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This book was nothing short of brilliant! So much so that it is, at this point, my favorite Malazan installment �� which is all the more surprising since there is only one recurring main character from the previous books. It is also set in that character‘s past �� we know what happens to Trull Sengar in book 4. It turns out knowing what the future has in store for him only made this book even more intriguing.

This book introduces us to two sets of brothers, the Beddicts and the Sengals. My absolute favorite was Tehol Beddict �� and his manservant Bugg; they are such a hilarious pair. Erikson is so good at creating these comic relief scenes, comic relief that is needed. Tehol mostly pretends to be obtuse, while Bugg patiently humors him. It just works so well.

“What do you want we should eat tonight?��
“Something that needs cooking.��
“Would that be something better when cooked, or something that has to be cooked?��
“Either way’s fine.��
“How about wood?��
“I’m not eating��"
“For the hearth.��

But his pretend stupidity and apparent poverty hide what an economic genius he is. His brother Brys is equally competent �� but his talent lies in swordsmanship. Finally, there is Hull Beddict, who is plagued by the knowledge that his role as an explorer of the tribes along Lether‘s borders was ultimately used to subjugate and eradicate these cultures. His allegiance therefore lies with the Tiste Edur, who have not been conquered.

It is with this people where we encounter our second set of brothers, this time a set of four. Among them is, most notably, Trull Sengar, one of our PoV characters, a genuinely good and intelligent guy, whose ultimate fate we know from House of Chains, which is not alluded to here, however. Fear Sengar, the eldest brother, is likewise a man of integrity; Binadas Sengar is close with Hull Beddict, and Rhulad‘s arrogance and craving for validation is one of the catalysts for a war between the Tiste Edur and the human Letherii. In his defense, there is magic involved �� and the will and direction of gods and other magical creatures. Needless to say magic again plays a large role; as much as I usually struggle with soft magic systems, I had no trouble with it here at all. Maybe I‘m just used to it by now or maybe it just fits into the narrative so well.

Another PoV character is the Letherii slave Udinaas, who impacts events considerably, but I‘ll leave it at that �� it’s best to find out for yourself. I will say he is not among my favorite characters.

If you find yourself asking, where are the women in all this? Do not worry, there are both main and minor female characters. One of them is Shuq Ellale, an undead thief, who wants to get a makeover to be pretty again; she is always good for a laugh. Seren Pedac is one of only seven Acquitors allowed in the Tiste Edur territory as designated by treaty. We will also see events unfold through her eyes.

So, here we are. A 1000-page book that flew by. I‘m not sure why this is my favorite installment so far; possibly because of our characters and their respective paths, possibly because of that devastating yet satisfying ending. But also because in this book you get it all: political intrigue, manipulation, gods, magical creatures, love, lust, hilarity, monstrosity, war, cruelty, friendship and loyalty.

I‘m so grateful I stayed with this series even if it was not always easy. It was well worth it!

Onward!