Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

Impressive cast of characters

Dramatis Personae

In Unta
Imperial High Command
Laseen, Empress
High Fist Anand, commander, 4th Malazan Army (Quon Tali)
Havva Gulen, new Imperial High Mage
Korbolo Dom, High Fist and Sword of the Empire
Possum, Master of the Claw (the Imperial assassins)
Mallick Rel, Councillor and Assembly Representative

Unta Harbour Guard
Atelen Tinsmith, sergeant of squad
Rigit Hands, corporal of squad
Nait, squad saboteur
Heuk, a cadre mage
Honey Boy, soldier
Least, half-Barghast soldier
Others in Unta
Coil, a Clawleader
Lady Batevari, a Seeress / Fortuneteller from Darujhistan
Oryan, a Seven Cities mage, bodyguard to Mallick Rel
Taya Radok, a dancing girl / assassin from Darujhistan

In Li Heng
Malazan Army
Harmin Els D'Shil, a captain of the garrison
Gujran, a captain of the garrison
Banath, a sergeant of the garrison
Fallow, a healer of the garrison
Storo Matash's Squad
Storo Matash, captain of a saboteur company, 3rd veteran
Shaky, ranking saboteur
Hurl, saboteur
Sunny, saboteur
Silk, squad corporal and cadre mage
Jalor, a Seven Cities recruit
Rell, a Genabackan recruit

Civilians in Li Heng
Magistrate Ehrlann, member of the Ruling Council of Magistrates
Jamaer, Ehrlann's servant
Magistrate Plengyllen, member of the Ruling Council of Magistrates
Liss, a city mage
Ahl, a city mage (with brothers Thal and Lar) Eye-open

In Cawn
Nevall Od' Orr, Chief Factor of Cawn
Groten, Nevall's bodyguard

On the Seti Plains
Toc the Elder, Seti Warlord and Malazan 'Old Guard'
Wildman, Seti champion, also known as 'the Boar', Sweetgrass
Imotan, shaman of the Jackal warrior society
Hipal, shaman of the Ferret warrior society
Captain Moss, Malazan cavalry captain
Redden Brokeleg, Ataman (chieftain) of the Plains Lion Assembly
Ortal, ataman (chieftain) of the Black Ferret Assembly

On the Wickan Frontier
Malazan Army
Rillish Jal Keth, lieutenant of the Malazan 4th Army
Chord, company sergeant
Talia, Malazan veteran

Wickans
Clearwater, a Wickan shaman
Nil, a Wickan warlock and veteran of the Seven Cities campaigns
Nether, a Wickan witch and veteran of the Seven Cities campaigns
Mane, a young Wickan warrior
Udep, a Wickan hetman (chieftain)
In the Pit
Ho (Hothalar), a Li Heng mage
Yathengar 'ul Amal, a Seven Cities priest ('Faladan')
Sessin, Yathengar's bodyguard
Grief, a new prisoner
Treat, a new prisoner
Devaleth, a Korelan sea-witch and new prisoner
Su, a Wickan witch

In Quon Tali Province
Ghelel Rhik Tayliin, Duchess, and last surviving member of the Tayliin family line
Amaron, Malazan 'Old Guard', once commander of the Talons Eye-open
Choss, Malazan 'Old Guard', once High Fist
Marquis Jhardin, commander of the Marchland Sentries
Prevost Razala, a cavalry captain
Molk, an agent of Amaron's

The Crimson Guard
Surviving Named Avowed
K'azz D'Avore, commander, known by various titles
First Company
Skinner, Captain
Mara, company mage
Gwynn, company mage
Petal, company mage
Kalt, lieutenant
Farese
Hist
Shijel
Black the Lesser

Second Company
Shimmer, captain
Cowl, High Mage and Master of Assassins, 'Veils'
Stoop, siegemaster of the Guard
Smoky, company mage
Shellarr, 'Shell', company mage
Blues, company mage and swordmaster
Fingers, company mage
Opal, company mage
Isha, company assassin, 'Veil'
Keitil, company assassin, 'Veil'
Cole
Treat
Dim
Reed
Amatt Eye-open
Sept
Lazar
Halfdan
Lean
Inese
Turgal

Third Company
Tarkhan, captain and company assassin, 'Veil'
Lor-sinn, company mage
Sour, company mage
Toby, company mage
Balkin, company mage
Lacy, company assassin, 'Veil'
Black
Baker
Janeth
Slate
Bower
Lucky

Fourth Company
Cal-Brinn, captain and company mage
Iron Bars
Jup Alat
Among the First Induction (recruitment)
Sergeant Trench
Corlo
Voss
Ambrose Eye-open
Palla
Among the Second Induction
Lurgman Parsell, 'Twisty'
Jaris
Pilgrim
Ogilvy
Bakar
Tolt
Meek
Harman
Grere
Geddin
Boll

Among the Third Induction
Stalker
Badlands
Coots
Kyle
Of the Talian League
Urko Crust, commander of Falaran forces, 'Old Guard', also known as 'Shatterer'
V'thell, commander of Gold Moranth forces
Choss, commander of Talian forces, 'Old Guard'
Toc the Elder, Seti Warlord, 'Old Guard'
Amaron, chief of intelligence, 'Old Guard'
Ullen Khadeve, Urko's lieutenant-commander and chief of staff, 'Old Guard'
Bala Jesselt, cadre mage, 'Old Guard'
Eselen Tonley, a captain of Falaran cavalry
Orlat Kepten, a captain of Talian forces, 'Old Guard'

Others
Liossercal, Ascendant, titled 'Son of Light,' also known as Osserc, Osric
Anomandaris, Ascendant, titled 'Son of Darkness' Eye-open
Jhest Golanjar, Jacuruku mage
Shen, a warlock
Tayschrenn, Imperial High Mage
D'Ebbin, Malazan Commander, 4th Army, 'Fist'
Braven Tooth, Malazan Command Master Sergeant
Temp, Malazan Master Sergeant
Blossom, Moranth Gold officer
Tourmaline, Moranth Gold infantry sergeant
Cartharon Crust, captain of the Ragstopper, rumoured 'Old Guard'
Denuth, an Elder, among the Firstborn to Mother Earth
Draconus, an Elder God
Ereko, an ancient wanderer
Greymane, once a Malazan Fist, now outlawed
Lim Tal, ex-private guard of Untan noble
Traveller, a wanderer of mixed Dal Hon and Quon descent
Ragman / Tatterdemalion, a wanderer of the Imperial Warren

Prologue

(view spoiler)[
In the pre-prologue Liossercal (Osserc) destroys an Azath much to Denuth and Draconus's dismay. This is the first mention of Denuth a child of the earth to whom we can make the jump for being responsible for Denul. So an elder god and not surprising that we see healing coupled with the Earth.

Interesting that a Tiste Liosan son of Father Light would have tusks, an affectation? Relation to Jaghut?

Draconus, consort to Dark. Interesting that Draconus would have him consumed in this Azath but Deneth protects him. Given this is a Malazan Empire book and all the references to Shadow already that this has to be the Deadhouse on Malaz Island but we can't be sure.

Deneth's mother is Burn, healing, Earth.
(hide spoiler)]

Book 1, Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[
A lot of new characters introduced.

We meet Greymane who has been talked about in several of the books. An ex-Malazan mage and fist who has been talked about in the same vein as WhiskeyJack and other great generals. ICE does a good job of offering subtle hints about his powers. He moves blocks of stone like nothing, earth mage.

Cowl, who we actually met in GotM on the roofs of Darujhistan is a mage assassin.

Shimmer and Smokey we'll learn more about.

Kyle. The worst name in all of the Malazan empire. Why? With all the great names. I still hate it. Interesting that he believes in Serc the Sky god which is also a warren and his sword becomes infused with it.

Kyle confronts another guardsman called a Boll. Remember in the main series there are the Bole brothers who are Mott Irregulars. Related?

Ogilvy is quite the odd duck on first meeting. Skinner is only alluded to.

The Guard seems to be as dysfunctional as the empire.
(hide spoiler)]

Book 1, Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[
Laseen still killing off more of the old guard that she would have once called friend. Possum still wanting to be up to snuff. I still can't help but find ICE's prose shotty compared to SE.

Traveller is back as we have another crossover between series. Ereko a Thel Akai, the fathers to the Toblokai and many others of these descended races.

The Koreli defending the storm wall against the storm riders. Just the start of finding out more about this.

Attacking Traveller aka Dessembrae aka Dassem and a Thel Akai, not the best move.

Interesting that the Imass wouldn't attack the Crimson Guard, honoring their vow.

Another reminder that Greymane is an Earth mage. Kyle's blade showing it's worth.

Shatterer, AKA Urko Crust dealing with the Moranth who we haven't seen since Coral and MOI. So Laseen has enemies within the Claw which we started to see in the Bonehunters with Mallick Rel and ultimately Pearl's death at Apsalar's hand. I can't help but think I'd like to see Apsalar and Laseen go one on one.

I see the New colliding against the Old and a Usurpation! Order inverted! And as the Houses collapse the powers turn upon one another like the rats they are. Brother ’gainst sister. They all eye the injured but he is not the weakest. No, yet his time will come. The ones who seem the strongest are… Too long have they stood unchallenged! One hides in the dark while they all contend… Yet does he see his Path truly – if at all? The darkest – he—’ She gasped, coughing and hacking into a fist. ‘His Doom is so close at hand! As for the brightest… He is ever the most exposed while She who watches will miss her chance and the beasts arise to chase one last chance to survive this coming translation. So the Pantheon shall perish. And from the ashes will arise… will arise…’

Interesting prophecies to note. Vorcan's daughter. If you remember she was head of the guild in Darujhistan and is currently a guest in the Azath there. Her daughter believing her dead however. Mael catching glimpses that Mael may be active. So god and acolyte not joined at the hip.

Gheliel, a royal in hiding from becoming a hostage. Ameron a former Fist. Nappan, Laseen is Nappan. Choss another "dead" high fist.

The Malazan who saluted Traveller on the wall must have recognized him. Interesting that the riders wouldn't attack him without his sword and he's willing to return for it.

Greymane told the stormriders to not salute him long ago? Interesting and now Kyle gets a salute? We get a hint of why Greymane got kicked out of the Empire and that Kyle is looking to take them down.

Why is Kazz missing? Love the directness with the talk of the Deck. So the throne of the house is empty, remember TCG had given it to Kallor when he betrayed WJ, now it's blurry....

Toc the Elder! Another "dead" Malazan. Sadly his son has gone to Hood's gate.
(hide spoiler)]

Book 1, Chapter 3

(view spoiler)[
Guesses on the man Storvo used to know but thought he drown? Urko, Toc the Elder, Cartheron......lots of choices.

Great conversation between Mallick and Mael. Somebody wants him as dead as I do.

Who's the secret man in the Imperial warren? Interesting hints that he know Mallick pulls the strings, that he wants to be the man he should have been.

Soldier of Light there's hints as to who this could be already, King of Night could mean Dark or Chains depending on how you interpret it but with references to Kallor and TCG I'd lean that way. So who is replacing Kallor?

So all these old kingdoms are rising at once against Laseen as all of the old names rise from the ashes. We already know Urko, Cartheron and Toc the Elder are in play and now some of Urko's lieutenants. Rell is a really good swordsman.....Silk? Claw? Cadre mage?

50 men against Rell holding the door.......there's a select group that can probably do that......and Silk drawing from not Thyr but Kurald Thyrllan.

(hide spoiler)]

Book 1, Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[
Greymane a renegade for trying to encourage peace between the Malazans and the Korelri. With all the uprisings timing out the the Guard coming back this should be an interesting convergence. Skinner a nasty character.....keep in mind during MOI the Knight of Death (Baudin) came out of a warren screaming Skinner's name.

So Mallick has a Claw on his side and she works for Possum who is still loyal. Not surprising given the ending of TBH.

Iron Bars!

Rillish, protecting the Wickans. Server in Korel.

Traveller running into gray raiders from the sea, Tiste Edur. Keep in mind this timeline isn't up to date with where we are in ending Reaper's Gale but we're going to catch up quick. Imagine if Traveller joined Karsa and Icarium in Lether?

Traveller, a meeting and a choice, a confrontation I cannot see beyond. Remember that detail.

Interesting scene with Skinner and Kyle. Skinner losing his mind a bit and revisiting the path. Black armor with petals and he's aligned himself with Ardata. Aradata from the prologue of MOI took refuge in Jacuruku when Kallor unleashed his fury. She is also the queen of spiders and patron of Mogora Pust's wife. He states he's more than he was when he left......

Possum in all his discomfort tells Laseen what she didn't want to hear confirming for us it's all the old guard aligned against her. Toc, Choss, Urko, Amaron.

"This mage of Ruse".....hmmmm we only know one at this point.

Who is Traveller leading Ereko to? These spirits that follow the Guard even after death with their vows of hate. Cartheron added to the fray.

Skinner and Cowl taking out Stoop, so there is a plot behind the scenes. Kyle hidden and mages can't find him, the sword. Stoop sent off by Cowl, but he'll try to make it back??? Stalker, Badlands and Coots. The Lost. (hide spoiler)]

Book 1, Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[
Mallick totally playing the fool Korbolo. Who is this Ragman who won't let anybody traverse the imperial warren? A lost fragment of bureaucratic oversight? So connected to the empire and then Kurald Galain. If you think back to BotF and in particular Kalam's dealings with the empire there can only be one.

Why would Malilck give Urko's fleet favorable winds?

Quite the meeting with Liss and Toc the Elder. Hard not to like both and hate Imotan.

Great monologue by Choss on winning.

Great scene with the Wickans saving their children and Rillish's men. Have you begun to expect the arrival of certain Wickans?

Shimmer not liking Skinner's new skin either. Sea of Ghost Ships. The Shoals. A sea so salty nothing can sink, the Dead Sea. So Mael strands them there but leaves a path to exit.....bound to Mallick but a way to thwart his plans.....

The guard rotting, stuck in the past.....the lost brothers also lost in the past.
(hide spoiler)]

Book 2, Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[
Interesting opening to book 2 with all is quiet, just me and the Eel. Who is Uligen? If I had to wager a guess going all the way back to GotM the Eel, Kruppe, had a guard who was his helper who he sent away to Quon Tali when his work was done.

Ghelel's journey was mostly uneventful but hearing the men talk about whores and her indignation of having to hear them pine about the next piece of snatch made me laugh.

Rillish wondering at a toddler wrapped in furs giving orders...can there be any doubt who this is? Re-read the epilogue of DHG if there's any doubt.

The dolmens of Tien are an ancient site clearly derived from Easter Island. Important to note the first chaining of TCG took place here. Jacuruku itself we don't know a lot about other than Ardata lives there, Skinner went there, Kallor wasn't able to overcome it when he dropped his bomb killing millions.

Loved the Segulah scene with Bars. The 20th wanted a piece of him, I wonder what number he defeated? Remember Rake is the 7th. What are they searching for that was taken from them?
(hide spoiler)]

Book 2, Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[
Mallick thrown off by the Guard's real return. I like that this isn't what you would expect. The citizens laughing at the Guard and people maybe curious but no fear. Something out of a storybook. They're backing off from Cowl, even Mallick.

Tayschrenn is one of the hardest figures to figure out. His constant course of inaction drives me nuts. He stands down when Laseen usurps the throne and now again. There are others I won't get into now.

Possum not seeing that Coil, appropriately named, is waiting for Mallick's plan before she springs.

Note Mallick saying to the Guard, I see your journey has been a desiccating one.

Funny that everybody things the Ragstopper is just somebody with big balls and not Cartheron himself.

ICE gives it away and tells us that one of the women attacking was definitely Laseen and we get to witness her prowess first hand. The second although not completely spelled out can only be Apsalar. "Ducking in and out of warrans" and "like a shadow".
(hide spoiler)]

Book 2, Chapter 3

(view spoiler)[
I like that ICE gives us a lot of the history through Ereko. All these races descended from the Thel Akai. The history of Kallor as well through another set of eyes that was there. Kallor having wiped out all his people because they defied him.

Cowl and Skinner we meet these poor hopeless Lioson again who have had their asses kicked by Karsa, different T'lan Imass, Trull....You are not he. Was this Father Light Osserc? And who was he? Father Light looking for Osserc? Osserc looking for somebody? Another combination?

ICE comes clean and lets us know this is Coltaine. Something creepy about his being in a toddler body and getting suckor from the tribeswomen. Do you not like Rillish? Going against commands to do what is right. (hide spoiler)]

Book 2, Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[
Shimmer dealing with being out of time and around normal people. Greymane's troops stuck in Korel.

Desperation, setting Ryllandaras free. This can't be good. Good question by Liss. Are the gods at play? Benefit or deficit to Trake?

Interesting chase through the warrens, Meanas and Mockra blended to shadow. A forest of shadow. To protect what? Smells like Kellanved for certain. Throne of Shadow or Telann?

So were led to think this is Kellanved but it's the stranger from the Imperial Warren. The description of light hair, dark face, he was both martial arts and mage skills and was supposed to be out of the game.....(view spoiler)[Topper who was part Tiste Andii. Remember he accessed Kurlad Galain earlier. (hide spoiler)]

Welcome to Jacuruku. So the Guard became Ardata's private army? Mages using Denul for the opposite purpose of healing and looking to their own ascendency. Traveller the lord of tragedy having seen it all before. Resigned to conflict.

Interesting scene as we see Traveller is ascendent as we knew. What is the nothingness he was sucked into? Not chaos. Was this part of the dead warren left by Kallor? What is Traveller's vengeance? Kyle's sword again doing the miraculous.

Jade Giants, spelled out. Interesting how they all heard different things. Yath somehow using Otataral for magic?

Develath, ships mage, Ruse warren, from Fist.

The Jackal's warning, friend or foe both be damned.
(hide spoiler)]

Book 2, Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[
Keep in mind this is not Dragnipur that Traveller has. It's Rake's original sword he made. You'll learn more about this in Kharkanas.. Dragnipur was made by Draconus.

TCG interested in another sword. Is he looking to usurp the warren of wind? Who is the goddess? Her description sounds like Spite or Envy but they're ascendents and not exactly the helping sort. Eres'al? Maybe. Queen of Dreams? Maybe...,,,

Kaz stuck in a dolman? Interesting Traveller's instant reaction to Skinner's name. Can Kaz bring him to heel? Ereko confirming it wasn't built by Icarium which was the first thought.

That was long overdue for another friend, WhiskeyJack. And so for the second time Kallor escapes with aid from TCG. Its been hinted at that the seat of High House Chains is open so what is Kallor's role now? I feel a lot like Kyle at Ereko's loss. Jan is going with them.

Quite the siege with Ryllandaras in the mix. Toc in an unwinnable situation. Rell' identity confirmed, Segulah.

Braven Tooth and Temp, together again, LOL @ seeing Dom again.

Blues, Yath and company heading to Heng. Convergence.

Who is traveller hunting? Think who does Dassem have a vengeance against. There could only be one getting in Traveller's way who should know better, enter Shadow.

Osserc set free at last. Take note that he gave Kyle a new sword trading wind for......light? What exactly was Osserc trapped in? We did see him in L'oric's past in HoC. Like the Lioson he's pretty arrogant. Interesting news that Shadow tangled with Rake over some matter.

Osserc considering not just Anamanas and Cotillion upstarts but also Traveller, Dessembrae.


(hide spoiler)]

Book 2, Chapter 6

(view spoiler)[
Poetic that Imotan goes all the way back to GotM for naming mages Tayschrenn, Hairloc and Nightchill. Such a betrayal by Imotan and then Moss the Claw. Toc the Elder joins the Younger in a tragic death. Interesting that Laseen knew all along leading to does she know about Dassem, Temper and the Crusts?

Who is this woman who keeps confounding Possum? The reality that Ryllandaras is coming. Dom leaving men out to be at his mercy. All from his pride.

Temp still alive, another feint. Urko forced back into Laseen's service.

Molk full of surprises. Ghelel a pawn in the game.
(hide spoiler)]

Book 3, Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[
Dom is such an arrogant fool. I'd love to see Braven Tooth or Temp take him on. Skinner would skin him.

The tactics against mages mirroring gorilla warfare when trying to equalize tanks, planes, rockets and bombs.

Two of Daseem's bodyguards in one spot, the Guard coming and Dassem himself....Yath and company. Surprising Blues has deferred to him as much as he has.

The description of Shimmer being drawn into shadow by the claw mage was really well done. "Brethren I join you...."

Mallick questioning what Mael was up to. Mael finally free but why not crush Mallick? Dammit. The demon's demise pretty cool.


I love Edgewalker. K'azz betrayed by Skinner and Cowl. (hide spoiler)]

Book 3, Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[
Just a phenomenal chapter.

Jan being K'azz, I didn't figure it out the first time through.

Skinner cheated much like Pearl using a poison blade against Greymane but Dassem was still too good for him. That duel was really well done. I would love to see that on the big screen.

The Tiste Andii in the middle of the battle field, got him figured out? (view spoiler)[Topper (hide spoiler)]

Couple of quotes to consider.

:Great Gods! Will nothing stop these Avowed? They are relentless. Like the Imass."

‘I wasn’t when I made the Vow, Kyle. Since then, though, I have aged. But I don’t think ageing is the right word for it. I find that I am toughening up, losing flesh, so to speak. I eat little, hardly sleep. It is as if I were transforming somehow.’

Stalker nudged him, lifted his chin to across the way. Something obscured the many dark cave openings opposite – gauzy grey shapes came emerging from the shadows. They filed down, approaching, silent. Kyle jumped as more stepped out from behind him. Shades in the hundreds. All the Avowed dead. They surrounded the party. All empty dead sockets stared fixed upon K’azz and Kyle could feel the heat, the awful will of that regard. It seemed as if the rest of the party need not even have existed to these shades. Just a year ago such a visitation would have sent Kyle screaming into the night; but by now he felt inured to any horror. He even recognized two of the fallen.

Couple this with the last few chapter being full of "remember the vow" and other hints of the toll of the vow........
(hide spoiler)]

Book 3, Chapter 3

(view spoiler)[
Kyle's new sword as impressive as the old. You know there's something special about the brothers as well. I think you've all figured out Yath and his ship are coming. Yath a little crazy bringing chaos with him. Great visual with Blues fighting him in the this mad ship.

Dom the dimwitted. It must have taken all the Wickans restraint not to put him to the cross.

All these alliances when chaos is finally unleashed. It really is a mesmerizing and terrible visual this vortex of chaos in the sky.

Tayschrenn finally hits the scene. He's going to use Yath to seal the rent. What a scene sucked into the rent. Tayschrenn and Yath all because of the Disavowed.

A human D'ivers. I can't imagine 6 more of me.
(hide spoiler)]

Book 3, Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[
Laseen killed 5 or 6 avowed. Now the last of a generation. Cowl the best of the Guard. Topper revealed. Laseen taken by an assassin and her glamor revealing somebody different. She did learn something from Kellanved. Who was this talent who is half demon who killed her? Mallick's mage. Tayschrenn and Laseen in one night.

Mallick betrays Dom, one down. I would suck at politics. I would want to kill him like Nether and Nil.

Greymane survived Skinner's poison.
(hide spoiler)]

Book 3, Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[
Ameron was going to answer Toc's murder. Urko, Tooth, Temp and Sweetgrass. Throw in Rell and it's 5 master swordsmen. Poor Hurl losing Storo.

What a battle with Ryllandaras. Costly. Rell, Amaron, Liss, maybe others.
(hide spoiler)]

Epilogue

(view spoiler)[
TCG saving Skinner. The disavowed washing up on the shore.

Dessembrae aka Traveller aka Dassem with an interesting conversation with Hood his once patron. So Toc would have changed the way things went down.

Topper and Cowl. Cowl choosing an eternity over losing to Topper. Knowing as an avowed he may rise again but knowing what happened to Silchas and Sheltatha.....

Topper vs Cowl image.



Pursuing Ghelel. Barkeep remembering the Jhistal priest Mallick. Moss still on the trail.

Bars and company running? Out of Mare. This will pick up in Stonewielder. They're headed to the wall where Traveller and Ereko escaped from.
(hide spoiler)]

Innnnn!

Started.

well, hello there
in spite of my being burned in book one, I shall give this one a try

Wondering why Crack’s Pot Trail was placed where it was in the reading order...

Mayim wrote: "well, hello there
in spite of my being burned in book one, I shall give this one a try"

I liked this a lot more than the first book but I also liked the first book more than you.

Jess wrote: "Wondering why Crack’s Pot Trail was placed where it was in the reading order..."

I don't recall who but somebody is introduced who gets page time in this book.

Even more so than the first time around the first two books of this book dragged but book three really delivers.

Aw man, Scott, you’re making me worried!

Won’t be able to start this for a few days, just starting the Scythe BR!

Jess wrote: "Aw man, Scott, you’re making me worried!

Won’t be able to start this for a few days, just starting the Scythe BR!"

There's also a ton of valuable information that you wouldn't get if only reading the main series so it's worth it.

will be here after March 14, just sayin' [have no life atm]

I'll be late too.

What? Why’s everyone starting late?

Oh, well. I’m starting tomorrow.

I'll be here for the duration.

I"m starting late as well. Looking forward to this reread

End of Book I Ch 2

Kinda slow going for me, I’m really struggling to connect with the humongous cast of characters that ICE threw in to begin this book. I can’t put my fingers in it, but when SE did it in the main series, he managed to move the story and make it interesting. Here, I feel like the sections are sometimes too short to give the new characters the proper context.

Barry wrote: "End of Book I Ch 2

Kinda slow going for me, I’m really struggling to connect with the humongous cast of characters that ICE threw in to begin this book. I can’t put my fingers in it, but when SE d..."

It is a lot to process and you'll get more comfortable with this cast the more Esslemont you read. I'm looking forward to this reread because having read the Path to Ascendancy stuff (particularly just Dancer's Lament) which has some background info on some of the cast and setting of the book. Stick with it - there are huge payoffs to be found.

Ok Im 4 days late but Im here!

Beginning the prologue...

When they say “Earth”, it really means “earth”, like, the ground, right?!

That totally threw me!

Ch1
(view spoiler)[We finally meet Greymane! Yay! (hide spoiler)]

Barry wrote: "End of Book I Ch 2

Kinda slow going for me, I’m really struggling to connect with the humongous cast of characters that ICE threw in to begin this book. I can’t put my fingers in it, but when SE d..."

It is hard to connect with a lot of them. The last book is really good though.

Can you all remind me which book Possum appeared in? I remember his name being mentioned.

Jess wrote: "Can you all remind me which book Possum appeared in? I remember his name being mentioned."

Night of Knives

Ch 2...so long...

(view spoiler)[ I find it interesting that Esslemont describes the Stormriders as alien, with alien lights in the water. “Those were lights from another world, the Korelri claimed.” Also uses the term ‘eldritch’. And always with the ice...

We will see what can be revealed about them later.

Also, I an getting flashbacks of Onrack finding his best friend on a wall in the Nascent. Differences being that he was just left to rot I believe.

I wonder if the Stormwall has been breached? What would happen if the Riders were to enter Korel past this wall? (hide spoiler)]

End of Book II Ch 1

Well, since there are numerous threads being introduced, I just wanna write some summary of what I think is going on

The Wickans
(view spoiler)[
At least aligning themselves with some Malazan soldiers under the command of a Rillish. Nil and Nether are back. So, they should remain “loyal” to the Empire, though, not necessarily to the Empress?

There are a few rogue elements who are aligning themselves with the rebels?
(hide spoiler)]

Li Heng
(view spoiler)[
Currently being besieged by a coalition of Seti warriors, led by Toc the Elder, and an alliance of Quon Talian nations, under the command of Amaron?

Opposed by the garrison led by ... Storo, who remains loyal to the Empire and by extension the Empress.
(hide spoiler)]

Unta
(view spoiler)[
Empress Lasseen seems to be losing her grip in power. Mallick Rel manipulating Korbolo and the city council for his own purpose of what exactly ... Gaining the Malazan throne? A broken Malazan Empire? Btw, I’m surprised that Mael is “backing” Mallick. Although, it appears the relationship is backward. Its Mallick who’s holding Mael kinda hostage with his cult.

I’m also surprised that Lasseen appears to be losing her grip. Just a ploy from her, or is she really losing it with her poor leadership , so to speak? It’s weird that from such a strong history, she’s now pretty much reduced to a hated figure by all sides. She and the Malazans have always been hated, I guess. But, at least they were feared, if not respected.

I expect things will converge to unta eventually.but, it appears Amaron will be prioritizing his main army to march to Unta from the west. (hide spoiler)]

The Crimson Guard
(view spoiler)[seem to be split as to what they’re supposed to be doing. Skinner seems to be holding the power for the main force. They’re heading toward Quon,but currently stuck in Mael’s realm.

Although within that group Shimmer seems to be suspicious with Skinner.

Then, there’s Iron Bars’ group. This is the group that we met in Letherii,I believe?

They all seem to ha e to converge at some place. But, it’s unclear where. And their supreme commander seems to still be missing. (hide spoiler)]

Kyle
(view spoiler)[After escaping his murder attempt by Skinner, he’s teaming up with Traveller and Ereko in Stratem. They’re heading for Jacaruku. Kyle claims he overheard the place from Skinner. But, I thought Skinner was sailing for Quon?

Also, I was anticipating Traveller to converge with the Crimson Guardin Stratem. Skinner vs Traveller?? (hide spoiler)]

Btw, I agree with Scott. kyle is such a disappointing name compared to the many great names out there.

Post ch 2
(view spoiler)[ Have we met Amaron before? Or am I just confusing him with Aragon (the character with many roles)?

And....wasnt Rhulad TCG’s King and Kallor the Reaver?? Now that Rhulad is dead, the thrones empty.

His writing style is definietly more direct. Now, when I cant make the connections, I feel more dumb! Whereas SE makes things super difficult anyway! (hide spoiler)]

End of Book II Ch 3

Unta
(view spoiler)[
Why is Laseen suddenly moving her troops to Li Heng and pretty much abandoning Unta to Mallick Rel and other forces (the Wickans)? Does she believe Mallick Rel wouldn’t take any action while she’s gone?

Interesting that Tayschrenn implies that Laseen herself hunted and killed the Crimson Guardsmen during the riot. But, theres another female “assassin” who’s capable of opening and going through a warren ... Apsalar? Though iirc, didn’t she have an agreement with Cotillion that she’s no longer playing any part and is planning to return to Itko Kan? (hide spoiler)]

Kyle is the worst name. Could've been anything. But we're stuck with it :)

Someone in this series - where characters are named Deadsmell, Whiskeyjack, Maybe, etc. - is named Kyle??? Bwahahaha!!!!

Kyle, swordsman and surfer-dude supreme?

There are tigers in the Malazan world!

#whataZOO

Through chapter 2. It's really hard to connect with the characters. Maybe because they have the worst names I have ever encountered in a fantasy book. And Kyle is definitely the worst. I'm not even remotely interested in his story. So far, the only interesting parts were the ones regarding the Traveller.

Rob wrote: "Kyle, swordsman and surfer-dude supreme?"

Surfer-dude who gets seasick?!

Well, Ch 3 really picked sh*t up!
(view spoiler)[ Captain Storo and crew have stolen the show for me! For half a sec, I forgot about comparing SE and ICE! Literally couldnt stop reading until the chapter ended. (hide spoiler)]

Still somewhere in Book II, Ch 4

Btw with (view spoiler)[Coltaine-reborn in the picture, I'm bracing myself for future despair for Liutenant Rillish ... I hope it's not gonna be another trail of tears for Coltaine-reborn, Nil, Nether and the new Wickan military advisor. (hide spoiler)]

I'm annoyed with (view spoiler)[the Queen of the Talian League / Prevost Alil. Even I forgot her actual name lol. What a spoiled brat, thinking everything she says must be obeyed, just because she found out that she's the sole heir to an older ruling dynasty ... (hide spoiler)]

Oh and Scott...are there two different soldiers named Harman?

One in Ch 2 that Storo encountered at the Rod and Sceptre. And one in Ch 4 with Kyle’s crew in Stratem.

What up with that?

Kyle's crews are (view spoiler)[Stalker, Badlands, and Coots. I don't remember anyone named Harman? (hide spoiler)]

Barry wrote: "Kyle's crews are [spoilers removed]"

Barry, book 1 Ch 4, when Kyle goes to Stratem with the 9th Blades to seek Fortress Haven. He travels with Trench, Meek and Harman, Stoop, Twisty and Stalker.

The Harman in Ch2 was the one Hurl/Sunny nicknamed Smiley.

EDiT: Looked it up. In the beginning of Ch 3, the officer Harmin with an “i”.
Ch 4, Harman with an “a”.
Ok, moving on....let’s see...Chord and Cord!

Jess wrote: "Oh and Scott...are there two different soldiers named Harman?

One in Ch 2 that Storo encountered at the Rod and Sceptre. And one in Ch 4 with Kyle’s crew in Stratem.

What up with that?"

Brothers? Honestly I didn't pick up on that even in the re-read.

Edit you solved it.

Barry wrote: "Still somewhere in Book II, Ch 4

Btw with [spoilers removed]

I'm annoyed with [spoilers removed]"

Those are some great thoughts. I'll just leave it at that until you're done so I can comment on it more.

Veronica wrote: "Someone in this series - where characters are named Deadsmell, Whiskeyjack, Maybe, etc. - is named Kyle??? Bwahahaha!!!!"

It's like a Monty Python skit. "I am an enchanter. Some call me.....TIM!"

I will start on Monday... Running behind on everything...

Finished Book 1

(view spoiler)[ Welll, after what I thought was a great chapter, we are back in the doldrums a little in Book 1 Ch 4/5. We are finally seeing some of the big picture, like just nailing down where all these scenes are happening (Ive always found it important to see maps!) Mael, or Rel, sending Skinner and crew to the Shoals. Better see if they can SEA their way out of that.
🙄
At first I thought it might be the Nascent, so I was picturing them running into Edur!
I dont know anything about the direction Kyle and crew were goig until they came across Ereko/Traveller’s new boat. Time to Get Kyle a reading!
This “Ragman” is just tops for me.
(hide spoiler)]
Onwards!

Ghele is a damn nuisance! Not liking her sections so far! Though Molk seeems rather capable, and sarcastic to boot!

Jess wrote: "Finished Book 1."

I think you easily lead the league in posts about the Nascent. :P

Done.

So many different lines converging in Book III. Though, I gotta say the last two chapters were ... disappointing, I guess. Not what I expected ... in a slightly negative way, especially after the exciting convergences and battles.