Book 6 in the Malazan Book of the Fallen
Publisher: Tor Fantasy
mmp: 1232 pages, 2008
I say this about every other book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, but The Bonehunters has to be one of my favorites in the series. This was one of the quickest 1200 pagers I’ve ever read. There was constant action, from Y’Ghatan to Seven Cities to Malaz Isle with the typical witty banter and unbelievable happenings we’ve come to expect.
The Blurb: A world in which a host of characters, familiar and new, including Heboric Ghost Hands; the possessed Apsalar; Cutter, once a thief now a killer; the warrior Karsa Orlong; and the two ancient wanderers Icarium and Mappo, each searching for such a fate as they might fashion with their own hands, guided by their own will. If only the gods would leave them alone. But now that knives have been unsheathed, the gods are disinclined to be kind. There shall be war, war in the heavens. And the prize? Nothing less than existence itself…
The Bonehunters seemed much more forthcoming with information that most installments, although the usual ambiguity and confusion continues to thrive. It was also good to see some of the original characters come back especially since there was about a thousand page break since we’ve last seen them.
Who should read this? This section is to help you know not only who should read the book, but when (or when not) to read it. The Bonehunters (really the Malazan series) should definitely be read when you’re in the mood for sprawling epic where you are ready to be in the world for a long time (10 books not including novellas and Malazan Empire books). It’s high on magic and hard to classify except as high epic fantasy. There’s a lot of comparison between this series and A Song of Ice and Fire, but really they are on opposite ends of the spectrum. If you did like ASoIaF (and not just for the limited use of magic), but for the grittiness and scope then you would probably like this series too.
5/5 and Seak’s Stamp J
2/5 for the Cover and Seak's Stamp is reserved for the UK cover only J
I name The Bonehunters as my second favorite Malazan novel, the first being Midnight Tides. Unfortunately, this seems to be in contrast to the more popular opinion that the book is the start of a rather steep fall for the series, which I have never really understood. Y'Ghatan, especially Under Y'Ghatan, is one of the best segments that I have ever read and easily matches the feelings imparted from the Chain of Dogs arc from Deadhouse Gates. Indeed, I thought the latter scene, Under Y'Ghatan, was well-written and powerful enough to make me feel a bit claustrophobic.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the art truly sucks and I still can't forgive Lockwood for creating such an abomination.
Haha, I think we're in complete agreement. I really shouldn't have even give the artwork a 2, but I like Ganoes Paran so I stuck with it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I really agree, I mean there was constant action and you're right. Under Y'Ghatan was insane. I just kept putting myself in the position of letting a rat lead me through the dregs of the city and the feeling of what if we stop. What if we can't go any further. Loved that book.
Came over from Cym Lowell's Book Review Blog Party. I haven't read the Malazan series. Sort of shied away from it after being burned by Robert Jordan's Wheel Of Time. But maybe I shouldn't have? Shied away, I mean?! *ponder, ponder*
ReplyDeleteMy Book Review Blog Party offering: http://www.cherrymischievous.com/2009/12/hush-hush.html
hey, I'm your 13th follower! *ominious*
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I found it from linking over at Cyms blog. I plan on reading this series here in 2010. I have heard so many great things on this and looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteCherry and Melissa: Good idea, go read it immediately. :) Now is the best time too since the last installment of the series is coming out this next year. Oh, and don't be scared by the fact that it's confusing. That will happen, but I think it adds to the story.
ReplyDeleteCherry: eek! - but then again, 13 is my lucky number. When I turned 13, it was also Friday the 13th. So I figured I better make it lucky otherwise I become some unlucky fool forever.
I am behind on my blogging business, so I just read your post. I like your "Who Should Read This Section". Great review. I think I will stick around and watch for more.
ReplyDeleteElie
(Ellz Readz)
I tried to read the first book in Erickson's series but I just couldn't get into it but I'm thinking of giving it another try since everyone else seems to be raving about these books.
ReplyDeleteSimcha
I think you should give 'em another go. There's definitely the confusion factor, which still hasn't gone away for me, but I just love the character and the world so much that I want to find out more.
ReplyDeleteGardens of the Moon took me probably 300 pages to feel a little less confused, but by the ending things were coming into place and it blew my mind. Erikson never scrimps on an ending, they're always worth the confusion, imho.
Everybody should read the malazan series, yes its BIG but ultimately worth it!
ReplyDelete@Vaughn - Completely agree. Love this series.
ReplyDelete