Premise
A terrifying force has emerged from the ravaged continent of Genabackis. Like a tide of corrupted blood, the Pannion Domin seethes across the land, devouring all who fail to heed the word of its prophet, the Pannion Seer. In its path stands an uneasy alliance: Dujek Onearm’s Host and Whiskeyjack’s veteran Brigdburners alongside old adversaries – the warlord Caladan Brood, Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii. Outnumbered and mistrustful, they must get word to potential allies, including the Grey Swords, a mercenary brotherhood sword to defend the besieged city of Capustan at all costs.
But more ancient clans are gathering. In answer to some primal summons, the T’lan Imass have risen. For something malign threatens this world: the Warrens are poisoned and rumours abound of a god unchained and intent on revenge…
Overview
Name – Memories of Ice [#3 of the ‘Malazan Book of the Fallen’ series]
Author – Steven Erikson
Genre – Epic Fantasy/High Fantasy/Action/Adventure/Military Fantasy
First Published – 2001, by Bantam Press
This Edition [featured image] – 2002, by Bantam Books (MMPB)
Cover Rating – 9/10 (love it!); cover art by Steve Stone
Chapters – 25 (divided into 4 sub-books, plus a Prologue and an Epilogue)
Pages – 1,187 (excluding pages beyond the Glossary)
Review
NON-Spoiler section
First things first. If you are a complete stranger to the world of Malazan, and want to know what it’s all about, then let me help you with a quick introduction –
The ‘Malazan Book of the Fallen’ [MBOTF] is an epic/high fantasy series (completed) consisting of 10 novels, written by Canadian author Steven Erikson. Gardens of the Moon [GOTM] is the first entry in the series, followed by Deadhouse Gates [DG]. ‘Memories of Ice’ [MOI] is the third novel, and acts as a direct sequel to GOTM (and NOT to DG. Yes, sounds a bit… uh, different. But that’s how it is. You’ll get the hang of it eventually).
Another series (completed) – ‘Novels of the Malazan Empire’ [NOTME] consisting of 6 novels, is written by another Canadian author (and Erikson’s “partner-in-crime”) Ian C. Esslemont. Together, these two series (MBOTF and NOTME) are labelled as the “core” series.
Apart from these, there are two prequel series – ‘The Kharkanas Trilogy’ (2 books out; book 3 still to be published) by Erikson, and ‘Path to Ascendancy’ (4 books out; likely more to come in the future) by Esslemont. There is also a sequel series – ‘The Witness Trilogy’ (only book 1 published so far) by Erikson. To top it all off, there are also a series of novellas – ‘The Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach’ by Erikson.
And breathe!
So, the Malazan world is set upon a total of 5 series and a set of novellas, making it one of the biggest fantasy series out there. And the best part… it’s not yet done! 😉
Since the start of 2023, I was introduced to the Malazan world by various means – YouTube, online articles/websites, fan art, the r/Malazan subreddit, etc. to name the main ones. All these factors greatly piqued my interest in the series, and ultimately led me to start the journey myself without any further delay. Trust me when I say that I was beyond hyped to get going as soon as I could! The only thing that held me back from picking up GOTM initially was the length/complexity of the series as a whole, and especially GOTM itself, given that it’s the first novel. But as I found out eventually (and so will you in the latter part of this review), that quite a few things were blown out of proportion, and I’m very glad that I picked it up right away.
For a more detailed look into my personal experience before starting the series, check out – The ‘Malazan Book of the Fallen’ by Steven Erikson – An introduction by a first-time reader.
Now, before starting the series, I would highly recommend the brand-new readers to go through the ‘Preface’ written by Steven Erikson, present at the start of the first novel of the series – ‘Gardens of the Moon’. As to why you should read it in the first place, check out my views and opinions about the same as I try to break down the important bits – Preface to ‘Gardens of the Moon’ by Steven Erikson – A breakdown + why you should read it.
The complete preface itself is totally FREE to read here.
But before we get started with the review, there are a few things which need to be talked about –
Firstly, there’s the ‘Dramatis Personae’… with a LOT of characters. Present in all the three novels at the start, they list out the characters who the reader will come across in their journey of the respective novels. Secondly, the maps. Again, present at the start of the novels, and are actually pretty awesome if you ask me (I absolutely love me some maps! An excellent job by Neil Gower). Not only superbly drawn and realized, but the little intricate details are very well done too. And finally, at the end of the book, there’s the glossary (you better be ready to flip back and forth!), which is basically a quick/brief rundown of the vast lore which the reader is about to be plunged into. All of them are very much vital to the whole reading experience.
Alright then. Onto the review for ‘MOI’.
*sighs heavily*
So, where do I even begin with this one, then?
MOI has been one of THE BEST reading experiences I’ve had… EVER! Believe it or not, but this novel is special. Very, very special indeed. Just when you think that DG was quite the ride in itself, MOI is there to match it (if not better it!).
For me, GOTM is a pretty good start to the series. And although it has its flaws, the novel was a very enjoyable read. It not only lays the foundation for the things to come (albeit in a “somewhat” confusing way), but also shows the massive amount of lore and world building slowly taking shape.
Check out the review for GOTM – ‘Gardens of the Moon’ by Steven Erikson – Book Review.
DG on the other hand was not just any novel. It was an experience in itself. Much improved from its predecessor, this novel stamps the authority as to why you, the reader (and the whole reading community in general) should take notice of the MBOTF as a series, and Erikson as an author. A truly unreal reading experience in every sense of the word. One of the best fantasy novels I’ve read. I was left quite literally speechless by the end. It was THAT good.
Check out the review for DG – ‘Deadhouse Gates’ by Steven Erikson – Book Review.
And as for MOI… well, if you haven’t already guessed that I LOVED it, then I’m here to tell you exactly why that is the case. But before I do so…
…here’s the plot in brief –
So, what happens is this…
WAIT! You seriously thought I was going to give you any info? Nope. Not happening. Not that I don’t want to, but because you need to read and experience it for yourselves. And don’t even think about searching about it anywhere. Just pick up the series… and WITNESS! That’s all I have to say.
What’s that? Overdoing it much you think? Alright then, I’ll give you “some” idea of what’s happening in this tale. Be informed that it will be pretty vague as I’m not about to reveal any kind of spoiler whatsoever (I’ve personally had a fair few ruined for myself, hence). And considering what the MBOTF is all about, that pretty much involves everything…
OK. So, as mentioned before, MOI picks right up after the events of GOTM (and NOT DG). There is a brand-new threat that is spreading like a wildfire across the continent of Genabackis, consuming everything in its path – The Pannion Domin. They are prepared to lead the “holy war” and fulfill their cause in the name of their prophet – The Pannion Seer. Quite literally devouring anything and everything that stands in their way, this new “empire” is hell-bent on conquering what lays in front of them. Consisting of a vast and diverse army, they leave nothing but scenes of horrifying death and destruction upon their trails, covering the land in a sea of red… and in their eyes, which are filled with hunger and bloodlust, now lies the city of Capustan…
To stop this madness and come out victorious against a very powerful and yet unknown adversary, a unity must be formed. But can long standing enemies that have fought countless battles at the loss of immeasurable life, simply put aside their differences and shake hands for a better world? And yet, as a shaky alliance is somewhat agreed, there is still unease in the air… the kind which threatens to break apart everything and result in chaos…
Yet, amidst what seems to be a nailed-on war incoming much sooner rather than later, there are larger powers at play beginning to stir… threatening to tip the balance of everything… rumors… floating across the world like a cool breeze from the sea… a breeze which is about to unleash a storm, ready to devour every living soul… rumors about a once fallen God… bound in chains… now beginning to rise again… corrupting the very fabric of the world… waiting in the shadows… for revenge…
What was so amazing about it?
- Well… what wasn’t amazing should be the question, really!
- I’m tired of saying it already, but – the plot, the characters, the lore, the world building, the writing/prose… all of which were just so, so good and so well depicted and written. Massive credit to Erikson. The man is a GENIUS!
- The emotions… ah! Erikson does a brilliant job of portraying the emotions in not only some of the characters, but also of invoking a response out of the reader in a surreal way (yes… I got very emotional at a couple of occasions, truth be told).
- The various plotlines were excellently converged towards the end, leaving the reader awestruck as to the foreshadowing and depth of the things that have taken place, and the ones which are still yet to be unfolded.
- There were multiple occasions throughout the novel where I was left either amazed, speechless, and/or numbed. Of course, not to forget the emotions that some of the moments/scenes bring out of the reader, as I’ve already mentioned before.
- The last 150-200 pages were probably the quickest I have devoured of any novel. It was exciting, thrilling, action packed, fast-paced at literally break-neck speeds, with multiple POV changes that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and you won’t quite know when you’ve reached the end already.
- 99% of the novel itself was amazing. End of.
What didn’t quite impress me?
- Although almost all of the plotlines were great, a couple of them were a little slow in setting up for me personally. Not a drag/bore in a way, but I wasn’t quite that excited following them at certain points throughout the novel, especially in the first half.
- And that’s the 1% that wasn’t quite as amazing. That’s about it.
Now, usually, I would have a section titled “standout quotes/dialogues” right about here. But trust me, the space is not enough for that! And that’s true for all the three novels so far! Same goes with the awesome “scenes/moments”, the “characters”, and the “lore” as well (having said that, I’ve tried to jot down the best ones in the spoiler section).
An important thing to note is that I’ve personally tried taking notes while I was going through GOTM (like trying to compile it in a recap form, to capture all the places, the characters, the lore, and stuff like that), but have failed to say the least, and hence, stopped trying and attempting it from DG onwards completely (and that turned out to be a great decision!). Not recommended for a first-time reader in my honest opinion. Have learnt it the hard way, so as to speak. Better to just go with the flow, and enjoy the journey as a first-time reader, rather than taking notes and trying to figure everything out for yourselves.
Alright, before moving on, I would like to address a couple of things that were being said about the series as a whole throughout the internet. And now having read the first three tales of the ‘Malazan Book of the Fallen’ myself, here’s what I honestly think –
- The series is complex and confusing – It is complex, and it is confusing. But I think this was blown way out of proportion. For an average reader like me, I found the first three novels very enjoyable and interesting, and that’s putting it lightly still. So, do not worry about understanding everything. Just pick up the series, read along, and go with the flow. Plus, if you find it a “little” complex/difficult to go along with, there’s quite a few very good guides/companions present online which will help you through. Not to forget the awesome community on the r/Malazan sub as well, which will help/guide and motivate you in every step of the way, like it did for me.
- There are too many characters – Agreed! But let me tell you one thing very honestly. You won’t feel that a character is similar to the other in any way. Not one. Erikson has done an incredible job with this. Kudos to him. At the end of the books, you will either fall in love with pretty much every character, or hate some of them like no other!
- The writing is difficult to pick up – Agreed, again. But only some parts of it. The rest is very smooth sailing. You have to remember that GOTM was written way before it was originally published, that too for a script initially. And truthfully, DG has significantly improved on this very aspect. And it just gets better with MOI. So again, this one is quite blown out of proportion I feel.
In conclusion, I would say just pick up the books, read them, and then decide for yourselves. If I would have gone with some of the views of people online, I wouldn’t even have had a look at the series in the first place. But now, I’m very much glad that I have managed to read through the first three novels! Hence, I would strongly suggest you give the series a try at the very least, then be the judge yourselves.
Final thoughts
EPIC in every sense of the word! And that’s that. End of discussion.
Honestly, I loved this novel so much that I totally went ahead and RAVED about it as much as I could. Check it out on my Reddit post (pssst… It also got included in the September 2023 snapshot for the sub. Needless to say that I’m glad about it!).
Rating: – 9.5/10 (TRULY EPIC!!!)
“Epic fantasy doesn’t get better than this. A phenomenal piece of literature by every means.”
Major Spoilers ahead!
Note: – Before proceeding further, I would sincerely request you to first read the original works, even if it minutely matches your interest in the genre (or of what you’ve read so far in this post/previous posts). I do not want to take away the experience of a first-time reader whatsoever (I’ve had some bitter experiences with spoilers with this very series, hence the warning). Once again, I request you to have a breather, stop right here if you haven’t read either GOTM, DG, or MOI yet. Trust me, this series will give you an experience of a lifetime. You DON’T want to miss out on this whatsoever, do you now?
Having said that, here’s some of my views, opinions, and thoughts about some of the stuff that I experienced throughout the novel… major spoilers included, of course!
Characters, Places, and Moments from ‘Memories of Ice’
The Characters
- Itkovian – Of course I’m going to start with him. ‘Itkovian’s Gift’ was well and truly special. There’s nothing quite like it… quite impactful as it was, that I’ve read so far. Incredible. Shed a tear there, in all honesty. All those moments leading up to his last breath… “I am not yet done” to “I am done”. The pain and the suffering… the emotions (getting chills from the flashbacks even now!). Unreal is the word.
- Gruntle – My man went full on God mode… quite literally. His character development was very nicely done in my opinion. His “chemistry” with Stonny (and Harrlo even; sad that he had to go) was great. Excited to see his role in the future.
- Stonny Menackis – A pretty strong female character who is funny and dangerous at the same time. Enough said.
- Brukhalian and Karnadas – Really loved these two. Again, pretty sad the way they had to go, especially Fener’s Mortal Sword (pretty close to tears on that as well).
- Whiskeyjack – Shocked. That was my reaction when “that” happened. Honestly, there was some pretty heavy foreboding throughout the novel really, leading up to the moment that the inevitable was going to happen sooner rather than later. He will be greatly missed, regardless to say.
- Ganoes Paran – My guy went from a newly appointed “human” Captain with no battle/war experience, to pretty much a “God” himself (kind of) in the span of three (two, realistically) novels. And although he doesn’t want that burden on his shoulders (which was pretty much forced onto himself in the first place), I’m sure he’ll be just fine. After all, looks like one of the major characters in the whole series with his newfound “role” as the ‘Master of the Deck’. His development has been rapid to say the least. From a boy… to a man… to a near God pretty much. Safe to say his “luck” is holding up pretty well, no?
- Quick Ben – One of my favorite characters in the series so far. It’s not even a debate. Whenever he’s made an appearance, there’s stuff happening which is not only enjoyable to read, but full of action, adventure, danger, thrill, and humor. His “partnership” with Talamandas was super fun to read as well. Oh, and that meeting with the necromancers was just Quick Ben asserting who’s the boss really. LOVE him!
- Picker and Blend – Honestly, this pair was so much fun to read. Their “bromance/chemistry” was just something else.
- Caladan Brood – I was actually a little disappointed with his role in all of this. After seeing just a glimpse of him in GOTM, was expecting much more in MOI. Let’s see what the future brings.
- Anomander Rake – He’s just too cool. End of. And powerful too… very powerful. I’m hoping he’s a regular till the end (and beyond!).
- Kallor – He can buzz right off!
- The Mhybe and Silverfox – The whole Mhybe plotline didn’t quite do it for me really, I’ll be completely honest. And Silverfox’s turned out to be a little unsatisfactory in the end as well.
- Korlat – The scene at the end when she’s tearing up while in the Moon’s shadow, with a POV from Caladan Brood… made me quite a bit emotional.
- Hetan – Like Stonny, a pretty strong female character who is funny and dangerous at the same time. And still, both are pretty much on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to certain…things. Oh, and she uh… loves to “ride”. That’s that.
- Kruppe – He’s definitely an Ascendant himself, surely, right? At times, I found his presence a little bit annoying if I’m being honest, but his character is just so well written. I’m sure he has a much bigger role to play as well. You just can’t hate him!
- Tool – A superb character in every way. One of my favorites. Oh, and he’s in for a “ride” pretty soon as well, eh? (if you know, you know!).
- The Pannion Seer – The epitome of evil… or so we are led to believe. But in the end… the reunion with his little sister got me so emotional. Compassion… a theme which the series is widely known to display. I think we see a major example right here.
- Anaster – A hateful character until the end. Were his actions his own all this time in reality? Can’t say that I liked him in any way. But, must be said, the way in which Toc the Younger is “reborn” into Anaster’s body… the whole story leading up to that moment… it was so well written by Erikson.
- Lady Envy – As with the Mhybe plotline, this was the only other one where it took me some time to really get going. Can’t say that I’m really attached to her character yet. Similar with those of Baaljagg and Garath.
- Toc the Younger – Glad he’s back! His and Tool’s “bromance” was great until the end. Love his character. Excited to see more of him.
- The Seguleh – They are PRETTY powerful, huh? You’re telling me that Anomander Rake was the no. 7?! And that Mok, the third, could be even powerful than him? I mean… he almost defeated Tool, no? Can’t wait to see more of these lot, and no. 1!
- Bauchelain and Korbal Broach – The necromancers. Funny at times, but dangerous most other times. Can definitely see why they have their own set of novellas. A fun pair to follow for sure. Not to forget Emancipore Reece, the servant, as well. Hoping they have more role in the series though, and not just like some side characters and stuff.
- The Crippled God – The Chained One. Finally, he makes an appearance. He looks mighty powerful in all reality, can’t lie. Even though he’s still in a pretty bad state. That’s saying something. But can he match wits with Quick Ben though? I guess I’ll have to wait and see…uh, read, eh?
- The Bridgeburners – I can’t explain in words how much I’m amazed by each one of them. So, so well written by Erikson. Love them to bits! Really, really sad that quite a few had to go in MOI. Wasn’t expecting that at all. But yeah, a new adventure awaits them, and I’m definitely hoping to see more of them for sure.
- The Grey Swords – Reminded me of ‘The Wickans’ from DG. Full of valor, fearlessness, and an elite unit in themselves.
- The Mask Council – Does anyone really like them? Not me.
- The Mott Irregulars – I was literally hoping that we would get something of them throughout the novel, but we don’t really… up until the very end. And I must say that I’m liking them already!
The Places
- Capustan – WOW. So, so amazingly put forth by Erikson. It just doesn’t get better than this. My word, the setting was just so well written. The people, the places, the politics involved, and of course the main action that takes place here. It was, simply put, superbly realized by Erikson. I would say that Darujhistan is the most well depicted places so far in the series, the most complete setting, as to speak. And although Capustan doesn’t quite match that level, it does succeed in creating a special “memory” nonetheless.
- Black Coral – Talk about something that only appears at the very end, but leaves an everlasting mark. Although it hasn’t been written in depth when compared to the likes of Darujhistan or Capustan, but still gives you the chills when you think about what unfolds here at the end. Nothing short of epic.
- Pannion Domin – Bits and pieces (no pun intended) of info. present about the areas taken over by the Pannion Seer and his fanatic followers, but what we see and read about, it more than makes your stomach churn. Of course, the details are pretty gory, and certainly not for the faint of heart at times. The concept of a “holy war” was well put forth by Erikson, and the Pannion Domin acts as a form of true evil… a proper enemy which the series hadn’t quite had up until this point.
- I would say that approx. 50% of the novel takes place across the plains present between the various places/cities. That’s a major chunk of any novel. But that doesn’t stop this from making it a super fun, thrilling, and enjoyable read nonetheless.
Thoughts on some scenes/moments + some opinions
- Itkovian’s Gift – I mean I’ve already drooled about it, but daayyuumm! Thinking about it even now… seesh! One of the best and most emotionally heavy scenes that I’ve come across. The whole thing, right from Brukhalian’s betrayal of “I’m not yet done” to the enduring of all the Imass pain and suffering of generations to “I’m done”, and finally to the “paying of respects” by everyone. It’s just so well written! Hats off to Erikson. Made me tear up massively.
- Whiskeyjack’s death – As I said, I was shocked at first. But looking back now, there were quite a few “portents/signals” that this was going to happen, unfortunately. What broke me was that short eye contact with a helpless Korlat just before he takes his last breath.
- Korlat’s suffering – As mentioned before, the POV from Caladan Brood when he sees Korlat crying under the Moon’s shadow… the “irony” of it all. Again, made me tear up.
- Pannion’s reunion with his little sister – How can you despise a character this much for what he’s done, and still feel something for him at the end? Compassion. That’s the word. Erikson does that to you, you know. He certainly knows how to. Shed a tear on this one too. My man Paran couldn’t hold one back as well.
- To be honest, all the scenes involving the meetings between the leaders of both the Hosts’ were very intriguing and interesting to read. I loved it, especially since a particular small, round man was involved in them too.
- Quick Ben’s solo adventure at the start, and then the pairing up with Talamandas was a very fun read to say the least!
- Gruntle’s rise to the Mortal Sword was epic. But the “child’s tunic” moment was really heart-touching.
- Already talked about the whole Capustan battle and the Black Coral finale. Superbly written.
- The Darus’ from GOTM, apart from Kruppe, had a pretty limited role, albeit a much important one. So that’s that. Was honestly expecting more, and also adding to that was no Baruk involved.
- The Bridgeburners. Every scene they were a part of was just great. From Picker and Blend, to Paran’s acceptance as the true “Captain”, to Trott’s whole solo segment with the Barghast, to the entry into Capustan, to the battle of Black Coral… I could just go on and on. Add to that some pretty great punchlines, plus some great dialogues, along with laugh out loud humor/banter, and lo and behold, you have the definition of ELITE. Not to forget how it’s told and depicted by Erikson.
- And how can I ever forget the very last scene from the novel… the Epilogue, of course. Duiker’s last lines – Very well, permit me, if you will, on this night. To break your hearts once more. This is the story of the Chain of Dogs. Of Coltaine of the Crow Clan, newly come Fist to the 7th Army… GOOSEBUMPS!
