The who-done-it aspect of this story is almost inconsequential; as it's pretty much a foregone conclusion from the moment we are introduced to the character of Bauchelain. The fun is in how Steven Erikson unfolds the story and fills out the characters of Bauchelain and Reece, who had minor roles in Memories Of Ice. Never has the face of evil presented such a reasonable mien as that of Bauchelain.
His concern for the well being of others, especially that of his new manservant, makes him seem far and beyond the most considerate person of any of the characters in the story. But in spite of this, there is always something about him that suggests the evil lurking below his veneer of cultured politeness.
The Reece we meet in Blood Follows is not the wreck of a man we saw in Memories Of Ice. True he's not the smartest of folk, but that doesn't mean he's lacking in self-respect or native cunning. But there's only so many horrors that a man can take, and a peak at Korbal Broach's attempt at begetting with the organs he's gathered would ruin a person with twice the strength of Reece.
While this little side trip into another territory in the world where the Malazan Empire is known makes only passing reference to events outside the island city of Lamentable Moll, there is no other world it could possibly be. Steven Erikson's talent for establishing its distinguishing characteristics; the pantheon of God's and Goddesses, the manner of speech, accepted practices, character types, and the atmosphere in general is such that those familiar with The Malazan Book Of The Fallen will have no trouble recognizing the place.
Hearing familiar phrases spoken, and references made that are recognizable because of our knowledge of the world the story takes place in, is one of the things that makes this book so enjoyable. Like watching a movie that was shot in your hometown and seeing friendly landmarks in a different context, Blood Follows has a wonderful sense of the familiar while being a brand new experience.
Article comments
1 - Anna Creech
While I completely disagree with your comments about science fiction and fantasy literature, as well as your snide remarks about Star Trek, I think you did a good job with this review.
Maybe I have had the good fortune to read science fiction and fantasy that explores complex social issues without being pretentious, while you have had the unlucky circumstance of missing those books in your reading regimen. I think there area a lot more of them out there than you give credit for.
As for your comment about Star Trek, there is no doubt that it has influenced elements of modern technology. And, it dealt with social issues such as race and gender long before those things were being discussed on daytime talk shows. You don't have to be a Trekkie to recognize the influence that Star Trek has had on society, you just have to open your eyes and your mind.
2 - Christopher Rose
Well said, Anna. Science Fiction and Star Trek's influence have both been profound.
3 - El Bicho
You really do a disservice to the author of the book you are reviewing by making comments unrelated that call into question your judgment and knowledge.
Aside from the first interracial kiss on TV, Trek showed a future where people of different races worked harmoniously side by side a year after people were rioting in the streets in America over racial issues. You don't have to know the name of Spock's mother, and I don't, to have picked up on that.