I found this to be the most interesting of the series so far. There was no drag unlike the last one which was a little slow at times. It re-introduced and further developed many of the main characters from the first book. I can't say enough about this series it is fantastic. Must say I was a little sad about the end of the Bridgeburners and the death of Whiskeyjack and others. All in all excellen ....On to the next one! ( )

Another thrilling tale that adds to the aura of the Malazan empire... ( )

It's a marvel to witness the uncovering of his imagination and realize the depth of what he has created. Erikson has created a world that probably surpasses any other fantasy world that ever existed and he has yet seven more books in which he can allow his readers to explore....

...His imagination is boundless and the world-building he executed to bring to life this Malazan world is nothing short of genius on par of J.R.R. Tolkien. It is a vast amazing world that full of amazing beings that would surely become imprinted in the minds of those fortunate enough to read their story. (more) ( )

Memories of Ice did not fare as well for me in re-reading as did its predecessors. Still an epic achievement, I found it at times brilliant, but at others a disappointment. I had recalled this as being the most powerful, emotionally, of the Erikson books I had read - and it quite possibly retains that title - but what I had not recalled from previous reads was the paper-thin quality of some of the characters in this edition of the Malazan Books of the Fallen.

Unlike either Gardens of the Moon or Deadhouse Gates, Memories of Ice does not work as a stand-alone novel. If you've gotten this far into the series, it is time to start reading in order. If you haven't read the previous two novels, there will be large gaps in your understanding of the story-line. After the fall of Darujhistan, the Bridgeburners, along with the rest of Onearm's Host, are outlawed by the Empress and pressed into an uneasy alliance with old enemies. A new evil has arisen in the form of the Pannion Domin - a brutal cult making its way ruthlessly across the already ravaged continent of Genabackis. The true nature of the Seer leading this vast army of cannibals is unknown, but a familiar mage by the name of Quick Ben soon uncovers a far more dangerous battle raging at the heart of this war. In the meantime, a familiar friend from Ganoes Paran's past is making his way northward from the rent where he awoke after months of obliviousness to the world. And the vastness of this entire drama is played out against the backdrop of history too old to be called "ancient."

At times punchy and funny, and at others horrifying and gut-wrenching, Memories of Ice remains a masterpiece, despite its failings. But failings it does have. The Mhybe is a character wholly unsympathetic - which I find odd for Erikson, who is usually so skilled in his portrayal of multi-faceted, conflicted personalities. For most of the storyline, I felt nothing for her other than annoyance, and a true desire that she would receive her dearest wish: her own death. On the flip side, I found Lady Envy's character so ridiculous on this reading that it was laughable. Sometimes fantasy really can be too fantastic.

Still a great work of art? Absolutely. But not worthy of the 5 stars I'd given it before, and definitely not among the best of this series.

Another warning for parents: This book is in no way appropriate for children. I don't think I'd even let a teenager read it. The graphic violence in this edition is enhanced by the fact that much of it is not only bloody, but sexual as well. Be advised. ( )

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