Memories of Ice (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #3)

Yet again, it's difficult to adequately sum up my experience with Malazan. I think Memories of Ice is my favorite of the three so far, but tbd on whether it stays that way after digesting the book a bit longer. A few likely incoherent thoughts:

Compared to Deadhouse Gates, the plot of Memories of Ice doesn't feel as straightforward and contained. Yes, the full novel revolves around stopping the Pannion Domin, but the number of characters and storylines that branched out, as well as discussions of the elder races and gods, expanded the world building and scope at the expense of the focus of the plot. I cant decide if this is net positive for me yet.
The characters in this installment are my favorite so far. Itkovian, Lady Envy, Tool, the full Bridgeburners, Anomander Rake, Korlat - I was so invested. Erikson has a weird way of attaching you to a character within a few paragraphs of introducing them. People seem to warn new readers about the number of characters to keep track of in Malazan as a whole, and while it can be difficult at times to keep track of all of the K and B names (why, Erikson??), the characters are the strongest part of this series for me. They are each so unique and well-crafted. The only characters I didn't vibe with were Bachelin and Korbal Broach, but I'm sure they'll be super relevant in future books.
The overall themes- the burdens of our past imprisoning us, what compassion entails and costs, fate, freedom, and humanity - are just *chefs kiss*. The way Erikson weaves these into each of his characters and ties them back to the title Memories of Ice is just perfect and is the main reason I like this book a little more than Deadhouse Gates. More of this, please, in House of Chains!
Obviously the scope and world of Malazan is huge. I felt it more acutely in this entry vs. the previous two. We learn more about the T'lan Imass, Jaghuts, K'Chain Che'Malle, Barghasts, Elder Gods, priesthood structures and roles, warrens, and how all of these relate to each other as well as our characters and the impending conflict with the Pannion Domin. Generally I understood 90% of what's going on, and trusted that the other 10% would be clear in another 1000 pages of the series where Erikson reveals something that is completely obvious looking back. And honestly, those reveals are so fun that I don't care about being confused. But I will say, the scope of this one did ride the line of what I was able to absorb and keep track of across all storylines.
I do think it's interesting how often characters "die" without actually dying to be either immediately revived, or hinted at reviving in future installments. We see it with Duiker and maybe Coltaine in Deadhouse Gates, and without spoilers, a few characters in Memories of Ice as well. It leads me to mistrust most things in this series ha but in a fun way.

Overall, while this book takes a lot of mental energy and time to read, I rarely wanted to put it down and I think it will stick with me for a long time.

And, for posterity when I look back on these after completing the series, some predictions:
<spoiler>

The Bridgeburners will 100% not stay in retirement. In book 5, some new threat will hit Darujistan or nearby and they will be too noble to not get involved. And, with Paran as Master of the Deck, of course he's getting sucked into god's games. Super excited to see how that role evolves, what blessing the gods/people mean, and when/how he will encounter his sisters and who's side he takes. He doesn't speak fondly of Tavore, but she is working with the Malazan empire whom I don't see Paran betraying. On the flipside, he has a lot of guilt around Felisin's fate, and that could lead him to empathizing with her more, especially depending on how the god's align. And he's 100% going to free Draconis from the sword at somepoint, with consequences that seem dire but that will prove to be good in the longterm.
Gruntle and Anaster being little friends but also acknowledging they align to opposing gods is really compelling. I hope we see more of this dynamic, and how both of their reluctance in being Mortal Swords impacts how they navigate this moving forward.
I think Dujek and Korlat are both going to channel their sadness about Whiskeyjack into reckless rage and bloodshed but against different enemies.
The Mott Irregulars came up enough to think they'll be relevant. I think in maybe book 5 we learn that they're actually obscenely powerful wizards and they become a key ally to the Malazans or Grey Swords
I need to know what gives Kruppe his power. I think he's secretly an elder god disguised as mortal but I don't know which one.
IDK about any of the T'lan Imass or Jaghut or anything. I'm honestly still so confused about their warren world and wtf is going on there. Midnight Tides references the battle the T'lan Imass are fighting in a different continent (?) so they'll reappear there, but idk who the human enemy is or how they'll evolve after Itkovian gave them memories (?). But I do think Silverfox will find new purpose and eventually reunite with the Mhybe.

</spoiler>

Memories of Ice (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #3)

Steven Erikson

Memories of Ice (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #3)

Steven Erikson