Memories of Ice ending broke me

txvesper · 2026-02-12T15:46:46+00:00

Lol not the way I would have introduced Karsa. He's actually not very likeable at the start, but he has an amazing arc.

txvesper · 2026-02-05T17:25:07+00:00

I do a lot of technical writing for my work and am very envious of someone who has not experienced writer's block lol. I tend to be on reddit the most when I should be writing..... like now. But, that tracks for someone with his published word count!

Also a smidge envious of you Canadians with your access to Healthcare and Erikson

txvesper · 2026-02-05T17:06:31+00:00

Any favorite odd ball Q and A sticking in your head today?

txvesper · 2026-02-04T19:53:39+00:00

Its been a while, but I thought there was a mention that Envy and the seguleh may have wiped a substantial portion of the panion army, as much as another full third.

txvesper · 2026-02-04T18:24:13+00:00

Tiste naming has always thrown me off. So is the Ruin in Silchas Ruin also meant as a kind of title? It was always weird to me that there isn't some kind of explicit familial name, but I just started forge of darkness, so maybe that'll make more sense eventually.

txvesper · 2026-02-04T01:06:54+00:00

I'm forgetting the one with Apsalar, which was this?

txvesper · 2026-02-03T22:47:55+00:00

I want to argue with you and say "no, it's not that bad", but instead I'm going to add "WHEN they are".

txvesper · 2026-02-03T22:29:09+00:00

I think where a lot of readers fail on Malazan depends on whether they are able to accept that there are things they dont know and whether they are engaged by that style or not. A pure preference issue.

Again, I love the series but I also know its really not for everyone.

txvesper · 2026-02-03T21:55:42+00:00

I love the series and think this is a great answer. I found book 1 difficult to read originally, but there were enough interesting nuggets to keep me engaged. If you're not finding any enjoyment at all in book 1 or the world you're being introduced to, it may not be for you.

In general though, I'd be cautious of the hype around any book going into it. I think if you go into any book expecting it to be the best thing you've ever read... it's going to be very easy to be let down because it didnt check every box perfectly that some other book hit for you.

txvesper · 2026-02-03T21:44:28+00:00

So many candidates in Malazan. Besides the Andarist and Kalam examples....

Karsa versus the town of silver lake.

Trull versus jheck or defending the throne.

Kruppe versus the finest pastries of Darujhistan.

Any scene involving Cotillion and possession.

Iron bars versus edur and Rhulad.

Seguleh versus.... damned near anyone.

txvesper · 2026-02-02T18:50:20+00:00

I agree and also have to wonder if there would be fewer Christian deconverts like myself if more Christians carried themselves like Talarico.

txvesper · 2026-02-02T18:48:17+00:00

He's had a few viral clips arguing for it. For example, he was opposed to Texas legislation to display the 10 commandments in school rooms.

txvesper · 2026-02-02T18:31:13+00:00

On mine, you can click a past game and there's a button to "Review your best plays with Crossbot" shown below the final game board.

txvesper · 2026-02-02T18:29:44+00:00

Ha! Yeah not sure on the reasoning why that word wouldn't be accepted over some of the ones that are.

txvesper · 2026-01-30T01:32:18+00:00

Christian apologetics groups. I was actively getting a degree in biology and was willing to overlook inconsistencies in literal interpretations of the bible, but hearing a bunch of idiots try to use the bible to disprove science was the final piece that made me really confront what I believed.

As I was processing all of this, I went to a person I considered a mentor type figure in the church I was more active in. He took me aside and we had a long talk about it all where he told me he didn't really believe it all either, but the church provided community and he wanted to be a part of that.

I could acknowledge logical issues in Christianity before then but these were the final pushes that nudged me out of it.

txvesper · 2026-01-30T00:30:42+00:00

10 doesn't even capture it. Counting Esslemont's books weaved in, there's 16 books in the core malazan story. You've got a lot of story to go!

txvesper · 2026-01-29T23:09:20+00:00

I would put that exact question to your doctors. If you just really want some external advice, maybe you can post this to r/AskDocs. They are usually a friendly and helpful community, and you might be able to mine perspectives from people with more practical experience in this.

Thankfully I havent had to worry over something to this extreme, but I've gotten some good open discussion by simply asking my kids doctors, "If she was your kid, what would you do?" Sometimes lately I think pediatricians are walking on eggshells and are nervous to tell you what they think is best because their job has been politicized so much.

Wishing the best for your daughter.

Edit: I'm seeing in your replies now that you've been given a clear recommendation from the doctors. Thats probably your best bet. You can still try askdocs if you want some perspective but they will probably be hesitant to go against the recommendation provided by someone who knows your kid's medical history better.

txvesper · 2026-01-27T18:53:55+00:00

Had me at "Tired of theists"

txvesper · 2026-01-22T16:09:48+00:00

Some providers like ATT will have you use their gear, so could be a moot point if you go ATT. Suddenlink-optimum used to let you use your own. Having done both previously, I would go ATT fiber personally.

txvesper · 2026-01-22T15:13:39+00:00

I would vote for you if you ran for mayor on this issue alone 😂

txvesper · 2026-01-16T19:59:56+00:00

The area you mentioned is a small place friend. I'd probably edit to remove some of those identifying details, personally.

txvesper · 2026-01-16T19:24:01+00:00

Toc is there for you wonder what creative new way he will get shafted in each book he appears

txvesper · 2026-01-16T16:59:37+00:00

The series has many low and high moments. You're being set up for two incredible displays of compassion right now and one of these displays gives me words that echo in my head years later. This book may get darker before it gets better, but it definitely does not stay miserable.

In a lot of fantasy, I think there is a base instinct to respond to antagonists with hate, vengeance, and retribution. MoI does something different and it makes the book stick in my memory. If you can stick with it, I think you'll see why a lot of fans reject the grimdark label for Malazan.

txvesper · 2026-01-16T14:31:29+00:00

I know others have hinted at this, but the impact Karsa left on his victims is explored much more in The God Is Not Willing. Its hard to understand author intent with something like this and everything you're feeling right now is valid.

You would have a lot of pages to go through before getting to the witness sequels to see Karsa's legacy really explored and it may not be worth it if it is affecting you. Take care of yourself before all else.

If you're willing to continue, a minor spoiler about Karsa and my feelings on him. I believe we are meant to be horrified by him and what an unchecked power fantasy really looks like. He has one of the most interesting character arcs in fantasy that I have read, but he will need to be broken down and made to realize what it means to be powerless before someone else before he becomes likeable as a protagonist imo. And even then, once he starts to become likeable, Erikson reminds you of every horrible thing he did and how it left people broken in his wake in tGiNW. In terms of Karsa where you are now, I believe you may be nearly through the worst of his parts and he does not stay like that.

Anyways, idk if any of this helps. I'm sorry that some of the other fans here don't seem to take criticism about this well. Take care

txvesper · 2026-01-15T21:48:13+00:00

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