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Done with the book

Submitted by Abalieno on July 11, 2008 - 14:39.

I finished reading Deadhouse Gates and gathering ideas so I can write something.

I already wrote a lengthy part, but the end of the book made me reconsider a lot of things. While I read often that the conclusion is one of the best, those last 200 pages soured me quite a bit. I just didn't like them.

If you follow the forums where I post you may see some of my complaints. Anyway, the book left me drained and tired. Instead the fact that I didn't like the end gives me motivation to read the third book and dig more to see if I like where Erikson is going. I need to grasp more.

I ordered the collected edition of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, hoping they had a few copies left, but I'm not sure if it was shipped and they are on vacation till the end of the month. I was planning to read that one as an interlude.

About those novellas Erikson confirmed that at least other six are planned.

Filed in: Books

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Re: Done with the book

nixon (not verified) on July 11, 2008 - 16:44.

I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous of the Bauchelain and Korbal Broach collection. Between those and the ICE books that I'd really love to pick up as well, I just can't justify the expense at this time for those limited edition releases!

You are right with quite a number of crazy Deus Ex Machina moments towards the end of Deadhouse Gates, but then I feel that that type of "fix" for the characters happens less in the further books, and always justified it to myself in that this is the world of the Malazan and the Gods and Ascendents are taking a direct role, so having a Deus type moment fits. (except for the Warren Fed-Ex... Though I will say I liked them more in The Bonehunters)

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Re: Done with the book

Innsmouth on July 11, 2008 - 19:33.

Some of those "fixes" weren't god-driven, though.

Kalam is saved way too many times. By the Aptorian first, then by a dog, then by his woman appearing all at the sudden and having just too much luck herself, then by Fiddler and Aptorian again via warren. And that whole ninja combat felt bad. Like if I read a different book. Usually Erikson spins some conventions he uses. The ninja combat was empty of value and originality.

The Fiddler side of things too. I didn't like it from the point the arrive at the Azath. Too many repetitive fights between rats and bears. With more deus ex machina in the form of the shell (the one given by the priest), then the appearance of Moby, the Fed-Ex warren. And everything that happens there is rather forgettable and too rushed. Just badly played out.

Finally the very end with Shadowthrone. As I explained more in detail here.

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