Waterstone Media

Adventure Stories

Memories of Ice

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I don’t like to think that I cry that easily.

But Steven Erikson seems determined to prove me wrong.

In my journey to finish the Complete Malazan series this year, I just finished the novel Memories of Ice. 

It was one of the very best fantasy books that I have read this year.

Incredibly complex world building. Deeply layered and fascinating characters. A mysterious plot. Friendship, redemption, betrayal, and failure all have their day in the sun here. In my mind, these books represent some of the best fantasy has to offer, and in my opinion, that’s doubly true of the sub-genre of dark fantasy.

For a book that is nearly a thousand pages, I felt like I flew through it, always eager to return for more. It’s one of the rare enormous fantasy stories that I don’t think I would hesitate to read again.

Shield Anvil

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I was to bring peace to souls, and to do so without judgment. This I have done.

Itkovian, Memories of Ice

Itkovian has quickly become one of the most interesting characters in the Malazan series, books filled to the brim with fascinating people. He fulfills the role of shield anvil, a mortal tasked with caring for the souls of the dead.

Most impressively, he does so ‘without judgment.’ This is seen in the book as he embraces the souls of those who have done great evil. He carries their burdens himself.

What might a shield anvil look like today?

The Heart of Wisdom

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“They’ve had a long time to think,” Paran murmured. “Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed. The heart of wisdom is tolerance, I think.”

Ganoes Paran, Memories of Ice

I’m currently nearing the end of Memories of Ice, and if the ending is anything like the rest of the book, I believe it will be one of my favorite books of the year.

One recurring theme in the book (albeit minor) is how immortals view the world differently than mortals. Immortals have the benefit of time, of being able to stand back from the crush of daily responsibilities. Thousands of years changes one’s perspective.

It’s a message we all could use. It’s easy to become reactive, to be overwhelmed by the stress of a single day, to be carried away by the minutiae.

But if we can take a step back and take a long view, we realize more of what actually matters to us.

Gardens of the Moon

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There are times in my life where I have made serious mistakes.

Not loving Gardens of the Moon the first time I read it was one of those.

I first read Gardens of the Moon several years ago when working my way through the NPR top 100 sci-fi and fantasy list. My memories of reading it are somewhat indistinct, but I did not love it. For the life of me, I don’t remember why.

But this year I decided to read the complete Malazan series, and it had been long enough since my first reading of Gardens of the Moon that I figured I should read it again. I’m glad I did.

Inside, I find mystery, suspense, and beautiful writing. I find an epic fantasy that continues to hint at a world that is bigger and more awe-inspiring than the mere words on the page. I laugh at some of the characters and with others. I have to pay attention, because sometimes what is between the words is as important as the words themselves.

In short, this time, I fell in love with the book.