Once again a really refreshing work by Erikson. There is alot going on and not much time for explanation of things, but I enjoyed that, as it meant the book never felt like it was dragging or bogged down. I also enjoyed the fact that he has introduced a few new elements to the genre. A great read. ( )

This tale continues with only four of the characters from Book 1 (Kalam, Fiddler, Crokus, and Apsalar) and a host of new characters on another continent. The four from Book 1 travel to the Seven Cities area of the vast continent west from Genabackis. The seer Sha'ik launches a war against the Malazans. The Empress Laseen picks the Wickan leader of the Crow Clan, Coltaine to safeguard the Malazan refugees. Coltaine begins a long, hazardous march to the city of Aren. There are several bloody battles, many perilous travels through strange "warrens", and some new interesting characters, notably the Imperial Historian, Duiker (attached to Coltaine's march) and the youngest daughter of House Paran, Felisin. Her journey takes some strange turns. It's epic, strange, dark, and weird. It's also big meaty fantasy with an eye-popping conclusion. I enjoyed it but next up is some lighter fare. ( )

This series gets interesting and interesting... ( )

This is my second read through of Deadhouse Gates, and I still found the book to be long, boring, and full of whining. I can appreciate the importance of finding out about Laseen's true motivations in outlawing Dujek, and Felisin + the Whirlwind set the stage for Tavore's arrival at the Seven Cities, but the book is still a Felisin/Heboric whine fest. Iskaral Pust, Moby, and the unnamed Toblakai do some to redeem the book, and (with the foresight of having read through this before) Erickson does an admiral job of crafting a large story with elements like the Silanda, but it still does not match the first book. ( )

i just finished the 6th book in this series, and i still consider this book to be the best :) ( )