House Of Chains : A book review (Malazan Chronicles)

Malazan Book Of The Fallen 

Book 4
House Of Chains


To learn the extent of brutality is a terrible thing.Knowing the extent of pain one can endure isn’t something we dream of. Thankfully, we readers live a thousand lives, and some of them at least help us love our own life more.

House Of Chains enchants, enthralls and steals your heart in the trademark Erikson mold. Wraps you in proverbial chains and sets the stage for an epic clash in high class fashion. The return to Seven Cities is handled brilliantly, the introduction of new characters and the character development of the old keeps you well entertained, while the thrilling plot keeps you grasping the edge of your seat. And when things turn dark, nasty and miserable, a few good cape-less heroes provide comic relief. Every time you think you know this world Erikson spits out something new. The first sequence is a bit triggering, especially for women, so be warned. The tale of the first arc ties in nicely with the return to the Seven Cities continent: the road trodden to get there is equally important. The clues and tidbits left in Deadhouse Gates and Memories Of Ice now blossom into full-time quests/story-lines. But they don’t leave you blank for lack of knowledge. I love how the story entertains right through the start without compromising on future excitement.



As far as characters are concerned, there are good people, dumb ones, miserable and awesome ones too. The best part is they aren’t all human, so you don’t have to just listen to mortals whine on about death and destruction. There are immortals who are done with life, and others who are only just starting their lives. The huge amount of character development given to some characters of House Of Chains makes their stories special.

The world is just magnificent, as expected from Erikson, and he never disappoints. The king of multiple storylines yet again weaves a continent spanning tale through time and dimensions, with multiple protagonists, yet the tale he tells is but one. Filled with easter eggs in admirable density, it introduces to this packed world even more species, with the Tiste Edur at the forefront. Answering questions about the origin of the Bridgeburners and the creation of the Empire, and featuring both old heroes and new, this is a very mesmerizing read. Even a reader fresh to the Malazan Chronicles won’t have much trouble picking up the storyline without much trouble. The desert is the main soulcrusher. The author has done a fantastic job making not just his characters, but even the very land itself feel alive.


Darkness and destruction is explored to the fullest, as is cruelty, depredation and the capacity for evil. The perils of ambition and the allure of revenge are also explored.

There is lots more to say, but that would mean spoilers?!? Its not the same as Memories Of Ice, so a bit of variety wins points. Also, does a wonderful job setting up the world. Erikson has been so brilliant at setting up the world that even though each book so far can entertain as a standalone novel, all of them push you to read the others. Midnight Tides awaits.


 

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