I often have difficulty putting my feelings for Malazan into words. I started the series last July. I am an avid fantasy/sci-fi reader and I try to read it all. I have found that fantasy authors can't write as quickly as fantasy readers devour books. I know I have hit all the big ones. I read other genres as well but fantasy is and always will be my heart. I read everything available in Malazan including the series by Esslemont before I read and finished The Crippled God. I didn't want it to end. I felt like someone grabbed my heart and squeezed when I finished The Crippled God. These are the best novels I have ever read, without a doubt. I do not mean to put down other fantasy authors as many of them are amazing writers I will always love as well. Malazan is in a class of its own. It's incredible and I can only marvel at the sheer talent required to create such a beautiful, heart-rending, incomparable saga. It is not an easy read and can be very confusing at times. I would like to see anyone who enjoys reading to try the series but for the sake of honesty I must say it is not for everyone. The reader must be willing to not understand and trust the author to bring everything together when the time is right. Unlike some Malazan fans I did not go through a stage of frustration and feeling doubtful. I loved it from the first chapter in Gardens of the Moon. There are passages throughout the series I remember verbatim even though I wasn't trying to learn and recall, I was just that affected by many different passages. I became very attached to a fantastic array of characters even though the cast of characters is quite large. No one is insignificant, which is part of the appeal. Gods and rulers play important roles but the lowest ranking soldiers in the army are just as important. Malazan is truly an incredible experience.