At the end of Midnight Tides, they have begun their journey of conquest, but we already know from the House of Chains that they are further along in their plans. Erikson will introduce a character or a group of people in one book, give us tantalizing hints about who and what they are, and in a subsequent book will show how previous events brought them to where they are now.
It's a testament to his abilities that instead of all this being a confusing mess, it is a fascinating puzzle. Sure, on occasion one feels lost, but you just know that an answer is forthcoming, and although it may not do more than open the door to more questions, there is comfort to be had in the knowledge that the characters in the books (at least most of them) don't know any more than you do, and are struggling just as hard to find the answers.
Read these books at your own peril; once you get involved, you are hooked. The good thing about them is their ability to stand up to re-readings. So while you're waiting for the next installment you can at least get a Malazan fix to keep you going.
Article comments
1 - Kit
The whole malazan series is awesome.
the reapers gale was great and the last chapter of toc the youngers life was intense. had to write a song with the poem "the lay of the bridgeburners" from page 778...
cheers
kit
www.kitsmusic.com
2 - cory
Read hundreds of books, but very few captivated me and took me as far away as this series did. Loved it.