Reaper's Gale

When I started reading this I didn't expect the story would go this way and that so many main characters would die. And others somewhat become alive again...
Erikson continues to amaze me with every page turned. I have to admit, though, that there were way too many POV characters and sometimes, when he returned to them after 400-600 pages I had to think hard about who they were and what was going on.
I went in with low expectations, not mamy people consider this book as a highlight of the series but it really surprised. Is it better than MoI or TB? Definitely not, but it has its moments. Just like DG and MoI, it can crush your heart.
The last thing I'm gonna say are Quick Bens words:
“Don't you pity him, Fid. You understand me? Don't you pity him!”

Reaper's Gale est le septième tome du cycle de fantasy Malazan Book of the Fallen de Steven Erikson.

Jusque là, le cinquième tome, Midnight Tides, était mon préféré du cycle. J'y avais notamment adoré la confrontation entre les tribus Tiste Edur et l'empire de Lether, deux civilisations représentant deux modèles de société différents, avec des échos contemporains qui n'étaient pas pour me déplaire. Je crois que Reaper's Gale m'a encore plu d'avantage. J'y ai retrouvé le cadre et les personnages que j'avais tant apprécié dans Midnight Tides, avec une intrigue encore plus forte. Steven Erikson poursuit, et parfois achève, l'histoire de certains personnages, et il le fait de façon mémorable.

Je ne sais pas ce que me réservent les trois derniers romans du cycle, mais j'espère de tout coeur y retrouver tout ce que j'ai aimé dans celui-ci.

Reel back you tottering forests this nightthe black waves crash on the black shoreto steal the flesh from your bony rootsdeath comes, shouldering aside in cold legionin a marching wind this dread this bloodthis reaper's gale

“Reaper's Gale” is the seventh installment in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. It picks up the threads from both “Midnight Tides” and “The Bonehunters,” slowly intertwining their storylines. The convergence unfolds gradually, as Erikson takes his time in weaving them together. Despite the intricate build-up, a new storyline is introduced.

Managing a multitude of characters creates a complex situation, making it challenging to do justice to all points of view. The book's pacing is deliberate, and anticipated clashes take time to unfold. Nevertheless, “Reaper's Gale” delivers impactful and emotional moments that rise above mere spectacle.

Erikson delves into familiar themes like religion, power, possession, self-determination, and assimilation. Additionally, he subverts “The hero's journey.” Eventually, Erikson skillfully merges the plotlines in his unique way, opening the door to the series' final segment. The accomplishment, however, comes at the cost of a considerable number of pages.

I rate it just above 4 stars: 4.25.

I'm still enjoying my journey through the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Am seriously considering that I may have to upgrade all the titles to 5 stars. These books are so good, and I keep thinking about events and characters long after I read the books.

I don't generally care that much about the bad guys, so it's kind of amazing how much I pity a despicable character like Rhulad. My favourite parts of this book were probably the Fiddler and the Tehol parts. Oh, and Beak made me cry so hard!

“People with no sense or appreciation of humour, Invigilator, always take money too seriously. It's possession, anyway. Which is why they spend all their time stacking coins, counting this and that, gazing lovingly over their hoards and so on. They're compensating for the abject penury everywhere else in their lives.”