Steven Erickson’s Malazan Series

I‘ve had a few people whose opinion I highly trust recommend Steven Erikson’s Malazan series to me.  So I finally got around to giving it a read and I’d like to say a huge thank you to those who urged me to pick it up.  I can’t comment on the whole series since I’ve only read the first book, Gardens of the Moon.  But it was a heck of a good start.

The book reads almost like historical fiction that happens to be set in an alternate world.  It’s a lot like the work of George R. R. Martin (who is referenced on the back cover of my paperback edition) and also that of Joe Abercrombie (which I’ve discussed previously).  It has the same realism, the same sweeping scope, the same detailed world rife with political intrigue and war.  And, like those authors, Erikson does not simply focus on the glorious or heroic aspects of war but on the senseless death and hardship.  Like Martin’s work, it follows multiple storylines.  And continuing my compare-a-palooza here, in all three works it is often unclear as to who is Good and who is Evil.   Who exactly are we supposed to be “rooting” for?  It’s more complicated than that, just like real life.  Malazan is filled with the same shades of grey I loved in the other books.

If I had to point to an obvious difference in Malazan, I would say that the use of magic (and the supernatural in general) is much more common in Malazan than in Martin or Abercrombie’s work.

The series begins in media res, which has it’s benefits and drawbacks.  It can be a bit confusing, but it also thrusts you directly into the middle of the action without a whole lot of dull exposition or buildup.  Overall, I think it was a great decision.  Hey, if it was good enough for Homer and Virgil, it’s good enough for me.  It can take some time to get used to this wide, sprawling world that Erikson has created.  When I say there are a lot of storylines…there are a lot of storylines.  So it may seem to be a bit much at times, but I loved the rich and varied tapestry in Malazan.

It’s definitely a compelling, fascinating book and a true page-turner.  I enjoyed every minute of my trip through the world of Malazan.  I just love this type of fantasy and this is a well written and well executed book.  So far though, I still prefer Martin and Abercrombie’s novels.  I had to really ponder why but I think there is a vein of dry wit and dark humor that is stronger in their works.  I would say that the characters (though still intriguing and interesting) are also a touch weaker, a shade less fascinating in Malazan.  But that is hardly a criticism, those are books I truly love and Malazan is an excellent novel.  It may even get better as the series continues and raise up in my estimation.  For now, my view is that it’s a great but not completely off-the-charts amazing book and that’s a heck of a lot better than the vast majority of fantasy books I read.

I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book in the series (Deadhouse Gates).  There are ten projected novels in the series and eight have been published so far.  I already know for sure that this is one of those series that I will definitely see through to the end.  If you’ve never checked out the Malazan series, well, now it’s my turn to recommend it.

And hey, if you’ve already read the series and have still read this far into the post, check out this Youtube video in which a talented musician has put the “Lay of the Bridgeburners” to music.