Right then…
You just can’t review a Malazan book in a specific way. You simply just can’t. I’ve tried it, as I usually do with my reviews, but yet, I couldn’t do justice in any possible way (at least not on my first read-through of the series anyway).
So, I believe the way to do that would be to compile my raw emotions and thoughts as I went along with this incredibly EPIC journey, one book at a time…
Well, I always post the aforementioned on the r/Malazan sub, as usual and as is the “ritual” for me and many fellow Mezla/Bonehunters. So the following are my thoughts and opinions on book 5 of the Malazan Book of the Fallen – MIDNIGHT TIDES.
POST: – 1
Continuing my Malazan journey with MIDNIGHT TIDES…
After an 18 month break from the ABSOLUTE EPIC that the MBOTF is, I just couldn’t wait any longer. MT was calling my name from the shelf… that irresistible pull to tread this path once again… this unreal journey… a reading experience unlike any other. As a first-time reader just 4 novels into a 10 book series (and beyond), I have no qualms whatsoever in saying that Erikson’s writing in GOD-tier. Simple as that. And to also then say that the series has already become my all-time fav wouldn’t be out of order by any chance. It’s simply THAT good. And well, to pique my interest even more, the only proper info I have on MT is the introduction of two fan faves – Tehol and Bugg. The novel in itself is adored by many, if I’m not mistaken. So yeah… EXCITED would be an understatement. Let’s go!
POST: – 2
Spoilers ahead…!!!
My thoughts on MIDNIGHT TIDES – Hilarious yet heart-breaking; a truly WONDERFUL read. Absolutely LOVED IT!
Can safely say that this is the quickest of the five reads for me (just 10 days!). The others took nearly a month each. As the title concludes, I totally loved it from start to finish. I get why it’s so adored by the fans. There’s just something about it; something totally unique to the others, yet also classic/typical Erikson in every way.
Here’s what clicked –
- Everything, pretty much, to begin with. Not a single plotline that didn’t hold my full attention right till the very end. And that ending… WOW (can say that for all five of the MBOTF novels so far tbh!)
- Now, the two “main” plots – the Edur one and the Letherii one, both were SOLID. And ofc, the chars, the writing, the plotlines, the lore, the world, etc. all were amazingly done.
- Loved how the Edur culture was gradually integrated along with the chars. Trull was the most relatable char for me personally. This was pretty much his story, after all. Equally, absolutely hated Rhulad, Hannan Mosag, and Mayen. Udinaas was a bit conflicting, in the middle. But the most impressive thing about the Edurs was certainly the culture and the world depicted.
- Equally, Letheras has become one of my fav cities EVER! Not only cuz of the chars (talk about a certain duo), but also cuz of how it’s all weaved together into the city’s fabric itself. There’s politics, there’s drama, there’s undead peeps all around (even more dead in the canal lol), and ofc the Rat Catcher’s Guild at that. All in all – brilliant!
- Fav Chars = Tehol and Bugg. Was there any doubt?! The most hilarious book of the five, and it’s not even close thanks to these two! I was literally laughing out loud! Erikson’s comic timing is genius.
- The Letherii chars were all very interesting in their own way. And the Edur ones well-depicted within their society. Both sets equally well-written.
- And I must add – The Crimson Guard are SO, SO COOL! I just couldn’t get enough of them! GOTM hardly introduced them properly, but here we get to see a bit more. Hopefully there’s a lot more of them ahead!
- And although there wasn’t “that” much action (still significant), the plot kept moving very smoothly. Never did I ever feel bored/burnt out at any point.
- Special mention to the whole Kettle/Azath plotline too.
- And lastly, that ending… the “convergence”… SO GOOD!
“Criticisms” –
- Not much, but the stuff about “holds” and everything related went quite a bit over the top of my head in all honesty.
- The themes and the emotions were pretty strong in this one too, but felt this was the most “philosophical” one so far. Have heard that TTH is heavy on that too, mainly cuz of Erikson’s personal reasons.
And that’s pretty much that, folks! I know it’s a bit haphazard somewhat, but those are my honest thoughts about MT.
RATING = 9/10. Easy.
Rankings so far –
- DG = 10/10
- MOI = 9.5/10
- MT = 9/10
- GOTM = 8/10
- HOC = 7.5/10
Can’t wait to continue with BH. And for that, I certainly would find the time… hopefully soon! (unlike a certain someone who says otherwise most of the times…)
Cheers!
And that’s that!
Onto the next one…
Let’s go!
