Book Review: Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson (The Malazan Book of the Fallen Book 3)

“We humans do not understand compassion. In each moment of our lives, we betray it. Aye, we know of its worth, yet in knowing we then attach to it a value, we guard the giving of it, believing it must be earned, T’lan Imass. Compassion is priceless in the truest sense of the wold. It must be given freely. In abundance.” “

                

           - Steven Erikson, Memories of Ice

Memories of Ice, is the third book to The Malazan Book of the Fallen series. This series is probably the most ambitious, and most original fantasy epic ever written. This leviathan of a series runs 10 books in length, each volume measures between 700 to 1100 pages. The series' author, Steven Erikson, is trained in both archaeology and anthropology. With this knowledge, Erikson created a vivid, and intricate world complete with fascinating lores, larger than life myths, and beautiful histories. Combined with powerful characterisations, thought provoking philosophies, and unusual story structures, The Malazan Book of the Fallen is often regarded as one of the most significant fantasy series ever written.

In the past 2 weeks, I have read Gardens of the Moon and enjoyed it. Then I read Deadhouse Gates (the second instalment), only to be deeply moved by its powerful, yet tragic story. After reading 2 books, I was sold, I became a fan, and I couldn't wait to read Memories of Ice, the third book in this series.

Memories of Ice is a very long book, and it took me almost 40 hours to finish reading it. Today, I will like to review this book.

Synopsis:

The story in Memories of Ice takes place simultaneously with events in Deadhouse Gates. The story is set in the continent of Genabackis. Following the events in Gardens of the Moon, the empire of Pannion Domin is on the rise, its army inspired by religious fanaticism annexed and swallowed cities on Genabackis as a spreading, wild forest fire. A mysterious seer commands the Pannion army. But who is this seer? And what is his ambition? Many questions demand answers.

To stop this new threat, former High Fist Dujek and his Malazan army seek allies among their former nemesis, Caladan Brood, as well as the formidable Anomander Rake, Lord of Moon's Spawn. Now, former enemies united under a common cause, this alliance seeks to provide aid to the city of Capustan, besieged by the Pannion army.

Can this this alliance triumph against the Pannion threat?

In the meantime, a Rhavi woman appears on the scene with her daughter. A child whose origin is shrouded in mystery. Yet, this child may play a pivotal role in the upcoming struggle against the Pannions....

What I think about this book:

Memories of Ice is a long book, but I never experienced a dull moment while reading it. Simply said, Memories of Ice, is a great book.

Compared to the previous 2 books, this book is a lot easier to read. There are 3 reasons. Firstly, by now, I am used to Erikson's style of writing. Secondly, I have finally became familiar with with the world in Malazan series. And thirdly, the structure of this book is not as complex as the previous books. In this book, multiple plots develop with a unified purpose, to set up for the final confrontation against the Pannion seer and his fanatic army.

Memories of Ice has a very large cast of characters. Many of our favorite characters from Gardens of the Moon returned in this book, including Quick Ben, Whiskeyjack, Ganoes Paran and the Bridgeburners, Tool, Anomander Rake, Caladan Brood, and many others. Erikson also introduced new characters, all of them are memorable characters. As with previous books in this series, characterizations acted a robust backbone, on which a deeply emotional, and powerful story gradually unfold.

I don't want to show too many spoilers in this review, let me just say, Steven Erikson is not afraid of killing main characters. This makes the reading experience more gripping, because it creates a real sense of danger, when we read about our favorite characters stepping into perilous situations, where their ultimate demise may descend upon them at any given moment. George R.R. Martin is often praised for killing main characters, but I think Steven Erikson is at least on par with Martin in this regard.

But make no mistake, while Memories of Ice is a bit easier to read compared to previous books in this series. This book still demands readers to concentrate while reading. To understand this story is not as hard as rocket science. Yet, just like reading all other Erikson's books, you need to read carefully, and think, no skimming or you are bound to be lost and confused by the multiple, complex plots found in this book.

As I close the last page of this book, I was lost in thought with ones of the themes explored in this book, the nature of human compassion. In my opinion, while a story can be as dark as it is, yet a truly compelling story often touch those aspects lying deep in the hearts of our humanity. In this regard, Memories of Ice is a compelling story, proclaiming that in the midst of war, violence, and icy memories of tragic loss, under compassion, hopes can be found that bring promises of healing. A compassion, as Erikson said in this book, that is most priceless when it is freely given, in abundance.

Thank you for taking time to read my review. I eagerly look forward to reading the subsequent book in this series, House of Chains.