I finally made it to the end! Well, other than the two ICE books I have yet to read.I think I need to call a little BS on this being the second part of a two-part novel, as this has the same long, slower beginning that every Malazan book does. Other than the massive cliffhanger at the end of Dust of Dreams, they are really two separate novels, albeit with more connections than most in the series. This is a very effective finale, as a lot of things that were unclear before now become clear…er. Nothing is ever really crystal clear in Malazan. I was also very satisfied with things being wrapped as well as they were. There are still some dangling threads and unclear motivations, but considering the magnitude of this series, it wrapped up more than I expected.The interplay and convergence of all of the different groups is pretty great, including the Malazans, the Letherii, the Host, the Bolkando, the Barghast, the Perish, the K’Chain Che’malle, the T’lan Imass, the Jaghut, the Forkrul Assail, the Eleint (dragons) and all of the various, scheming Gods. The Shake and Tiste Andii thread barely converges with the rest, but it is clear that the overarching war is connected.The emotional resonance of this book is pretty massive. I teared up more than once, for things both sad and happy. Speaking of which, I was impressed by the variety of endings for these characters - some are given happy endings, some are given great sacrifices, some are casually tossed aside. It is also amazing how much I care about some characters I thought I didn’t, as well as how many pre-conceived notions were thrown out the window by the time this book ended. And the comments that Erikson is a nihilist really make no sense, as this book was much more sentimental and optimistic than I expected.While I think this series was certainly not perfect, it did so much right and in a unique way that it should go down as one of the greatest fantasy series of all time.5 stars overall.Breakdown of the meta-series:Deadhouse Gates (Erikson) – 5 starsThe Bonehunters (Erikson) – 5 starsMidnight Tides (Erikson) – 5 starsThe Crippled God (Erikson) – 5 starsMemories of Ice (Erikson) – 4.5 starsToll the Hounds (Erikson) – 4.5 starsAssail (ICE) - 4.5 starsHouse of Chains (Erikson) – 4 starsOrb, Scepter, Throne (ICE) – 4 starsDust of Dreams (Erikson) – 4 starsStonewielder (ICE) – 4 starsGardens of the Moon (Erikson) – 3.5 starsNight of Knives (ICE) – 3.5 starsReaper's Gale (Erikson) – 3.5 starsBlood and Bone (ICE) - 3.5 starsReturn of the Crimson Guard (ICE) – 3 stars This book will hold you by the balls and won't let go till the end. It's non-stop scenes of epic, dare I say, sacrifices. I came into this book expecting a lot of my own personal questions (or loose ends) from prior books to be answered or neatly laid to rest somehow. The book will do nothing to abate that I'm afraid. Erikson keeps you held to the mission at hand and nothing wavers from the central effort, the central plot.There are numerous acts of note throughout the book. Some are just so bad-ass that they will flood your minds with cinematic imagery. It's a combination of screaming swords and dragonfire. Goosebumbs and lumps to your mental throat are a staple. The sheer temerity of the Paran siblings continues to shock and the portrayal of will, put to words, will make you pause and appreciate the excellent prose of the author.People die (Erikson is the best at doing that to the best of his characters). Armies make stands. Relenting is an alien notion to this 'army'. You will be rooting for them like never before and that is one of the biggest compliments I can give this book when you consider the number of epic moments that readers have gone through prior to this book.I am a big fan of the David Gemmell saga of books where a single hero rallies the soldiers and wins the day. Erikson personified an entire regiment as a hero. Some will die in the simplest of acts; Some will go down in a blaze of glory. But every single one of them will imprint your mind. Every single one. It is a testament to Erikson's ability to read how he makes every soldier's plight be felt and his/her sacrifice be acknowledged by the reader.Ranks in my top two books for this series. I don't think I will be reading a series of this caliber for a very, very long time.
What do You think about The Crippled God (2011)?
the journey is complete! good finish (hmm might re-read the last few chapters..) and a great read :)
—Jessica
Kind of underwhelming at the end, but I'm glad I finally finished this ridiculous series.
—takeragirf77
The best fantasy I have read till date.
—trusofistication
