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Malazan Book of the Fallen: Introduction
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I've bought all 10 books in this series as they were published with the intention of reading them as a series at some point. This provides the stimulus. Many thanks. I look forward to contributing to the discussions
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David wrote: "I've bought all 10 books in this series as they were published with the intention of reading them as a series at some point. This provides the stimulus. Many thanks. I look forward to contributing ..."I did to. After Martin and Jordan I was worried that Erikson wouldnt keep it up. He did. Every year a new book.
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I will post the discussion topics for Deadhouse Gates prior to March 15, which is when our discussion for that book officially commences. I will post all the threads for the book at once, as I did for GotM, so that people can read and discuss as they go along. Please continue to respect the practice of having spoilers match the section of the book for each thread.
Let me just add that Gardens of the Moon has not been as bleak or as overwhelming as I feared--there are lots of great moments, some humor, catchy dialogue, and fascinating characters. The plot developments are intriguing and sometimes confusing, with gods, magic, soldiers, budding romance. I'm hooked, and I hope you are, too!
I'm enjoying to too, Kathi, but am a little behind. Still in the second section.What's with Hairlock becoming Pinocchio? Is that a joke?
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What's with Hairlock becoming Pinocchio? Is that a joke?"
(view spoiler)
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Can we avoid spoilers in this thread please? Thanks!
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Can we avoid spoilers in this thread please? Thanks!"
My bad, sorry! Will edit to add spoiler tag.
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Remember, all the topics will remain available, so if you are not "up to date", no worries. Join in any time!!
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Edited to add that our discussion of Memories of Ice (MoI) is scheduled to begin April 12.
I'm happy whatever you do Kathi, I tend to start and keep going regardless of the structure anyway - I'm such a rebel.
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:-)
I just don't want those who are pacing their reading to feel overwhelmed. I, too, have just been barging ahead, which is part of the reason why I post all the topics for the book at once, so people can comment in the appropriate places without worrying about spoilers.
Split it into three, that should please the racers and plodders. :)
Yes, please split it however...although since I too tend to be a barge ahead person who then forgets what happened when I sometimes end up just putting all my comments at the end so that I don't inadvertently spoil anything by putting it in the wrong section (unless I'm responding, which makes it easier). :)
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I have posted the topic threads for Memories of Ice. As you can see, we will be taking 5 weeks for this book, so please watch where you post once you get into Books 3 & 4 so that, if you share any spoilers, they are in the appropriate topic.
Thanks!
Yessir. My cold is affecting my brain, I couldn't work out the dates for ages, kept thinking why are we reading in December. Lol.
I forgot to post this sooner (my apologies), but here is a link to the wiki page with the maps so anyone who wants to print or view them in a larger size can do that:http://malazan.wikia.com/wiki/Categor...
I've been advised this page is spoiler free, although the rest of the wiki is not, so don't click around off that page if you don't want to inadvertently spoil something for yourself:)
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We are working our way through Memories of Ice, but if you are reading Gardens of the Moon or Deadhouse Gates, no worries. Those discussions are still open and will continue to be available for questions & comments. Please add your thoughts!!
Later this month we will start House of Chains. Like Memories of Ice, this is a large book. I am planning to divide it into chunks of about 200 pages per week for the discussion. Please let me know what you think of that idea. As I have been doing for the other books, I will post all the topics for the book at once, so readers can go at their own pace and comment in the appropriate threads.
Also, please note that anyone can add a topic. If you want to talk about the magic system, the military, Erikson's writing in general, etc., please feel free to start a topic!
Thanks!
Technical question...How do you actually add a spoiler tag? I've see people do that but I have no idea how to actually do it in the comments. The reason I'm asking is that even though I'm commenting in the appropriate area, there are some things that are just so huge that I didn't feel right even putting them into words know that someone else might accidentally read them before they get there. If I know I'm ahead of everyone (like I was in Memories of Ice) I really don't want to spoil things for people coming up behind me. I'd feel better knowing certain things could be hidden. :)
Click on the some html is ok in the upper right corner of the message box and there are some handy hints there, including how to add a spoiler tag. It's basically (spoiler)your text(/spoiler) just use <> brackets instead of () as I did in order to show you :)
Oh my goodness, June already. Kathi, do you have a sort of date in mind for Midnight Tides? I'm OK doing it whenever, I just want to do some planning. :)
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We will officially finish House of Chains on June 21. I'm OK with starting Midnight Tides then, but we have a few people who are not reading as quickly as the schedule, so I'm debating a short break before moving on. Or maybe after Midnight Tides, since we would be halfway through the series at that point.
Opinions?
I'm fine with whatever everyone else wants to do. I'm all caught up, but I don't mind waiting if there are a few people who want to catch up.
I'll finish book I started on holiday and leap straight back into memories. I'll move on to chains then. It'll probably be at least the end of June by then but don't wait on my behalf, I can visit the threads and wake you up.
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The last section of House of Chains is officially this week's read. I know people are all over the place, and that's OK, no worries. Just join in whenever and wherever works for you!
However, I am putting up the folders for Midnight Tides today (but with the correct dates, with the first section starting 6/21/15) because I will be away next weekend and don't know if I'll have a chance to post them.
I just want to say that I'm so happy to have fellow travelers on this journey to Malazan! Thanks to everyone who has or will join the discussion!
Thanks for being such a great read moderator, Kathi, especially on a big project like this which requires so much organization!
Yes, thank you, Kathi. You've been doing a tremendous job!
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Thanks!
Maggie, how do the other Malazan books and author fit into the scheme? Also, are they as good?
Is it irresponsible to spend almost £50 on the remaining six Malazan books? Well if it is tough, I've already ordered them!
It's never irresponsible to spend money on books. :)
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Good for you. I am adding them to my list of books to watch for but am not (NOT) going to order them new. *Kathi says sternly to herself*
Edited to clarify that I was talking about the Esslemont books that take place in the same world as Erikson's core series of 10 books.
The Esslemont Books? They deal with particular back stories in Malazan, and give some great insight into what happens...The first book, Night of Knives is about the night that Emperor Kellanved and Dancer 'die' and become ascendants, leaving Surly the barmaid to become Empress Laseen!
A lot of people criticize the writing, which really isn't fair, because you cant expect someone else to write like Steven Erikson. But they were solid, and kept improving.
That sounds quite interesting, I might have to read a couple. I can't believe I've waited so long to read this series.
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We will start The Bonehunters on July 26, but I am posting the discussion threads today because I have the time. This book will be spread over 8 weeks, with about 150 pages per week. I am spreading it out for a couple reasons--it is the longest book to date in our series read, and I will be out of the country for 3 weeks while we are reading this book, so it gives me a little cushion to keep up and to monitor the discussions as well as possible.
I hope those of you who are reading the series, at whatever point you are in the series, are enjoying the books and our discussion.
Going anywhere nice? I have two books that I need to read then I'll read two back to back. Finish school a week Monday, four weeks off for lovely reading, woohoo. Although I do have a 5000 word essay to write, again!
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My husband & I are going to spend 3 weeks in Ireland, visiting his cousins and playing tourist. I think it will be fun--it's been about 16 years since our last visit.
I'm in north England. It's finally earning up here. We've had actual sunshine. Just in time for you to enjoy. Safe travels.
That sounds great, Kathi. I'm going to be a bit late starting The Bonehunters so the extra cushion is good for me too. I'm glad you are getting away for a nice holiday with your husband; I'm sure you will have a lovely time. :)
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I had hoped to finish The Bonehunters before I left, since it is a brick to bring on the plane, but I won't finish in time and so I guess I'll just lug it along. I don't want to start something else because I fear I won't remember what is going on in this complex book.
Lol. I left HoC when I went on holiday! Have a great time, we'll try and cope without you.
Beyond Reality
Books mentioned in this topic
The Crippled God (other topics)The Crippled God (other topics)
Toll the Hounds (other topics)
Dust of Dreams (other topics)
Dust of Dreams (other topics)
More...
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Welcome to the Malazan Book of the Fallen series read, and thanks for joining us!
While there are a number of books related to the world of Malazan, we will be sticking to the 10 books by Steven Erikson that are identified as the Malazan Book of the Fallen, in the order listed here (publication order).
Gardens of the Moon
Deadhouse Gates
Memories of Ice
House of Chains
Midnight Tides
The Bonehunters
Reaper's Gale
Toll the Hounds
Dust of Dreams
The Crippled God
Our discussion of the first book, Gardens of the Moon, will begin on February 15 and will continue through March 14 (and beyond). In addition to the standard topics for "Planning to Read-No Spoilers" and "Finished-Spoil Away", there will also be weekly topics with spoilers allowed for sections of the book so that we can discuss the book as we are reading it (see schedule below). You can also feel free to add your own topics about particular characters, plot points, etc.
Starting Feb. 15: Prologue, Books 1 & 2
Starting Feb. 22: Books 3 & 4
Starting Mar. 1: Books 5 & 6
Starting Mar. 8: Book 7 & Epilogue
We will divide the other novels into similar chunks, so the longer books may take us 6-8 weeks to discuss rather than one month. Thanks again for joining this discussion!