Alina’s Reviews > Forge of Darkness > Status Update

Soooo many horrible things happening during the last chapters of this book. I remember them all from previous reads but I find my revulsion and hatred for some of the characters only increases with time and rereads.

It's been a while since my last re-read and I had forgotten, but damn, this book is INTENSE. I know a lot of people struggle with these prequels (I do too) and the writing and so many new characters, but DAMN. So intense. And all the connections. All the beginnings. I'm in Malazan lore heaven.

Aww, Silchas walking hand in hand with little Orfantal through the Citadel, being the sweet and non-intimidating one of the brothers. Who said this book has no happiness in it?

Oooh, if there ever was a piece of shit that needs his hide skinned and pegged to a wall, that's Huun Raal. Easily one of the most contemptible characters Erikon ever thought up. And the so called 'Urusander's Legion'... I would do for them myself if I could plunge into the book riding a nuclear warhead.

I remember the absolute horror and disbelief I felt when I first reached this point in the book. And the immense anger.

All of it is multiplied tenfold with each new read. I'll be damned if these are not the most horrific scenes Steven Erikson ever wrote. And he has penned some truly horrible things that the mind simply revolts against.

So we witness the birth of the Tiste Liosan... in the union of a drunk and a whore. Fitting, as they are insufferable assholes even ages down the line.

With every new read, I love Silchas more. And this time around, poor Kadaspala too.

Holy shit on a stick... now the horrible scenes at Andarist's house begin. I cannot recall anything fictional inciting me to bloody murder more than these scenes.