Customer Reviews:
 Tailing off November 2, 2007
5 out of 18 found this review helpful
This book is rated so highly based solely upon the first four books of the series, which were excellent. In those books, the drudgery of slogging through the seemingly endless adolescent political and philosophical musings were adequately compensated by the excellent set pieces and characterisations. Not so here. This is without doubt the dullest of the seven so far. At this stage there appears to be a multitude of characters; in fact there are only a handful or so of archetypes. The comedy is music hall and the writing is getting lazier and more perfunctory as the series goes on. If new to the series, then avoid - there is better out there.
 the epic continues September 19, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Continuing Steven's Malazan Book of the Fallen series we return to the Letherii Empire. As has come to be expected from Steven's work its not a book for the uninitiated and as such is not a tale that you can jump into without starting from the beginning. For fans it's a cracking book and one that will keep them glued to the end. Perhaps one of the biggest epics to hit in recent years Eriksons work is one that is set to be a benchmark and as such means that others will attempt to imitate.
For me many an hour was happily passed reading this latest offering, leaving me with many questions and possible thoughts in regard to how it will continue to develop. As I said not a book for people to begin with but if you're a fan a must have. Cracking development with great characters.
 Exceptional July 19, 2007
21 out of 21 found this review helpful
There is no better author in this genre, past or present, than Erikson. The Malazan series is prolific for the epic fantasy genre in its scope, integrity, and intellectual value, the latter of which standing as the author's most inspiring quality. To me, what makes a fantasy writer great is their ability to make an entirely new world, with fictitious races and magic, credible and believable; to achieve this and furthermore add the grit of 'real politick', emotional depth, and interesting characterisation makes for an exceptional read. The majority of the fantasy genre suffers from being too simplistic in the way people, be them individuals or races, are cast; crass definitions of good and evil, and sickeningly obvious, righteoeus heros, are the traditional exponents of fantasy. This is not so with Erikson. There is substance to the narrative, oftentimes to a very grim reality, and he writes with an almost philosophical flavour which is at times breathtaking.
The main problem with Erikson's work stems from his ambition. The sheer scope of what he is trying to achieve with this series is almost impossible to clearly commit to the written word - his work has no obvious central plot line, or central character, and therefore it fleets between numerous times, places, and people. This fractures the reader's perception of the many, many details and concepts Erikson is attempting to push upon the reader. I happen to think that this actually lends Erikson's work conviction, as it makes it real. Life tends not follow a clearly defined path, and is often confusing. But Erikson's ability to bring the reader back to his way of thinking, even when you're seemingly lost, is one of unique excellence. The series is testing, and therefore intellectually rewarding.
Reaper's Gale, for me, is the best book in the series since the first, 'Gardens of the Moon'. Whilst 'Deadhouse Gates' and 'Memories of Ice' are certainly credible, and indeed more obvious choices, the strength of 'Reaper's Gale' lies in the pivotal nature of the books substance. It is this book that begins to make extremely important and long plotlines much clearer - the formation of the warrens and relation of magic, the T'lan Imass and Jaghut saga, the reawakening of Master of the Tiles, the re-emergence of Silchas Ruin and his secrets, more insight into the history of the malazan empire including the Bridgeburners, Lasseen, and Kellanved and Dancer - are just several of the main threads attended to in this book. It is also bolder in its portrayal of some of the darker characters in the Malazan series in visceral battles, deeply uncomfortable scenes of abuse, and bitter tragedy. The book is brilliant, the series is brilliant, and I recommend it without reservation to anyone seeking a challenging but deeply rewarding read.
A Superb Read July 16, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful, wonderful additional to the Malazan Book of the Fallen.
I was overwhelmed - with tears and laughter. I've read each book three times now and the vast scope of the series never fails to amaze. This volume maintains the established high standard and neatly ties up many unresolved threads. You'll put this book down with a feeling of closure and satisfaction.
Each book can stand on its own. Reading the others merely enriches the experience. There are a lot of other large-canvas fantasy authors out there that can learn from this.
7 down - only 3 left to go - what will I do then? July 6, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I've read all the books to date, read them and re-read them before even starting the latest volume. They hooked me in right from the start, and Reaper's Gale has been another great installment. I have to say that for me the first three books were in a class of their own, but all the ensuing books have been amazing quality.
This book is no exception, you start off slowly and it builds to a magnificent emotional ending. Smiles and tears are again the order of the day, thank you Mr. Erikson for giving me the opportunity to suspend reality while dipping toes in your malazan universe.
Thank you this time around for Beak and Bottle, Trull and Onrack, Fiddler and Hedge and all the countless others we have met along the way.
Thank you for taking your dream of a story and allowing us through the door.
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