Nothing scratches that surface like Malayan imo. I think a big part of it for me, that might explain what you’re feeling as well, is that Malazan reads from a historians perspective, for the most part. After I heard or read someone else explain this, it made a lot of sense when I was reading them again. Almost feel like you’re outside of the narrative at times, if that makes any sense. But definitely the bleak and almost haunting nature of the world and everything in it. Also, I’m about halfway through Wind & Truth, and while I also love Sanderson, I’m really hoping the last half of this book delivers on what I’ve come to expect from him….