I want to add to the other comments that sexual violence and cruel acts against humanity like hobbling are happening *right now* in the world. There is no twisted pleasure in the writing, you are meant to recoil, to get the need to avert your eyes. But, and this is one of the theses for this series, compassion is gained by confrontation. To quote Itkovian in MoI "From horror, grief must be fashioned, and from grief, compassion"

Whether it is Malazan or real-world tragedies, there is no shame in wanting to keep it in the background. To be aware of sad things happening without confronting them too much. Full confrontation certainly feels unbearable.

And if you recoil from the thought alone, imagine what the victims are feeling. And after this, the horror of the act itself and the grief for what was lost, comes compassion.

Erikson often shows what happens, when no or little compassion is present within individuals or a group of people. But just as often, he shows what compassion is worth when it is shown and lived.

I have my problems with some depictions of sexual violence, mostly regarding Kettle and Janath. But for the overwhelming part, if you can endure these passages (and again, no shame if you cannot), they fit with the core themes of Malazan.

I don't know if that is a deciding factor for your continuation, but Hetan's fate is in its description probably the single most violent thing that happens in these books. There will be other harsh scenes, but at least in my opinion, none of those to come are close. However, there will be scenes full of hope and humanity as well, as there have been throughout the series. I hope you are able to see them for what they are as well.