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A review by novoaust
Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Easily one of the best epic fantasy books I have read. While I did really enjoy Gardens of the Moon and Deadhouse Gates, this is the first Malazan book that I truly loved. I much preferred the cast of GoTM to the cast in DHG, so I was happy to see most of the characters back in this one. Albeit, I do miss characters such as Kalam, Felisin, and Duiker, but I am sure they'll be back soon.
MoI really is just epic. It has a similar storyline as the first two books, where there are some groups converging on a location for a big battle, but this one was just special. Despite the book being nearly 1200 pages long, no word feels wasted and despite a thrilling ending, I didn't want it to end. It's taking a lot self restraint to stick to my planned TBR and not just jump into the next Malazan book.
As per usual, I need to gush about Erikson's writing. It's beautiful, poetic, and seemingly crafted specifically to tell the tale that these books tell. It's a refined and rich writing style but one that can still easily be picked up by any reader.
As mentioned earlier, the characters shined for me in this one. Even all the new characters were fantastic. We get to see so many side role characters gain lots of depth, and one thing that I love about the series is that there doesn't really feel as though there are any main characters. I feel each reader will have their own sets of favorite (and those they dislike), and that makes it special to read.
The thrilling conclusion has to be one of the best high stakes battles I have ever read. I am not typically an emotional reader, but I found myself so invested emotionally into it, that it hit all the harder. Nobody is safe, and that brings the tension up to a whole new level.
Can't wait to continue on with this series.
MoI really is just epic. It has a similar storyline as the first two books, where there are some groups converging on a location for a big battle, but this one was just special. Despite the book being nearly 1200 pages long, no word feels wasted and despite a thrilling ending, I didn't want it to end. It's taking a lot self restraint to stick to my planned TBR and not just jump into the next Malazan book.
As per usual, I need to gush about Erikson's writing. It's beautiful, poetic, and seemingly crafted specifically to tell the tale that these books tell. It's a refined and rich writing style but one that can still easily be picked up by any reader.
As mentioned earlier, the characters shined for me in this one. Even all the new characters were fantastic. We get to see so many side role characters gain lots of depth, and one thing that I love about the series is that there doesn't really feel as though there are any main characters. I feel each reader will have their own sets of favorite (and those they dislike), and that makes it special to read.
The thrilling conclusion has to be one of the best high stakes battles I have ever read. I am not typically an emotional reader, but I found myself so invested emotionally into it, that it hit all the harder. Nobody is safe, and that brings the tension up to a whole new level.
Can't wait to continue on with this series.