He's an incredible author, but I can't help but feel that his writing leaves much to be desired. Working my way through the series takes effort that shouldn't be required. The characters are uninspired, the plot uncompelling. As mentioned below, a great deal of the book is waiting, slowly and mind-numbingly gathering information for the inevitable climax at the end of the book.
I've made a priority of finishing the series, but I don't believe it will ever be one I'll want to pick up again.
He's writing very little novellas in truth. But they get bloated to over 1000 pages by all that repetition and waiting. And oh, these characters are waiting too. Look how they're passing the time... Fantastic isn't it? Here, have a tidbit about the T'lan Imass on the other end of the world (where we are not).
That man is driving me mad. He's the author, alright? He's writing the books. He should be writing all the stuff that's going on and important. Instead I have to read hundreds of pages of characters doing nothing, staring into vacancy, day-dreaming, doing generic RPG banter and talking about not having enough information. Whenever he could make a little jump or go to characters who are doing something or providing information he's describing to the characters who know nothing and do nothing.Aarg
This book is the most amazing series i have ever read, I hope its never ruined like the lord of the rings. A movie could never match the scope of this book.
i've only read a game of thrones but i do think that martin's writing seems to have more and something that is special, however, Malazan Book of the Fallen is my favorite fantasy series probably based on the fact of there being more. and at the same time the strange chronology of it ads twists and keep the reader interested enough to read all of the novels in the series.
Martin has a way of pulling emotional cords, It's kind of what James Cameron wanted to do with Avatar, except George does it in a very unpredictable and stirring manner.
I don't know if Martin's writing style per se is unique, but some of his characters and their circumstances really are, especially as far as fantasy goes.
You should read past a Game of Thrones. The third novel is the best, in my opinion.
In terms of humor though, Erikson's the king. The Bridgeburners <3.
I think over all, A song of ice and fire is better than the Malazan Book of the fallen, but Deadhouse Gates and a few scences in Memories of Ice (Itkovian!) are just the most epic thing you'll ever read in epic fantasy.
The story about Coltaine's march was the most intense and moving thing I've ever read in my life.
@DrunkenPoetic Well, it depends on what you're looking for in a fantasy book. I'd say Steven Erikson's books are rather philosophical, but its imaginative and he describes scenes in a way that really makes you feel as though you are in the book itself. Erikson is also harder to read compared to George Martin - a lot harder. A Song of Ice and Fire is elegance in simplicity, but no less engaging. I think that if you like Martin's work, you'd like Erikson's. Both are awesome.
Thanks man. Think I'll give em a go based on what you said. I've tried a few fantasy books since reading Martin, but they've been quite badly written. Erikson sounds more like what I'm after.
I like both book series, Malazan and Ice and Fire. But the pure scope of the Malazan series, and the depth of the characters are just so far ahead of Martin there's no contest in my mind. It's also to me a much more thought out fantasy universe, where it seems Martin has used history and sprinkled in some Fantasy.
@SimpJee Oddly i feel just the other way round. Malazans CHarakters are all just so very much similar to each other, no depth at al. The story can imho be summed up as a permanent battle between mages and fighters, each described in the books as absolutely super powerfull which gets boring after some time. I didnt really like his world either. Far to magical, absurd and unrealistic. just my 2 cents
@JustTry2Think umm....what is "absurd and unrealistic" in a fantasy novel? and each character isn't at all like any of the others, the only thing most of them have in common is the bleak overview of life, and that's a common trait to all people of his universe....he's just written the world to be a dark, cynical place
The Malazan Book of the Fallen stands alongside A Song of Ice and Fire as the crowning achievement in modern epic fantasy.
What makes The Malazan Book of the Fallen better than George R.R. Martin's books in the individual novels are longer in page count and the series as a whole is longer, just as good and is actually getting written.
Erikson also appeals to me more as a person as well as a writer because he just appears to be a lot less of a (yeah, I'm gonna say this) nerd than Martin.
He's been working on ADWD for 9 years now (Feast and Dance were originally one book).... Surely it must be near completion... Then again - Martin is a perfectionist...
That is not the problem. The problem is (if I am not mistaken) that while he was writing A Storm of Swords he had the plan to place ADWD chronologically five years later -> so t's all about Daenerys settling down to rule this damned town.
The plan was to have a 5 year gap between Storm and Dance. But it didn't work out for Martin, and so he decided to throw the 5-year-gap-idea away... and well... that's sort of how Feast was inserted. It's a mess.
I am really curious about how he'll get Daeny out of this city in a matter of months, mh and what about her dragons - they are practically useless in their current state. Yeah, it is a mess.
I agree, really heavy stuff. And I can see people not liking it. However each book picks up sooo much momentum so far, the end just blows you away. Very unique books.
@Gufberg yeah, if you get past the beginning stages, where you're just left reeling and confused with every page, then it's unputdownable till you finish all of them 2 or 3 times (it took me that long to understand the entire plot)
He's an incredible author, but I can't help but feel that his writing leaves much to be desired. Working my way through the series takes effort that shouldn't be required. The characters are uninspired, the plot uncompelling. As mentioned below, a great deal of the book is waiting, slowly and mind-numbingly gathering information for the inevitable climax at the end of the book.
I've made a priority of finishing the series, but I don't believe it will ever be one I'll want to pick up again.
Psyshimmer 1 month ago
Comment removed
scavengedfantasyname 4 months ago
He's writing very little novellas in truth. But they get bloated to over 1000 pages by all that repetition and waiting. And oh, these characters are waiting too. Look how they're passing the time... Fantastic isn't it? Here, have a tidbit about the T'lan Imass on the other end of the world (where we are not).
scavengedfantasyname 4 months ago
That man is driving me mad. He's the author, alright? He's writing the books. He should be writing all the stuff that's going on and important. Instead I have to read hundreds of pages of characters doing nothing, staring into vacancy, day-dreaming, doing generic RPG banter and talking about not having enough information. Whenever he could make a little jump or go to characters who are doing something or providing information he's describing to the characters who know nothing and do nothing.Aarg
scavengedfantasyname 4 months ago
Erikson is a god of high fantasy!!! And i'm not quite so impressed by Esslemont...its just not the same...
1finalfantasyplayer 7 months ago
if his skin was darker I'd sort of imagine quick ben looking like him
iannnc 7 months ago
one person never read the series
insulatedmemory 1 year ago
Love Erikson...he is the most unique fantasy author i've ever read
TwoNNsB 1 year ago
IMHO, his counterpart Ian Cameron Esslemont writes even better.
Nevertheless they both are leaders in modern epic fantasy.
Both are masters of language and I.C.Esslemont is also a master of composition.
Alex2C1 1 year ago
This book is the most amazing series i have ever read, I hope its never ruined like the lord of the rings. A movie could never match the scope of this book.
1981busch 1 year ago
Comment removed
teldiron 1 year ago
what a balla
smoshfan2damax 1 year ago
i've only read a game of thrones but i do think that martin's writing seems to have more and something that is special, however, Malazan Book of the Fallen is my favorite fantasy series probably based on the fact of there being more. and at the same time the strange chronology of it ads twists and keep the reader interested enough to read all of the novels in the series.
TheWhiskeyClone 1 year ago
@TheWhiskeyClone
Martin has a way of pulling emotional cords, It's kind of what James Cameron wanted to do with Avatar, except George does it in a very unpredictable and stirring manner.
I don't know if Martin's writing style per se is unique, but some of his characters and their circumstances really are, especially as far as fantasy goes.
You should read past a Game of Thrones. The third novel is the best, in my opinion.
In terms of humor though, Erikson's the king. The Bridgeburners <3.
TheWorldIsCaris 1 year ago
Oh and by the way - TCG is finished!
MementoNecare 1 year ago
I think over all, A song of ice and fire is better than the Malazan Book of the fallen, but Deadhouse Gates and a few scences in Memories of Ice (Itkovian!) are just the most epic thing you'll ever read in epic fantasy.
The story about Coltaine's march was the most intense and moving thing I've ever read in my life.
sjz88 1 year ago
lol at the poetry sign above his head..
Aelle2000 1 year ago
Ok then, if I want to start reading the Malazan books where do I need to start? How many books are there in the series?
I've just finished Ice and Fire and I'm looking for a new series to get stuck into.
DrunkenPoetic 1 year ago
@DrunkenPoetic First book..Gardens of the Moon. Frickin AWESOME.
FaustianDreams 1 year ago
How's it compare to Ice and Fire?
DrunkenPoetic 1 year ago
@DrunkenPoetic Well, it depends on what you're looking for in a fantasy book. I'd say Steven Erikson's books are rather philosophical, but its imaginative and he describes scenes in a way that really makes you feel as though you are in the book itself. Erikson is also harder to read compared to George Martin - a lot harder. A Song of Ice and Fire is elegance in simplicity, but no less engaging. I think that if you like Martin's work, you'd like Erikson's. Both are awesome.
FaustianDreams 1 year ago 3
Thanks man. Think I'll give em a go based on what you said. I've tried a few fantasy books since reading Martin, but they've been quite badly written. Erikson sounds more like what I'm after.
DrunkenPoetic 1 year ago
check out steven erikson's new blog at lifeasahuman
adeviachris 1 year ago
His world building is....Ridiculous.
KijFtw 1 year ago
@KijFtw I know >.>
It took me a while just to get a lay of where all of the different cultures were located.
leviotten 1 year ago
I like both book series, Malazan and Ice and Fire. But the pure scope of the Malazan series, and the depth of the characters are just so far ahead of Martin there's no contest in my mind. It's also to me a much more thought out fantasy universe, where it seems Martin has used history and sprinkled in some Fantasy.
SimpJee 2 years ago 2
@SimpJee Oddly i feel just the other way round. Malazans CHarakters are all just so very much similar to each other, no depth at al. The story can imho be summed up as a permanent battle between mages and fighters, each described in the books as absolutely super powerfull which gets boring after some time. I didnt really like his world either. Far to magical, absurd and unrealistic. just my 2 cents
JustTry2Think 1 year ago
@JustTry2Think umm....what is "absurd and unrealistic" in a fantasy novel? and each character isn't at all like any of the others, the only thing most of them have in common is the bleak overview of life, and that's a common trait to all people of his universe....he's just written the world to be a dark, cynical place
khirsahthebronze12 1 year ago
not gonna compare steven erikson with anyone else, but books of the fallen is def a good serie
dawnofwinter1 2 years ago
The Malazan Book of the Fallen stands alongside A Song of Ice and Fire as the crowning achievement in modern epic fantasy.
What makes The Malazan Book of the Fallen better than George R.R. Martin's books in the individual novels are longer in page count and the series as a whole is longer, just as good and is actually getting written.
Erikson also appeals to me more as a person as well as a writer because he just appears to be a lot less of a (yeah, I'm gonna say this) nerd than Martin.
Eladas334 2 years ago
Does ANYBODY know what a "mesa" is?... I could not find it on ANY traslation sites on the web...
RatKrazee 2 years ago
It's a desert rock formation. A high column of rock.
icefiredarksector748 2 years ago
Thank you.
RatKrazee 2 years ago
i think it means table
svenson7777 2 years ago
Karsa Orlong!!! Witness.
leftynk 2 years ago
Im starting book eight..And that whole world comes from that mans brain..im sending my familier to guard him.
maddogdugan 2 years ago
Mr Martins going to die before he finishes his freaken books!!!
steennies 2 years ago
Tell bout it. Next thing you know someone half as good as him will have to finish it. Sound familiar? Hmmm Mr Sanderson?
byrobyro 2 years ago
@byrobyro What are talking about? After the horrible "Knife of Dreams", book twelve was amazing. One of the best in the series.
ertytref 1 year ago
@ertytref how was it horrible? ( i read it a year ago, so i don't remember all too clearly)
khirsahthebronze12 1 year ago
@byrobyro What? His books are some of my favorites in the series.
lostship47 4 months ago
Better hope he doesn't !!!
He's been working on ADWD for 9 years now (Feast and Dance were originally one book).... Surely it must be near completion... Then again - Martin is a perfectionist...
goddesfreackz 2 years ago
That is not the problem. The problem is (if I am not mistaken) that while he was writing A Storm of Swords he had the plan to place ADWD chronologically five years later -> so t's all about Daenerys settling down to rule this damned town.
MementoNecare 2 years ago
Yes, I know.
The plan was to have a 5 year gap between Storm and Dance. But it didn't work out for Martin, and so he decided to throw the 5-year-gap-idea away... and well... that's sort of how Feast was inserted. It's a mess.
I really hope he gets back on track..
(btw I'm goddesfreackz).
geekfreackz 2 years ago
I am really curious about how he'll get Daeny out of this city in a matter of months, mh and what about her dragons - they are practically useless in their current state. Yeah, it is a mess.
MementoNecare 2 years ago
Uhu. But you know, Dragons are magical creatures and so Martin can say that they just grow up fast.
geekfreackz 2 years ago
Sure ;) that's why I am curious about the solution.
MementoNecare 2 years ago
@MementoNecare The problem with George Martin is that he might kick the bucket before he finishes the series.
FaustianDreams 1 year ago
@FaustianDreams
Might? You're being overly hopeful.
MementoNecare 1 year ago
@FaustianDreams like robert jordan?
Galusk540 1 year ago
Reading his Malazan books of the Fallen series.
Halfway through the first. And man, this is really heavy fantasy, its really great!.
At first i didn't like the book, but as the larger scheme slowly is unraveled, it gets really interesting. Love it!
Gufberg 2 years ago
I agree, really heavy stuff. And I can see people not liking it. However each book picks up sooo much momentum so far, the end just blows you away. Very unique books.
Nickodemusodurn 2 years ago
@Gufberg yeah, if you get past the beginning stages, where you're just left reeling and confused with every page, then it's unputdownable till you finish all of them 2 or 3 times (it took me that long to understand the entire plot)
khirsahthebronze12 1 year ago
Thank you suvudu for the posting...
fcldanny 2 years ago
phenomenal writer.
lagathy 3 years ago 3
Steven Eriskon is the best fantasy writer ever!
malakianin 3 years ago 3
Did you read Mr. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire ?
Naughtyhead 2 years ago
No, but I really want to read this series too
malakianin 2 years ago
ive read both and its very difficult to chose. seeing as both are not finished yet though, the verdict is still out there.
hands down the 2 best series i have ever read
(the most beautiful being speaker for the dead by orson scott card)
aielaiel 2 years ago