My least favourite of the series. Book three was very strong, I felt this book really failed to continue with the same momentum and excitement. A whole lot going on as far as new characters and reintroduction of some old. Overall though not very much happened in the end. I'm hoping the next one will be better. I'm still a fan of the series and the author ( )

Another tale of the Malazan that entertains and also keeps me interested in the next book... ( )

House of Chains is a more-than-worthy continuation of a storyline that has captured the attention of readers for some time now. Unlike the two previous books preceding it which were essentially war stories, this episode is more of an adventure saga of different characters even if written against the backdrop of the approaching confrontation of two armies, but it is no less astounding. Erikson expands his world even more introducing his readers to some more races and creatures, highlighting the depht of the world the author created. What is even more amazing is that by this time, old characters from the previous books have managed to reach legendary status story-wise, and in the hearts of those who love the books. The name “Bridgeburner” and “Whiskeyjack” now evokes incredible emotions from everyone who knows their story. Such is the effect of Steven Erikson work. That is how amazing this series has been. And the fun shows no sign of slowing down. (more) ( )

"Shadow is ever besieged, for that is its nature. Whilst darkness devours, and light steals. And so one sees shadow ever retreat to hidden places, only to return in the wake of the war between dark and light."

After finding Memories of Ice to be somewhat of a letdown, House of Chains for me marks a return to the stellar writing I've come to expect from Steven Erikson. His insight into the human condition, the wry humor of the Bridgeburners, his ability to give you goose bumps with his dark and frequently unsettling descriptions, and the complexity of this world and its interconnectedness - all of this for me puts House of Chains up there with Deadhouse Gates as one of the finer pieces of fantasy I've had the chance to read.

Unlike previous editions of the Malazan Books, House of Chains does not delve directly into the rapid shifts of point of view that is so characteristic of Erikson's writing. Instead, the first 250 pages or so are dedicated to the exposition of one character's adventures - a fact all the stranger since this character is new and seemingly entirely unconnected to all that has happened in the first three books. Despite the fact that this first portion is entertaining, and as well-written as anything else we've experienced from Erikson, it can be unsettling to a reader who is expecting to dive right back into the world of the Malazan Empire. All I can say is: stick with it. The background is important, and this volume is one of Erikson's finer.

It's worth the wait, as HoC reintroduces some of the best characters and plot-lines from earlier books: the culmination of Sha'ik's Apocalypse; further insight into the new players in the Deck of Dragons, as well as the interplay between the various houses; a favored assassin returned from the warrens; and significant historical context on two more of the varied races Erikson has imagined. I'm taking a short break from the books for some lighter reading with Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, but I'm already looking forward to reading Midnight Tides for a second time. ( )

http://www.sfreader.com/read_review.a... ( )