Memories of Ice

Vengeance yielded a mirror to every atrocity, where notions of right and wrong blurred and lost all relevance.

“Memories of Ice” is the third installment in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. And so far, each book is getting a bit bigger.
We are once again back on Genebackis, the continent from “Gardens of the Moon.” Most of the main characters from the first book return in the third book, along with some additional characters.
From “Deadhouse Gates,” readers may already know the vivid imagination that Steven Erikson has when it comes to violence, torture, and perversions. He once again uses this ability to full effect in this book.
The fact that he even conceives of it is remarkable, but he describes it with a detached perspective that makes the impact even greater.

Fortunately, this is not the only thing worth mentioning; nowhere do I, as a reader, get the impression that the author is trying to shock for shock's sake. Multiple storylines unfold, layer upon layer, and they come together masterfully in a truly epic conclusion.
Although it is clear that Malazan does not follow the pattern of the “chosen one” on a quest for redemption, Erikson suddenly incorporates a Christ theme into this book. And not even in a subtle way, but rather “in your face.” While it is not clear to me whether this is intended as a nod, it does create a very emotional plotline. One of the many deeply emotional storylines in this book.

When you, as a reader, finally reach the epilogue, it's a moment to catch your breath. However, when the dust settles, there are still some rough edges for me, which is why I'm not giving it a full 5 stars.
Just like in “Gardens of the Moon,” the first book, there are plot twists that seem a bit too convenient. This may be a result of the structure that Stevenson employs, where nothing is explained, and the rules of the ‘game' only become clear as the story progresses. This carries the risk that some ‘rules' seem to suddenly emerge. Is this now a Deus Ex Machina, or an Erikson ex machina, if you will? Or was everything thought out in advance and seamlessly fits into the overarching story without plot holes? I'm not entirely sure, hence deducting half a star.

4/10

The Malazan borefest continues.

As usual, everyone is a freaking philosopher and a master wordsmith ready to spew out seemingly profound wisdom at a moment's notice. Thus making the dialog and inner monologue very pretentious and tiresome to read. And on top of that, I did not care about a single character. And there is Kruppe, whom I hated and wanted to die a very slow and painful death. Kruppe absolutely sucks.

Similar to the previous two books, the plot is very disjointed and confusing. I still have no idea what is going on in this series. What is the point of it all? Other than spamming the word “compassion” a hundred times.

Despite the lower rating, I don't think this book is worse than the previous two. I just got very tired of Erikson's tedious writing and style of storytelling. And it was so unnecessary long.

Probably it's time to call it quits with Malazan. It's just not worth it with those massive door stoppers and no indication of any improvements. If I ever run out of better fantasy to read, I might return to this series.

Het kabbelt voort en het kabbelt voort, en soms weet een mens niet meer goed in welk deel van welk continent we nu precies zijn, maar hoofdstuk na lang hoofdstuk worden de personages echter en echter, en dan bam! zijn we aan vier vijfden van het boek begint de actie, en dan is het een onneerlegbaar boek.

Drie boeken zijn we ver, en nu pas wordt het min of meer een beetje duidelijk wat er allemaal aan het gebeuren is achter de schermen.

Opnieuw een boek vol oorlog, en nog meer dan in de vorige boeken zien we verschillende perspectieven: van verschillende generaties goden over quasi-onsterfelijke wezens over generaals en high mages tot toevallige helden en soldatenvoetvolk.

Mensen en wezens die goed doen en slecht doen, met motivaties en achtergronden, niet te zwart-wit, zeer bijzonder goed. De enige reden om dit niet te lezen zou zijn omdat het veel werk is — een goeie drieduizend bladzijden voor de eerste drie boeken — maar de laatste paar honderd bladzijden alleen al maken het allemaal meer dan waard.

”If you can, dear friends, do not live through a siege.”

This book is creepy, scary, upsetting, compelling and so, so good - but not for the faint of heart.

I read Gardens of the Moon and Deadhouse Gates around 2006. I can't for the life of me remember if I also read Memories of Ice back then, but the book looked entirely untouched when I grabbed it from the shelf, so I guess not.

I am definitely going to continue the series.

Memories of Ice est le troisième roman du cycle de fantasy Malazan Book of the Fallen de Steven Erikson. Après un deuxième tome qui nous amenait sur un autre continent, le récit reprend ici la suite du premier roman, sur le continent de Genabackis :

The ravaged continent of Genabackis has given birth to a terrifying new the Pannion Domin.

Like a fanatical tide of corrupted blood, it seethes across the land, devouring all who fail to heed the Word of its elusive prophet, the Pannion Seer. In its path stands an uneasy Dujek Onearm's Host and the Bridgeburners ­ each now outlawed by the Empress ­ alongside their enemies of old including the grim forces of Warlord Caladan Brood, Anomander Rake, Son of Darkness, and his Tiste Andii, and the Rhivi people of the Plains.

But more ancient clans too are gathering. As if in answer to some primal summons, the massed ranks of the undead T'lan Imass have risen. For it would seem something altogether darker and more malign threatens the very substance of this world. The Warrens are poisoned and rumours abound of the Crippled God, now unchained and intent on a terrible revenge...

Il y a encore beaucoup de très bon dans ce troisième roman du cycle : des personnages forts et attachants, des intrigues complexes, un récit épique, le tout dans un univers très riche que l’on prend plaisir à découvrir progressivement.

Si je devais émettre un bémol, ce serait pour regretter un rythme un peu faible au milieu du roman, comme un ventre mou qui aurait gagné à être réduit. On suit parfois certains arcs narratifs en se demandant à quoi ils servent, avant de comprendre seulement à la fin à quoi ils servent dans l’ensemble du récit. Cela peut sembler malin à la fin, mais cela peut gêner un peu la lecture. C’est souvent le risque avec les gros pavés comme celui-ci, et c’est quelque chose qui pourrait me lasser si cela se reproduit dans les prochains tomes.

Cet inconvénient est tout de même largement effacé par le final, à la fois épique et émouvant. Ce qui est impressionnant, c’est de se dire qu’on a déjà assisté à des événements impressionnants et des révélations importantes, mais que nous n’en sommes qu’au premier tiers du cycle. Je me demande où Steven Erikson va nous amener, en espérant que le chemin conserve les éléments les plus réussis et sache éviter les quelques baisses de rythme aperçues dans ce tome.

Executive Summary: Easily my favorite book in the series so far. Things just seem to click for me, and really enjoyed this book start to finish.Full ReviewWith the third book in the series we return to Genabackis, and most of the characters from the [b:Gardens of the Moon 55399 Gardens of the Moon (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1) Steven Erikson http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355144064s/55399.jpg 2646042] with some new additions (because in epic fantasy, one can't have too many characters).I'm not sure what it about this book, maybe it's because it's my 3rd Malazan book. Maybe it's the return to the characters of [b:Gardens of the Moon 55399 Gardens of the Moon (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1) Steven Erikson http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355144064s/55399.jpg 2646042] I liked much better than the characters in [b:Deadhouse Gates 55401 Deadhouse Gates (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, #2) Steven Erikson http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316126263s/55401.jpg 3898716]. It could just be the plot of this one is more compelling. Whatever the reason, this is was a really great book for me.We are finally introduced what appears to be the main antagonist. The Malazans now set their sights East and a new war brewing from the new empire of the Pannion Domin.Now instead of being the invading force in Genabackis, Dujek and Whiskeyjack are leading the Malazans and his Bridgeburners to defend some of the coastal cities.They are unable to do this alone. Alliances must be forged, and people rallied. The horrors of the Pannion Domin make the previous fights over first Pale and later Darujhistan seem like a walk in the park by comparison.Quick Ben is easily my favorite character in the series so far, and he gets even more bad-ass in this book. When living in a world of constant war, gods and demi-gods, it takes a certain kind arrogance for a human to throw himself in with the big boys and expect to triumph.A great new addition to the cast was Gruntle, caravan leader. His story starts off on the slow side, but really gains momentum as the book progresses.This book also offers more insight into many characters who were on the periphrial in [b:Gardens of the Moon 55399 Gardens of the Moon (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1) Steven Erikson http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355144064s/55399.jpg 2646042]. Caladan Brood for one.Finally we meet the Grey Cloaks, mercenaries, and disciples of Fener, the god of war. They have been hired to defend the city of Capustan from the Pannion Domin. The Shield Anvil, Itkovian, is an especially compelling character.All in all, a great book. I'm sad that I'll be leaving most (all?) of these characters behind as I continue on with [b:House of Chains 55398 House of Chains (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #4) Steven Erikson http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316729521s/55398.jpg 836472]. I'd give this book a 4.5 if I could, but it had a few slower parts early on as things are being set up that make me reluctant to give it a 5.

Phew! I really enjoyed this book, I've had to print out lots of maps to find out who does, what to whom, and where!

It is a complex and intricately woven tale of love,deceit,treason, sorcery, treachery, honour and warfare. A huge cast of players, of which I had sometimes a problem keeping track. Also some of the more obscure plot lines were a little lost on me, though I guess some of them will be made clear in future volumes (as some previous ones were in this book).

Gutted at the death of Whiskeyjack.

I'm working my way through all nine volumes - number four coming up!

“The darker the night, the brighter the stars.”

This Dostoevsky quote captures what makes Memories of Ice so captivating. In this terrible, brutal world, the few acts of compassion are all the more touching.

It is in contrasts like these that Erikson shines.

On that note, one of his greatest strengths is his ability to subvert expectations. At every junction in the story, Erikson took the path I did not expect him to. In fact, he created paths that I had not even seen. For instance, Erikson delves into all the armies that would surely inevitably clash. Only, in the final battle, not all of the armies are there, and the present ones do not do what you'd expect. This is a brilliant display of Erikson's skill: he shows the reader, “I know how you expect the story to play out, but I'm not taking that path. Instead, check this out.” And he delivers, time and time again.

A little background: This Malazan series consists of ten books. This tale takes place in and around southeastern Genabackis, particularly in the city of Capustan. Many of the characters introduced in the first book (Gardens of the Moon) are present here. Briefly, erstwhile enemies Dujek Onearm and Caladan Brood join forces to combat a greater threat: the Pannion Domin led by the Seer. The Seer is evil like Sauron was evil, that is, pulling all the strings but rarely if ever seen. Which is just one of the many flaws in this story.

I have some major issues (complaints) with this book. The characterization is either weak or non-existent. The motivations of the characters are a mystery. The pacing is glacially slow. There's no real suspense. Things just seem to happen to the characters, they don't drive the story, they just exist (to just valiantly battle against evil and be all noble ‘n' shit.) To say that the events within are confusing is to grossly understate the fact. How exactly does interaction with the gods work? What is ascendancy? How can you be dead and not dead? With nary a farm mentioned, where do these vast armies get their food? If your only choice is to be killed or join the Tenescowri (who are unpaid, and not fed, and expected to just feed on others), then why don't you just strike out for some other city and take your chances?

The thing I like about this series is that is complex and there can be various cool things within it and exciting scenes. This world is unlike any other I've read and vast. There are several races of intelligent beings and many mysteries. Azath Houses? Cool. Warrens as a source of sorcery? Cool. It keeps things interesting.

But after sticking it out to finish this book over a period of two months, I'm left wondering if I want to continue. Many cite this book as a favorite in the series but I know I'll be in a small minority when I say the first book is my favorite. That book had some fun, suspenseful scenes in it. With this tale, I'm left wondering many, many things. Where did Talamandas come from? And why is he helping Quick Ben? Why is Mok so intent on duelling with Tool? How did Itkovian get to be so deluded and miserable? What the hell does taking on the burden of grief from others even mean? Is Kruppe a master of his own fate or just a god's pawn? What is he trying to do? (Other than just ingratiate himself into plot threads). And for a company of soldiers, the Bridgeburners sure are a far-flung lot who seem to be completely acting on their own. Ganoes Paran, hardly issues any orders whatsoever. Ugh. This book was the anti-page-turner. It was a slog.

And really, we're expected to believe that two armies, once at odds are now just going to work together peacefully without consequence? Absurd.

This book (and I strongly suspect, the consequent ones as well) could use some serious editing. There's a battle mid-way through (hundreds of pages in) and then, typically, everything comes to a head in the last hundred pages or so. Erikson? You've got some ‘splaining to do.

WOW!! That is all I have to say right now. This book picked up where basically book 1 left off. With the main characters of book one continuing on to battle the Pannion Seer. We don't hear much of the characters of book two just a couple of hints here and there of characters and where they are now. In different roles and in different places. But I was glad to get back in the mix with Paran, Quick Ben, Whiskeyjack, Rake etc. Some parts of the book were hard to read but the character development was second to none. I LOVED Gruntle and Stonny relationships and on the other side of the same coin, Whiskeyjack and Korlat. The love story between Whiskeyjack and Korlat was nice, not too much but you got the feelings behind it all. I did tear up on one part and I hope to hell it isn't forever, if other mortals can ascend why can't he!!! Not to give too much away so that I have to hide this.

To get to know Anomander Rake, and Caladan Brood better was nice, it was nice to start getting the back story of these characters and their long lives was much appreciated. I also like Lady Envy and how she relates to all as well. The added humor with her character was needed!

The best thing about this book was the relationships that developed and that were nurtured. They were true, believable and heartwarming. From Tool and Toc to the Bridgeburners to how Itkovian touched everyone, all was understandable and real to the reader. I can't wait to get into the next book!!!

I feel like in the 3rd volume of Malazan, I'm finally starting to get to know some of the characters. The cast as a whole is still huge and unlike most anything else I've read (other than WoT). I did utilize the Malazan wiki, though, which really helped.

There's too much going on in this book to go through things in any detail, so I'll be really general. I have started to enjoy the writing style. The characters are quite interesting and very diverse in style (too many authors have essentially the same character or trope everywhere... there's little of that here). And this book has some fantastic battle scenes and those are very well written.

3 books into the series, and knowing there are a total of 10 of these... this is going to be a multi-year slog.