Fall of Light

Fall of Light continues a fascinating story, it mostly maintains Erickson's faster pace and clarity, builds out a world of mystery, and weaves an awesome and tragic origin to the Tiste people (as we have come to know them) that have captivated so many readers of Malazan Book of the Fallen. First off: Characters. Erickson writes characters of such variety. Staying with them as they experience life, as they struggle, as they reflect, as they cope, as they fail - its a hell of a journey. Your understanding of these people will fold in on itself by books end. It is stunning work, these characters are frighteningly real in their imperfections and their inner strengths. The story has a wandering eye at time's including events one would not expect at first, but getting to witness these legendary figures and events was a pleasure. Every aspect of the world building was a grand slam, it is a big reason I fell in love with MBotF and it has only gotten better. The books focus on political necessity, honor, duty, ambition, and love are not always on the surface, but neither are they hidden too deep. And if lessons are to be learned of these themes, they are not what one would expect, especially one unaccustomed to Erickson's critical subversions and thoughtful interrogations of our myths. Fall of Light is a tragedy, it is a descent into an inevitable doom, and the ride was captivating and engaging (in that order) the whole time. I wish to share this story with my friends, and I am eagerly awaiting the final book.