asterix77's review against another edition
4.0
Vengeance yielded a mirror to every atrocity, where notions of right and wrong blurred and lost all relevance.
"Memories of Ice" is the third installment in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. And so far, each book is getting a bit bigger.
We are once again back on Genebackis, the continent from "Gardens of the Moon." Most of the main characters from the first book return in the third book, along with some additional characters.
From "Deadhouse Gates," readers may already know the vivid imagination that Steven Erikson has when it comes to violence, torture, and perversions. He once again uses this ability to full effect in this book.
The fact that he even conceives of it is remarkable, but he describes it with a detached perspective that makes the impact even greater.
Fortunately, this is not the only thing worth mentioning; nowhere do I, as a reader, get the impression that the author is trying to shock for shock's sake. Multiple storylines unfold, layer upon layer, and they come together masterfully in a truly epic conclusion.
Although it is clear that Malazan does not follow the pattern of the "chosen one" on a quest for redemption, Erikson suddenly incorporates a Christ theme into this book. And not even in a subtle way, but rather "in your face." While it is not clear to me whether this is intended as a nod, it does create a very emotional plotline. One of the many deeply emotional storylines in this book.
When you, as a reader, finally reach the epilogue, it's a moment to catch your breath. However, when the dust settles, there are still some rough edges for me, which is why I'm not giving it a full 5 stars.
Just like in "Gardens of the Moon," the first book, there are plot twists that seem a bit too convenient. This may be a result of the structure that Stevenson employs, where nothing is explained, and the rules of the 'game' only become clear as the story progresses. This carries the risk that some 'rules' seem to suddenly emerge. Is this now a Deus Ex Machina, or an Erikson ex machina, if you will? Or was everything thought out in advance and seamlessly fits into the overarching story without plot holes? I'm not entirely sure, hence deducting half a star.
rf1736's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nkniess's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
court00ship's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Book is too long with too many personalities that do not mix well and often blend together in what seems like page after page of vague nonsense that goes nowhere. I do not understand how this book could be such a major step down from the first two books. The first two books kept me turning the page, wondering about each addition development. This book continued to encourage me to put it down because each scene that was intended to have a grand impact ended up going nowhere. Even the two critical deaths at the end were executed so poorly that I barely felt the loss of two characters who i should have been sympathizing with for two whole books; this is such a major contrast with the critical deaths at the end of book two, which I truly felt in my soul.
tsnoberger's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
esb234346's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
jellis888's review
5.0
Absolutely fantastic book. One of my favourite stories ever, and it is only the third book in the series--really looking forward to the rest. The book was great all the way through, and then the ending was unexpectedly amazing-so good that it boosted my rating up to a 5/5.
I enjoyed the new and returning characters--the new ones added some more lore to the story, even if some were quite 'wicked' and unlikeable like the necromancers and the Pannion cannibals. The Pannions were quite crazy, indeed--eating people, impregnating themselves on corpses, and... well that just about says enough about them.
Caladan Brood's procession was great to follow. We got to learn more about him and his people. Anomander Rake was fantastic as ever-his presence always makes the story more interesting. The burdens he carries, his personality, and every word he says makes me like him more. Then we come to the best character in the book... Quick BEN! The wizard is probably one of my favourite characters ever, which is saying something. He is smart, strong, witty-a mortal man putting himself in the Crippled God's path. I liked him before, but he really shone in this book. Every time he came on page, I read faster, paid more attention. I enjoyed him putting the necromancers in their place, and the fact that he can use his cunning to take down such powerful opponents. And on top of that, he has a good sense of humour. I was somewhat afraid (after the ending fiasco with all them bridgeburners dying) that something might happen to him, but at the same time... he's Quick Ben, he can't be taken down so easily.
Another thing I really enjoyed about the book was the bridgeburners. We got to know them better in this book, and I always enjoyed their interactions-sad, broken soldiers, but a close family. Trotts really shone in this book-great humour, fighting skill (he saved all the Malazans from the Barghast). And Hedge, Fiddler's buddy was good too. Spindle was amusing and interesting, but his hairshirt grossed me out. Cowardly Antsy was good too--i was surprised he of all people survived. But all this is what made the ending even sadder. The deaths of so many bridgeburners was shocking and sad, but it made for some amazing action and added to the tension. Anyone can die. For me, the saddest death was definitely Trotts. I really didn't want him to die. He should have lived too. He survived all his wounds, ran with Mallet and Spindle and Antsy, only to collapse and die after reuniting with the other survivors. He literally only had to last 5 more seconds and then Lady Envy could have healed him (she healed Blend from a similar fate mere moments ago, proving she had the ability to do so). Hedge had a nice death though! He went out in a bang (literally). But overall, the ending battle was fantastic and had me on the edge of my seat. So many deaths, lots of emotion!
And the way it all started was the most shocking moment of all! Kallor knocked out Korlat and Tayschrenn, killed Whiskeyjack, and eviscerated his two nameless marines (who were in the whole book but never named)! This was amazingly surprising and one of my favourite scenes! It really surprised me that Whiskeyjack got killed (although his coffin started glowing at the end so who really knows), especially with how important he seemed to be. I really thought he of all people would survive-there was no thought in my mind that he could be killed, so this made it even more shocking and exciting. Kallor surprised and impressed me there. I know he's evil, but Kallor is one of the most interesting characters in the whole story. His extremely old age and ancient knowledge is what makes him so fascinating. He's seen it all, been through it all, done it all. He was always grumpy and tired of everything, he really seemed above everything that was going on (which I suppose is true, considering how long he's lived). He always was against everything everyone said, and I was starting to wonder if the guy would ever actually make a move, and then he killed Whiskeyjack! His move made the story much more interesting! Now he serves the Crippled God, and I look forward to seeing what evil he causes in the future. I like a good villain, and Kallor's it.
I hated him in the first book, so I never like him, but I must admit that Paran got slightly better which is good since he's such a main character. He's not as insufferable, but I still don't like his personality. Toc the Younger on the other hand, I did not like in this book after liking him in the first one. Loved Tool though! Kruppe who was one of my favourites in book 1 was still good, but he talked a bit too much. He was always wordy, but wayyyyy wordier this time around. Still amusing and mysterious though.
Silverfox and the Mhybe were my least favourite characters. Didn't like them at all.
There were lots of new 'meh' characters who were okay, but I didn't care about too much. The Grey Swords (Itkovian) and Gruntle. Stonny Menackis was one of my favourites though. She was funny and I did enjoy her relationship with Gruntle.
Best Characters:
1. Quick Ben
2. Anomander Rake
3. Tool (Onos Toolan)
4. Kallor
5. Trotts (RIP)
6. Stonny Menackis
7. Kruppe
8. Hedge (RIP)
I enjoyed the new and returning characters--the new ones added some more lore to the story, even if some were quite 'wicked' and unlikeable like the necromancers and the Pannion cannibals. The Pannions were quite crazy, indeed--eating people, impregnating themselves on corpses, and... well that just about says enough about them.
Caladan Brood's procession was great to follow. We got to learn more about him and his people. Anomander Rake was fantastic as ever-his presence always makes the story more interesting. The burdens he carries, his personality, and every word he says makes me like him more. Then we come to the best character in the book... Quick BEN! The wizard is probably one of my favourite characters ever, which is saying something. He is smart, strong, witty-a mortal man putting himself in the Crippled God's path. I liked him before, but he really shone in this book. Every time he came on page, I read faster, paid more attention. I enjoyed him putting the necromancers in their place, and the fact that he can use his cunning to take down such powerful opponents. And on top of that, he has a good sense of humour. I was somewhat afraid (after the ending fiasco with all them bridgeburners dying) that something might happen to him, but at the same time... he's Quick Ben, he can't be taken down so easily.
Another thing I really enjoyed about the book was the bridgeburners. We got to know them better in this book, and I always enjoyed their interactions-sad, broken soldiers, but a close family. Trotts really shone in this book-great humour, fighting skill (he saved all the Malazans from the Barghast). And Hedge, Fiddler's buddy was good too. Spindle was amusing and interesting, but his hairshirt grossed me out. Cowardly Antsy was good too--i was surprised he of all people survived. But all this is what made the ending even sadder. The deaths of so many bridgeburners was shocking and sad, but it made for some amazing action and added to the tension. Anyone can die. For me, the saddest death was definitely Trotts. I really didn't want him to die. He should have lived too. He survived all his wounds, ran with Mallet and Spindle and Antsy, only to collapse and die after reuniting with the other survivors. He literally only had to last 5 more seconds and then Lady Envy could have healed him (she healed Blend from a similar fate mere moments ago, proving she had the ability to do so). Hedge had a nice death though! He went out in a bang (literally). But overall, the ending battle was fantastic and had me on the edge of my seat. So many deaths, lots of emotion!
And the way it all started was the most shocking moment of all! Kallor knocked out Korlat and Tayschrenn, killed Whiskeyjack, and eviscerated his two nameless marines (who were in the whole book but never named)! This was amazingly surprising and one of my favourite scenes! It really surprised me that Whiskeyjack got killed (although his coffin started glowing at the end so who really knows), especially with how important he seemed to be. I really thought he of all people would survive-there was no thought in my mind that he could be killed, so this made it even more shocking and exciting. Kallor surprised and impressed me there. I know he's evil, but Kallor is one of the most interesting characters in the whole story. His extremely old age and ancient knowledge is what makes him so fascinating. He's seen it all, been through it all, done it all. He was always grumpy and tired of everything, he really seemed above everything that was going on (which I suppose is true, considering how long he's lived). He always was against everything everyone said, and I was starting to wonder if the guy would ever actually make a move, and then he killed Whiskeyjack! His move made the story much more interesting! Now he serves the Crippled God, and I look forward to seeing what evil he causes in the future. I like a good villain, and Kallor's it.
I hated him in the first book, so I never like him, but I must admit that Paran got slightly better which is good since he's such a main character. He's not as insufferable, but I still don't like his personality. Toc the Younger on the other hand, I did not like in this book after liking him in the first one. Loved Tool though! Kruppe who was one of my favourites in book 1 was still good, but he talked a bit too much. He was always wordy, but wayyyyy wordier this time around. Still amusing and mysterious though.
Silverfox and the Mhybe were my least favourite characters. Didn't like them at all.
There were lots of new 'meh' characters who were okay, but I didn't care about too much. The Grey Swords (Itkovian) and Gruntle. Stonny Menackis was one of my favourites though. She was funny and I did enjoy her relationship with Gruntle.
Best Characters:
1. Quick Ben
2. Anomander Rake
3. Tool (Onos Toolan)
4. Kallor
5. Trotts (RIP)
6. Stonny Menackis
7. Kruppe
8. Hedge (RIP)
thedashdude's review against another edition
5.0
Filled with absolutely wild scenes. Sieges, gods, and of course the brilliant addition of dinosaurs. A very brutal war, but a very cool one too. Pulled on my heartstrings. More and more history of the entire planet dating back millennia.
teddibear98's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kalemredgwick's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0