Re: Malazon
While thier length is intimidating, I can honestly say these are the best epic fantasy books I have ever read. Typically people praise them for their grittiness, and fantasy-realism (if that even makes sense) but I rather find that they are exceptional in the way they flow and the characterizations.
No one who enjoys adventure can say that the Chain of Dogs wasn't just awesome and heartrending at the same time. the siege of Capustan was shocking but so well portrayed it really seemed like you were there, and all hope was lost.
My one complaint is an echo of what was stated earlier, that everyone and their brother is immortal, and the power balance is a bit screwy. Karsa is one tough mother, sure, but if he can be captured by humans and for a short time enslaved, then I'm not buying that he can also take down gods. Some uber characters are justified in terms of the story, like Anomander Rake, but not all of them. Plus the fact that every tribe and group of people skulking around in a wasteland has their own super powerful gods and an entire race of people (the Wickans) have the potential for immortality. SPOILERS: Chain of Dogs would have meant even more if Coltaine actually died, like, for real. It was moving that he took up so many ravens or whatnot to carry his soul, but that was just unnecessary.
Still, from a lyrical standpoint, nothing compares. And unlike other "epic" fantasy writers, I think Erikson is actually going to finish what he started, and in a timely manner.
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