Malazan Book Of The Fallen Order To Read

The Malazan Book of the Fallen: A Reading Order Guide for Newcomers

So you're ready to dive into Steven Erikson's epic fantasy masterpiece, the Malazan Book of the Fallen? Congratulations! You're in for a wild ride. This sprawling series is renowned for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and sheer scale. However, its unconventional structure can be daunting for newcomers. This guide will help you navigate the best reading order and prepare you for the journey. This is not your typical fantasy series; expect a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience.

Why Reading Order Matters (and Why It's Debated):

Unlike most series, the Malazan Book of the Fallen doesn't follow a strictly linear narrative. Different books focus on different characters and storylines, often jumping between various times and perspectives. While there's a chronological order, following it strictly might not provide the most satisfying reading experience initially. Some argue for starting with Gardens of the Moon, the first chronologically, while others suggest alternative starting points for a more accessible introduction.

The Recommended Reading Order:

This order balances chronological progression with a more reader-friendly approach, easing you into the complex world of Malaz:

1. Gardens of the Moon: While chronologically first, this is often considered the most challenging entry point due to its dense world-building and numerous characters introduced all at once. However, starting here allows you to experience the story's unfolding organically.

2. Deadhouse Gates: This book offers a more focused narrative, following a smaller group of characters, and providing a better sense of the Malazan Empire’s scale and intricacies. It builds upon events from Gardens of the Moon while developing some key themes further.

3. Memories of Ice: This novel introduces a significant new cast and expands the scope of the series significantly. It helps solidify many of the world's mysteries and introduces more of the overall narrative.

4. House of Chains: Continuing the momentum of Memories of Ice, this volume deepens the already established characters’ arcs and delves into new mysteries that connect to the overarching plot.

5. Midnight Tides: This book represents a notable shift, focusing on a different continent and a mostly new set of characters. It's a standalone story that nonetheless significantly enriches the overall world-building and thematic complexity.

6. The Bonehunters: This novel is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the series, weaving together multiple plotlines and delivering high stakes action and emotional depth. This is a crucial book to help piece together the larger narrative.

7. Reaper's Gale: Another large-scale novel, Reaper's Gale brings together various storylines from previous books, delivering pivotal revelations and pushing the overarching narrative forward.

8. Toll the Hounds: The penultimate book provides further revelations and explores the origins of some of the series' most important characters and events.

9. The Crippled God: The epic conclusion, tying up loose ends and bringing closure to the numerous storylines and characters that have been introduced over the course of the series.

Tips for a Successful Malazan Journey:

• Embrace the complexity: Don't get discouraged by the sheer amount of information. The payoff is worth the effort.
• Keep notes: A character list and a timeline might be helpful. The sheer number of characters and interconnected plots makes this very useful.
• Re-reads are encouraged: The richness of the series reveals itself upon re-reading. Subtleties and connections that may have been missed on the first pass become clearer.
• Join a community: Discussing the books with other readers can enhance the experience and help make sense of the intricate plot.
• Patience is key: This is a marathon, not a sprint. Allow yourself to savor the experience and don’t rush through the many details.

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a significant undertaking, but the rewards are immense. Prepare to be captivated by a world teeming with memorable characters, intricate plots, and stunning scope. Happy reading!