duffypratt's review against another edition
5.0
4/28/11 I might write more on this later. This easily could have been the first book of the series, or a standalone novel. It is easily the most coherent narrative of the books so far. But at the same time, for me, it didn't have the tragic scope of either Deadhouse Gates or Memories of Ice. And there is no character in this book who can compare to Karsa Orlong in Chain of Dogs. Even so, I came out of the book feeling satisfied, both with how the book worked on its own, and how it fits into the overall mosaic of these Malazan books.
The one thing (I should say the main thing) that keeps puzzling me is the time frame. Basically I'm trying to fit the timing of the events, which seem to take place sometime before the last books, with what was going on with the Crippled God in those books. And, frankly, its not making much sense to me. That's probably my lack of understanding, but it's gnawing at me all the same.
Reread: 7/24/13 - I take back what I say that no character in this book compares with Karsa in House of Chains. He stands a head above everyone else in that book. Here, Erikson has managed to create depth in a number of new characters. For sheer badassery, Iron Bars and Silchas Ruin might be on a par with Karsa. For depth of characterization, I think Bugg, Udinaas, Trull, and Seren are all in the same class as Karsa. And there are a host of other characters here that are not far behind.
Given the promise at the end of House of Chains, this book is the tale of the events that led up to Trull's shorning. The number of betrayals going on here, and their complexity, rivals Deadhouse Gates. The situation is much different, but it's enough to say that a prophecy foretells of a new Empire forming, and their are lots of different factions vying in their own way to set up their puppet as Emperor. So even if people appear to be working together, they are probably involved in some form of betrayal.
Against this background, Erikson tells several tragic stories. But the two that I found most touching are the tales of Trull and Udinaas. Both try to remain loyal, and both end up being branded as betrayers. But then, everywhere you look in this book, there is another tragedy.
To balance that out, this book also probably has the most humor in the series. Bugg easily rivals Kruppe and Pust in delivering laughs. Overall, for me, Bugg rivals Karsa as the standout character in the series (so far).
Looking at other people's reviews, it seems like most of the problems people had with this book result from it introducing an entirely new continent, with a whole new set of characters. That didn't bother me at all the first time around, and even less so here. Sure, I'd love to see more Quick Ben and Kalam, and Fiddler, etc... But the amazing thing is that Erikson has now introduced a new crew of characters, and I feel as strongly about some of them as I do with my old favorites. And by now, I'm used to the idea that Erikson will defy my expectations, and so I'm much more comfortable with simply trusting him while going for the ride.
Finally, there seems to be quite a bit of focus on solving the puzzle of the back story. And I'm almost as much of a sucker for that kind of intricacy as other fans seem to be. But what keeps me mesmerized by these books is the extraordinary interaction among the characters that takes place during the story itself. The intricate backstory for the most part strikes me as a bonus. And I'm sometimes dumbfounded at how intricate and well thought out it all is. But the part that grabs me, is the stuff going on in the here and now. This book ends with Trull being faced with a truly horrific choice. And the story has unfolded in a way that makes me bleed with him when he has to make that choice. I don't see that sort of thing very often in any fiction, much less in a fantasy fiction. But Erikson delivers this sort of thing again and again, and almost always in new, and startling ways. It's truly amazing stuff.
The one thing (I should say the main thing) that keeps puzzling me is the time frame. Basically I'm trying to fit the timing of the events, which seem to take place sometime before the last books, with what was going on with the Crippled God in those books. And, frankly, its not making much sense to me. That's probably my lack of understanding, but it's gnawing at me all the same.
Reread: 7/24/13 - I take back what I say that no character in this book compares with Karsa in House of Chains. He stands a head above everyone else in that book. Here, Erikson has managed to create depth in a number of new characters. For sheer badassery, Iron Bars and Silchas Ruin might be on a par with Karsa. For depth of characterization, I think Bugg, Udinaas, Trull, and Seren are all in the same class as Karsa. And there are a host of other characters here that are not far behind.
Given the promise at the end of House of Chains, this book is the tale of the events that led up to Trull's shorning. The number of betrayals going on here, and their complexity, rivals Deadhouse Gates. The situation is much different, but it's enough to say that a prophecy foretells of a new Empire forming, and their are lots of different factions vying in their own way to set up their puppet as Emperor. So even if people appear to be working together, they are probably involved in some form of betrayal.
Against this background, Erikson tells several tragic stories. But the two that I found most touching are the tales of Trull and Udinaas. Both try to remain loyal, and both end up being branded as betrayers. But then, everywhere you look in this book, there is another tragedy.
To balance that out, this book also probably has the most humor in the series. Bugg easily rivals Kruppe and Pust in delivering laughs. Overall, for me, Bugg rivals Karsa as the standout character in the series (so far).
Looking at other people's reviews, it seems like most of the problems people had with this book result from it introducing an entirely new continent, with a whole new set of characters. That didn't bother me at all the first time around, and even less so here. Sure, I'd love to see more Quick Ben and Kalam, and Fiddler, etc... But the amazing thing is that Erikson has now introduced a new crew of characters, and I feel as strongly about some of them as I do with my old favorites. And by now, I'm used to the idea that Erikson will defy my expectations, and so I'm much more comfortable with simply trusting him while going for the ride.
Finally, there seems to be quite a bit of focus on solving the puzzle of the back story. And I'm almost as much of a sucker for that kind of intricacy as other fans seem to be. But what keeps me mesmerized by these books is the extraordinary interaction among the characters that takes place during the story itself. The intricate backstory for the most part strikes me as a bonus. And I'm sometimes dumbfounded at how intricate and well thought out it all is. But the part that grabs me, is the stuff going on in the here and now. This book ends with Trull being faced with a truly horrific choice. And the story has unfolded in a way that makes me bleed with him when he has to make that choice. I don't see that sort of thing very often in any fiction, much less in a fantasy fiction. But Erikson delivers this sort of thing again and again, and almost always in new, and startling ways. It's truly amazing stuff.
timdams's review against another edition
4.0
A fresh 'start' with brand new characters (including the incredible funny duo Bugg and Heldog), settings (other continent) and timeline (several years before the main events with the Bridgeburners).
Without reiterating what has been said over and over about this book, that in my opinion, feels a bit "out-of-sync" with the previous stories, let's just say that the read was very enjoyable. Even though the overall themes were less fleshed out …or actually too fleshed out, making them very obvious as to their origins (e.g. capitalism and the way the US sees the world). This book read way faster, perhaps because of the more recognizable settings, nice action sequences and, let me repeat it, an incredible funny duo!
To close off, two typical conversations of Bugg and Heldog, just to give a glimpse:
"Some more leaves please. Don't skimp on the sauce or whatever it is."
"Right the second time."
"Whatever it is? You don't know?"
"No, master. It just leaked out. Maybe from the leaves, maybe from something else."
And one between servant Bugg and another very funny character, Shurq the dead thied:
"Is that you?” comes Shurq's voice from the darkness within.
"Why yes," Bugg said, "it is."
"Liar. You're not you, you're Bugg"
Without reiterating what has been said over and over about this book, that in my opinion, feels a bit "out-of-sync" with the previous stories, let's just say that the read was very enjoyable. Even though the overall themes were less fleshed out …or actually too fleshed out, making them very obvious as to their origins (e.g. capitalism and the way the US sees the world). This book read way faster, perhaps because of the more recognizable settings, nice action sequences and, let me repeat it, an incredible funny duo!
To close off, two typical conversations of Bugg and Heldog, just to give a glimpse:
"Some more leaves please. Don't skimp on the sauce or whatever it is."
"Right the second time."
"Whatever it is? You don't know?"
"No, master. It just leaked out. Maybe from the leaves, maybe from something else."
And one between servant Bugg and another very funny character, Shurq the dead thied:
"Is that you?” comes Shurq's voice from the darkness within.
"Why yes," Bugg said, "it is."
"Liar. You're not you, you're Bugg"
mhedgescsus's review against another edition
5.0
YES! This book is phenomenal in every way conceivable
Malazan just continues to deliver, and Midnight Tides is an incredible achievement by Steven Erikson. I can't get over how incredible this book was, and what this series is turning into.
It's true that this book jumps to a different continent with entirely new characters. And while this might be jarring to some, since we've already been through that in Book 2 and we know that it eventually ties in, this one felt more appreciated because the we know the author will bring it all home.
I can't get over how incredible the world building is in this book. It's the first series I've ever read where you really get the sense that this covers an entire world. The scale is absolutely mind blowing, and I couldn't be more sucked in.
Malazan just continues to deliver, and Midnight Tides is an incredible achievement by Steven Erikson. I can't get over how incredible this book was, and what this series is turning into.
It's true that this book jumps to a different continent with entirely new characters. And while this might be jarring to some, since we've already been through that in Book 2 and we know that it eventually ties in, this one felt more appreciated because the we know the author will bring it all home.
I can't get over how incredible the world building is in this book. It's the first series I've ever read where you really get the sense that this covers an entire world. The scale is absolutely mind blowing, and I couldn't be more sucked in.
vigneshs's review against another edition
5.0
Another exceptional book from Steven Erikson. I had a concern about this book starting on a new location with zero familiar characters but once the book was started i was very much into the story. The concept of invasion, colonisation, greed and money was wonderfully explored in this book. Also, this book deals about betrayals and how much beliefs and perceptions changes the betrayals.
All in all a good book if you can forget about the bigger Malazan series and about the totally new characters and places.
All in all a good book if you can forget about the bigger Malazan series and about the totally new characters and places.
truthlessofcanada's review
medium-paced
4.75
9.4/10
Midnight Tides is another reset to a new continent. This story hit me hardest in the feels, was the tightest story, has my favorite characters so far, and usurps MoI as my favorite entry of MBotF
Midnight Tides is another reset to a new continent. This story hit me hardest in the feels, was the tightest story, has my favorite characters so far, and usurps MoI as my favorite entry of MBotF
hylian_pirate's review against another edition
4.0
Midnight Tides is a book that takes place in a new continent with new characters. It took me a while before the book clicked but when it did, it was an entertaining read.
I liked the new characters and especially Tehol and Bugg and thankfully I didn't find any POV to be boring. I didn't care for the two sides fighting in the war as they both seemed bad so it was like a series of bad events happening and I only had to witness.
The plot picks up speed early on around the first third and from then on I didn't have any issues with the pacing. I wonder if we will still have a continuation of this story in another book since many storylines aren't over yet. I kinda feel like this book had the most open-ended closure of all books.
I liked the new characters and especially Tehol and Bugg and thankfully I didn't find any POV to be boring. I didn't care for the two sides fighting in the war as they both seemed bad so it was like a series of bad events happening and I only had to witness.
The plot picks up speed early on around the first third and from then on I didn't have any issues with the pacing. I wonder if we will still have a continuation of this story in another book since many storylines aren't over yet. I kinda feel like this book had the most open-ended closure of all books.
vivi9's review against another edition
4.0
Well this was another instance of Erikson picking his readers up and plopping them in a completely new world with completely new characters. I'm not going to lie it was hard getting past the first 100 , pages, but luckily Erikson excels at making you fall in love with or at least understand every new character he introduces in his books. MVPs were Bugg, Tehol, Brys, Udinaas, and Iron Bars.
daytonm's review against another edition
4.0
Mixed feelings about this one, and to an extent the series. I am not sure it worked tonally to go back-and-forth between The Epic Tragedy of the Sengar Brothers and The Goofy Misadventures of Tehol and Bugg, and would have pared down the story to focus more on the former, which was both more important and generally more riveting… But then again, Bugg ended up one of my favorite characters. As a reader I don’t love the fifth book in a 10 book series being a prequel with mostly new characters, at this point I want more of the people and conflicts I am already invested in (and I liked when this book gave me that). The god/magic stuff is characteristically both confusing and quite cool, and the last couple chapters were, despite some quibbles, spectacular. That ending mostly won me over and made me excited to keep up with the series, whereas halfway through the prospect of 5 more books was beginning to feel like a chore. As as an aside: In his own way Erikson is as bad as Robert Jordan at writing romance, just less in your face about it.
askmarkio's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this book. I love all interactions between Bugg and Tehol. A belly laugh every time.
geneticreader96's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love this instalment so much in the series. It really shows the strengths of Steven Erikson’s writing. Also stars some of my all time favourite characters in the entire series.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and War