Book Review: “Memories of Ice”
- Author: Steven Erikson
- Series: Malazan Book of the Fallen Book 3
- 925 pages, Mass Market Paperback
- First published December 6, 2001
Malazan Book of the Fallen Book 3
The third tale in the Malazan Book of the Fallen is Steven Erickson’s strongest contribution yet in this multi-volume, encyclopedia-sized series of ten books. Clearly, the well from which he has drawn ideas and strength is bottomless. The narrative gradation gets better and better. All in all: it’s onwards and upwards. Ole!!!
Plot, magic and characters in Memories of Ice
Plot, magic, characters and messages are at such a level in this book that it’s impossible to believe another will ever match it. In my opinion, it all comes down to the moment you start this series and the rest you read sometime, somewhere, disappears.
What Erickson has created fits no bounds of the imagination. The magic behind the pages of Memories of Ice is so well crafted, so captivating and touching… this is true fantasy in every sense of the word.
Everything you encountered in Gardens of the Moon in its raw and chaotic form unfolds its true potential and impact here and sweeps you away. It opens your eyes to the meaning of an endless life, an immeasurable emptiness and the only remaining dream of the end of this meaningless eternity. The story of an ancient race and its immortal existence was devastating. This eternal war…
Memories of Ice
Memories of Ice belongs to T’lan Imass. The heart of this book does too. Memories of life and color, kindness, faith and honor, lost in a battle without end and followed by a vast emptiness. Three hundred thousand years without memory and hope. And where are these memories actually buried? Only an archeologist and anthropologist, like our author, can answer that question.
This is probably the saddest and cruelest story I’ve ever come across. And all set against the backdrop of the epic events taking place on the continent of Genabackis. Mortals, undead of all races, old gods, Ascended Ones and spirits are torn apart. The fates of the now beloved characters with their world and system, their dramas, their loves and their ambitions, kept me captivated until the last page. I also appreciated the author’s “gentle” weaving of other characters into the plot. This guy has no sympathy for the reader.
Whatever ups and downs await me in future books – I’ll read it!
So.
Genabackis
Genabackis is torn apart by a relentless war in the south. The new empire of the Pannion Domin, led by a fanatical prophet, is literally eating everything and at the same time eating itself from the inside. Diabolical possession, cannibalism, sinister rituals, necrophilia. all rather unpleasant things I warn are colorfully described.
Up against said tyrant is a new, fragile alliance between old enemies moving towards a common goal – the destruction of Pannion Domin. Familiar faces : Dujek Onearm will shake hands with our famous whiskeyjack and bridge burners Caladan Brood (upstart and also warlord, abe crazy business) and Anomander Rake (Tiste Andii). In the coastal city of Capustan, which is about to be devastated by the armies of Panion, you meet the new, no less fascinating characters. They too will take their place in the story and some of them will join the other group. Abe, munch. What happens in the meantime will prove to be just the surface of the iceberg. Underneath lies the story of a much older war and events thousands of years in the past that are playing out now.
The labyrinths are poisoned and almost unusable, further complicating the mission of our minions. Of course, solutions are always found for Quick Ben. There seem to be no limits for this magician.
Ganoes Paran (you should have memorized this popular surname by now) is once again in the crosshairs of the gods. This time, everyone is picking on the poor guy. An ulcer will get the man. But then again, he seems to have them firmly by the balls now and it all boils down to a fateful decision on his part.
Humor and aggression – Memories of ice cream
The biting soldier humor fits the whole atmosphere well and I’ll admit there were parts where I was roaring with laughter along with the bridge burners. Still, I won’t kid you. The book is sad and dark and lends itself to a sequel like this. But it’s worth it like no other. It’s a real treasure, especially for fans of the genre.
Good luck to everyone and I’ll see you there!
This review was written by Theodora, a friend of ours and guest author on our blog. If you liked what she wrote, you can follow her on Instagram black.swan.blog
Our review continues here with Dora’s opinion
I wrote this review hours after reading Memories of Ice and still can’t find peace. I feel like a straw house that has been swept away by a tornado.
A new battle on the horizon, far more brutal than anything I’ve seen before
We’re still on the continent of Genabackis with the army of Dujek Onearm and Whiskeyjack. A new threat has emerged, necessitating new alliances with their previous enemies. The Prophet of Panion and his beliefs are something beyond your imagination of depravity and fanaticism. You witness a desperate defense in a doomed city called Capustan. Events and actions that absolutely shocked me. If up to this point I thought that the fate of Coltaines dog chain was the most heartbreaking story I’ve ever read, that is definitely no longer the case.
A master of character development
I like the scale of this epic fantasy, to say the least. In this world of endless wars, I can see all sides from their point of view and am constantly surprised that I find it hard to define the final villains of the story.
Steven Erickson, for me, is a master at building characters. In Memories of Ice, he has managed to add new characters among all the clutter of previous characters that will touch your heart. These aren’t just minor characters who play a supporting role, but distinct characters and personalities. I really grew to love them and experience all their emotions, so much so that it tugs at my heartstrings when I finish reading the book. Erikson’s characters are impossible to forget.
The momentum with which Steven Erickson changes lives is like the eye of the storm. Nothing is as we think it’s, and the sheer sense of uncertainty is addictive. The Game of Gods is the kind of machinations that my mind cannot unravel and anticipate in preparation for what is to come.
Malazan Book of the Fallen
Stephen Erickson and his Malazan Book of the Fallen is my all-time favorite, and I think it’ll stay at the top for a long time to come. With each successive book, I understand why the title is just that. The audacity with which he kills off his characters is staggering. Carefully constructed characters who play a key role in the development of the plot and who we think can’t be erased, but there they’re. I can’t find words to express all the emotions I felt while reading this absolute masterpiece. I’ve never been so positive about a book or a series. Steven Erickson is a true genius in my eyes.
The sheer scope of the book is intimidating, and with the few pages of lists of characters, gods and tribes, he has certainly managed to scare many readers away. But don’t let those few chapters at the beginning put you off, because there’s nothing I didn’t like about Memories of Ice. Trust me, everything falls into place, and once you enter Malazan’s world, I’m convinced you’ll be hooked. My rating for Memories of Ice is more than 5 stars, if there was a 10 I’d give it without hesitation.
“Gardens of the Moon” by Steven Erikson Book #1
“Deadhouse Gates” by Steven Erikson Book #2
“House of Chains” by Steven Erikson Book #4
“Midnight Tides” by Steven Erikson Book #5
“The Bonehunters” by Steven Erikson Book #6
The ravaged continent of Genabackis is a terrifying new empire, the Pannion Domin, that devours all. An uneasy allliance resists: Onearm’s army, Whiskeyjack’s Bridgeburners and former enemies – forces of Warlord Caladan Brood, Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii mages, and the Rhivi people of the plains. And the Crippled God intends revenge.
