SFF Readalongs led by Kitty G discussion

I'm dividing this book into thirds as, although it's long, the type is a lot larger than Erikson's books and it's already split up into book 1, 2 and 3 within the book. This is the thread for Book I of the book so please make sure that you do not leave spoilers for the later parts of the book!

What do you think of the plot so far and the characters?
Any crossovers yet?
Initial thoughts?

*Prologue and Chap 1 Thoughts*

Okay, so I usually procrastinate when it comes to Malazan and don't make a start with it until late in the month meaning I'm always a little behind but this time I thought I would try going straight into this after finishing up Reaper's Gale and so far, so good!

So, the prologue was interesting and the convo between Draconis and the other guy was certainly hinting at some of the things we've been guessing/seeing in previous books.

Then chap 1 we meet Kyle, a fairly new recruit, so far I like him, but goodness only knows if that will last :) I think that he's a pretty decent character, although I hope we do see a fair bit more development of characters in this book than in Night of Knives, and I think following him has been decent.

That's pretty much all I have to say as I read it fairly late last night and need to get back to it to fully immerse myself, but I do appreciate that Esslemont gets straight in on the action and doesn't ramble away quite as much as Erikson does :)

*Chap 2 thoughts*

Okay so I definitely still like Kyle the best, he's the most interesting and easy-to-relate character for me because he, like us, is pretty new to everything involving the Guard and so it's a quick and easy way for Esslemont to explain stuff to us (the reader) in a believable way for the character (a new recruit).

I am also liking Mallik Rel's story, that always intrigues me when we have returning characters, and also Traveller. They're both interesting and both definitely different and I think we'll get some good stuff with both.

Overall I am enjoying this book a lot more so far than the first Esslemont. I hope I can dedicate a bit more time to it over the next few days, we shall see! :)

Traveller is the character to watch in this book. There are other parts that feel, I don't want to say unnecessary, but just not as vital to the story, but Traveller is legit. Him and Kyle and the Crimson Guard, Skinner too.

Thought anymore on who Traveller is?

Ok I finished Book 1. Gosh so many new characters again that my head was spinning! But agreed that this book is more enjoyable than Night of Knives.

Definitely Kyle and Traveller are the most intriguing by far at this stage.

Silk and Rell were also interesting and the end of Chap III was pretty awesome!

Mallick is a snake of the highest degree and caliber. So while I hate him for what he did to Coltaine and the Chain of Dogs, he definitely makes the plot more fascinating.

My initial thought that Traveller might be Dassem Ultor.

Ragman is another enigma.. Kurald Galain!!