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Path to Ascendancy #1
Dancer's Lament
Taking Malazan fans back to that troubled continent's turbulent early history. The opening chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's epic new fantasy sequence, the Path to Ascendancy trilogy.
For ages warfare has crippled the continent as minor city states, baronies, and principalities fought in an endless round of hostilities. Only the alliance of the rival Tali and Quon cities could field the resources to mount a hegemony from coast to coast -- and thus become known as Quon Tali.
It is a generation since the collapse of this dynasty and regional powers are once more rousing themselves. Into this arena of renewed border wars come two youths to the powerful central city state that is Li Heng. One is named Dorin, and he comes determined to prove himself the most skilled assassin of his age; he is chasing the other youth -- a Dal Hon mage who has proven himself annoyingly difficult to kill.
Li Heng has been guided and warded for centuries by the powerful sorceress known as the "Protectress", and she allows no rivals. She and her cabal of five mage servants were enough to repel the Quon Tali Iron Legions -- what could two youths hope to accomplish under their stifling rule?
Yet under the new and ambitious King Chulalorn the Third, Itko Kan is on the march from the south. He sends his own assassin servants, the Nightblades, against the city, and there are hints that he also commands inhuman forces out of legend.
While above all, shadows swirl oddly about Li Heng, and monstrous slathering beasts seem to appear from nowhere to run howling through the street. It is a time of chaos and upheaval, and in chaos, as the young Dal Hon mage would say, there is opportunity.
For ages warfare has crippled the continent as minor city states, baronies, and principalities fought in an endless round of hostilities. Only the alliance of the rival Tali and Quon cities could field the resources to mount a hegemony from coast to coast -- and thus become known as Quon Tali.
It is a generation since the collapse of this dynasty and regional powers are once more rousing themselves. Into this arena of renewed border wars come two youths to the powerful central city state that is Li Heng. One is named Dorin, and he comes determined to prove himself the most skilled assassin of his age; he is chasing the other youth -- a Dal Hon mage who has proven himself annoyingly difficult to kill.
Li Heng has been guided and warded for centuries by the powerful sorceress known as the "Protectress", and she allows no rivals. She and her cabal of five mage servants were enough to repel the Quon Tali Iron Legions -- what could two youths hope to accomplish under their stifling rule?
Yet under the new and ambitious King Chulalorn the Third, Itko Kan is on the march from the south. He sends his own assassin servants, the Nightblades, against the city, and there are hints that he also commands inhuman forces out of legend.
While above all, shadows swirl oddly about Li Heng, and monstrous slathering beasts seem to appear from nowhere to run howling through the street. It is a time of chaos and upheaval, and in chaos, as the young Dal Hon mage would say, there is opportunity.
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2016
442 people are currently reading
9068 people want to read
About the author
Ian C. Esslemont
24 books2,130 followersIAN CAMERON ESSLEMONT was born in 1962 in Winnipeg, Canada. He has a degree in Creative Writing, studied and worked as an archaeologist, travelled extensively in South East Asia, and lived in Thailand and Japan for several years. He now lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, with his wife and children and is currently working on his PhD in English Literature.
Ian C. Esslemont and Steven Erikson co-created the Malazan world in 1982 as a backdrop for role-playing games. In 1991 they collaborated on a feature film script set in the same world, entitled Gardens of the Moon. When the script did not sell, Erikson greatly expanded the story and turned it into a novel.
Ian C. Esslemont and Steven Erikson co-created the Malazan world in 1982 as a backdrop for role-playing games. In 1991 they collaborated on a feature film script set in the same world, entitled Gardens of the Moon. When the script did not sell, Erikson greatly expanded the story and turned it into a novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
March 1, 2017
Dancer's Lament is the first of Ian C. Esslemont's Malazan novels that I have read and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It is the first installment of the Path to Ascendancy trilogy. The book is more linear that the previous series entrants that I have read written by Steven Erikson. It is more story driven and less about the world building, however, it still contains a large cast of dramatis personae and the book is complemented by some amazing and very memorable set-pieces.
The action follows the stories and point of views of three characters. Dorin Rav/ Dancer (enough said), Iko (a female sword dancer/guard) and Silk (a vain mage) and how they are affected by a war that takes place at Li Heng and also the inner politics of the city's underworld.
The point of view I found the most intriguing was, of course, Dancer's. Mainly to see the foundation of his relationship with a certain shadowy mage (known as Wu in this story but you know who this person is ;) ) and about Dancer's past and training. Wu and Dorin's banter right from the start is great. At some points they seem like a married couple bickering, however, you see the underlining current of respect being built between them throughout the novel. In some books, you can dislike certain POV perspectives and almost speed read those parts - I didn't have this problem with any of these characters. In fact, knowing that these other characters are involved in later ICE books other readers may find extra layers of awesome in their sections that I couldn't see.
I don't want to say too much about the plot. I do not want to reveal anything to my unfortunate American cousins where this hasn't been released yet. What I will say though is a lot of the characters are very cool and likable. Ullara (a bird loving stable girl), Shalmanat (the protectress of the Li Heng) and even the notorious feared beastly creature that haunts the radius of the city. One point I have to say is awesome is when we realise where the name Dancer originated from.
Some people have posted gripes with the way that Ian writes and his skill not being anywhere near that of Steven Erikson. I had no problem with his pace, descriptive nature, the way he presented the world's ideology/ history/ magic and it was a story that I devoured. Maybe his writing has improved but I am looking forward to reading other books of his. Return of the Crimson Guard is high on my priorities to read now. I am intrigued also to see how some of the characters introduced to me here who aren't as frequent in Erikson's novel's (such as the Crimson Guard) behave and develop in ICE's other books.
Would this be a good entry point for the whole Malazan world for a new reader? Perhaps. Due to the limited amount of POV's and the many stunning events make this a good stand-alone read. Maybe I take it for granted though as I am aware of the history, magical systems etc.... that would be lost/ confusing on a new reader and they may be out of their depth. I'd recommend going the normal route with Erikson first but if you like the sound of this review and you haven't read Malazan - by all means take a gamble and let me know what you think! :)
I can't wait for the next installment. Thank you, Ian. Peace x
www.youandibooks.wordpress.com
The action follows the stories and point of views of three characters. Dorin Rav/ Dancer (enough said), Iko (a female sword dancer/guard) and Silk (a vain mage) and how they are affected by a war that takes place at Li Heng and also the inner politics of the city's underworld.
The point of view I found the most intriguing was, of course, Dancer's. Mainly to see the foundation of his relationship with a certain shadowy mage (known as Wu in this story but you know who this person is ;) ) and about Dancer's past and training. Wu and Dorin's banter right from the start is great. At some points they seem like a married couple bickering, however, you see the underlining current of respect being built between them throughout the novel. In some books, you can dislike certain POV perspectives and almost speed read those parts - I didn't have this problem with any of these characters. In fact, knowing that these other characters are involved in later ICE books other readers may find extra layers of awesome in their sections that I couldn't see.
I don't want to say too much about the plot. I do not want to reveal anything to my unfortunate American cousins where this hasn't been released yet. What I will say though is a lot of the characters are very cool and likable. Ullara (a bird loving stable girl), Shalmanat (the protectress of the Li Heng) and even the notorious feared beastly creature that haunts the radius of the city. One point I have to say is awesome is when we realise where the name Dancer originated from.
Some people have posted gripes with the way that Ian writes and his skill not being anywhere near that of Steven Erikson. I had no problem with his pace, descriptive nature, the way he presented the world's ideology/ history/ magic and it was a story that I devoured. Maybe his writing has improved but I am looking forward to reading other books of his. Return of the Crimson Guard is high on my priorities to read now. I am intrigued also to see how some of the characters introduced to me here who aren't as frequent in Erikson's novel's (such as the Crimson Guard) behave and develop in ICE's other books.
Would this be a good entry point for the whole Malazan world for a new reader? Perhaps. Due to the limited amount of POV's and the many stunning events make this a good stand-alone read. Maybe I take it for granted though as I am aware of the history, magical systems etc.... that would be lost/ confusing on a new reader and they may be out of their depth. I'd recommend going the normal route with Erikson first but if you like the sound of this review and you haven't read Malazan - by all means take a gamble and let me know what you think! :)
I can't wait for the next installment. Thank you, Ian. Peace x
www.youandibooks.wordpress.com
March 24, 2022
A promising start to the Malazan prequel books, but lacks the grandeur of other entries
I was pretty convinced that I would be giving this book a low score for multiple reasons. First, I can't tell you the last time that I thought a prequel series was above average. And second, some of the last few books that Ian C. Esslemont wrote were a bit sub-par in my opinion.
I'm happy that I was wrong in this case, because Dancer's Lament was an enjoyable read that serves as a good primer for two critical characters in the Malazan: Book of the Fallen series. The writing was crisp, the characters were well fleshed out, and the plot was enjoyable.
This book did feel more mainstream than previous entries however, which is not a good thing. One of the hallmarks of a Malazan book is the complexity, and this book most certainly was not that. The ending of the book also was a bit more flat than some of the other books by this author, which was unfortunate.
Overall I did thoroughly enjoy my read, and look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I was pretty convinced that I would be giving this book a low score for multiple reasons. First, I can't tell you the last time that I thought a prequel series was above average. And second, some of the last few books that Ian C. Esslemont wrote were a bit sub-par in my opinion.
I'm happy that I was wrong in this case, because Dancer's Lament was an enjoyable read that serves as a good primer for two critical characters in the Malazan: Book of the Fallen series. The writing was crisp, the characters were well fleshed out, and the plot was enjoyable.
This book did feel more mainstream than previous entries however, which is not a good thing. One of the hallmarks of a Malazan book is the complexity, and this book most certainly was not that. The ending of the book also was a bit more flat than some of the other books by this author, which was unfortunate.
Overall I did thoroughly enjoy my read, and look forward to reading the other books in this series.
February 14, 2019
2nd reread edit: full series review out next week🗡
Reread edit: so much love for this on the second read through. Next book out in November so if any Malazan fans haven’t picked this one up yet, get to it....it’s well worth your time.
My experience of this book was entirely that of gleeful absorption and joyful celebration... because it's about Dancer and Kellanved. If you have read Erikson's Malazan books and these two characters aren't on your favourites list, then you need to read the series again, because you're reading it wrong.
My main concern was that learning more about these two would lessen the frustrating, yet enticing, mystery they represent, but it was not the case. Seeing them in their less than fully formed state is frequently amusing, but also chilling, because we know the future, and that future starts here.
The only actual review-like addition i'm going to make to this piece of enthusiasm is that I really enjoyed Esslemont's style in this book. Having only read Night of Knives before now, the skill level he showed in this novel has increased tenfold. He nails the humour and there are moments of unsettling menace that chilled me. I'm already eager for more.
Huge thanks to Ian C. Esslemont, Random House/Transworld Publishers, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Reread edit: so much love for this on the second read through. Next book out in November so if any Malazan fans haven’t picked this one up yet, get to it....it’s well worth your time.
My experience of this book was entirely that of gleeful absorption and joyful celebration... because it's about Dancer and Kellanved. If you have read Erikson's Malazan books and these two characters aren't on your favourites list, then you need to read the series again, because you're reading it wrong.
My main concern was that learning more about these two would lessen the frustrating, yet enticing, mystery they represent, but it was not the case. Seeing them in their less than fully formed state is frequently amusing, but also chilling, because we know the future, and that future starts here.
The only actual review-like addition i'm going to make to this piece of enthusiasm is that I really enjoyed Esslemont's style in this book. Having only read Night of Knives before now, the skill level he showed in this novel has increased tenfold. He nails the humour and there are moments of unsettling menace that chilled me. I'm already eager for more.
Huge thanks to Ian C. Esslemont, Random House/Transworld Publishers, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2017
I've slept on this rating, and I'm still calling this a 5 star book.
"He was Dancer now, and Dancer from now on."
This review is up at my new blog that I'll be doing with a few friends check it out here
First of all, the Dramatis Personae in this book had me confused in so many ways. The only name I even recognized was Dassem and K'rul. As we find out, not everyone's name that we've come to know had that name in the beginning. With that said, let's get into the review, shall we?
Dancer's Lament is the first installment of the series that will show how the Malazan Empire came to be. We get to follow Dorin Rav, a young man of Tali who aspires to be an assassin; Silk, a Li Heng city mage; Iko, the newest recruit in the king's body guard aka Kanese Sword-Dancers; and Sister Night, a powerful ancient sorceress. This story does take place in Quon Tali, but mostly stays in the city-state of Li Heng which, before now, had enjoyed relative stability, for centuries, under the guidance of the powerful sorceress known as the Protectress. Suffice it to say that she's not too happy about the arrival of our 2 trouble makers Dorin Rav and Wu. The former is a very skilled assassin eager to join a guild and the latter is a Dal Hon mage who is much harder to kill than they expected. For all the Book of the Fallen veterans, you may recognize these two *wink wink*. We also have a new and ambitious king and his forces from Itko Kan are marching upon Li Heng. He has sent his own assassins, the Nightblades, on ahead of him along with rumors that he has inhuman, nightmarish forces at his command.
If I would've read Esslemont's Malazan Empire series, I'm sure I would've recognized so many other characters. But since I haven't, I missed out on a bit of the story. Reading his Malazan Empire series isn't necessary to enjoy this book, but it helps to do so so you can get the full scope of this book. I still thoroughly enjoyed this book even without getting those references. We get to see so many characters from the Book of the Fallen here, and it was so cool to be able to see most of the big players as kids here. I would love to mention just how many characters make cameos, but it has a much more jaw-dropping effect when you read it and stumble upon them for yourself. I think that was half of what made me love this book so much. Seeing so many major players before they were....well..major players.
And my goodness this was a great installment in the Malazan world. It was, in my opinion, on par with any of Erikson's books. It has a completely different feel to it, but in a very good way. It's a small, quaint story without a broad sweeping universe playing a role and without massive 100k people battles. It's also very straightforward narratively, without a lot of flowery prose, and without a lot of analogies or metaphors. But it is also very competent, so don't take simplicity as an indication of poor writing. I think it's the simplicity that made this so enjoyable. Erikson's writing can be so complicated, at times, so it was nice to get an "origins"/Malazan story where I'm not constantly wondering what something really means, being able to take everything at face value. Also, none of the 2 page philosophical musings was pretty nice.
Dancer's Lament makes me so excited for what's to come in the Path to Ascendancy series! It's got just about everything I loved from the Book of the Fallen, but in a more compact and easier to read package. Highly recommend to anyone who has finished the main series and is looking for some more of that Malazan fix. I would also recommend thinking about possibly reading Esslemont's Malazan Empire series first. Just so you can fully enjoy this one. But it's not necessary if you feel like skipping them for now.
"He was Dancer now, and Dancer from now on."
This review is up at my new blog that I'll be doing with a few friends check it out here
First of all, the Dramatis Personae in this book had me confused in so many ways. The only name I even recognized was Dassem and K'rul. As we find out, not everyone's name that we've come to know had that name in the beginning. With that said, let's get into the review, shall we?
Dancer's Lament is the first installment of the series that will show how the Malazan Empire came to be. We get to follow Dorin Rav, a young man of Tali who aspires to be an assassin; Silk, a Li Heng city mage; Iko, the newest recruit in the king's body guard aka Kanese Sword-Dancers; and Sister Night, a powerful ancient sorceress. This story does take place in Quon Tali, but mostly stays in the city-state of Li Heng which, before now, had enjoyed relative stability, for centuries, under the guidance of the powerful sorceress known as the Protectress. Suffice it to say that she's not too happy about the arrival of our 2 trouble makers Dorin Rav and Wu. The former is a very skilled assassin eager to join a guild and the latter is a Dal Hon mage who is much harder to kill than they expected. For all the Book of the Fallen veterans, you may recognize these two *wink wink*. We also have a new and ambitious king and his forces from Itko Kan are marching upon Li Heng. He has sent his own assassins, the Nightblades, on ahead of him along with rumors that he has inhuman, nightmarish forces at his command.
If I would've read Esslemont's Malazan Empire series, I'm sure I would've recognized so many other characters. But since I haven't, I missed out on a bit of the story. Reading his Malazan Empire series isn't necessary to enjoy this book, but it helps to do so so you can get the full scope of this book. I still thoroughly enjoyed this book even without getting those references. We get to see so many characters from the Book of the Fallen here, and it was so cool to be able to see most of the big players as kids here. I would love to mention just how many characters make cameos, but it has a much more jaw-dropping effect when you read it and stumble upon them for yourself. I think that was half of what made me love this book so much. Seeing so many major players before they were....well..major players.
And my goodness this was a great installment in the Malazan world. It was, in my opinion, on par with any of Erikson's books. It has a completely different feel to it, but in a very good way. It's a small, quaint story without a broad sweeping universe playing a role and without massive 100k people battles. It's also very straightforward narratively, without a lot of flowery prose, and without a lot of analogies or metaphors. But it is also very competent, so don't take simplicity as an indication of poor writing. I think it's the simplicity that made this so enjoyable. Erikson's writing can be so complicated, at times, so it was nice to get an "origins"/Malazan story where I'm not constantly wondering what something really means, being able to take everything at face value. Also, none of the 2 page philosophical musings was pretty nice.
Dancer's Lament makes me so excited for what's to come in the Path to Ascendancy series! It's got just about everything I loved from the Book of the Fallen, but in a more compact and easier to read package. Highly recommend to anyone who has finished the main series and is looking for some more of that Malazan fix. I would also recommend thinking about possibly reading Esslemont's Malazan Empire series first. Just so you can fully enjoy this one. But it's not necessary if you feel like skipping them for now.
February 10, 2019
My first 5-star rating this year, and it's a Malazan book.
I love the world of Malazan, and the Malazan Book of the Fallen stands as my favourite grimdark fantasy series. However, these are not books which one can pick up to read for 'fun'. Not only were the worldbuilding complex and the cast of characters extensive, but the prose was also dense and philosophical. Moreover, the narrative frequently messaged dark and bleak themes. To be honest, it felt like work sometimes to read MBOTF, albeit work that I thoroughly enjoyed.
As such, my rating should not come as a surprise. Except, that this is the same author for Night of Knives, which I only gave 2.5 stars, and Return of the Crimson Guard, which I rated 3.5 stars. I have not even continued with the rest of the Malazan Empire series.
The most notable difference between Dancer's Lament and those two mentioned above was Esslemont's writing, which improved greatly. This is good and accessible writing that makes reading effortless – a first for Malazan books. In Night of Knives and Return of the Crimson Guard, I felt that Esslemont was trying to write like Erikson and it didn't work for me. This time though, I would say that Esslemont had found his groove when he wrote Dancer's Lament, and I loved the result.
Even better, this prequel trilogy's main characters are two of my favourite characters in MBOTF – Dancer and Kellanved. Dancer's Lament was the story of how a Talian assassin and a Dal Honese mage formed an unlikely partnership in the city of Li Heng. While they were not known by those names at the start of the book, not-too-subtle hints and descriptions were all it took for me to identify them as our eponymous duo.
Prequels are tricky to write because our investment in these main characters did not translate to any fear or concern of their well-being since we know that they survived. Notwithstanding, having the benefit of also understanding the future story and relationship between the main characters did add to the overall enjoyment as we slowly peel away the layers of history. Another great experience while reading prequels was when bits of foreshadowing started falling into place about what we knew of these individuals. The story behind how Dancer got his name and assassin's sigil was beautifully poignant.
I believe that what truly makes a prequel work are the side characters. Primarily because these were the people who helped shape the person that our main character would become. The characterisation in his book was superb as Esslemont extends the readers' empathy be it for a known, well-loved, or new face/name. Of course, we do get to see many other familiar and well-known names as these two personalities did have very far-reaching involvement (or to be more exact when it comes to Kellanved, meddling) in the affairs of the world.
Dancer's Lament was also the funniest Malazan book I've ever read. The early interaction between Dancer and Kellanved was comedy gold. The writing style worked so well for this narrative. Regardless, this did not mean that the book was light-hearted, as we are talking about the world of Malazan after all. The ending chapters of the book illuminated the horrors of war with some rather graphic scenes of the casualties and their suffering.
As with all that is of this world, the sorcery was blindingly devastating, and it came with a price. Even so, Dancer's Lament lacked the typical epic convergence endings of MBOTF. The story's focus on characterisation, however, did more than compensate for the absence of an epic climactic sequence.
In short, Dancer's Lament is now one of my favourite Malazan books, and the best novel by Esslemont that I've read to date. I usually take a short break in between books written in this intricate and complex world. However, with the ease of enjoyment I had with the first instalment of this series, I am going to dive right into the sequel next.
You can order this book from: Book Depository (Free shipping worldwide)
You can also find this and my other reviews at Novel Notions.
I love the world of Malazan, and the Malazan Book of the Fallen stands as my favourite grimdark fantasy series. However, these are not books which one can pick up to read for 'fun'. Not only were the worldbuilding complex and the cast of characters extensive, but the prose was also dense and philosophical. Moreover, the narrative frequently messaged dark and bleak themes. To be honest, it felt like work sometimes to read MBOTF, albeit work that I thoroughly enjoyed.
As such, my rating should not come as a surprise. Except, that this is the same author for Night of Knives, which I only gave 2.5 stars, and Return of the Crimson Guard, which I rated 3.5 stars. I have not even continued with the rest of the Malazan Empire series.
The most notable difference between Dancer's Lament and those two mentioned above was Esslemont's writing, which improved greatly. This is good and accessible writing that makes reading effortless – a first for Malazan books. In Night of Knives and Return of the Crimson Guard, I felt that Esslemont was trying to write like Erikson and it didn't work for me. This time though, I would say that Esslemont had found his groove when he wrote Dancer's Lament, and I loved the result.
Even better, this prequel trilogy's main characters are two of my favourite characters in MBOTF – Dancer and Kellanved. Dancer's Lament was the story of how a Talian assassin and a Dal Honese mage formed an unlikely partnership in the city of Li Heng. While they were not known by those names at the start of the book, not-too-subtle hints and descriptions were all it took for me to identify them as our eponymous duo.
A few well-placed thrusts and their stashes of coin rode tightly wrapped in a baldric across his chest – a baldric that also supported a selection of graded blades and lengths of rope. He was of the opinion that one can never carry too much rope.
Prequels are tricky to write because our investment in these main characters did not translate to any fear or concern of their well-being since we know that they survived. Notwithstanding, having the benefit of also understanding the future story and relationship between the main characters did add to the overall enjoyment as we slowly peel away the layers of history. Another great experience while reading prequels was when bits of foreshadowing started falling into place about what we knew of these individuals. The story behind how Dancer got his name and assassin's sigil was beautifully poignant.
I believe that what truly makes a prequel work are the side characters. Primarily because these were the people who helped shape the person that our main character would become. The characterisation in his book was superb as Esslemont extends the readers' empathy be it for a known, well-loved, or new face/name. Of course, we do get to see many other familiar and well-known names as these two personalities did have very far-reaching involvement (or to be more exact when it comes to Kellanved, meddling) in the affairs of the world.
Dancer's Lament was also the funniest Malazan book I've ever read. The early interaction between Dancer and Kellanved was comedy gold. The writing style worked so well for this narrative. Regardless, this did not mean that the book was light-hearted, as we are talking about the world of Malazan after all. The ending chapters of the book illuminated the horrors of war with some rather graphic scenes of the casualties and their suffering.
Not only the name behind this sorcery troubled her; the very unleashing of the tactic worried her. For it was a truism of all the treatises of warfare and strategy that she'd read: just as the sword is answered by the sword, so too is sorcery answered by sorcery.
As with all that is of this world, the sorcery was blindingly devastating, and it came with a price. Even so, Dancer's Lament lacked the typical epic convergence endings of MBOTF. The story's focus on characterisation, however, did more than compensate for the absence of an epic climactic sequence.
In short, Dancer's Lament is now one of my favourite Malazan books, and the best novel by Esslemont that I've read to date. I usually take a short break in between books written in this intricate and complex world. However, with the ease of enjoyment I had with the first instalment of this series, I am going to dive right into the sequel next.
You can order this book from: Book Depository (Free shipping worldwide)
You can also find this and my other reviews at Novel Notions.
December 30, 2016
WOW! Mr Esslemont. Just WOW!
After building me up with Orb Spectre, Throne and then crushing me with Blood and Bone, I am deliriously happy to announce that Dancer's Lament is your finest work yet.
Fantastic being back in the Malazan world and with a history lesson to be had from two of the most interesting characters in the entire series. Dancers Lament, as all Malazan fans will be aware, is the how Cotillion (The Rope) becomes the man he is that we know in MBotF. His meeting with Ammanas and how their friendship becomes and their goals together.
There are a few gems in here of other characters from ICE's stories and I throughly enjoyed meeting some of them. Silk in particular was a fun read.
So I can say I loved this book and wait eagerly for the next in the series. A must read for fan missing the Malazan world.
After building me up with Orb Spectre, Throne and then crushing me with Blood and Bone, I am deliriously happy to announce that Dancer's Lament is your finest work yet.
Fantastic being back in the Malazan world and with a history lesson to be had from two of the most interesting characters in the entire series. Dancers Lament, as all Malazan fans will be aware, is the how Cotillion (The Rope) becomes the man he is that we know in MBotF. His meeting with Ammanas and how their friendship becomes and their goals together.
There are a few gems in here of other characters from ICE's stories and I throughly enjoyed meeting some of them. Silk in particular was a fun read.
So I can say I loved this book and wait eagerly for the next in the series. A must read for fan missing the Malazan world.
July 24, 2017
ICE has final produce the 5* book I've been waiting for and this is better than some of the Erikson books for the first time.
The differences for me are that for the first time he used empathy for the characters and the people in general. Second he did foreboding and portentous events with the correct leveling. In the past he either over did it beating you in the head with a shovel or did in a way that only confused the issue. Third his general writing style has comes so far since Night of Knives.
This still isn't an Erikson book which has it's plusses and minuses. The end convergence and the sorrow build into the characters isn't at the same level. You don't need to follow every words so cautiously feeling you'll miss something completely if you don't. When completed you don't feel like you fought Tyson circa 1991 either. ICE has stuck to his style and perfected it. The story is much more straightforward which is nice at times when the author just gives you an information dump.
The biggest thing is anybody who has read the main series.....who doesn't want to know Kellanved and Dancer's story? Plus there's a host of others we get a clearer picture of or in some cases a view not scene before at all.
I cannot wait until November and Deadhouse Landing.
The differences for me are that for the first time he used empathy for the characters and the people in general. Second he did foreboding and portentous events with the correct leveling. In the past he either over did it beating you in the head with a shovel or did in a way that only confused the issue. Third his general writing style has comes so far since Night of Knives.
This still isn't an Erikson book which has it's plusses and minuses. The end convergence and the sorrow build into the characters isn't at the same level. You don't need to follow every words so cautiously feeling you'll miss something completely if you don't. When completed you don't feel like you fought Tyson circa 1991 either. ICE has stuck to his style and perfected it. The story is much more straightforward which is nice at times when the author just gives you an information dump.
The biggest thing is anybody who has read the main series.....who doesn't want to know Kellanved and Dancer's story? Plus there's a host of others we get a clearer picture of or in some cases a view not scene before at all.
I cannot wait until November and Deadhouse Landing.
September 21, 2021
امتیاز من به کتاب اصلی ۴ و به ترجمهی فارسی این کتاب که نشر باژ به نام سوگ دوران منتشر کرده ۳ خواهد بود.
اگر بخواهم در مورد کتاب سوگ دوران بطور خاص صحبت کنم دلیل کم کردن این یک ستاره، به چالشی که با ترجمهی کتاب داشتم برمیگرده.
استفاده از معادلسازی برای لغات خاص و استفاده از نثری غنی و ادبی در این مدت به ویژگیهای ترجمههای آقای حاجیزاده یا امضای ایشون تبدیل شده که بهنفس برای یک مترجم کار با ارزشی هست و نشاندهنده میزان تلاش و دانشی که داره. از این بابت واقعا باید سپاسگزار بهنام حاجیزاده بود.
اما نکتهای که میخوام بهش اشاره کنم این هست که همین موضوع دقیقا میتونه بجای اینکه برتری ایجاد کنه به ترجمهی یک اثر ضربه هم بزنه. در واقع شمشیر دولبهای هست که همیشه باید با احتیاط و درست ازش استفاده بشه.
معادلسازیهای استفاده شده در ترجمهی این کتاب گاهی بسیار خلاقانه بودند اما مترجم در بعضی موارد به این نکته توجه نکرده که اثری را داره ترجمه میکنه که ممکنه ترجمه اش فقط به همین یک جلد ختم بشه و نه تنها احتمال عدم ترجمهی دو جلد دیگهی همین اثر وجود داره که ممکنه دیگر مجموعه های این دنیا هم هیچگاه بهفارسی ترجمه نشن، پس در معادلسازی ها و بخصوص در آوردن پانویسها باید طوری عمل بکنه تا هر خواننده فارسی زبانی بتونه بعد از خواندن این کتاب و هنگام مراجعه به دیگر متون از این مجموعه به زبان اصلی براحتی تشخیص بده که هر کدوم از معادلسازیها و ترجمه اسامی خاص به کدام کلمه در متن اصلی اشاره داره.
متاسفانه ترجمهی این اثر از این حیث کاستیهایی داره.
مورد دوم نثر بکار برده شده در ترجمهی این اثر هست.
مترجم در مقدمهی این اثر بهدرستی در مورد غنا و سنگینی متون اصلی این مجموعه توضیح دادن و اضافه کردن که در راستای همگامی با میزان فاخر بودن نثر متن اصلی سعی در همانندسازی آن در ترجمه و نگارش متن فارسی هم انجام دادهاند.
کار ایشان و تلاشی که در راستای برآوردن آن توسط مترجم انجام شده قابل تحسین است.
اما مترجم به یک نکته هم باید توجه لازم را مبذول میداشته.
در خواندن چنین متنهایی اگر بیش از حد به استفاده از غنای ادبی توجه شود و سختی خوانش آن از مرزی عبور کند، خواننده دیگر بجای آن که بتواند به طور پیوسته متن را دنبال کند و در شیرینی درک داستان فرو رود مجبور است به طور مداوم متوقف شده تا از درستی خواندن و درک عبارات و جملات فارسی ادبی خوانده شده مطمئن شود یا بخشی از متن را چند باره خوانی کند. این پدیده در خوانش یک متن با غنای ادبی ناخودآگاه اتفاق خواهد افتاد و متاسفانه این مسئله از شیرینی درک داستان و غرق شدن در آن خواهد کاست.
حتی در بدترین حالت دیگر خواننده نسبت به صنایع و واژگان ادبی زیبای استفاده شده در متن بی احساس خواهد شد و برای تعقیب سریعتر داستان و عدم توقف های مکرر در خوانش متن، بدون توجه به معنا و آوای لغات سریع از روی آنها خواهد گذشت تا ادامهی داستان را دریابد.
این معضلی است که نثر سوگ دوران به آن دچار شده و گاهی خوانش داستان را مکدر میکند.
و من ا... التوفیق 🤗
اگر بخواهم در مورد کتاب سوگ دوران بطور خاص صحبت کنم دلیل کم کردن این یک ستاره، به چالشی که با ترجمهی کتاب داشتم برمیگرده.
استفاده از معادلسازی برای لغات خاص و استفاده از نثری غنی و ادبی در این مدت به ویژگیهای ترجمههای آقای حاجیزاده یا امضای ایشون تبدیل شده که بهنفس برای یک مترجم کار با ارزشی هست و نشاندهنده میزان تلاش و دانشی که داره. از این بابت واقعا باید سپاسگزار بهنام حاجیزاده بود.
اما نکتهای که میخوام بهش اشاره کنم این هست که همین موضوع دقیقا میتونه بجای اینکه برتری ایجاد کنه به ترجمهی یک اثر ضربه هم بزنه. در واقع شمشیر دولبهای هست که همیشه باید با احتیاط و درست ازش استفاده بشه.
معادلسازیهای استفاده شده در ترجمهی این کتاب گاهی بسیار خلاقانه بودند اما مترجم در بعضی موارد به این نکته توجه نکرده که اثری را داره ترجمه میکنه که ممکنه ترجمه اش فقط به همین یک جلد ختم بشه و نه تنها احتمال عدم ترجمهی دو جلد دیگهی همین اثر وجود داره که ممکنه دیگر مجموعه های این دنیا هم هیچگاه بهفارسی ترجمه نشن، پس در معادلسازی ها و بخصوص در آوردن پانویسها باید طوری عمل بکنه تا هر خواننده فارسی زبانی بتونه بعد از خواندن این کتاب و هنگام مراجعه به دیگر متون از این مجموعه به زبان اصلی براحتی تشخیص بده که هر کدوم از معادلسازیها و ترجمه اسامی خاص به کدام کلمه در متن اصلی اشاره داره.
متاسفانه ترجمهی این اثر از این حیث کاستیهایی داره.
مورد دوم نثر بکار برده شده در ترجمهی این اثر هست.
مترجم در مقدمهی این اثر بهدرستی در مورد غنا و سنگینی متون اصلی این مجموعه توضیح دادن و اضافه کردن که در راستای همگامی با میزان فاخر بودن نثر متن اصلی سعی در همانندسازی آن در ترجمه و نگارش متن فارسی هم انجام دادهاند.
کار ایشان و تلاشی که در راستای برآوردن آن توسط مترجم انجام شده قابل تحسین است.
اما مترجم به یک نکته هم باید توجه لازم را مبذول میداشته.
در خواندن چنین متنهایی اگر بیش از حد به استفاده از غنای ادبی توجه شود و سختی خوانش آن از مرزی عبور کند، خواننده دیگر بجای آن که بتواند به طور پیوسته متن را دنبال کند و در شیرینی درک داستان فرو رود مجبور است به طور مداوم متوقف شده تا از درستی خواندن و درک عبارات و جملات فارسی ادبی خوانده شده مطمئن شود یا بخشی از متن را چند باره خوانی کند. این پدیده در خوانش یک متن با غنای ادبی ناخودآگاه اتفاق خواهد افتاد و متاسفانه این مسئله از شیرینی درک داستان و غرق شدن در آن خواهد کاست.
حتی در بدترین حالت دیگر خواننده نسبت به صنایع و واژگان ادبی زیبای استفاده شده در متن بی احساس خواهد شد و برای تعقیب سریعتر داستان و عدم توقف های مکرر در خوانش متن، بدون توجه به معنا و آوای لغات سریع از روی آنها خواهد گذشت تا ادامهی داستان را دریابد.
این معضلی است که نثر سوگ دوران به آن دچار شده و گاهی خوانش داستان را مکدر میکند.
و من ا... التوفیق 🤗
May 27, 2022
By far Ian C. Esslemont's best series instalment thus far.
Dancer's Lament is an excellent exploration of the formative experiences of what in terms of the main series is usually referred to as the 'old guard', the founding members of the Malazan Empire.
It is quite different both from Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen and Esslemont's own series of spin-off novels on the Malazan Empire, but in an exclusively positive way.
I would honestly say this was one of the most entertaining and fulfilling reading experiences in the Malazan world so far, but this is of course due in large part to the fact it is setting the stage for a variety of my all-time favourite characters.
Dancer's Lament is an excellent exploration of the formative experiences of what in terms of the main series is usually referred to as the 'old guard', the founding members of the Malazan Empire.
It is quite different both from Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen and Esslemont's own series of spin-off novels on the Malazan Empire, but in an exclusively positive way.
I would honestly say this was one of the most entertaining and fulfilling reading experiences in the Malazan world so far, but this is of course due in large part to the fact it is setting the stage for a variety of my all-time favourite characters.
August 12, 2023
بیایید؛ بیایید ای مردمان که بایستی همگان به درگاه ثیر سجده برآوریم
بذارید سوالی ازتون بپرسم. چند وقت یکبار پیش میاد با کتابی کامل مواجه بشید؟ کتابی که حداقل برای شما هیچ کم و کاستی نداره. کتابی که تکمیله و هیچ چیز دیگهای ازش نمیخواید؟
فرعی
قبل از هرچیزی باید بدونید تمام مواردی که در رابطه با مجموعهی اصلی مالازان شنیدید با غلظت کمتری برای طریق عروج هم صدق میکنه.
نثرش سنگینه. نظراتی خونده بودم که مترجم، متن رو زیادی سخت کرده و ریسمان دنبال کردن داستان، حین خوانش پاره میشه. شخصاً همچین چیزی به هیچ وجه حس نکردم. درسته نثر دشواری داره ولی هیچ آسیبی به تجربه من نزد. نثر اصلی کتاب هم دشواره دیگه. کلنجار رفتن با جملاتش لذت بخش بود و در عین حال، ضرباهنگ خوانش هم دچار ایراد نمیشد. در نظر هم بگیرید این رو منی میگم که سوگ رقاص عملاً دشوارترین نثریه که خوندم. پس اینجوری نبوده که مثلاً سیلماریلیون خونده باشم و این برای من عادی حساب بشه؛ نه. سخت بود ولی سخت بودنش هیچ ایرادی نداشت.
احتمالاً شنیده باشید مالازان مجیک سیستم پیچیدهای داره و نویسندگانش هم هیج علاقهای به توضیح دادن ندارن. خب آره درست شنیدید. این موضوع تا حدی در این کتاب هم صدق میکنه. خوشبختانه به لطف مطلبی که آقای حاجیزاده ابتدای کتاب گذاشته بودن به علاوهی پاورقیهای مفید و مختصر، این موضوع برطرف شد. هرچند هنوز بخش قابلی از ایزدان و مفاهیم غیر مستقیم جادو و تاریخ رو نفهمیدم؛ که خب طبیعیه. مجموعهی فرعیه به هر حال.
ترجمه
در رابطه با ترجمهی نثر توضیح دادم و از نثر فارسی این اثر کاملاً دفاع میکنم. موضوع اصلیِ ترجمه که بحث برانگیزه؛ ترجمهی اسامی خاصه. من به شخصه آدمی نیستم که بتونیم به یکی از دو تیم "تمام اسامی خاص باید ترجمه بشن" و "هیچ اسم خاصی نباید ترجمه بشه" ملحق بشم. معتقدم اگر اسم خاصی هست که معنای خاصی برای مخاطب زبان مرجع ایجاد میکنه و ما میدونیم معادل معنایی مناسب که همون "وزن" و "اتمسفر" رو داشته باشه ازش داریم؛ خب پس ترجمهش کنیم. منتها سر اون وزن معنایی و اتمسفر توی خیلی از کتابها گیر پیدا میکنم. به عنوان مثال "جان اسنو" در فارسی یه چیزی مثل "جان برفی" میشه که شخصاً وزن و بار معنایی یکسانی بین این دو حس نمیکنم و برای همین مخالف ترجمهش هستم اما از طرفی شخصیتی مثل "سیلک" توی همین کتاب به اسم "حریر" ترجمه شده که بار معنایی یکسانی به زبان مرجع داره و همون اتمسفر لطیف رو منتقل میکنه. توی این مثال دوم موافق ترجمه هستم.
مالازان پر شده از اسامی خاص و خب، آقای حاجیزاده اگر اشتباه نکنم همه رو ترجمه کردن. با بررسی واژگان اصلی، شخصاً نقدی به این ترجمهها ندارم. چه بسا معادلهایی مثل "پاسبانو" و "شمشیررقاص" خیلی هم خوب کار شدن. تنها مشکلم اینه که برای یکسری اسامی خاص پاورقی زده نشده بود و برای یکسری دیگه زده شده بود. من توقع دارم هر اسم خاصی که ترجمه میشه واژه اصلیش رو توی پاورقی ببینم. به هر حال شاید به درک بهتر داستان و تلفظ درستتر کمک کنه. جدای از اون، در اثری به عظمت مالازان لازمه این نکته مورد توجه قرار بگیره که خواننده سوگ رقاص ممکنه بعد از خوانش اثر سراغ دیگر کتب این جهان و منابع انگلیسی زبان بره. در نتیجه باید بتونه اسامی خاص ترجمه شده رو با یکم فکر، توی متن اصلی تشخیص بده.
به طور کل ترجمه برای من بسیار مطلوب بود
عظمت، کمال و هنر
بریم روی خود اثر زوم کنیم.
جهان مالازان عظیمتریم و شکوهمندترین جهانیه که در محتوای ژانری باهاش برخورد داشتم و طبق شنیدهها، صرفاً قطرهای از دریا دیدم. جز به جز و ریز به ریز جهان کوفتیش فکر شده. معنا میده. مثل ساعت کار میکنه. درکناشدنی و حس برانگیزه. درخشانه.
خیلی از شخصیت پردازی دهگانه بد شنیدم. نظری دربارهی اون ندارم؛ در باب سوگ رقاص، شخصیت پردازی کاملاً بهینه و کارآمده. حریر، جادوپیشهای که لایق اسمشه. دورین، آدمکشی که به سان رقاص، چاقو میزند. ایکو، از شمشیررقاصان محافظ شاه که تا حدی در پی خودشناسیه. حتی در بدترین حالت هم راویها شخصیت پردازی خوبی دارن.
دهگانهی اصلی مالازان خشونت زیادی داره. اینجا هم خشونت داریم ولی حقیقتاً اونقدری نیست که منحصر به فرد باشه. از طرفی اما توصیف لحظات نبرد واقعاً خوبه.
سوگ رقاص بین آثار گریمدارک نکتهی خاصی داشت. در جهان داستان، درسته که تجاوز وجود داره. فاحشهخونه وجود داره. اما زن و مرد برابری اجتماعی قابل توجهی دارن. مثلاً نغمه رو در نظر بگیرید؛ نغمه خیلی شبیهتر به جهان ماست. زن در تاریخ وستروس همیشه پایینتر از مرد بوده با وجود این که حکمرانان مونث هم داشتیم. توی مالازان اما برابری عجیبی وجود داره. نکته اینجاست که اسلمونت این برابری رو به زور به تصویر نمیکشه. صرفاً از رویکرد روایت و دیالوگهای شخصیتها ناخوداگاه این حس منتقل میشه. این مورد جالبی بود برام.
داستان و موقعیتی که درش رخ میده خیلی عظیم نیست. زوم شده روی یکی از نقاط کوچیک نقشهی مالازان. همین برای من جذابترش میکرد. خبری از فتح تمام قاره و لشکرهای چند صدهزارنفری نبود. همه چیز درگیر یک شهر بود.
بخونیم؟
آره ولی زمانش با خودتون. خیلیها ترجیح میدن بعد از دهگانه بخوننش که به نظر کار درستی هم هست. دوستی گفته بود این کتاب دهگانه رو اسپویل میکنه. همچنین با نگاه کردن به اسامی کتب دهگانه، احساس کردم این کتاب احتمالاً رفرنسهایی داره که خوانندگان دهگانه باهاش حال میکنن.
خود من احتمالاً طریق عروج رو همینجا رها کنم و بعد از خوانش دهگانه برگردم سراغش.
پس تصمیم با خودتون
اما هرچی هم بشه سوگ رقاص یادم میمونه. اگر نغمه رو فاکتور بگیریم این بهترین فانتزیایه که خوندم. جایگاه خاص خودش رو حفظ میکنه.
May The Winds Rise
بذارید سوالی ازتون بپرسم. چند وقت یکبار پیش میاد با کتابی کامل مواجه بشید؟ کتابی که حداقل برای شما هیچ کم و کاستی نداره. کتابی که تکمیله و هیچ چیز دیگهای ازش نمیخواید؟
فرعی
قبل از هرچیزی باید بدونید تمام مواردی که در رابطه با مجموعهی اصلی مالازان شنیدید با غلظت کمتری برای طریق عروج هم صدق میکنه.
نثرش سنگینه. نظراتی خونده بودم که مترجم، متن رو زیادی سخت کرده و ریسمان دنبال کردن داستان، حین خوانش پاره میشه. شخصاً همچین چیزی به هیچ وجه حس نکردم. درسته نثر دشواری داره ولی هیچ آسیبی به تجربه من نزد. نثر اصلی کتاب هم دشواره دیگه. کلنجار رفتن با جملاتش لذت بخش بود و در عین حال، ضرباهنگ خوانش هم دچار ایراد نمیشد. در نظر هم بگیرید این رو منی میگم که سوگ رقاص عملاً دشوارترین نثریه که خوندم. پس اینجوری نبوده که مثلاً سیلماریلیون خونده باشم و این برای من عادی حساب بشه؛ نه. سخت بود ولی سخت بودنش هیچ ایرادی نداشت.
احتمالاً شنیده باشید مالازان مجیک سیستم پیچیدهای داره و نویسندگانش هم هیج علاقهای به توضیح دادن ندارن. خب آره درست شنیدید. این موضوع تا حدی در این کتاب هم صدق میکنه. خوشبختانه به لطف مطلبی که آقای حاجیزاده ابتدای کتاب گذاشته بودن به علاوهی پاورقیهای مفید و مختصر، این موضوع برطرف شد. هرچند هنوز بخش قابلی از ایزدان و مفاهیم غیر مستقیم جادو و تاریخ رو نفهمیدم؛ که خب طبیعیه. مجموعهی فرعیه به هر حال.
ترجمه
در رابطه با ترجمهی نثر توضیح دادم و از نثر فارسی این اثر کاملاً دفاع میکنم. موضوع اصلیِ ترجمه که بحث برانگیزه؛ ترجمهی اسامی خاصه. من به شخصه آدمی نیستم که بتونیم به یکی از دو تیم "تمام اسامی خاص باید ترجمه بشن" و "هیچ اسم خاصی نباید ترجمه بشه" ملحق بشم. معتقدم اگر اسم خاصی هست که معنای خاصی برای مخاطب زبان مرجع ایجاد میکنه و ما میدونیم معادل معنایی مناسب که همون "وزن" و "اتمسفر" رو داشته باشه ازش داریم؛ خب پس ترجمهش کنیم. منتها سر اون وزن معنایی و اتمسفر توی خیلی از کتابها گیر پیدا میکنم. به عنوان مثال "جان اسنو" در فارسی یه چیزی مثل "جان برفی" میشه که شخصاً وزن و بار معنایی یکسانی بین این دو حس نمیکنم و برای همین مخالف ترجمهش هستم اما از طرفی شخصیتی مثل "سیلک" توی همین کتاب به اسم "حریر" ترجمه شده که بار معنایی یکسانی به زبان مرجع داره و همون اتمسفر لطیف رو منتقل میکنه. توی این مثال دوم موافق ترجمه هستم.
مالازان پر شده از اسامی خاص و خب، آقای حاجیزاده اگر اشتباه نکنم همه رو ترجمه کردن. با بررسی واژگان اصلی، شخصاً نقدی به این ترجمهها ندارم. چه بسا معادلهایی مثل "پاسبانو" و "شمشیررقاص" خیلی هم خوب کار شدن. تنها مشکلم اینه که برای یکسری اسامی خاص پاورقی زده نشده بود و برای یکسری دیگه زده شده بود. من توقع دارم هر اسم خاصی که ترجمه میشه واژه اصلیش رو توی پاورقی ببینم. به هر حال شاید به درک بهتر داستان و تلفظ درستتر کمک کنه. جدای از اون، در اثری به عظمت مالازان لازمه این نکته مورد توجه قرار بگیره که خواننده سوگ رقاص ممکنه بعد از خوانش اثر سراغ دیگر کتب این جهان و منابع انگلیسی زبان بره. در نتیجه باید بتونه اسامی خاص ترجمه شده رو با یکم فکر، توی متن اصلی تشخیص بده.
به طور کل ترجمه برای من بسیار مطلوب بود
عظمت، کمال و هنر
بریم روی خود اثر زوم کنیم.
جهان مالازان عظیمتریم و شکوهمندترین جهانیه که در محتوای ژانری باهاش برخورد داشتم و طبق شنیدهها، صرفاً قطرهای از دریا دیدم. جز به جز و ریز به ریز جهان کوفتیش فکر شده. معنا میده. مثل ساعت کار میکنه. درکناشدنی و حس برانگیزه. درخشانه.
خیلی از شخصیت پردازی دهگانه بد شنیدم. نظری دربارهی اون ندارم؛ در باب سوگ رقاص، شخصیت پردازی کاملاً بهینه و کارآمده. حریر، جادوپیشهای که لایق اسمشه. دورین، آدمکشی که به سان رقاص، چاقو میزند. ایکو، از شمشیررقاصان محافظ شاه که تا حدی در پی خودشناسیه. حتی در بدترین حالت هم راویها شخصیت پردازی خوبی دارن.
دهگانهی اصلی مالازان خشونت زیادی داره. اینجا هم خشونت داریم ولی حقیقتاً اونقدری نیست که منحصر به فرد باشه. از طرفی اما توصیف لحظات نبرد واقعاً خوبه.
سوگ رقاص بین آثار گریمدارک نکتهی خاصی داشت. در جهان داستان، درسته که تجاوز وجود داره. فاحشهخونه وجود داره. اما زن و مرد برابری اجتماعی قابل توجهی دارن. مثلاً نغمه رو در نظر بگیرید؛ نغمه خیلی شبیهتر به جهان ماست. زن در تاریخ وستروس همیشه پایینتر از مرد بوده با وجود این که حکمرانان مونث هم داشتیم. توی مالازان اما برابری عجیبی وجود داره. نکته اینجاست که اسلمونت این برابری رو به زور به تصویر نمیکشه. صرفاً از رویکرد روایت و دیالوگهای شخصیتها ناخوداگاه این حس منتقل میشه. این مورد جالبی بود برام.
داستان و موقعیتی که درش رخ میده خیلی عظیم نیست. زوم شده روی یکی از نقاط کوچیک نقشهی مالازان. همین برای من جذابترش میکرد. خبری از فتح تمام قاره و لشکرهای چند صدهزارنفری نبود. همه چیز درگیر یک شهر بود.
بخونیم؟
آره ولی زمانش با خودتون. خیلیها ترجیح میدن بعد از دهگانه بخوننش که به نظر کار درستی هم هست. دوستی گفته بود این کتاب دهگانه رو اسپویل میکنه. همچنین با نگاه کردن به اسامی کتب دهگانه، احساس کردم این کتاب احتمالاً رفرنسهایی داره که خوانندگان دهگانه باهاش حال میکنن.
خود من احتمالاً طریق عروج رو همینجا رها کنم و بعد از خوانش دهگانه برگردم سراغش.
پس تصمیم با خودتون
اما هرچی هم بشه سوگ رقاص یادم میمونه. اگر نغمه رو فاکتور بگیریم این بهترین فانتزیایه که خوندم. جایگاه خاص خودش رو حفظ میکنه.
May The Winds Rise
December 9, 2018
Dancer’s Lament,
first book in
Path to Ascendancy
series, is not a prequel.
It’s the first book of a new series set in the early history of the Malazan Empire.
Distinction very important to indicate less we woke Ian’s ire.
But, in all seriousness, it is my hope that (when finished) people in future will start Malazan Book of the Fallen series from this book instead of Gardens of the Moon, written by Steven Erikson.
While this book stands on its own, without any need of your prior knowledge to be read, it will hopefully invoke both interest to explore this world further and also give much needed (and endlessly complained about) introduction to abrupt start of Steven Erikson’s Gardens of the Moon. (Less anyone ever again utters those heretic words such as: “I don’t understand” or “I’m lost” and “this is hard” etc.)
But again, seriously, even after three reads of the main series, while reading this book, I found myself surprised with my lack of understanding of certain things and events, both of which this book explained and clarified to me and prepared me for next one.
This is my first read of Ian’s book and I honestly didn’t know what to expect.
It’s no secret that I hold dear and very close to my heart Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and consider it as a peak of epic fantasy and best it has produced in history of the genre.
And that’s the (quite unfair) reason why avoided Ian’s previous books in which story is parallel and overlaps that of main series.
For some twisted reason I feared my opinion and enjoyment would be sullied if it happens that Ian fails to deliver.
But now that I’m reading chronologically everything that was written about this world I wanted to embrace every single thing in it and enjoy journey with everything it has to offer.
After finishing this book I think I’m even more excited about this journey, if that was possible.
Dancer’s Lament is different than main series and Kharkanas prequels.
First and foremost in its approach.
Focus of this book is to tell personal story of very few POV characters – just three actually – where consequences of their actions are almost immediate and glaringly obvious to reader.
It’s also written without that romantic philosophical prose (which was shockingly apparent especially after archaic prose in Kharkanas);
there is constant feeling of progress without characters (and yours) pondering throughout.
It’s less metaphorical.
Which doesn’t mean it lacks depth. It’s simply a matter of angle of approach to this world.
Story and Characters.
Story is set in inland city Li Heng of Central Malazan Empire’s continent Quon Tali. The city itself is under the rule of powerful sorceress Shalamant, known as “The Protectress” and her coterie of five mages.
Together they give resistance to the siege of Li Heng under ambitious king of Itko Kan, Chulalorn, and constant infiltration of the city with his assassins Nightblades, as well as whip-sword wielding bodyguards sent on a ‘diplomatic mission’.
In the city is also young Dorin, trained assassin, trying to work his way up in criminal underground and gain reputation despite his young appearance and there is also Wu, seemingly a charlatan or very incompetent mage, trying to gain access to secrets of a certain misplaced and forgotten Warren (Realm of magic).
Dorin's relationship with Wu is as funny and precious as that of Cotillion's with Shadowthrone.
That's all I'm going to say about that.
We follow three POV characters, and each separately provides us with glimpses of different parts of the story.
With already mentioned Dorin we see how Li Heng’s simple citizens cope with siege, as well as exploration of magic realm with his quite unfortunate crossings with Wu.
We get to experience battles those sieges inevitably bring through the eyes of mage Silk, as well as other side’s perspective of the conflict with whip-sword Kanese girl Iko.
All of them, in their own experiences of the world around them, get to grow, shape and change their views, first and foremost of themselves, then of the people and in the end of the world itself.
Beside them, one of the most interesting characters was definitely The Protectress herself.
At first glance she seems like another bland and overpowered character, but when she sees certain elder Warren resurfacing, with realization what that means and which Son might be summoned to inspect this occurrence, you would think she is paralyzed with fear.
And if you are familiar with history of the world, you’ll notice it’s not just fear that makes her 'eyesight fall', but deep shame and regrets of injustice long time ago committed.
You'll find yourself empathetic to her character.
As for other characters, yes, you can expect cameos of major ones, which is always great.
All in all, I think Esslemont stroked perfect balance with action and character focus, adding familiar humor to the mix, which brought a very solid entrance to both Path to Ascendancy and Malazan Book of the Fallen series respectively.
3/5
Deadhouse Landing ~/~
Path to Ascendancy Book 3 ~/~
Ultimate Malazan Chronological Reading Order
It’s the first book of a new series set in the early history of the Malazan Empire.
Distinction very important to indicate less we woke Ian’s ire.
But, in all seriousness, it is my hope that (when finished) people in future will start Malazan Book of the Fallen series from this book instead of Gardens of the Moon, written by Steven Erikson.
While this book stands on its own, without any need of your prior knowledge to be read, it will hopefully invoke both interest to explore this world further and also give much needed (and endlessly complained about) introduction to abrupt start of Steven Erikson’s Gardens of the Moon. (Less anyone ever again utters those heretic words such as: “I don’t understand” or “I’m lost” and “this is hard” etc.)
But again, seriously, even after three reads of the main series, while reading this book, I found myself surprised with my lack of understanding of certain things and events, both of which this book explained and clarified to me and prepared me for next one.
This is my first read of Ian’s book and I honestly didn’t know what to expect.
It’s no secret that I hold dear and very close to my heart Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and consider it as a peak of epic fantasy and best it has produced in history of the genre.
And that’s the (quite unfair) reason why avoided Ian’s previous books in which story is parallel and overlaps that of main series.
For some twisted reason I feared my opinion and enjoyment would be sullied if it happens that Ian fails to deliver.
But now that I’m reading chronologically everything that was written about this world I wanted to embrace every single thing in it and enjoy journey with everything it has to offer.
After finishing this book I think I’m even more excited about this journey, if that was possible.
Dancer’s Lament is different than main series and Kharkanas prequels.
First and foremost in its approach.
Focus of this book is to tell personal story of very few POV characters – just three actually – where consequences of their actions are almost immediate and glaringly obvious to reader.
It’s also written without that romantic philosophical prose (which was shockingly apparent especially after archaic prose in Kharkanas);
there is constant feeling of progress without characters (and yours) pondering throughout.
It’s less metaphorical.
Which doesn’t mean it lacks depth. It’s simply a matter of angle of approach to this world.
Story and Characters.
Story is set in inland city Li Heng of Central Malazan Empire’s continent Quon Tali. The city itself is under the rule of powerful sorceress Shalamant, known as “The Protectress” and her coterie of five mages.
Together they give resistance to the siege of Li Heng under ambitious king of Itko Kan, Chulalorn, and constant infiltration of the city with his assassins Nightblades, as well as whip-sword wielding bodyguards sent on a ‘diplomatic mission’.
In the city is also young Dorin, trained assassin, trying to work his way up in criminal underground and gain reputation despite his young appearance and there is also Wu, seemingly a charlatan or very incompetent mage, trying to gain access to secrets of a certain misplaced and forgotten Warren (Realm of magic).
Dorin's relationship with Wu is as funny and precious as that of Cotillion's with Shadowthrone.
That's all I'm going to say about that.
We follow three POV characters, and each separately provides us with glimpses of different parts of the story.
With already mentioned Dorin we see how Li Heng’s simple citizens cope with siege, as well as exploration of magic realm with his quite unfortunate crossings with Wu.
We get to experience battles those sieges inevitably bring through the eyes of mage Silk, as well as other side’s perspective of the conflict with whip-sword Kanese girl Iko.
All of them, in their own experiences of the world around them, get to grow, shape and change their views, first and foremost of themselves, then of the people and in the end of the world itself.
Beside them, one of the most interesting characters was definitely The Protectress herself.
At first glance she seems like another bland and overpowered character, but when she sees certain elder Warren resurfacing, with realization what that means and which Son might be summoned to inspect this occurrence, you would think she is paralyzed with fear.
And if you are familiar with history of the world, you’ll notice it’s not just fear that makes her 'eyesight fall', but deep shame and regrets of injustice long time ago committed.
You'll find yourself empathetic to her character.
As for other characters, yes, you can expect cameos of major ones, which is always great.
All in all, I think Esslemont stroked perfect balance with action and character focus, adding familiar humor to the mix, which brought a very solid entrance to both Path to Ascendancy and Malazan Book of the Fallen series respectively.
3/5
Deadhouse Landing ~/~
Path to Ascendancy Book 3 ~/~
Ultimate Malazan Chronological Reading Order
May 2, 2016
Dancer’s Lament was one of my most anticipated releases of 2016 and not only was I stunned actually be approved for an advanced copy, I was pleasantly surprised that the book exceeded my expectations. I’ve read most of Esslemont’s other books set in the Malazan empire and thought they were quality stories, but didn’t capture my imagination quite as strongly as the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Erikson. They were an excellent source of enrichment and added depth as well as breadth to the Malazan world as a whole. Dancer’s Lament is by far my favorite book written by Ian Esslemont- I read it in two sittings, which for me at least is unheard of when it comes to these books because they are quite dense in regards to subject matter and require 100% of your attention.
The characters in this story will be most familiar to those who’ve read the main Malazan Book of the Fallen story arc and it’s like finding Easter eggs the whole way through. Dorin, an assassin, is the main protagonist, though other perspectives are shown as the story progresses. I’m sure those familiar to this world can guess who this turns out to be, as with Wu the Dal Honese mage who happens to walk with a cane. It’s a great introduction to these characters and I so look forward to seeing what mischief they get into in the coming books. There were some really excellent ‘side’ character in this book and for the most part, I couldn’t place them in the other series. Silk for instance, seemed incredibly familiar (did he end up in the Crimson Guard, or am I crazy?) and I thought he was an interesting character. Ullara was my favorite secondary character, mostly because she took care of all these really incredibly bird of prey and then she basically adopted Dorin too. The appearances of the Azathanai got me really excited- I was like, “I KNOW WHO THIS IS!! HOW ARE THEY INVOLVED??” Also, Hood is involved and at this point in the narrative that means Dassem is involved too!!! I always wished that we had gotten to see him more in the other books, but here he is!
The actual storyline of this was really just classic and it seems as if it will blend seamlessly with the other story arcs and tie everything up in a nice neat little package. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting out of this, but I loved how the story details not only the meeting of Dancer and Kellanved but the turmoil and politics of the Talian continent prior to the Malazan Empire. It’s like Erikson and Esslemont are putting all their creative talents into making a world that nearly lives and breathes it’s so beautifully rendered.
Dancer’s Lament is a must read for current fans and those just starting their journey into the Malazan empire. I would have to say that this is Esslemont’s best work yet and I look forward to seeing how he’ll tell the rest of this story. For those who want to begin reading these books, I would recommend starting with The Malazan Book of the Fallen series prior to this, but you can start with Dancer’s Lament and it shouldn’t be too confusing. I found it more enjoyable for having read almost all the other books written by both Erikson and Esslemont.
The characters in this story will be most familiar to those who’ve read the main Malazan Book of the Fallen story arc and it’s like finding Easter eggs the whole way through. Dorin, an assassin, is the main protagonist, though other perspectives are shown as the story progresses. I’m sure those familiar to this world can guess who this turns out to be, as with Wu the Dal Honese mage who happens to walk with a cane. It’s a great introduction to these characters and I so look forward to seeing what mischief they get into in the coming books. There were some really excellent ‘side’ character in this book and for the most part, I couldn’t place them in the other series. Silk for instance, seemed incredibly familiar (did he end up in the Crimson Guard, or am I crazy?) and I thought he was an interesting character. Ullara was my favorite secondary character, mostly because she took care of all these really incredibly bird of prey and then she basically adopted Dorin too. The appearances of the Azathanai got me really excited- I was like, “I KNOW WHO THIS IS!! HOW ARE THEY INVOLVED??” Also, Hood is involved and at this point in the narrative that means Dassem is involved too!!! I always wished that we had gotten to see him more in the other books, but here he is!
The actual storyline of this was really just classic and it seems as if it will blend seamlessly with the other story arcs and tie everything up in a nice neat little package. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting out of this, but I loved how the story details not only the meeting of Dancer and Kellanved but the turmoil and politics of the Talian continent prior to the Malazan Empire. It’s like Erikson and Esslemont are putting all their creative talents into making a world that nearly lives and breathes it’s so beautifully rendered.
Dancer’s Lament is a must read for current fans and those just starting their journey into the Malazan empire. I would have to say that this is Esslemont’s best work yet and I look forward to seeing how he’ll tell the rest of this story. For those who want to begin reading these books, I would recommend starting with The Malazan Book of the Fallen series prior to this, but you can start with Dancer’s Lament and it shouldn’t be too confusing. I found it more enjoyable for having read almost all the other books written by both Erikson and Esslemont.
March 23, 2016
Never read any of the Malazan novels before but really enjoyed this one. Will have to bump them up my to-read list.
July 4, 2016
Couple of things. I'm a huge fan of the main Malazan series, loved it. I have read several ICE books and have been underwhelmed. This book is different and reminded me of why I loved the main series. Great characters, great interactions, great dialogue, great action. If you've read the main series you know the great duos and everyone has a favorite. Mine was Tehol & Bugg but you could go with Quick Ben & Kalam, Whiskeyjack & Dujek, Gess & Stormy, Tool & Toc, Icarium & Mappo...the list goes on and on. This book continues that tradition, the duo of Dorin(Dancer) and Wu(Kellenved) is fantastic, mixing humor with annoyance and exasperation and maybe even a budding friendship. Add in a nice group of supporting characters that I cared about and you have a great read. I liked the way the author started the story at a time when both characters are feeling their way through their powers/skills and make plenty of mistakes and miscalculations.
This is what I was hoping for with the other ICE books.
9/10
This is what I was hoping for with the other ICE books.
9/10
May 5, 2016
*copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review*
Dancer’s Lament is the first in a new fantasy series by Ian C. Esslemont. It’s set in the Malazan universe (which he shares with Steven Erikson), a place where gods meddle in the affairs of men, where mages throw fire and vanish into shadows, and where monstrosity and divinity keep remarkably close company.
In this case, the book begins the story of Dancer – a newly minted assassin-for-hire, with a rather high opinion of himself, and a skillset which almost marries up with that opinion. As the text opens, Dancer is shown as cold, arrogant and pragmatically selfish; though he’s also not cruel, and there’s a current of wry humour and self-awareness running beneath his internal monologue which makes it entertainingly charming. The author manages to show us Dancer as a man with a degree of practicality, looking for work and needing to gain a reputation and a client base – the mindset of a tradesman, who happens to deal in murder. In a parallel mental track, Dancer is also rather anti-authoritarian, at the start of the narrative, he hasn’t run into anyone who is really worth listening to for some time. This blends with a personal dislike of sadism and petty cruelties to make a man rather ill-suited to work in the world of crime.
As the narrative moves along, Dancer does undergo a gradual shift in character. If just as cool to humanity generally, he seems to collect a small group of people who he cares about, exposing the underpinning of his humanity. Esslemont shows us a man driven to succeed, defining who he is, and what he is (and is not) willing to do in order to achieve his goals. It’s believable, compelling and great fun to read.
Alongside Dancer is his partner, the mage Wu. A schemer, a byzantine plotter, and a man with a seemingly questionable grasp on reality. The reader doesn’t get into Wu’s head, but his presence helps define Dancer for us, as the latter reacts against several of Wu’s insanities. The relationship that builds between them is delightful – often humorous, occasionally deadly serious, and often rather odd. They make an excellent duo, and Wu’s lackadaisical attitude, matched with a laser-like mental acuity, make him a great pair with Dancer.
There’s a supporting cast here as well; I particularly enjoyed the City Mage, Silk, whose efforts to protect his city and its ruler from harm were entirely understandable; that it was laced with a subtle undercurrent of romance was unexpected, but pitch perfect. But there were others – the aloof and mysterious Protectoress, the extremely strange gang of City Mages acting alongside Silk, and an array of underworld denizens and mysterious characters. As ever with the world of Malazan, it feels like many of these may resurface, their agenda as yet obfuscated. I suppose we shall see in the enxt books in the series.
The book centres on the city of Li Heng, a city surrounded by walls and defined by its enmities. We spend a lot of time in the lower dens of the city, amongst the various bizarre and downright unpleasant characters that live and work there.. It’s a heaving place, scurrying with effort and intensity, with undertones of fear and the promise of violence on the edge of every word. Credit to Esslemont for making the place feel very real, and also for making it seem very much like a place that I wouldn’t want to visit.
The contrast with the higher echelons of the city is, I imagine, deliberate. Here the pace ismore languid, though consequences for a mis-step probably no less acute. The city mages live in a world of marble walls and darkened catacombs, and there’s a wonderful blend of the clean and the eerie in their world.
In the end, Esslemont has built a city that I can believe exists, an organic entity running on the hopes and fears of its denizens. It’s portrayed well enough that I cared what happened to the city as a whole, alongside the characters, and that indicates a very well drawn world.
Plot-wise – well, no spoilers, as ever. Dancer and Wu’s peregrinations through the city are entertaining, their freelancing escapades shifting from humour to cool violence and back again, in a way which makes it difficult to stop reading. Alongside this intimate portrayal of the beginnings of a partnership, there’s a broader epic sweep – battles, sieges, demons. War-magic and monstrosities. Heroism, cowardice, and the occasional bout of humanity. They’re all on show here, drawing the reader in, ratcheting up the tension, and then delivering the goods.
Is it worth reading? If you’re a Malazan fan already, yes. There’s some great shout-outs to earlier versions of familiar characters embedded in the text, and the story of Dancer and Wu is an intriguing one. As a standalone, for a new reader – again, yes. There’s no need to be familiar with the Malazan backstory to get into this, and it’s a very fine fantasy novel in its own right. It’s a streamlined piece, focused on characters and narrative, not yet embroiled in the sprawling Malazan backstory – so an ideal point to enter that world. In the end, it’s a well written fantasy novel, with epic scope, solid world building, and compelling, believable, entertaining characters – and that makes it worth a read in my book.
Dancer’s Lament is the first in a new fantasy series by Ian C. Esslemont. It’s set in the Malazan universe (which he shares with Steven Erikson), a place where gods meddle in the affairs of men, where mages throw fire and vanish into shadows, and where monstrosity and divinity keep remarkably close company.
In this case, the book begins the story of Dancer – a newly minted assassin-for-hire, with a rather high opinion of himself, and a skillset which almost marries up with that opinion. As the text opens, Dancer is shown as cold, arrogant and pragmatically selfish; though he’s also not cruel, and there’s a current of wry humour and self-awareness running beneath his internal monologue which makes it entertainingly charming. The author manages to show us Dancer as a man with a degree of practicality, looking for work and needing to gain a reputation and a client base – the mindset of a tradesman, who happens to deal in murder. In a parallel mental track, Dancer is also rather anti-authoritarian, at the start of the narrative, he hasn’t run into anyone who is really worth listening to for some time. This blends with a personal dislike of sadism and petty cruelties to make a man rather ill-suited to work in the world of crime.
As the narrative moves along, Dancer does undergo a gradual shift in character. If just as cool to humanity generally, he seems to collect a small group of people who he cares about, exposing the underpinning of his humanity. Esslemont shows us a man driven to succeed, defining who he is, and what he is (and is not) willing to do in order to achieve his goals. It’s believable, compelling and great fun to read.
Alongside Dancer is his partner, the mage Wu. A schemer, a byzantine plotter, and a man with a seemingly questionable grasp on reality. The reader doesn’t get into Wu’s head, but his presence helps define Dancer for us, as the latter reacts against several of Wu’s insanities. The relationship that builds between them is delightful – often humorous, occasionally deadly serious, and often rather odd. They make an excellent duo, and Wu’s lackadaisical attitude, matched with a laser-like mental acuity, make him a great pair with Dancer.
There’s a supporting cast here as well; I particularly enjoyed the City Mage, Silk, whose efforts to protect his city and its ruler from harm were entirely understandable; that it was laced with a subtle undercurrent of romance was unexpected, but pitch perfect. But there were others – the aloof and mysterious Protectoress, the extremely strange gang of City Mages acting alongside Silk, and an array of underworld denizens and mysterious characters. As ever with the world of Malazan, it feels like many of these may resurface, their agenda as yet obfuscated. I suppose we shall see in the enxt books in the series.
The book centres on the city of Li Heng, a city surrounded by walls and defined by its enmities. We spend a lot of time in the lower dens of the city, amongst the various bizarre and downright unpleasant characters that live and work there.. It’s a heaving place, scurrying with effort and intensity, with undertones of fear and the promise of violence on the edge of every word. Credit to Esslemont for making the place feel very real, and also for making it seem very much like a place that I wouldn’t want to visit.
The contrast with the higher echelons of the city is, I imagine, deliberate. Here the pace ismore languid, though consequences for a mis-step probably no less acute. The city mages live in a world of marble walls and darkened catacombs, and there’s a wonderful blend of the clean and the eerie in their world.
In the end, Esslemont has built a city that I can believe exists, an organic entity running on the hopes and fears of its denizens. It’s portrayed well enough that I cared what happened to the city as a whole, alongside the characters, and that indicates a very well drawn world.
Plot-wise – well, no spoilers, as ever. Dancer and Wu’s peregrinations through the city are entertaining, their freelancing escapades shifting from humour to cool violence and back again, in a way which makes it difficult to stop reading. Alongside this intimate portrayal of the beginnings of a partnership, there’s a broader epic sweep – battles, sieges, demons. War-magic and monstrosities. Heroism, cowardice, and the occasional bout of humanity. They’re all on show here, drawing the reader in, ratcheting up the tension, and then delivering the goods.
Is it worth reading? If you’re a Malazan fan already, yes. There’s some great shout-outs to earlier versions of familiar characters embedded in the text, and the story of Dancer and Wu is an intriguing one. As a standalone, for a new reader – again, yes. There’s no need to be familiar with the Malazan backstory to get into this, and it’s a very fine fantasy novel in its own right. It’s a streamlined piece, focused on characters and narrative, not yet embroiled in the sprawling Malazan backstory – so an ideal point to enter that world. In the end, it’s a well written fantasy novel, with epic scope, solid world building, and compelling, believable, entertaining characters – and that makes it worth a read in my book.
June 19, 2016
Amazing! This was my first book from Esselmont, and it definitely won't be my last. I thought this did such a great job expanding on some of the history from the Book of the Fallen; we get to see the making of the Dancer/Kellenved relationship, which always intrigued me in the main series.
I can't wait for the next book to come out!
I can't wait for the next book to come out!
February 1, 2021
Amazing!
This has sat on my shelves for so long! Even though Dancer always was my fav character and everyone told me it was good, I ignored it cos the previous one I read was so bleh.
Now I must go and kick myself lol
This has sat on my shelves for so long! Even though Dancer always was my fav character and everyone told me it was good, I ignored it cos the previous one I read was so bleh.
Now I must go and kick myself lol
November 5, 2017
This book had everything to be good.
Dancer? Checked.
Kellanved? Checked.
Dassem? Checked.
The beginning of the partnership that would come to change the world? Checked.
It's only natural that it was a great read for me and that I would give it 5 stars.
I NEED MORE.
Dancer? Checked.
Kellanved? Checked.
Dassem? Checked.
The beginning of the partnership that would come to change the world? Checked.
It's only natural that it was a great read for me and that I would give it 5 stars.
I NEED MORE.
July 20, 2021
فوق العاده بود. بسیار لذت بردم
بزودی یک ریویو مفصل در این خصوص مینویسم
بزودی یک ریویو مفصل در این خصوص مینویسم
December 12, 2017
This absolutely delivered on all cylinders. There is not a single change necessary, I loved every moment. The development of Dancer, of Shadowthrone, and of their relationship is well-drawn, exhilarating and illuminating. So many clever scenes and exchanges appear, the layers presented throughout are intricate and so far-reaching I know there are some I won't fully recognize until a reread or book 2.
Dancer is everything I could image, his background, growth, internalizations, motivations. I can trace direct lines between many of his future decisions and actions with those he makes here. His relationship with 'Wu' is spectacularly crafted from opening pages to close.
I enjoyed a fun return to the Malazan world and magics, and the characters (names and deeds and conversations) live up to the best in any of the preceding titles by both authors. It felt really good to be home again.
I still rank MOI as my favorite MBOTF title, but this stands just as tall as the best of all the rest. I will say this is by far the best back story prequel for an integral beloved character I have ever read, let alone highly anticipated.
Esslemont has amped his game beyond belief with this baby, and I loved it.
12-11-17: reread did not disappoint, satisfaction and delight found on all fronts. great to be back among friends again.
Dancer is everything I could image, his background, growth, internalizations, motivations. I can trace direct lines between many of his future decisions and actions with those he makes here. His relationship with 'Wu' is spectacularly crafted from opening pages to close.
I enjoyed a fun return to the Malazan world and magics, and the characters (names and deeds and conversations) live up to the best in any of the preceding titles by both authors. It felt really good to be home again.
I still rank MOI as my favorite MBOTF title, but this stands just as tall as the best of all the rest. I will say this is by far the best back story prequel for an integral beloved character I have ever read, let alone highly anticipated.
Esslemont has amped his game beyond belief with this baby, and I loved it.
12-11-17: reread did not disappoint, satisfaction and delight found on all fronts. great to be back among friends again.
March 2, 2016
A glorious excursion back into the world of Malazan. Full review to come.
April 24, 2017
The man is obsessed with the Crimson Guard!
Even when he is not writing about the Crimson Guard, he is writing about the Crimson Guard.
This is an excellent book! A great place to start for those who found Gardens of the Moon too overwhelming as the intro to the Malazan world.
Highly recommended!
Even when he is not writing about the Crimson Guard, he is writing about the Crimson Guard.
This is an excellent book! A great place to start for those who found Gardens of the Moon too overwhelming as the intro to the Malazan world.
Highly recommended!
March 9, 2016
Pode dar 10★? Não? Então vai só cinco mesmo
March 19, 2017
Wow-definitely the best Esslemont so far. So much backstory revealed, especially regarding Khalenved and Dancer and the beginnings of how they formed their 'old guard'. A must-read!
December 6, 2020
4.5🌟
Enthralling origin story from start to finish. Enough meat for any Malazan fan to sink their teeth into.
Book 2: Deadhouse Landing 4.5🌟
Book 3: Kellanved's Reach 2.5🌟
Enthralling origin story from start to finish. Enough meat for any Malazan fan to sink their teeth into.
Book 2: Deadhouse Landing 4.5🌟
Book 3: Kellanved's Reach 2.5🌟
Read
January 14, 2025Amazing start to the series. I've been looking forward to reading the origin story behind the two main characters ever since I started my journey with Malazan. So glad Esslemont absolutely hit a jackpot for me with this one - he managed to grasp the characters of the MCs so well that I am both delighted and impatient to continue. I highly recommend :))
March 1, 2018
A very strong introduction to what promises to be a great additional series in the Malazan world.
I am no real fan of most of Esslemont's contributions to the Malazan world. Return of the Crimson Guard was fantastic in my opinion, and Stonewielder was solid, but I really didn't like Night of Knives, Blood and Bone, and Assail.
Dancer's Lament fixes every problem I had with those books, and more.
In addition to being an interesting, well-written, and well-plotted book, it also has given me something I thought I'd never get: a normal novel in the Malazan world.
Erikson's style is distinct in the genre. His books are rife with subtext and are written not at all straightforwardly. I love every entry in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series -- even if the ones that are far from the series' highs. Yet, Esslemont's attempts to imitate that style in the Novels of the Malazan Empire series did not do the author any justice.
Dancer's Lament eschews that style altogether. It is a lean novel by Malazan standards (so, about 550-pages long), and it follows basically three point-of-view characters, with a fourth being given about a dozen pages in total. However, one of those characters, Dancer, gets handed the largest share of pages by far. Indeed, what we get a traditional fantasy novel set in the Malazan world. The result is great.
The plot is fantastic, and there's a lot of action. There's a clear climax in the story, but it's not on the same scale as the endings of some of the Novels of the Malazan Empire books, and certainly not on the same level as the ones in the Malazan Book of the Fallen. While I really have to emphasize the book does have a lot of action, the author has clearly traded a focus on battles for a focus on character development.
It pays off: there's more character development here than in whole Novels of the Malazan Empire series combined. Dancer is especially fleshed out, but even some of the other protagonists, such as Iko, have their motivations and interests developed in really compelling and satisfying ways.
This book is a real treat, and it is genuinely refreshing after the last few books of Esslemont's previous series.
I am no real fan of most of Esslemont's contributions to the Malazan world. Return of the Crimson Guard was fantastic in my opinion, and Stonewielder was solid, but I really didn't like Night of Knives, Blood and Bone, and Assail.
Dancer's Lament fixes every problem I had with those books, and more.
In addition to being an interesting, well-written, and well-plotted book, it also has given me something I thought I'd never get: a normal novel in the Malazan world.
Erikson's style is distinct in the genre. His books are rife with subtext and are written not at all straightforwardly. I love every entry in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series -- even if the ones that are far from the series' highs. Yet, Esslemont's attempts to imitate that style in the Novels of the Malazan Empire series did not do the author any justice.
Dancer's Lament eschews that style altogether. It is a lean novel by Malazan standards (so, about 550-pages long), and it follows basically three point-of-view characters, with a fourth being given about a dozen pages in total. However, one of those characters, Dancer, gets handed the largest share of pages by far. Indeed, what we get a traditional fantasy novel set in the Malazan world. The result is great.
The plot is fantastic, and there's a lot of action. There's a clear climax in the story, but it's not on the same scale as the endings of some of the Novels of the Malazan Empire books, and certainly not on the same level as the ones in the Malazan Book of the Fallen. While I really have to emphasize the book does have a lot of action, the author has clearly traded a focus on battles for a focus on character development.
It pays off: there's more character development here than in whole Novels of the Malazan Empire series combined. Dancer is especially fleshed out, but even some of the other protagonists, such as Iko, have their motivations and interests developed in really compelling and satisfying ways.
This book is a real treat, and it is genuinely refreshing after the last few books of Esslemont's previous series.
May 20, 2022
Esslemont si fa carico di raccontarci le origini dell'Impero Malazan in una nuova trilogia e un gradito ritorno nel mondo Malazan co-creato con il Sommo Erikson.
Il romanzo si svolge circa 100 anni prima delle vicende della saga principale nella citta di Li Heng sul continente di Quon Tali.
La lettura è lineare e segue tre punti di vista principali: Dorin un giovane assassino appena arrivato in città in cerca di farsi una reputazione, Iko una ragazza decisa, membro della guardia scelta del re di Itko Kan, le Danzatrici di Spade e poi Silk uno dei cinque maghi di corte della città di Li Heng.
Le narrazione segue i protagonisti durante l'assedio della città di Li Heng dove si troveranno coinvolti nel vortice degli eventi. Faremo inoltre la conoscenza di Wu un mago folle e scaltro, personaggio che saprà sconvolgere il destino e un giovane spadaccino devoto al dio della Morte.
Tutto questo sarà osservato da antiche divinità che temono una grande rivelazione.
Il futuro è incerto e preoccupa molti.
Poco spazio alle descrizioni ridondanti e inutili, ottime scene di combattimento sui tetti tra abili assassini, la magia come sempre è devastante e piena di mistero.
Un buon inizio.
Il romanzo si svolge circa 100 anni prima delle vicende della saga principale nella citta di Li Heng sul continente di Quon Tali.
La lettura è lineare e segue tre punti di vista principali: Dorin un giovane assassino appena arrivato in città in cerca di farsi una reputazione, Iko una ragazza decisa, membro della guardia scelta del re di Itko Kan, le Danzatrici di Spade e poi Silk uno dei cinque maghi di corte della città di Li Heng.
Le narrazione segue i protagonisti durante l'assedio della città di Li Heng dove si troveranno coinvolti nel vortice degli eventi. Faremo inoltre la conoscenza di Wu un mago folle e scaltro, personaggio che saprà sconvolgere il destino e un giovane spadaccino devoto al dio della Morte.
Tutto questo sarà osservato da antiche divinità che temono una grande rivelazione.
Il futuro è incerto e preoccupa molti.
Poco spazio alle descrizioni ridondanti e inutili, ottime scene di combattimento sui tetti tra abili assassini, la magia come sempre è devastante e piena di mistero.
Un buon inizio.
July 9, 2022
Avis Lecture 🧐📖 "La Complainte de Danseur", Ian C. Esslemont 💀
SP reçu de @leha.editions que je remercie énormément 🙏👍
Oh il était attendu ce tome ! 🤩 Et je ne regrette pas d'avoir attendu la VF car... Il faut l'avouer, Esslemont et Erikson ont un univers très riche et complexe et pour le coup, le français me va plutôt bien dessus 😂
Bon, que dire !? 🤔 Beaucoup conseillent ce tome et ce cycle : "La Voie de L'Ascendance" comme une porte d'entrée à ce grand univers Malazéen. Et ça peut, en effet être le cas. L'histoire se passe avant le tome 1 "Les Jardins de La Lune" et nous suivons deux personnages qui auront une importance par la suite.
De plus, la plume de Esslemont est beaucoup plus fluide que celle de Erikson et donc, ça facilite énormément l'immersion dans l'univers.
J'ai eu toutefois du mal à rentrer complètement dedans au début, car pour moi, Esslemont et Erikson sont des architectes, des créateurs de mondes : ils ont construit celui ci, qui est incroyable et qui s'étend sur des milliers d'années, avec ses empires et ses divinités, etc. Et ça, je crois que personne ne peut leur enlever !
Cependant, un univers quel qu'il soit resté du worldbuilding, ni plus ni moins et il me manque de la profondeur en terme d'intrigues et de personnages, pour vraiment être investi dans ma lecture. C'est quelque chose que je reproche à la série dans son intégralité et qu'il va bien falloir que j'accepte si je continue. Et c'est un jugement très personnel, au regard de ce qui me plaît le plus dans mes lectures. 😊
Pour autant, j'ai eu une jolie surprise à un moment donné, Esslemont ajoutant quelques bonnes touches d'humour à ses personnages, leur donnant du corps et plus de vie. A partir de là, j'ai passé un bon moment avec eux et les scènes clin d'œil au Livre des Martyrs m'ont plu !
J'ai un sentiment très particulier avec cette série. Je suis fasciné par ce monde et la façon dont ces deux archéologues l'ont façonné et en même temps il y a des livres qui, en un seul paragraphe, me donnent des frissons et me font me dire "Yes Baby, c'est pour toi ! 😂". Bon en vrai je me parle pas comme ça hein ! 😂 😂 😂 Mais vous voyez ce que je veux dire ? 😁
SP reçu de @leha.editions que je remercie énormément 🙏👍
Oh il était attendu ce tome ! 🤩 Et je ne regrette pas d'avoir attendu la VF car... Il faut l'avouer, Esslemont et Erikson ont un univers très riche et complexe et pour le coup, le français me va plutôt bien dessus 😂
Bon, que dire !? 🤔 Beaucoup conseillent ce tome et ce cycle : "La Voie de L'Ascendance" comme une porte d'entrée à ce grand univers Malazéen. Et ça peut, en effet être le cas. L'histoire se passe avant le tome 1 "Les Jardins de La Lune" et nous suivons deux personnages qui auront une importance par la suite.
De plus, la plume de Esslemont est beaucoup plus fluide que celle de Erikson et donc, ça facilite énormément l'immersion dans l'univers.
J'ai eu toutefois du mal à rentrer complètement dedans au début, car pour moi, Esslemont et Erikson sont des architectes, des créateurs de mondes : ils ont construit celui ci, qui est incroyable et qui s'étend sur des milliers d'années, avec ses empires et ses divinités, etc. Et ça, je crois que personne ne peut leur enlever !
Cependant, un univers quel qu'il soit resté du worldbuilding, ni plus ni moins et il me manque de la profondeur en terme d'intrigues et de personnages, pour vraiment être investi dans ma lecture. C'est quelque chose que je reproche à la série dans son intégralité et qu'il va bien falloir que j'accepte si je continue. Et c'est un jugement très personnel, au regard de ce qui me plaît le plus dans mes lectures. 😊
Pour autant, j'ai eu une jolie surprise à un moment donné, Esslemont ajoutant quelques bonnes touches d'humour à ses personnages, leur donnant du corps et plus de vie. A partir de là, j'ai passé un bon moment avec eux et les scènes clin d'œil au Livre des Martyrs m'ont plu !
J'ai un sentiment très particulier avec cette série. Je suis fasciné par ce monde et la façon dont ces deux archéologues l'ont façonné et en même temps il y a des livres qui, en un seul paragraphe, me donnent des frissons et me font me dire "Yes Baby, c'est pour toi ! 😂". Bon en vrai je me parle pas comme ça hein ! 😂 😂 😂 Mais vous voyez ce que je veux dire ? 😁
June 15, 2025
My favorite Esslemont novel so far.
The origins of the Malazan empire are not what one would expect. Dancer being the pov character is also very interesting considering how intriguing he is in the Book of the Fallen.
The origins of the Malazan empire are not what one would expect. Dancer being the pov character is also very interesting considering how intriguing he is in the Book of the Fallen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews