Title: Memories of Ice
Author: Steven Erikson
Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Published: 2001
Pages: 913
Goodreads Rating: 4.46
Rating: 8/10
“My, such extraordinary company – what a tale it must be, that has seen you all brought together! No, don’t tell it to me, I’m not that interested.”
A new empire has emerged and is spreading like a disease. If there’s any hope in stopping it, old rivals must work together because war is on their doorstep. But is this a distraction against the real threat? Something malicious and powerful is strengthening and cleverly recruiting just out of sight. The question is… Who will be left to stand against the lurking evil?
Pros
Extensive and intricate worldbuilding
We finally get some insight, explanations, and answers in this book! Why I had to read three books to eventually get a better understanding of this world is beyond me. But in Memories of Ice, it finally happens and let me tell you… It. Is. Epic. Wondering about Quick Ben? The origin of the Great Ravens? Tattersail aka Silverfox? K’rul involvement? Erikson removes the blindfold on all of the above.
Prologue and Book One
Memories of Ice has the strongest start so far. The Prologue and Book One were a solid 10 out of 10 stars. The stage is set in the Prologue with a fallen god, a cruel king, and plenty of curses to go around. Book One brings us to the present day as the events of the past start to reemerge and wreak havoc.
Characters and Dialogue
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Erikson does a tremendous job developing morally grey, complex characters with complicated character arcs. On top of well-crafted characters, the day-to-day dialogue is incredibly entertaining – especially amongst the Bridgeburners. My personal top three characters are eccentric, quirky personalities including Quick Ben, Kruppe, and Lady Envy. Quick Ben gets plenty of attention in Memories of Ice and we finally get clues to start to piece together his backstory and abilities. As for Kruppe and Lady Envy, their dialogues were some of my favorites.
“Your lack of faith crushes frail Kruppe to his very toes which are themselves wriggling in anguish!”
“‘Such palpable distraughtness!’ Kruppe cried. ‘Distraughtness? Is there such a word? If not, then among Kruppe’s countless talents we must add linguistic invention!’”
Cons
Long-winded Prose
This book is filled with plenty of inconsequential, day-to-day prose. And if it features one of your favorite characters, it’s extremely enjoyable! But if it doesn’t… it can quickly feel long-winded and unnecessary. I personally didn’t care for the incessant bickering and politicking among the Mask Council. Once I understood the general issues, I started skimming their parts.
Final Battle
I can sum up the final battle in three words: intense, convenient, and infuriating. Let’s go through each one. Intense… Without including spoilers, Quick Ben’s show of force was epic and the Bridgeburners were heroic and inspiring. Convenient… Emerging magical abilities and sudden character involvement seemed rather convenient. Infuriating… We have tremendously overpowered characters who were lackluster in the battle.
Things to Note…
There are parts of this story that are horrifically grimdark. Fair warning that rape and torture are present in Memories of Ice.
Overall…
This was the series entry I was waiting for! It is definitely the strongest one so far and I look forward to the next Malazan book.
Caroline’s Library 