I don’t always want to be wrapped up in cotton wool when I read I love a challenge and am happy when authors trust me to find my way in their story without presenting everything to me on a silver platter. I can imagine that not all readers will like this strict, ruthless, extremely ambitious plot development process, but I am unrestrainedly enthusiastic about it. There is no time to take a breath, every scene stands out for its significance for the big picture. I was forced to pause at regular intervals during the reading, to sit back and first recap what I had learned about the events in this book up to that point, because Erikson drives his story relentlessly forward. He gives his readers nothing and demands a high degree of independence and attention from them even a single moment of distraction can be enough to lose the thread.
The years of preparation are palpable on every page, which probably made it possible for Erikson to construct a plot for this book that is convoluted, unpredictable and absolutely consistent. Everything seems rounded, in flow and perfectly coordinated with each other – a clear indication of the enormous mental effort the author has already made before writing. His world design is extremely detailed, he offers masses of characters with whom I could sometimes identify more, sometimes less, and on top of that he handles an insanely complicated magic system without ever getting tripped up. I can’t say it any other way: Steven Erikson is one of the best. In all my life I have never met a writer who writes with such complexity, intelligence and sophistication. I have nothing but awe and deep admiration for him.
However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game. It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. Yet Empress Laseen’s rule remains absolute, enforced by her dread Claw assassins. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting and bloody confrontations with the formidable Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, ancient and implacable sorcerers.
0 kommentar(er)
