Orb Sceptre Throne [August 2018]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

I want to say that SE has this ability that I admire in GRRM in that he makes me like characters I've disliked in the past. Not totally forgive them for past events, but have a greater understanding of why characters act as they do.

Partway into chapter 1 (view spoiler)[ I'm liking the Leoman and Kiska interaction. I thought it was only a matter of time before they slept together.

The interactions with the Maker fascinating. So my current thought is First Light is somehow tied to Kharkanas. This view could change. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

I will start it by Friday, Angela. It is a long weekend here, so I will catch up on that.

This week has been so busy that my head wants easy reads. I have been devouring Kate Daniels. :)

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

I keeping meaning to get back to Kate Daniels. What book are you up to?

[Miche]

I am reading book 5 now. So far I loved all of them. :)

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 2 and finally we see more of the Seguleh.

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ Fascinating learning more about the Seguleh. Looks like they are going home, wherever that is.

Interesting mentioning Karsa but not saying his name. I get a sense of waiting around Darujhistan. Karsa, Traveller and there's a Malazan force heading in that direction too.

Who is Malakai? My first thought is it could somehow be Kalam as this name spelt backwards is in Malakai and Antsy said he looked like a cross between Kalam and Quick Ben. What is happening out in the Spawns? (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ Who has been released? I sense it's definitely tied to the Seguleh. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

I do feel like Esselmont has upped his game with this book.

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ The Spawns seem very forbidding. Why is no one returning from there? It's like the Confederation no longer expects people to return. It's weird that Orchid knows so much about Tiste Andii.

I have liked learning more about Kiska's past. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Angela wrote: "I do feel like Esselmont has upped his game with this book.."

(view spoiler)[I spent most of the book trying to figure out who Orchid might be.

I have some thoughts on Kiska, Orchid and Malaki but really I need to wait until you're both done with BotF and Empire. (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Thanks Scott, we'll have finished Empire in November.

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ The Imperial Spectre what a great communication device, let's hope it works.

The Seguleh are migrating and I'm guessing it's towards Darujhistan. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 6 (view spoiler)[Orchid saw Antsy's tattoo moving. Is this because he's in Moon Spawn or tied into the Bridgeburners with Tavore or the dead Bridgeburners. Burning down bridges?

Just realised Corien is a Lim. I wonder if he's actually after a specific item?

The Confederation completely control the Spawns.

The Legate isn't wasting time with his cohorts trying to reclaim Genabackis. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ Why is everyone being driven to surround Darujhistan. Two opposing forces at work?

Aman and co are trying to build part of ancient Darujhistan. Who or what are they building it for?

The Elder creature recognising Antsy. Why? Because of the Bridgeburners entombed in Moon Spawn? I wonder if the Elder creature called her Priestess? Who the hell is Orchid? (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ Bo's explanation of Ascendants was fascinating. It felt like he was saying there can only be so many Ascendents at once and that Traveller is almost an Ascendant. Plus being an Ascendant can be competitive with contendings wanting to be one and Ascendants can wane and fall. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 9 (view spoiler)[ Kiska and Leoman have found Tayschrenn yet he has no memory, hates mages and doesn't want to leave. I wonder what they will do next? (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 8 [spoilers removed]"

Traveller is (view spoiler)[ an ascendent or god. Dassem Ultor, Traveller and Dessembrae all all the same same person. (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Okay, then I wonder who Bo meant. Unless he's implying that Traveller will continue to face challenges.

[Miche]

You are reading this one fast! Now that I am up to date on Kate Daniels I can start this one. :)

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

I know. I'm very surprised. It actually feels like a quicker read than his other work. The writing has definitely improved.

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "I know. I'm very surprised. It actually feels like a quicker read than his other work. The writing has definitely improved."

Glad to hear it!

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Angela wrote: "Okay, then I wonder who Bo meant. Unless he's implying that Traveller will continue to face challenges."

I think (view spoiler)[ he is referencing Traveller and knows he's the one who slayed Rake but from his perspective he only thinks he could be an ascendant. SE is using the appropriate POV because Bo the character has incomplete information whereas we know for certain. (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "I haven't had a lot of time to read the last few days as sick with a cold.

Prologue "

(view spoiler)[Took me a bit to recognize Kruppe.

Do they have another Tyrant there? I thought it was only Raest.

I loved the scene with Traveller. Is he with the Seguleh? (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Aha makes sense Scott.

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ Poor Coll, he sees the truth now about the Legate. The forces gathered are due to the Cabal failing. It's horrible seeing Baruk as it's clear he's struggling and seems to now have two personalities. How has Lady Vardana avoided the call though? Studlock and co were aware of the Seguleh when they came to call. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[ The demand that the Malazan's abandon Genabackis. Interesting, as Aragan doesn't know that K'ess has already left Pale. And Topper turning up. I wonder if he'll be able to stop the Legate? (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 12 (view spoiler)[ It seems like such a long time since we've seen K'rul. She'll defend her temple. Thank goodness, or I thought the Bridgeburners might be goners. Nice to see Fisher in action.

So Orchid is Tiste Andii or at least part Tiste Andii. Called Child of Night so in Tiste Andii terms she must be young.

Surprising to find Seguleh in the Spawn. They're after a mask and I wonder if it's the mask of the First?

How is the shade Morn tied into Morn? (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 13 and 14 (view spoiler)[ The Seguleh have arrived. Why did the First never tell the Second all he knew. What secrets was he holding?

What is Kruppe up to. Can he save Darujhistan again? (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapter 15 was a big one. I'm enjoying ICE's writing this time. The main issue I find with his work, though is he can't seem to make me care about new characters as well as SE can. Whenever ICE introduces a new character I feel like it would be better to have a different POV, such as a Fist or someone higher in command.

(view spoiler)[ Blown away. The Moranth are the Seguleh's ancient enemies. No wonder they fled the city. Can Aragan get to them in time?

Brood is waiting on events as he looks to Darujhistan and Traveller is now heading towards the city. The pieces of the convergence are being drawn together.

Torvald is now a prisoner of the Moranth. Hopefully not for long.

Is Tayschrenn really dead or will the stick construct awaken his memory? I think the latter. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Miche wrote: "Angela wrote: "I haven't had a lot of time to read the last few days as sick with a cold.

Prologue "
..." Yes, I don't feel like ICE writes Kruppe as well as SE.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

I'll wait until you're done to comment on some of these things.

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Partway into chapter 1 (view spoialer)
"

Lots of interesting characters in the area! He captured my interest. Hopefully he won't sidetrack like he did at the last book.

(view spoiler)[Kriska and Leoman's journey is getting interesting. (hide spoiler)]

ICE's writting seems to ge getting closer to SE's style.

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 2

This was a great chapter.

(view spoiler)[ it was good to finally see more of the Seguleh.

Traveller, Karsa, Seguleh, Lady Envy, Caladan. Promissing!

Malakai. My first impression was this must be Kalam. Great job noticing the name, Angela! The only reason why I am in doubt is because Antsy would normally recognize him, wouldn't he?

I have no idea what is happening at the Spawns.

Lady Envy's reading of the deck was a great scene. (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 3 [spoilers removed]"

Wow, this chapter was very well written. Great improvement on ICE's writing.

(view spoiler)[ I have no idea who is the entity that was released, but I am assuming he is the one that Karsa will fight.

The question now is: will the Seguleh fight the entity or will they join it? (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "I do feel like Esselmont has upped his game with this book.

Chapter 4 "

Another great chapter!

(view spoiler)[ Orchid must have some Tiste blood on her...

The Spawns are so creepy! (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Thanks Scott, we'll have finished Empire in November.

Chapter 5

This is getting good!

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 6 "

(view spoiler)[I am assuming someone will get the orb message. The question is who? 🤔

I am loving all seguleh scenes.

And the Bridgeburners.

It makes sense about Antsy's tattoo. It was a Moon Spawn that Paran gave the Bridgeburners his blessing. :)

(hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 7 "

(view spoiler)[I am sure that the Creature was ok with Antsy because he is a Bridgeburner.

I still have no idea who Orchid is.
(hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 8 [spoilers removed]"

Bo has an interesting approach of Ascendants.

(view spoiler)[so Lady Envy is read to reign. Who is she waiting for? (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 9 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I felt so sorry for Kriska. All that journey and he didn't remember her :(

Kruppe The Hero, lol
(hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Aha makes sense Scott.

Chapter 10 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Lady Vardana avoided the call by chaining herself in Otataral.

I assume Kruppe has some Otataral with him too.

So the monastery where Traveller is now the monks worship him (Dessembrae)! I should have guessed it!

Torvald Nom's interaction with Caladan Brood made me laugh so much.

(hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 11 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Topper in action now! I wasn't expecting him. (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 12 "

(view spoiler)[for a moment I really thought we would be loosing the Bridgeburners. I was happy with K'rul's intervention.

I also wondered if the city if Morn was named after the Tiste Andii.

The mask the Seguleh are looking for must be the First mask. (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Angela wrote: "Chapter 13 and 14 "

(view spoiler)[ the Seguleh's arrival was awesome!

I am starting to think that Traveller will become the First.

Kruppe thinking of Darujhistan, lol. That whole scene was hilarious. I have no idea what he is planning.

The Pickled Seguleh coming to the rescue of tge Bridgeburners was a great scene. (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

I am not a fan of Butcher's pov. It feels unecessary.

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Miche wrote: "Angela wrote: "Chapter 2

.." I know, ICE has so many good characters to write with this time around. Re Malakai (view spoiler)[ yeah, I would have thought so too. I'm less certain it is Kalam as the book goes on. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Miche wrote: "Angela wrote: "Chapter 6 "
..."

I know. This is the first time with an ICE book that I haven't been bored at all. (view spoiler)[ I'm wondering about the message sent as well. The Seguleh are great to finally read about. It seems like we've always just had snippets about them. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Miche wrote: "Angela wrote: "Chapter 9 [spoilers removed]"

" I know, even though I feel ICE doesn't write Kruppe as well as SE, he can still make him a bit hilarious.

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Miche wrote: "Angela wrote: "Chapter 12 "

." (view spoiler)[ I've got the same idea on the mask. It has to be surely. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Miche wrote: "I am not a fan of Butcher's pov. It feels unecessary."

Me either. Yet as the books gone on I'm okay with ICE's Aragan and and Jan POV.

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Chapters 16/17/18 (view spoiler)[ K and KB were in the Spawn. How did they get there Scott? Have I already forgotten the last book of theirs?

Tserig seeing the Seguleh and knowing fear, calling them the Faceless Warriors. So horrible that he died. I did like that Jhiwin saw wisdom in Brood's words in the end. Barak, Aman are ones of the twelve demon slaves of the Tyrants.

Leoman staying at creation by the Vitr did tug a little at my heartstrings. I wasn't totally surprised as I feel like he's finally found some peace and I liked that Maker wouldn't be alone.

The life the Seguleh imagined in Darujhistan isn't living up to reality. Jan having to act as an executor. I felt sorry for him.

The Moranth were well prepared for the Seguleh. Kill or be killed.

Of course Otataral for Vardana. Makes sense. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Miche, I've finished. Will comment in the last few chapters later.

[Angela, I'm Silverfox lost]

Spoilers for the rest of the book from Chapter 19 onwards.

(view spoiler)[ I really thought Grub, Gesler or Stormy would be in this one as Fiddler assigned the cards Orb, Spectre and Throne. Perhaps that has a significance later on?

Jan, he tried his best and in the end by dying he did get his wish that they returned to Cant. I hope that Traveller, now the first will find peace there. It's a new life for him and maybe just what he feels like he needs.

It was interesting to see the Moranth and the lengths they would go to in order to stop the Seguleh.

Kruppe, well still not written that great by ICE did save the day by having the arrows built to kill the Legate. Funny that Leff and Scotch were the ones to fire the arrows into the Legate. Kruppe just knows so much of what is going on.

The stage feels set for the final book now. There's still that sense of waiting and I wonder where to next for our characters.

(hide spoiler)]

Best to worst for the Malazan Empire series so far.

1. Orb Sceptre Throne
2. Return of the Crimson Guard
3. Stonewielder
4. Night of Knives

ICE is getting better at writing for sure. I'm now looking forward to the next two books in his series as well. I wouldn't have said that after Stonewielder.