. (It's been a year or so, so my memory is murky) and it was really interesting for them, and myself.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah that's when it really hit for me as well.

Just started Gardens of the Moon because of your infectious passion! 40 pages in and I'm intrigued so far. Not understanding all the details but starting to connect some dots here and there. Less confusing than I feared though. It's not like an impenetrable wall level of confusing (such as Finnegan's Wake)...More like hearing a new dialect of your own native language for the first time...For now at least

@icetech6

3 ай бұрын

Just keep reading.... nothing is spoon fed and it clears up.. The Malazan reddit is an amazing place also.. they don't allow spoilers but can help figure things out if it's needed..

I stopped after Midnight Tides like 6 months ago (it took me like 6 months to read due to a reading slump)... this got me excited again so thanks

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

YES! Enjoy!

Hands down best epic fantasy ever written!!! When Coltaine got to the city just to get gates shut and him being left to die with his soldiers was one of the best moments in any books...

Thanks, great Video. 👍

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You are most welcome! :)

This full breakdowns are so helpful. Thank you for this. By any chance you have a breakdown of Cosmere?

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

I do not, but I'll consider doing one in the future! My next one will be Realm of the Elderlings.

52 minutes of someone chatting about Malazan! Yeahhh I’m in.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Lol happy to be of service!

Fantastic breakdown, Matt! Thank you for the enjoyable video!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Philip!

What great timing! I'm starting Gardens of the Moon in the next few days 😁

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Perfect!

I'm currently making my way through Gardens of the Moon, this is genuinely a helpful video and I love how you made an hour-long video about the series without spoiling anything.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, and enjoy!

@cappy2282

Жыл бұрын

I started with Gardens of the moon as well and it may seem daunting at first but it becomes much easier as time goes on

@fhyppa

Жыл бұрын

I enjoyed Gardens of the Moon highly, but I found the second book very boring and not enjoyable. I am girding myself for the third. I have not had a series go from very high regard to very low so quickly.

@cappy2282

Жыл бұрын

@@fhyppa lol wow I love GOTM but i thought Deadhouse Gates was a little better and where the series started really opening up

@fhyppa

Жыл бұрын

@@cappy2282 We each look for different things. I did not like the new characters, jarring change of feel, and the pace. The third book looks more up my alley, though from descriptions.

Great breakdown. Agree that Malazan is difficult, but difficult in a good way. I would say this is "light spoilers" rather than no spoilers, especially for some of the races.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I think there's no hard and fast definition. I've found that when I say this level of spoilers usually people say that it's not spoilery. But I think you are probably right.

I'm about halfway thru gardens and im loving it! Also I'm taking notes which i enjoy

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

If you love Gardens you are going to LOSE your mind for the others. Gardens is one of, if not the, weakest in the bunch.

@burge2695

Жыл бұрын

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews yes I've heard the others are superb and I'm very excited because I'm really enjoying what im reading so far..i just finished lonesome crown so i thought hey why not start malazan

@burge2695

Жыл бұрын

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews ps::: beer mug is the true hero of the books 👍

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

@@burge2695 he really, really is!

I really like the series. For me, the biggest Con is that the main characters change from one book to the next. Sometimes we go back in the 3rd book, sometimes it's yet another group of main characters in that book. I don't mind hundreds of points of view, but some books have all PoV characters that I really just don't care about, but I know if I skip it, I'm going to miss something important. The series does have some of my favorite characters and favorite scenes from any fantasy novel, though. Certainly worth a read.

@Psynister_PBP

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the comments on the individual books. I've been "reading" Toll the Hounds for 2 years, and I hate it. I don't know what's going on, I don't care about the POV characters enough to want to see what happens in the next chapter, I just want it to end. If the last 3rd is the good part, then honestly, I might skip chapters for the first time in my life to just get there.

This was extremely helpful - thanks! I'm starting Deadhouse Gates in about a week.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

No, problem - happy to help!

@RedFuryBooks

Жыл бұрын

The Google Slides is a game changer!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

@@RedFuryBooks yeah it makes a HUGE difference they ride the line wonderfully between helpful but no spoilers.

The long content is GOATED

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Edwin!

Okay, Matt! I’ll start Malazan as soon as I finish the wandering inn book 8!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

YAY! Enjoy!

i am listening to all ten books and then i will read the ten books. i freaking love malazan book of the fallen. the characters, karsa orlong, and the crazy magic systems and the black humor found within the stories, the weird names and the strange demons, talking puppets and acorns!!! there is just something about these books. truly unique.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

So glad you are loving it!

Masterpiece,plain and simple .❤

I was looking through names during the 9th book and that's how I got a spoiler about some characters in a tower following a fiery child in the 10th book -.- sucked to learn early because I am sure it would have made me put the book down instantly. Still cried.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

LOL @ the last two words of this. Glad you still liked it!

Well I finally finished Malazan last night; the main 10 anyway. Took me forever to get through that last book; not because it was bad though. Because it was the last book, lol. I did the same thing with Memory of Light, the last WoT book. Took forever to get through it; it felt like I was about to lose an old friend or something. This series gave me some of the same feelings. I loved the world building most of all. This has the best world building in the genre and it's not even remotely close in my opinion. Everyone points to LotR as being the gold standard for world building and for several decades they were correct. But not anymore. Both WoT and now Malazan have outdone LotR in that regard. And Malazan is the new king of the genre. I loved the little character moments Erikson sprinkled throughout the series. And I'm not talking about just with the main cast either. We would have a major battle in one chapter that would be epic and blow your mind. Then you were with a few of the surviving marines just talking about random stuff and have nice little moments with random side characters that just tugged at heart strings. Those moments were great and reminded me a lot about why I feel in love with the characters from WoT. But unfortunately he didn't do enough of that nor did he sustain it with most of the characters. At lot of them would have that one moment but then nothing else; some few would have multiple moments; Fiddler obviously comes to mind, that's why he is my clear favorite now from Malazan. Karsa also had several moments. Gesler and Stormy too. And some of the side characters had multiple moments as well. But overall I feel he choose to concentrate more time on building the world at the expense of the characters. I really feel that he created more interesting characters than Robert Jordan did in WoT but he didn't flesh them out nearly as much as Jordan did his. I think if he had the characters would have felt more real to me and it would have resulted in a higher ranking. While I don't quite love the series as much as you do I definitely see why so many say it's there favorite of all time. For me I have it ranked 4th on my all time list. I thought it might sneak in to the top 3 and knock Drenai Saga down a notch but the climatic battle wasn't as good as I had come to expect from Malazan and that kept it at #4. So my top 3 are unchanged and still WoT, Stormlight & Drenai. I'm going to hold off on reading Novels of the Malazan Empire for a little while. I've been itching to read the Faithful and the Fallen from John Gwynne so I'm going to do those first. Then I'll either go back to First Law or on to Novels. Either way I'm going to read those in a few months. In a couple years I would like to reread the main 10 again. There was so much going on that I know I missed a bunch of stuff and I think on a reread I might appreciate it even more. I reread WoT ever few years and I expect I will do the same with Malazan as well.

@neutral_10

10 ай бұрын

I do not think Stormlight should be put up there since we have yet to see its conclusion. Rhythm of War is also a hit-or-miss book.

@larryhodge3107

10 ай бұрын

@@neutral_10 both Stormlight & Malazan have actually moved down a spot. First Law jumped all of them except WoT. I like the characters better in all the series ahead of Malazan and for me characters is what makes a series. Stormlight isn't finished and RoW wasn't the best installment but the first 3 books are more than enough to warrant it being on my list. It may fall or rise depending on the next installment though.

Wow. I am half way through the Wheel of Time, and I love the slow pace and the world Robert Jordan has created. Something tells me I'd love Malazan. However, I have no desire to take notes .... but maybe you get out what you put in, like anything else! Thanks for another great video!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

You DEFINITELY don't need to take notes. But I would highly suggest you use the PowerPoints.

@christopherspriggs4179

Жыл бұрын

I didn’t take notes and was fine. It’s 1000 times bigger and more complex than Wheel of Time though.

@nathanriddington

Жыл бұрын

@@christopherspriggs4179 And 10x better IMO

@stevenredpath9332

Жыл бұрын

I have read the series twice and don’t take notes. I admit I got a bit lost in both readings (less in the second reading) but managed to work out just where things were at. The first time I ended up reading as the books were published so had time in between the novels but managed while the second time I had all of them to hand which meant I could deep dive into them without worrying when I would get the next one.

The Google slides has been super helpful!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah the guy who made them is a hero.

I'm really enjoying the prequels esslemont is writing at the moment. I can't wait for forge of the high mage!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah it's one of my most highly anticipated books coming out this year!

If Fiddler doesn't make you smile; you're dead inside.

Let's gooooo. Working on gardens Of the moon rn, just finished the siege of pale

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Nice, it's not a long battle but the over-the-top magic in it was fun to experience!

@seanhalpin87

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, for real. It's a hell of a way to kick off a series, the whole hairlock situation has me super intrigued, I am already crafting theories based off having already read this and part of deadhouse gates

Started reading GotM. Yea it feels a bit disjointed but I’m sorry I kinda dig it. I’m already invested. So much mystery and cool moments. Everything in the world feels so fluid. I’m excited for what is to come.

Ok I had to stop watching the video at around the time you discuss the technology dinosaurs. I know the series is good and intimidating and I only read the first 2 books (which to this day the struggles of Coltane haunt me) and you finally convince me to bump the reading of the third book up my list after I finish Fall of Giants by Ken Follet.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Many people think the third book is one the best books of all time. Enjoy!

Thanks!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Reggie. That is super nice!

I’ve read LOTR, HP, HDM, GoT and the first 3 Stormlights (loved the first two, oathbringer was a slog). That’s it as far as my fantasy experience goes… this video makes it sound right up my alley but it sounds daunting af!

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Don't be overwhelmed by it, just take the plunge. It feels too much at first but before you know it you'll be making sense of everything important.

Great video Matt and I love your enthusiasm for this series, sadly it wasn't for me and I forced myself to finish it before truly realising that. I can't imagine anything worse than having to take notes or use a PowerPoint (huge credit to whoever created it) while reading a book. I read for fun, and that feels like being back at school. Biggest red flag I think is when you said (and I fully agree with this) that Erikson wrote this not caring whether his readers understand what is going on or not. Shame, but not every book will be for everyone I guess.

@MattsFantasyBookReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yeah not every book is for every person. I dislike a TON of books that are beloved by the fantasy community - it's just natural that it happens.

The first time I read GOTM I stopped reading Malazan for a couple of years, it felt so awkward at first because of the same reason you stated, about Erikson dropping you in the middle of the world and you have to figure out things as they happen, which is almost the exact same thing I thought when I finished GOTM. Then picked up DG and could not let it go until I reached about halfway through DoD. The issue is that because of work I could not complete the series, and just last christmas I made myself a present and bought all 10 books in hardcover. I started again from GOTM, but now that I know some stuff I reeeeeally enjoyed it, and I am already halfway through HoC, can't put the books down, and listening to two different podcasts that discuss the series and now I have to add a third one!! I just can't get over the writing style, scope, characters and the sense of a world that is so fleshed out in a book. I have read lots of fantasy as well and it doesn't compare. It is like if I mixed a lot of the other authors I've read, and picked the best trait of each one, maybe I could get a story that could stand aside MBotF, and that is crazy. To finish this, I don't know if you have read Legends of the Otori, it is a different kind of fantasy and I highly recommend it. I would love to see you review it