Remember Coltaine! (1709 hits)
Category: GeneralRating: -0.16 on 41 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by zakalwe (View user info) at 2006-01-17 15:46:06 EST
This is a post for everyone lucky enough to have read the seminal "Malazan Book of the Fallen" by Steven Erikson.
For everyone who has known Kruppe of Darujhistan, Gothos, Tool, Cotillion and Ammanas, Apsalar, Karsa Orlong, Heboric Light Touch, Trull Sengar, Fiddler, Tattersail, Iskaral Pust, K'rul, Kuru Qan, Quick Ben, Icarium, Tayschrenn, the Chain of Dogs, Sormo E'nath, Tehol Beddict, Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, Duiker, Ganoes Paran.
Anomander Rake.
Coltaine.
Whiskeyjack.
Itkovian.
Put simply, these books are amazing. I would recommend them to anyone, and it is my hope that at least one other person here is also a fan. They may be works of fantasy, but it is adult fantasy. Tales of castles and kings they are not, but rather of power and emotion and war and death.
No doubt this will mean nothing to many of you, but here are two quotes from the books that resonate particularly for me, and even alone they recall strong emotions in me.
"Kallor said: 'I walked this land when the T'lan Imass were but children. I have commanded armies a hundred thousand strong. I have spread the fire of my wrath across entire continents, and sat upon tall thrones. Do you grasp the meaning of this?'
'Yes,' said Caladan Brood, 'you never learn.'"
- Conversations of War, Second in Command Kallor speaking with Warlord Caladan Brood. (from Gardens of the Moon)
"'Children are dying.'
Lull nodded. 'That's a succinct history of humankind, I'd say. Who needs tomes and volumes of history? Children are dying. The injustices of the world hide in those three words. Quote me, Duiker, and your work's done.'"
- Captain Lull to Duiker. (from Deadhouse Gates)
User Reviews
Submitted by boomslang (user info) at 2006-06-30 15:01:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Teephphah thanks again for recommending the "ASoIaF" series, I just finished "A Feast For Crows" and loved the whole series. I think I read "A Clash of Kings" in about 10 days, and I used to be a slow reader.
Submitted by Teephphah (user info) at 2006-06-08 23:52:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Big, big, big FUCK YOU here.
I got the impression somewhere that I WOULD BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE MOST OF THE SERIES once I started reading it. Just finished Deadhouse Gates and BARELY managed to find Memories of Ice in town, BUT THAT WON'T LAST ME LONG AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THE NEXT ONE IS COMING FROM !!!!
FUCK YOU FOR GETTING ME SUCKED INTO ANOTHER SERIES THAT I WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOREVER TO FINISH.
BASTARD.
George R. R. Martin is still better though.
Submitted by JesterOfUnnamedGods (user info) at 2006-02-08 01:09:44 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
This post is worse than mine, and that is saying quite a fucking lot. Rot in hell with all the other anal astronauts.
Submitted by MrSparkle847 (user info) at 2006-02-05 13:56:17 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Do you mean Coltrane? As in John Coltrane, legendary jazz saxophonist?
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2006-02-05 13:36:15 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
I can't wait for the day you are thrown in jail after the cops find kiddie porn on your computer.
Submitted by knucklesnelson (user info) at 2006-02-02 22:36:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by bento (user info) at 2006-01-26 23:29:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
my humps
Submitted by sg11588 (user info) at 2006-01-19 13:06:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
sadfkjasdhf;lkascjnmwo;.cawejfoiewamc;oawihnawieugbalwiegubawigbaewgaweg
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2006-01-18 19:27:19 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
what is this shit?
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2006-01-18 14:03:35 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
retaliatory -2
Submitted by Teephphah (user info) at 2006-01-18 13:59:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"I mean, stuff actually happens in this one, and I'm not talking about Elayne and Aviendha having a bath for several chapters."
HA!
The sad thing is, that line is funny because it is almost true.
I know that I'll eventually end up reading it - the thought of NOT finishing a series that I've started is mortifying - but since there are other things on my "to read" shelf right now, I'm in no real hurry.
I think I'll probably end up trying Ericson before I get back into Jordan.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-18 07:32:17 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by simple_catalyst (user info) at 2006-01-17 19:04:14 (#)
Ranking: 2
yeah.
===
a fan, finally?
Submitted by PokeyPecker (user info) at 2006-01-17 19:33:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
In all honesty, that was an unfair -2 from me, since I've never read (or heard of) these books. Sorry dude.
But it doesn't sound like my cup of tea. And you're still a little shithead I'd probably enjoy beating the fuck out of.
:-)
Submitted by PokeyPecker (user info) at 2006-01-17 19:30:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 18:46:42 (#)
Ranking: 0
and FUCK YOU ebola. I've left you alone for MONTHS you whiny cock.
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Hey hey hey! Easy there little buckaroo! I didn't wanna hurt ya none. I jus wanna hold ya little is all!
Here, have a +2.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo.
Best buddies again???
Submitted by simple_catalyst (user info) at 2006-01-17 19:04:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
yeah.
Submitted by Dead_0hi0_Sky (user info) at 2006-01-17 19:00:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
what Lord of the Rings movie are you guys talking about?
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 18:46:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
and FUCK YOU ebola. I've left you alone for MONTHS you whiny cock.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 18:46:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
and if you haven't read Knife of Dreams because of Crossroads of Twilights (which was terrible), you should know it really is vastly better. I mean, stuff actually happens in this one, and I'm not talking about Elayne and Aviendha having a bath for several chapters.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 18:44:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Teeph, I just saw that the gaps between each book were steadily growing larger, that he split a whole branch of the storyline into a seperate book or series or something, that he was taking years to write a new part.
now that I think about it, there really wasn't any magic in the book at all. the Maesters seem to have some kind of healing powers, and something is clearly not normal with the walking frozen undead, but apart from the dragons there's really no battle magic or anything like that I think. it's weird, because I like stuff like that but never even noticed it was missing until you pointed it out. a mark in the books favour, I suppose.
Jaime Lannister is still in the books? I thought he pretty much finished after his capture by Robb's forces. and does Stannis start playing a major role, I thought he would never appear, he didn't in book 1.
oh, and another reason you probably haven't heard of Erikson is that he had a limited press in the US, he's yet to make it big there I think. he's much more established in the UK, but I think he's gradually winning an audience over there. as he should.
Submitted by Teephphah (user info) at 2006-01-17 18:21:17 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Have not read Knife of Dreams.
The dragons, the Others (snowy undead) and a couple other things surrounding Stannis Barathorn and/or Caitlyn Stark make me think that there is a whole shitload of paranormal activity that is about to break loose in the series and I just can't wait for it.
I've read reviews that say that Martin is getting bogged down too, but I honestly can't understand the people who write them. It's called "character development" people. Look no further than Jamie Lannister if you need an example. I've also seen people bitching about Martin focusing on "minor characters." I'd like to know how these people know who is and is not a minor character when the story isn't even finished yet. You know who was a main character? Ed Stark was a main character. But he sure as fuck ain't anymore. SO SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH ABOUT "MINOR" CHARACTERS YOU IGNORANT BASTARDS.
Ahem. Sorry.
What I was trying to say was that Martin is by no means bogged down in plot development. Just because there isn't a battle of Minas Tireth in every other chapter doesn't mean the story has stopped moving.
Wow. I'm actually pissed off now. I hate people.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 18:05:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
actually it happens pretty much at the end of the book, Teeph...and I was wavering on whether to get the next one in the series (only read Game of Thrones). I did some reading on the series, and it seems that Martin is falling into the same trap as other epic writers, becoming bogged down in plot, bigger gaps between books, slow death of reader interest (vis ROBERT JORDAN).
I'll probably get it at some point, have some free time soon, the idea of the dragons was dragging me back, and hopefully there will be some building on the premise of the prologue (Ser Waymar Royce and the ???Ice-Monsters/Undead???) that have been lurking on the sidelines. plus I want to know more about the Imp and Tywin Lannister.
I do like the way he treats his characters. the way Stark died, or the loss of the direwolf Lady (bad news for the spoiled daughter in the future, I forget her name). and the way he threw the Kingslayer to the wolves after building him up so much.
have you read Knife of Dreams?
Submitted by Teephphah (user info) at 2006-01-17 17:30:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Zak -
Your little spoiler there was exactly why I love the series. Martin is absolutely merciless to his characters. I think that, erm, "event" you mentioned happens within the first 100 pages of the first book - that's how I knew I wasn't in for the same sort of ride that most other authors take you on.
I would say that in terms of political complexity, they are almost up there with the Wheel of Time series maybe even better now that I really think about it, but thank GOD there is more action (so far) . . . but with Martin's bodycount you'd have to expect that.
*I* think that the characters are more complex and therefore more interesting. Eddard Stark was about the only thing you had even approaching the traditional "hero." (Although Jon comes close.) The ones with no moral ambiguity, nobility of purpose and action, all that good stuff. But as you go along, the people you have absolutely hated, change. You even find yourself rooting for the "bad" guys, because Martin has even WORSE bad guys waiting in the wings.
My only complaint is that so far there isn't much magic or godly interaction. I cut my Fantasy teeth on the DragonLance series and I want a Fizban-type character in every series. Damn it.
In Martin's world there are rumors of dragons and magic and things like that, but for the most part they are all just rumors at this point (well, we KNOW there are dragons, but they haven't done much yet). I suspect that the surviving Starks will hook up with their direwolves at some point, but then you wonder how far that theme will go. You have Dragons for Daenerys, and wolves for the Starks . . . will the Lanisters get lions, or the Greyjoys get krakens? Seems unlikely.
Anyway, I aboslutely love them and give them my highest recommendation.
I haven't read (or heard of) the books you are talking about here, but I'll be more than willing to give them a try when I'm done with Feast for Crows.
Submitted by PokeyPecker (user info) at 2006-01-17 17:17:45 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
I dare anyone to read Deadhouse Gates and not be moved.
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Once, Hemingway kissed a Spanish Civil War soldier girl, and the earth moved. He said so. It's in plain black and white. "For Whom The Bell Tolls."
Nothing ever moves me, or my earth, except the occassional earthquake. Poopy.
Submitted by Fartman (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:57:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by leilani (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:03:35 (#)
Ranking: 0
of course i remember, he's my favorite saxomophone player
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Hahahahahaha. Dat funy.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:40:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
do they get better teeph? I was shocked when SPOILER Eddard Stark was executed SPOILER, and I haven't got round to book two yet. I definitely get the sense that nothing good will happen to anyone in the books, but I do like the atmosphere, with the direwolfs and the approaching winter and the purple eyed Targaryens. still, the characters just didn't grip me, with the exception of Ned Stark (but no longer) and Tyrion Lannister.
and have you read any of these yet, or heard of them? they really are good. I dare anyone to read Deadhouse Gates and not be moved.
Submitted by Teephphah (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:27:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
The Song of Fire and Ice books (George R.R. Martin) are the best Fantasy books I've ever read.
I'm reading the fourth (?) one right now and enjoying every page.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:26:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
it's ok. your tastes are not necessarily mine though.
Submitted by boomslang (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:22:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
oops this is what i meant
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)
by George R.R. Martin
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:19:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
don't know it, who's it by?
Submitted by boomslang (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:17:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i think you're right. what about that "Throne of Thrones" book? would you recommend that one?
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:13:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
can't remember, I read that when it first came out however many years ago it was. but they are more childrens books anyway. these are not.
and I thought the first one was called "the Northern Lights"?
Submitted by c1ndy (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:12:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by DeadHorse (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:01:12 (#)
Ranking: -2
What language is this, Dork?
Submitted by boomslang (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:10:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Is it better than Phillip Pullman? I was reading The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1) and I got like 50 pages from the end and was like, "You know what, I really don't give a fuck." and never finished it.
Submitted by freebie (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:09:40 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
I cant remember what I had for breakfast
Submitted by leilani (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:03:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
of course i remember, he's my favorite saxomophone player
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:02:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Gardens of the Moon is the first book (there are 5 just now, of a projected series of 10, the 6th is due soon, but not soon enough)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765310015/104-8572976-9078352?v=glance&n=283155
it's a hard book to get into at first, but once you get past that it's a great read, and things just get better and better as the series progresses. Memories of Ice (book 3) is often said to be the best, but I also like Deadhouse Gates (2) and Midnight Tides (5).
Submitted by DeadHorse (user info) at 2006-01-17 16:01:12 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
What language is this, Dork?
Submitted by boomslang (user info) at 2006-01-17 15:57:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i haven't read any of these no, but that doesn't mean i wouldn't. Where does the series start?
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 15:52:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
you are a fan boomslang?
Submitted by boomslang (user info) at 2006-01-17 15:51:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I would recommend them to anyone, and it is my hope that at least one other person here is also a fan.
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that's definitely evident
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2006-01-17 15:46:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
strange, there is no "book/literature" post topic. never noticed that before.