The Bridgeburners discussion

They are definitely worth reading. The first one has a bit of a different approach than SE in that it spans over a very short period of time (one day I think) while the other two are more like the other Malaz books. The pacing isn't as good and ICE:s books are not as funny as the ones SE writes, but if you can't get enough of that world I still would highly recommend them.

David,

I'll second Jimmy's recommendation and agree with his assessment of ICE vs. SE. Night of Knives is the best of his books so far; Stonewielder was a bit of a disappointment. But he shows promise, and it is a story about the Malazan Empire :-)

David wrote: "I have read all of Steven Erikson's Malazan book of the Fallen except for the last two. I know that Ian C. Esslemont writes stories based on the Malazan's etc and I wanted to know if his books are ..."

Hellllllllllo David!! I would second, third and fourth the recommendations to read ICE's Malazan Empire books!! Yes they are not written by SE and so lack his writing style, but they are still VERY good and ADD so much to SE series!!

Currently reading 'Night of the Knives" (yeah I know, what took me so long,) anyhow am thoroughly enjoying it...for sure worth read inything by Malazan Universe co-creator....keep it up ICE

You should read all of ICE's books about the Malazan Empire as they entertwine certain characters of ES's stories, and can shed light on what was happening on other continents that you are left guessing about. To can read them independantly, but I read them in the order that ICE and SE suggest enhance the Malazan experience.( In order of publication dates). It's not official or anything, each book can stand on it's own if you choose to go that way. Happy Reading!

I am going to say that Ice has really built on his writing style through the series. I am currently reading stonewielder and it is very well written. He seems to have developed deeper characters and finally gives some humour to some of those characters.
This book is probably going to be a 5 star for me.

Stonewielder is ICE's best book by far, he appears to be maturing and expounding his details!!! At this point, I am soooooooooo looking forward to reading ICE's Orb, Septor, Thrown!!!! :) It's out in less then 3 weeks! :) YAY!!!!!

I thought Stonewielder was ok, but still a far cry from SE:s books. Reading Orb, Sceptre, Throne now and all I can say is WOW. Suddenly ICE has got it. I'm a bit more than halfway through and this books is really, really good. The pacing is awesome. The story is interesting. The characters have a lot more depth than ICE has managed before. The only thing not that still doesn't equal SE:s writing is that ICE isn't as funny, but the book as a whole is better than some of SE:s books, and I sure as something explicit wasn't expecting that.

I am going to get them all when they are all out :)

I agree that OST is very good (apart from trying to write Kruppe). I am not sure about not being funny, he certainly doesn't have Eriksons humour, but I felt that ICE was certainly a lot better at funny lines in this than any other. Blend had a lot of moments that made me smile. I admit, not laughing out loud, but at least smiling.

if it has Kruppe and Blend in it, then I'm up for reading it lol

Blend is great in this book, a great character develops here. Kruppe...... Ah not so good. There is a moment with a frisky witch that had me cringing in embarresment at how it was written.