In Reaper’s Gale we witness the first T’lan Imass of flesh and blood, as well as the very first time someone enters Starvald Demelain, the First of all Warrens. How, where, and who – I’ll keep to myself, to avoid spoilers.
Book Review: “Reaper’s Gale”
- Series: Malazan Book of the Fallen #7
- Author: Steven Erikson
- 1280 pages, Hardcover, Bantam Press
- First published May 7, 2007
- ISBN 9780593046319 (ISBN10: 0593046315)
- ASIN 0593046315
- Language English
- Available for e-readers in ePub, PDF, Audiobook
Plot Overview
Lether
As is customary in the Malazan Book of the Fallen, the novel begins with a long dramatis personae – here spanning five entire pages. Right away, it was clear this book would be packed with battles, tension, and magic.
We return once more to Letheras, where the new emperor Rhulad Sengar – the Undying, Emperor of a Thousand Deaths – is now surrounded by Letharii courtiers who carefully isolate him from his Tiste Edur kin. To me, he felt like a child, lost and overwhelmed.
Erikson also introduces an inquisition of sorts, the so-called Patriotists, who carry out brutal purges in service of whichever authority happens to suit them.
Happily, two of my favorite characters also make their return: Tehol and Bugg. Their financial schemes remain as entertaining as ever. It reminded me of Midnight Tides, when they managed to sell 4200% of their company’s stock and still hold a majority share!
East of Lether
Meanwhile, in the north, Factor Letur Anict of Drene is caught between the Awl, led by the returned exile Redmask, and imperial forces. Redmask’s mysterious bodyguards add intrigue to already tense battles involving Preda Bivatt and Brull Handar, the Overseer of the East.
The Bonehunters
Following the events in the city of Malaz, Tavore arrives with her army in Lether. This was a highlight for me: the Bonehunters (the former Bridgeburners) show just how devastatingly effective marines can be when fighting as they were trained. Along the way, we encounter new characters and unfamiliar forms of magic – which, as it turns out, may be far from harmless.
“We paid a tithe in blood. Malazan blood. And it seems they will not forgive it. They are here. On this shore. The Malazans are on our shore.”
Across Bluerose
A newly formed company sets out northward in search of the Finnest. This thread was one of the most colorful, with Seren Pedac, Udinaas, Fear, Silchas Ruin, Clip, Kettle, and Wither. Their journey is full of twists, unexpected encounters, and magic. Along the way, they are joined by both a mage and a former spirit.
My Thoughts
For me, Reaper’s Gale is the strongest book in the series so far. Steven Erikson proves once again just how brilliant he is. After six novels, I thought I might be able to predict the story – I was wrong. As a friend once told me: “You think you know.” Indeed.
This installment is brimming with political intrigue and tension. Erikson continues to expand his vast world with new realms, warrens, and dimensions, while developing a cast of characters that feels richer and more layered than ever.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly he wove together so many plotlines. Familiar faces like Karsa Orlong and Icarium reappear, adding weight and mystery. And once again, the gods and Ascendants play an even larger role.
In short, this book stands at the very top of the series for me.
“Gardens of the Moon” by Steven Erikson Book #1
“Deadhouse Gates” by Steven Erikson Book #2
“Memories of Ice” by Steven Erikson Book Book #3
“House of Chains” by Steven Erikson Book #4
“Midnight Tides” by Steven Erikson Book #5
“The Bonehunters” by Steven Erikson Book #6
Dive Into the Malazan World: Complete Guide to the Epic Saga
Memorable Quotes
“They crashed into ……….., one from the left, the other from the right. Enormous claws struck, massive forelimbs locked tight, gaping jaws sank deep. One beast’s canines tore through her jaw and temple, ripping away flesh and bone. The second clamped down on her right arm and chest, crushing ribs and lung alike.”
“So we have reached this moment – Icarium walks. To where? A foreign army and a terrifying mage draw near. Silchas Ruin flies south, eyes aflame. Hannan Mosag crawls toward the Deeps, the demon god stirs – and she said it wasn’t nearly as hard for him as you thought!”
“A kick to the chest flung him back and he rolled, guts slapping out like a grotesque, filthy penis between his legs.”
⚔️ Reaper’s Gale is brutal, intricate, and unforgettable – everything that makes the Malazan series what it is.
A truly epic fantasy series that has confirmed its author as one of the most original and exciting genre storytellers in years.
Erikson’s ‘ Malazan Book of the Fallen ’ has been recognised the world-over by writers, critics and fans alike — in a recent review of The Bonehunters, the sixth chapter in this remarkable tale, the UK’s Interzone magazine hailed it ‘a masterpiece’ and ‘the benchmark for all future works in the field’, while the hugely influential genre website, Ottawa-based SF Site, declared ‘this series has clearly established itself as the most significant work of epic fantasy since Donaldson’s Chronicles of Thomas Covenant’.
Now comes Reaper’s Gale — the seventh Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen — and neither Erikson nor the excitement are showing any sign of letting up. Mauled and now cut adrift by the Malazan Empire, Tavore and her now infamous 14th army have landed on the coast of a strange, unknown continent and find themselves facing an even more dangerous the Tiste Edur, a nightmarish empire pledged to serve the Crippled God…
A brutal, harrowing novel of war, intrigue and dark, uncontrollable magic, this is fantasy at its most imaginative and storytelling at its most thrilling.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
