old_tim's review
5.0
The most hilarious grimdark novel I've ever read!
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http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2014/07/find-clever-things-he-said-scribe-and.html
bdesmond's review
4.0
The absurd adventures of Bauchelain, Korbal Broach, and Mancy the Luckless continue in this bizarre examination of tyranny.
In West Elingarth's Forgotten Holding winter makes the seas surrounding the town of Spendrugle a virtual death trap, and a sorcerer named Fangatooth Claw has recently seized power at Wurm's Keep. So when strangers begin to shipwreck on the island, one boat after another, a host of classically-zany characters in true Erikson fashion begin to converge.
The Wurms of Blearmouth is the first of these novellas that actually made me realize (or maybe just remember?) that the published order of the stories is not the same as the chronological sequence of events. That being the case, this one takes place before the last, Crack'd Pot Trail. It also felt more like the earlier novellas than the last one, which I enjoyed. Bauchelain and Korbal Broach were featured more heavily, and it was a return to a more traditional storytelling style, which was welcome. Erikson displays effortless characterization, hints at his larger world, and summons hilariously ridiculous situations; all the things I've come to expect from these novellas.
“When you’re dead, it pays to remain optimistic, or so I have found.”
In West Elingarth's Forgotten Holding winter makes the seas surrounding the town of Spendrugle a virtual death trap, and a sorcerer named Fangatooth Claw has recently seized power at Wurm's Keep. So when strangers begin to shipwreck on the island, one boat after another, a host of classically-zany characters in true Erikson fashion begin to converge.
The Wurms of Blearmouth is the first of these novellas that actually made me realize (or maybe just remember?) that the published order of the stories is not the same as the chronological sequence of events. That being the case, this one takes place before the last, Crack'd Pot Trail. It also felt more like the earlier novellas than the last one, which I enjoyed. Bauchelain and Korbal Broach were featured more heavily, and it was a return to a more traditional storytelling style, which was welcome. Erikson displays effortless characterization, hints at his larger world, and summons hilariously ridiculous situations; all the things I've come to expect from these novellas.
“When you’re dead, it pays to remain optimistic, or so I have found.”
mirrormind's review
4.0
A very funny clash of sorcerers, odd locals and other nefarious characters. Erikson is a master of blending dark fantasy and humor. A very enjoyable read on a dreary winter day. Here, have a cookie.
sade's review
3.0
welcome to spendrugle, where the motto should be 
so even though i liked this book, it's definitely my least favourite so far of all the Korbal & Bauchelain novellas i've read so far. In this instance i don't think the supporting cast worked as well as it did in the other books. Probably, the other books in the novella will shed more light on this story but alone while okay, it just didn't cut it like i hoped it would.
jamjimham's review
4.0
The Wurms of Blearmouth is by far my favorite of the Bauchelian and Korbal series so far. I though Bood Follows was a bit short and none of the characters really clicked with me. The Laughter at Lee’s End was entertaining with a bit of action and good humor throughout. But had a scene in the story that left me uncomfortable and brought down my enjoyment of the story a little.
But I feel Erikson really hit his stride with The Wurms of Blearmouth. From the man living on the beach waiting for shipwrecks, filling his walls with his beard/hair clippings. To the scribe tending to the tyrant in the keep. To a D’iver living as a vengeful house cat. This novel had me chuckling in spots. A certain scene in which a tax collector and a gravedigger discuss taxes and borrowing shovels comes to mind. I hope to see some of these characters pop up in the main series (I’ve heard rumors of Bauchelian, Korbal, and Reese do).
I will say that the Bauchelian and Korbal series doesn’t always feel like it’s in the same world as the other Malazan novels I’ve read so far. Due to their lighter tone and smaller scope. But for me it’s a nice break from the sometimes bleak and heartbreaking Malazan novels. As this is my first time going through the Malazan series, I gotta say I am really enjoying everything I’ve read so far. This is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite series. Even if whole plot points fly over my head. Now on to Memories of Ice.
But I feel Erikson really hit his stride with The Wurms of Blearmouth. From the man living on the beach waiting for shipwrecks, filling his walls with his beard/hair clippings. To the scribe tending to the tyrant in the keep. To a D’iver living as a vengeful house cat. This novel had me chuckling in spots. A certain scene in which a tax collector and a gravedigger discuss taxes and borrowing shovels comes to mind. I hope to see some of these characters pop up in the main series (I’ve heard rumors of Bauchelian, Korbal, and Reese do).
I will say that the Bauchelian and Korbal series doesn’t always feel like it’s in the same world as the other Malazan novels I’ve read so far. Due to their lighter tone and smaller scope. But for me it’s a nice break from the sometimes bleak and heartbreaking Malazan novels. As this is my first time going through the Malazan series, I gotta say I am really enjoying everything I’ve read so far. This is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite series. Even if whole plot points fly over my head. Now on to Memories of Ice.
robert_bose's review
3.0
I liked it, but not as much as the previous stories. The huge cast was good but I was really hoping for a lot more of Bauchelain and Korbal.
jokoloyo's review
4.0
This is the fifth Bauchelain & Korbal Broach (B & KB) series, and it is much better than the fourth. The fifth story is direct continuation from the third story "The Lees of Laughter's End", many characters reappears from "The Lees...".
For fans of B & KB: this novella gives the usual pleasure, and I love the climax. So far, I think the best ending for B & KB are this novella and "The Healthy Dead". The dark humour is a mandatory, so don't worry, there are many hilarious punch lines (well, more like stab/slash/behead/bite lines) in this story.
The most impressive thing about this novella: Korbal Broach on this story is the best so far although he appeared on fewer pages than on "The Lees of Laughter's End" where he was also amazing. On this story he is pictured as a childish person. I got one little surprise from one of is action at near the end of the story.
For otheres who hasn't read this series: I suggest to read the previous stories. At least the first one "Blood Follows" to understand more of some dialog between Bauchelain and Reese (and the grasp the unspoken warm hearted master-servant relationship. Mr. Erikson shows his great writing style by bring out the drama implicitly); and "The Lees of Laughter's End", there are some reappearance characters from "The Lees...".
For fans of B & KB: this novella gives the usual pleasure, and I love the climax. So far, I think the best ending for B & KB are this novella and "The Healthy Dead". The dark humour is a mandatory, so don't worry, there are many hilarious punch lines (well, more like stab/slash/behead/bite lines) in this story.
The most impressive thing about this novella: Korbal Broach on this story is the best so far although he appeared on fewer pages than on "The Lees of Laughter's End" where he was also amazing. On this story he is pictured as a childish person. I got one little surprise from one of is action at near the end of the story.
For otheres who hasn't read this series: I suggest to read the previous stories. At least the first one "Blood Follows" to understand more of some dialog between Bauchelain and Reese (and the grasp the unspoken warm hearted master-servant relationship. Mr. Erikson shows his great writing style by bring out the drama implicitly); and "The Lees of Laughter's End", there are some reappearance characters from "The Lees...".
bent's review
4.0
Entertaining, as most books in this series are. Starting to tire a little of some of the supporting characters, and I'd prefer a little bit more of the main three, but a fun read nonetheless. I read it a little out of order, so I'll have to go back and read the one before it now. A nice break from the main Malazan series.