MALAZAN - Full breakdown of the BEST fantasy series of all time!
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𝐒𝐮𝐛 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝:
Malazan Book of the Fallen (Written by Steven Erikson)
Novels of the Malazan Empire (Written by Ian C. Esslemont)
Kharkanas Trilogy (Written by Steven Erikson)
Witness Trilogy (Written by Steven Erikson)
Path to Ascendancy (Written by Ian C. Esslemont)
Bauchelain & Korbal Broach (Written by Steven Erikson)
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝:
#28 - Crack'd Pot Trail
#27 - Fall of Light
#26 - Blood Follows
#25 - Blood and Bone
#24 - Night of Knives
#23 - Assail
#22 - The Fiends of Nightmaria
#21 - Forge of Darkness
#20 - The God is Not Willing
#19 - Dust of Dreams
#18 - The Healthy Dead
#17 - Stonewielder
#16 - Dancer's Lament
#15 - Gardens of the Moon
#14 - Deadhouse Landing
#13 - Kellanved's Reach
#12 - The Lees of Laughter's End
#11 - The Wurms of Blearmouth
#10 - Orb, Sceptre, Thorn
#9 - Deadhouse Gates
#8 - Return of the Crimson Guard
#7 - House of Chains
#6 - Toll the Hounds
#5 - Midnight Tides
#4 - Reaper's Gale
#3 - The Bonehunters
#2 - Memories of Ice
#1 - The Crippled God
𝐌𝐲 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
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00:00 - Intro
00:36 - What is Malazan about?
09:11 - Pros and cons
24:21 - Should you be intimidated?
27:15 - 6 reading tips
33:51 - Explanation of the 6 different sub-series
40:38 - Recommended reading order
42:53 - Every book ranked
#fantasybooks #bookreview #bestbooks #fantasybooks #booktube #booktuber #books #bookstagram #bookworm #booklover #booknerd #bookish #book #reading #read #booktubers
@PoopKingg Жыл бұрын
They told me Malazan was too hard to read. They failed to mention dinosaurs with sword arms.
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
LOL!
@MaticustheRed 10 ай бұрын
I just started it, and I was shocked, SHOCKED by the swordarmasaurs.
@HamedRaza-bo3mt 9 ай бұрын
Wait till you meet dinosaurs with lasers
@ettuShaggy 7 ай бұрын
Umm, I would have started reading this a long time ago if I’d known!
@THBEnterAktion 4 ай бұрын
There’s dinos with swords for arms!? I’m reading tomorrow haha 😂
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
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. 😉 )
@Kruppes_Mule Жыл бұрын
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?
@bmajdov 10 ай бұрын
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 6 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 4 ай бұрын
I've been reading it once per year for the past 5 years
@mdc123-v2v Жыл бұрын
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
@joshdunlap7766 Жыл бұрын
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 6 ай бұрын
What happened
@jessezigg 8 ай бұрын
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! :)
@ethanradley5432 Жыл бұрын
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!
@skyojanicpreitisic6560 Жыл бұрын
I always knew Malazan was something I wanted to read, but this video just made it absolutely essential
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Yes, do it!
@Johanna_reads Жыл бұрын
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!
@mich7008 Жыл бұрын
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!
@sandbagsATG Жыл бұрын
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!
@merrybezzus3353 Жыл бұрын
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!
@Benjamin-w41 5 ай бұрын
These long breakdowns are some of my favorite videos on your channel. The few that you've done are amazing.
@blacknbluecollarreader Жыл бұрын
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.
@fantasyfanatic6038 Жыл бұрын
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.
@yonkiamuerte Жыл бұрын
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
@Sourpatch_kidzz Жыл бұрын
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!
@BuriedUnderBooks Жыл бұрын
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
@michaelsanderson1171 8 ай бұрын
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.
@coffeedude Жыл бұрын
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!
@moonbot7613 Жыл бұрын
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!
@jan2bratt Жыл бұрын
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!
@execbb9939 Жыл бұрын
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.
@jeremyfee Жыл бұрын
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!
@cappy2282 Жыл бұрын
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 👍😁
@annpv888 Жыл бұрын
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!
@ScottnCarol4JC Жыл бұрын
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!
@katiebugkatie_reads_alot1563 Жыл бұрын
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.
@kurtbeck3400 Жыл бұрын
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.
@johnpolidan3892 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Glitter Matt. You convinced me to read Malazan. Well done.
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Awesome, I hope you enjoy!
@ernstbrehm1135 Жыл бұрын
Thank You for this!!! Definitely needed this👍🏼
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
You are most welcome!
@thomasmains6101 Жыл бұрын
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.
@NobukotoTV Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the inspiration to read the series. Great video, new sub
@shinigami2502 Жыл бұрын
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!
@ShelfCentered Жыл бұрын
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!
@trlspann Жыл бұрын
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!
@loganjohnson7039 Жыл бұрын
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.
@marcow.4846 Жыл бұрын
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!
@TheEdgeOfMyHand Жыл бұрын
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!
@wiesehuman2682 3 ай бұрын
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.
@danbe6280 Жыл бұрын
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!
@brentritchie6199 Жыл бұрын
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!
@josephwilson-doan4163 Жыл бұрын
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 6 ай бұрын
What humor?
@josephwilson-doan4163 5 ай бұрын
@@myself2noone In a word: Kruppe.
@myself2noone 2 ай бұрын
@@josephwilson-doan4163He wasn't funny.
@brianrogers4344 Жыл бұрын
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!
@donaldkehler7029 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great video Matt! This is my favourite series of all time!
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
You have great taste!
@janeb9698 Жыл бұрын
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!
@mdc123-v2v 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 Жыл бұрын
Did you read more books in the series?
@Paromita_M Жыл бұрын
Great video. Thank you for this.
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
You are most welcome!
@gustavolamego9913 Жыл бұрын
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!
@carnissa Жыл бұрын
Awesome channel, Matt! Subscribed =) Cheers from Brazil o/
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Thank so much!
@gritgrimdark Жыл бұрын
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!
@ActionMan153 Жыл бұрын
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.
@SomeJustice19k Жыл бұрын
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.
@asymptoticspatula Жыл бұрын
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.
@tuffguy0134 Жыл бұрын
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.
@berserker8884 Жыл бұрын
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.
@kylepinion Жыл бұрын
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.
@PageTurnersbooktube523 4 ай бұрын
Just started Gardens of the moon and ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT!!!!
@icetech6 4 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...
@DanExploresBooks Жыл бұрын
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
@Heathennation1976 Жыл бұрын
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.
@groofay Жыл бұрын
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.
@Summ3rFru1tz Жыл бұрын
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 9 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!
@MrHighlander666 8 ай бұрын
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!
@coltaine503 Жыл бұрын
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!
@kevinford4229 Жыл бұрын
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!
@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Жыл бұрын
Fantastic breakdown, Matt! Thank you for the enjoyable video!
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Thank you Philip!
@ranzheng3856 Жыл бұрын
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!
@safinan8008 Жыл бұрын
Hello 👋 thank you 😊 for a great video!! Happy reading to you!! 🎧📚
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Thanks Safina!
@irocz5150 Жыл бұрын
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.
@zengaming6128 5 ай бұрын
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 4 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..
@322aareyn Жыл бұрын
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!
@whatMickreads Жыл бұрын
What great timing! I'm starting Gardens of the Moon in the next few days 😁
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Perfect!
@RedFuryBooks Жыл бұрын
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.
@alexfrederick3404 Жыл бұрын
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.
@seanhalpin87 Жыл бұрын
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.
@TheShachimaru Жыл бұрын
Thanks, great Video. 👍
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
You are most welcome! :)
@Psynister_PBP Жыл бұрын
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.
@moostermcmoosterpants817 Жыл бұрын
Okay, Matt! I’ll start Malazan as soon as I finish the wandering inn book 8!
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
YAY! Enjoy!
@burge2695 Жыл бұрын
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!
@alb_reuel Жыл бұрын
this is the best overview of this book on youtube
@Waylander777 Жыл бұрын
Just discovered your channel!! We love the same books! Malazan sits proudly in my collection as my favourite! Five Warrior Angels is now in my sights! Have to ship into the UK though. All the best Alex.
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much - I hope you love Five Warrior Angels! Hop into the discord when you are done and let me know your thoughts if you want, would love to chat with you about it.
@Waylander777 Жыл бұрын
@@MattsFantasyBookReviews I ordered a copy to be shipped to me, coming end of February. I'm already excited about! I'll look into Discord, don't currently have that app.
@noname3609 Жыл бұрын
@@Waylander777 Are u a fan of David Gemmel? Which are his Best books if I May ask? 🙏
@Waylander777 Жыл бұрын
@@noname3609 thanks for getting in touch! Yes I am.... Start with Legend. Deathwalker. Any of the Drenni books are good. Waylander the slayer... Theres a few of those. The Swords of Night and Day. I'd also recommend the Troy series... All Awesome!
@noname3609 Жыл бұрын
@@Waylander777 Thank you so much for your awesome reply.I ordered already Legend and Chronicles of Druss. I also plan to read Waylander and some more stuff u mentioned if I find him enjoyable. He influenced John Gwynne and Abercrombie after all. 🙏
@raswartz Жыл бұрын
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.
@littlebookbin Жыл бұрын
I’m so glad I’ll actually have the help of an useful wiki page that won’t spoil the book to death
@marsrock316 Жыл бұрын
This is a very good breakdown. Where were you two year sago when I needed this!!?? (Kidding) I just finished TCG about a week ago, so I am exhausted by Malazan. I intend on picking up some volumes I haven't read, though they'll be ICE novels, I think. Kharkanas doesn't draw me: although I like them in concept, a lot of Tiste stuff was just a bunch of depressives being gloomy to me. The two necromancers don't draw me yet, though necros are one of my favorite archetypes to play in games. Maybe I'll catch two birds by reading the new Elric novel: a depressive hero with a soulsucking sword. (Still hard to believe Erikson didn't see the influence of Elric on Anomader Rake.)
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Yeah the ICE novels seem like they could be for you - also check out the Witness books (only 1 out so far).
@borasertgil5808 Жыл бұрын
I haven’t started reading the series mainly because I’m currently reading song of ice and fire and the mistborn series however you convinced me to start the series when I finish them. My only doubt is that it’s each book is very long and it might be a bit slow and difficult for me to get into the book.
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
The books aren't very slow, so hopefully they hook you!
@RLX5201 Жыл бұрын
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.
@hunterramey8180 9 ай бұрын
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.
@TowerBooks3192 Жыл бұрын
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!
@lorddragon8971 Жыл бұрын
Great Vid! I'm halfway through the series and this helps a lot, specially the powerpoint that is like a gold mine. Btw I recently bought stonewielder, ¿do i need to read the 2 prevoius Esslemont books before diving into his one?
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Happy to help! You can skip the first Esslemont book but definitely read the 2nd before stonewielder.
@lorddragon8971 Жыл бұрын
@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Thank you!!
@joevesayaporn Жыл бұрын
This is great thanks. I'm just rereading the series for a 2nd time (on midnight tides currently) I just say 2nd time round has been 100x times more enjoyable as having a vague understanding of the characters and world helps you notice other things. Best fantasy series ever in my mind
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
I absolutely cannot wait to read it for my 2nd time!
@charlieburrows7490 Жыл бұрын
Me too! exactly the same. First time round I stalled at book 8 and couldn't carry on years ago. I started the series again last year and now on Midnight tides,,and second time round seems, more enjoyable and understandable.
@joevesayaporn Жыл бұрын
@@charlieburrows7490 the world is so different to other fantasy novels, then each novel jumping to a different continent and story really threw me off, but now I'm ready for it (plus use the malazan wiki) it's just mind blowing.
@kaloqnDM 11 ай бұрын
How do you compare the malazan world with song of ice and fire , the wheel of time and the fist law. No spoilers please i havent read the malazan
@OnZFlyStudio Жыл бұрын
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!
@theotang681 Жыл бұрын
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!
@JohnS-gf4sz 27 күн бұрын
Never read the books, but listened to the complete series of the audiobooks 2x, about three years apart…the second time was glorious…
@ashnair7 Жыл бұрын
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.
@tkinsey3 Жыл бұрын
I've been reading Malazan off and on for over ten years - I got as far Bonehunters in 2013 before taking an extended break (I moved, got a new job, etc). I got back into it a few years ago via the audiobooks (which weren't around in 2013) and got as far as Midnight Tides before I flamed out again. I -do- really enjoy them, and someday I will finish them. Unfortunately, this is a rare series where I don't think audiobooks will cut it (too dense of a story, and I honestly really disliked the narrator for Books 4-10), but I also genuinely don't know when I will be able to find time to sit and read them in the way they deserve. This may just be one of those things where I read a few pages a day for years. Hopefully, I am not actively dissuading potential readers - that is not my intent! These books are EPIC and INCREDIBLE. They are just also a real time/brain investment. Great overview, Matt!
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Yeah I think the quicker you read through these the better it is from an absorption perspective. You may have to either find more time to read or move on to something else. But maybe the slow burn could work for you (I hope it does). Thanks for the kind words!
@ChristianBullock Жыл бұрын
I need to get back to this. Big WoT fan, about to finish all of the First Law books, and looking for something to get into. I had read the first three books of this series but didn’t stick with it for some reason.
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Yes, get back to it with the reading guide this time!
@sam.ramphall 7 ай бұрын
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
@seanhalpin87 Жыл бұрын
The Google slides has been super helpful!
@MattsFantasyBookReviews Жыл бұрын
Yeah the guy who made them is a hero.
@BashirAbba 10 ай бұрын
I am sold as well. I will start reading the series. Though I am curious. You said that this is probably the best fantasy series. I assume you mean general fantasy? Which series would you think is the best dark and bleak fantasy series?
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