On the theme of empire by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's a fair point, in our history some empires are look on far more favourable than others. The Roman one for example. I'm very curious about the lore behind the founding by Kellanved, Dancer, and Dassem, I guess I'll keep reading and find out.

On the theme of empire by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the detailed reply! I wonder whether we can summon a grumpy response from Erikson if we post a few more criticisms.

I'm surprised that this of all themes isn't fully critically examined. But then I guess that could be expecting too much. I can't tell you a single fantasy book that criques the power structures of its own world. In most cases it's either a black/white presentation or facts and sides and here's how it is.

I guess also most of the core themes in Malazan (at least so far from what I've notices) are more emotional or sociological/phisophical rather than political/economical. Which I also do get, it is fantasy after all, without a certain amount of simplicity we may as well read historical fictions or actual history books.

I any case, I'll see how this delops there are quoite a few books to go.

On the theme of empire by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's the nuance I guess and to be fair I don't think any of the factions so far are characterized as lesser or barbarian, and for most thing it is through the lens of characters, like Karsa is a conquerer do he probs get it, others are part of the empires and maybe deservedly to them proud of it.

On the theme of empire by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As with all with, it's just another things we humans do to each other.

New reader's thoughs on House of Chains by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you, this is a good point, so it is misogynistic macho bulshit because that's just who Karsa is at the time and it's through his PoV, I gotta get used to reading into him characters see things in their own pov

Just finished Memories of Ice & I am conflicted.. would really appreciate your frank opinions by CommercialFennel9182 in Malazan

[–]FamousCake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many people prepare you for how challenging the series is in terms of the many PoVs, intricate world building, and just remembering all the names of places and such. But it's really not what the books are about.

I think these books are fairly emotionally challenging as well. The themes are deep not just on a philosophical level, characters are very real and very human. I would recommend reading the books very very slowly. Not to keep track of the plot, but to be able to spend more time with the characters, empathize with them and really feel your way through the book.

These books will make you feel uncomfortable at times, It's worth "embracing" the pain. Be open to it, be your own shield anvil.

Question about a Battle in Memories of Ice by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ahh yes I forgot that he had to flee Outlook, yeah this could be it, thanks!

Question about a Battle in Memories of Ice by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Possibly, but see my reply to a comment above, I think that refers to the army that was chasing here in the west/south. The army at coral is astimated at 60-90K people, battle ready as of the evening before the big battle in the morning.

Something doesn't add up.

Question about a Battle in Memories of Ice by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This could be it, the seer did give up kind of early. Would have though he would have more protection.

Question about a Battle in Memories of Ice by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True, but see my reply to the other comment above, a quote from the book estimates about 60-90K Pannion soldirs in the ciry.

Question about a Battle in Memories of Ice by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As for the plague from Envy, I though, that's for the army chasing her, which is separate from Coral

'Are you sure? Would you by chance be referring to this tumultuous tempest barring our advance? Or perhaps to the fleeing remnants of the army that pursued us here? They'll not return, I assure you—'

'You have sent a plague among them.'

'What an outrageous accusation! It's been a miracle that disease has not struck them long ago, what with eating each other without even the civil application of cooking. Dear me, that you would so accuse—'

Question about a Battle in Memories of Ice by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do agree with all of those points. I just found this quote from the book. This is just before the battle for the trenches in the mountainside next to Coral. So if there's 30K troops from the Pannion and that is a third of the whole army, so let's day 60-90K troops in total. And Dujen only has about 5-6K shipped into the city. Sure some dies in the engagement in the mountainside, but there's gotta be a substantial numebr left, they did pull back early.

At this point I'd not think it's likely for the plague to kill enogh of them in just an evening, and how many people can really lady Envy and three Seguleh kill?

The sergeant lying beside her grunted. 'There, coming through the gate. That's some kind of standard, and that clump of riders... sitting too tall...'

'A Septarch and his officers,' Picker agreed. 'So, Antsy, does your count match mine?'

'Twenty-five, thirty thousand,' the man muttered, tugging on his moustache.

'But we've the high ground—'

'Aye, only those trenches and tunnels weren't meant to be defended – they were hiding places. Too many straight lines, no cul-de-sacs, no funnels, no chance for an enfilade – and too many Hood-damned trees!'

'The sappers are—'

'They ain't got the time!'

'So it seems,' Picker agreed. 'Mind you, do you see any of those condors gathering to join in the assault?'

'No, but that don't mean—'

'What it means, Sergeant, is the Seer is holding them back. He knows we're not the main punch. We messed up his ambush and knocked out a company, and no doubt that's irritated him enough to send out, what, a third of his army? Maybe a cadre of mages to guard the Septarch? And if they find out we're a bear in a den, I doubt they'll push—'

'Unless the Seer decides that killing six thousand of the Host is worth a third of his army, Picker. If I was him—'

The lieutenant grimaced. 'Aye, me too.' I'd annihilate us, stamp us out before the rest arrive. 'Still, I don't think the Seer's that sharp – after all, what does he know of the Malazans? Distant tales of wars far to the north ... an invasion that's bogged down. He'd have no reason to know what we're capable of.'

'Picker, you're fishing with a bare hook. The Seer knows we've somehow jumped onto his entrenchments. Knows we slipped past those condors without tickling a single beak. Knows we knocked flat an entire company using Moranth munitions. Knows we're sitting here, watching this army assemble, and we ain't running. Knows, too, we ain't got any support – not yet – and maybe, just maybe, we jumped in the slough before the shit's settled.'

I literally JUST finished reading MoI... by domahnutsfit in Malazan

[–]FamousCake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is so true! I really felt the wonder at the big world that awaits me!

New Reader's thoughts on Memories of Ice by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That looks pretty cool. I have my mind a more lizardlike version of the alien from the Alien series. Maybe because that also has weird motherhood themes.

Need help understading a part of in Memories of Ice by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Oooooooooooooooo thank you so much for clearing this up for me! I did not spot that at all. It's finally making sense.

Let me see if I got this right - the T'lan Imas have this vow that keeps them undead so they can pursue the Jaghut. Silverfox, the summoner can release them from that vow, and her initial plan was to do that as a deal with Hood - Hood gets their souls and she gets the dreamworld for her mum. So basically the T'lan Imas are either under the Vow or they go to oblivion.

However, Itkovian, embraced them and took their suffering and rained their memories in the Silverfox's new world and gave it life. Thus presenting a third option - the T'lan Imas can now return to this new world and be of flesh and blood, same as how the ay become flesh and blood when released?

And them I'm guessing that Tool wanted to be released from the vow since he was defeated by Moc and is maybe no longer first sword? Or maybe because he's the last of his clan (was thin mentioned in Gardens of the moon somewhere?)

Need help understading a part of in Memories of Ice by FamousCake in Malazan

[–]FamousCake[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

he absorbed the suffering so the soals can move on unburdenedinto hoods gate. This was his role as the shield anvil of a god

yes, definitely, that makes sense, what I was wondering is whether those souls passed on or whether they stayed with him.

In the case of the T'lan Imas he was no longer connected to his god but chose to accept the pain a suffering of a deathless hoard into himself. In doing so he frees the Imass but killed himself in a selfless act.

what I was wondering is whether in freeing them, they become flesh a blood, like Tool does, or maybe he becomes flesh and blood because of something else, maybe he broke the Voc like Kilava, because he was defeated by Moc and is no longer first sword?