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ejmorris1's review
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
clarks_dad's review
5.0
Okay, so he's definitely channeling Pratchett...
These one-off tales are really something I'm beginning to look forward to in the overall drama that is the Malazan Book of the Fallen. For those interested in my reading order, I'm attempting to backtrack a bit to follow this outline:
In this novella, Bauchelain, Korbal Broach, and their manservant Emancipor Reese stumble upon a fascist state obsessed with healthy living. Yes, you read that right. This novella is hilarious and explores the various means of social control human beings have subjected each other to in microcosm. As usual we have the unexpected confluence of separate events that all reach climax at the same time (that's what she said). While it may seem a well-worn formula for Erikson's shorter prose at this point, I don't mind it in the slightest. In fact, I'm starting to anticipate the twists and unexpected turns and he has me on the lookout for conflicting events. I still manage to feel surprised by the resolution, even if I do have some hints as to what's going on along the way.
For the life of me, I can't understand why this series isn't a bigger thing than it is.
These one-off tales are really something I'm beginning to look forward to in the overall drama that is the Malazan Book of the Fallen. For those interested in my reading order, I'm attempting to backtrack a bit to follow this outline:
In this novella, Bauchelain, Korbal Broach, and their manservant Emancipor Reese stumble upon a fascist state obsessed with healthy living. Yes, you read that right. This novella is hilarious and explores the various means of social control human beings have subjected each other to in microcosm. As usual we have the unexpected confluence of separate events that all reach climax at the same time (that's what she said). While it may seem a well-worn formula for Erikson's shorter prose at this point, I don't mind it in the slightest. In fact, I'm starting to anticipate the twists and unexpected turns and he has me on the lookout for conflicting events. I still manage to feel surprised by the resolution, even if I do have some hints as to what's going on along the way.
For the life of me, I can't understand why this series isn't a bigger thing than it is.
novoaust's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
So far, this one has to be my least favorite of the Bauchelain and Korbal Broach novels, but it still works well in providing comic relief from the main series.
This one is set in a far and distant land that doesn't feel part of the Malaz world. At first, I enjoyed it, as it was different, but that difference eventual led to me just being confused and not caring about what was going on in the world.
I did find this one to be quite funny though, and that humor did drive the story for me. I guess I was simply just confused by the point of this one. It seemed like a criticism of health nuts in a way, but could easily be seen as a critique of any sort of fanaticism or self righteousness.
Overall, still a fun addition to the Malazan world, but definitely not something I would consider a must read.
This one is set in a far and distant land that doesn't feel part of the Malaz world. At first, I enjoyed it, as it was different, but that difference eventual led to me just being confused and not caring about what was going on in the world.
I did find this one to be quite funny though, and that humor did drive the story for me. I guess I was simply just confused by the point of this one. It seemed like a criticism of health nuts in a way, but could easily be seen as a critique of any sort of fanaticism or self righteousness.
Overall, still a fun addition to the Malazan world, but definitely not something I would consider a must read.
elros451's review
3.0
I don't think the humor landed for me in this one. But it has the best premise and plot of the three B&KB novellas I have read so far.
acardattack's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is exactly what I want from this series, a fun little adventure that is quick, weird and funny. It seems like in each story Steve is upping the weirdness of the names and I love it. This is the best one so far.
mhedgescsus's review
5.0
Check out my YouTube channel where I show my instant reactions upon finishing fantasy books.
4.5/5 stars. Somehow Steven Erikson hits yet another home-run with his dynamic trio of Bachelain, Korbal Broach, and Emancipor Reese.
I'm legitimately shocked at how good these little books continue to be, and I continually get reminded that Steven Erikson really is in a class of his own as a fantasy writer. In my opinion, Erikson is the greatest epic fantasy, and the greatest grimdark fantasy writer of all time. And somehow in his spare time he decided to become the funniest fantasy writer of all time as well.
I almost feel like it's blasphemy to say that as I am a huge Terry Pratchett fan, but in terms of both laughs per minute, and the devilishly ingenious jokes, Erikson takes the cake.
It's still strange to me that the combination of horror, comedy, and fantasy could be molded together to make something not just good, but great - but I need to stop questioning it and just keep on enjoying these books.
Whether you are a Malazan fan or not, these books are simply wonderful.
4.5/5 stars. Somehow Steven Erikson hits yet another home-run with his dynamic trio of Bachelain, Korbal Broach, and Emancipor Reese.
I'm legitimately shocked at how good these little books continue to be, and I continually get reminded that Steven Erikson really is in a class of his own as a fantasy writer. In my opinion, Erikson is the greatest epic fantasy, and the greatest grimdark fantasy writer of all time. And somehow in his spare time he decided to become the funniest fantasy writer of all time as well.
I almost feel like it's blasphemy to say that as I am a huge Terry Pratchett fan, but in terms of both laughs per minute, and the devilishly ingenious jokes, Erikson takes the cake.
It's still strange to me that the combination of horror, comedy, and fantasy could be molded together to make something not just good, but great - but I need to stop questioning it and just keep on enjoying these books.
Whether you are a Malazan fan or not, these books are simply wonderful.
sadiemeg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
michaelsj10's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75