'Deadhouse Gates' by Steven Erikson is an epic fantasy novel that delves into the horrors of war, deceit, and treachery. The book follows a complex plot where characters' identities frequently change, and the true enemies are not always who they seem to be. The story unfolds in a vast and detailed world, introducing new characters and weaving intricate storylines that explore themes of loyalty, friendship, and power struggles. The narrative is emotionally gripping, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged, even amidst the chaos and tragedy of war.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and complex, often experiencing deep emotional arcs; their moral complexities enhance reader investment in their journeys.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is dense and complex, filled with rich imagery and emotional depth, characterized by multiple perspectives that challenge the reader.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a brewing rebellion and Coltaine's harrowing march with civilians through hostile territories, intertwining multiple character arcs and events.

Setting:

The setting is the tumultuous Seven Cities, characterized by political turmoil and cultural diversity, which significantly impacts the story's conflicts.

Pacing:

The pacing is variable, with bursts of action contrasted by slower sections focused on character and world-building, requiring reader engagement.

From his perch on the mesa's wind-scarred edge, Mappo Runt followed it with relentless eyes the colour of sand, eyes set deep in a robustly boned, pallid face. He held a wedge of emrag cactus in his b...

Notes:

Deadhouse Gates is the second book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson.

The novel features multiple perspectives and character arcs but introduces many new characters compared to the first book.

The central story involves Coltaine leading a long march of refugees across hostile territory during a rebellion in the Seven Cities.

Readers find the pacing challenging, with some scenes feeling rushed or overwhelming due to the complexity of events and characters.

Coltaine's story, known as the Chain of Dogs, is noted for its emotional impact and significant character development.

There is a heavy focus on themes of despair, war, and the brutality of life in the Malazan world, leading to many tragic moments.

The book features a deep and intricate world-building, which some readers find challenging to keep track of without prior knowledge of the series.

The tone is described as grim, with many violent scenes that portray the harsh realities of war and human suffering.

Erikson's writing style is often praised for its vivid detail and emotional depth, allowing readers to empathize with the characters' struggles.

Many fans express that the ending of Deadhouse Gates is one of the most crushing and impactful moments in the series.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, depictions of war, death of main characters, emotional distress, and themes of trauma and suffering.

From The Publisher:

The second novel in the awe-inspiring Malazan Book of the Fallen series. "Gripping, fast-moving, delightfully dark, with a masterful and unapologetic brutality reminiscent of George R. R. Martin." - Elizabeth Haydon

In the vast dominion of Seven Cities, in the Holy Desert Raraku, the seer Sha'ik and her followers prepare for the long-prophesied uprising known as the Whirlwind. Unprecedented in size and savagery, this maelstrom of fanaticism and bloodlust will embroil the Malazan Empire in one of the bloodiest conflicts it has ever known, shaping destinies and giving birth to legends . . .

Set in a brilliantly realized world ravaged by dark, uncontrollable magic, Deadhouse Gates is a novel of war, intrigue and betrayal confirms Steven Eirkson as a storyteller of breathtaking skill, imagination and originality-a new master of epic fantasy.

Ratings (34)

Incredible (14)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (3)

Reader Stats (45):

Read It (34)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (4)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (3)

2 comment(s)

katyana

Incredible

3 months

Okay, now that I have finished sobbing my way through the end of this book... This series is shaping up to be fantastic, one of the best I have ever read. I am extremely impressed with the way Erikson is able to take such a huge world and weave stories with such intricate, inter-connected threads. I can't wait to start the third...

soulfulsin

Incredible

3 months

The first time I tried reading this, it'd been months (if not a year or more) since I'd read Gardens on the Moon. Not only had I forgotten what had transpired in the last book, I thought I could just go into this book without any knowledge of the first book. Someone had said that this book basically started fresh...they were wrong. I ended up horribly confused and had no idea what was going on. I DNFed it after 145 pages. To be fair, this plot is very intricate and requires close reading. I didn't have the patience for that nor did I understand how linked this book was to the first book.

The second time, I'd read it right after reading Gardens of the Moon. I was disappointed that one of my favorite characters had died in the last book (okay, a couple of my favorite characters died in the first book) and one of them was on another continent. However, after settling down to read and keeping a guide handy, I had no difficulties with it this time.

And some of the plotlines are tragic. Icarium and Mappo, for example. That one broke my heart. So did Duiker's resolution.

The way the book ended makes me hungry for the sequel. It's a rare series where I read it back to back and these books are

long. Still...I might just jump right into Memories of Ice.

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Deadhouse Gates?

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About the Author:

Steven Erikson is an archaeologist and anthropologist and a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop. His Malazan Book of the Fallen series, including The Crippled God, Dust of Dreams, Toll the Hounds and Reaper's Gale, have met with widespread international acclaim and established him as a major voice in the world of fantasy fiction. The first book in the series, Gardens of the Moon, was shortlisted for a World Fantasy Award. Deadhouse Gates was the second novel in the series and was voted one of the ten best fantasy novels of 2000 by SF Site. He lives in Canada.

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Deadhouse Gates

Steven Erikson

Book 2 in the series:Malazan Book of the Fallen