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| View Larger Image | Toll the Hounds: Book Eight of The Malazan Book of the Fallen
by Steven Erikson
| | List Price: | $27.95 | | Price: | $18.45 | | You Save: | $9.50 (34%) |  | | Available: | Usually ships in 24 hours | | | | | Sales Rank: | 11921 | | Studio: | Tor Books | | | Binding: | Hardcover | | Number Of Pages: | 832 | | Publication Date: | September 16, 2008 | | Publisher: | Tor Books |
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS |
Product Description
In Darujhistan, the city of blue fire, it is said that love and death shall arrive dancing. It is summer and the heat is oppressive, but for the small round man in the faded red waistcoat, discomfiture is not just because of the sun. All is not well. Dire portents plague his nights and haunt the city streets like fiends of shadow. Assassins skulk in alleyways, but the quarry has turned and the hunters become the hunted. Hidden hands pluck the strings of tyranny like a fell chorus. While the bards sing their tragic tales, somewhere in the distance can be heard the baying of Hounds...And in the distant city of Black Coral, where rules Anomander Rake, Son of Darkness, ancient crimes awaken, intent on revenge. It seems Love and Death are indeed about to arrive...hand in hand, dancing. A thrilling, harrowing novel of war, intrigue and dark, uncontrollable magic, Toll the Hounds is the new chapter in Erikson's monumental series - epic fantasy at its most imaginative and storytelling at its most exciting. |
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 16 reviews)
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Erickson's grand tale continues 
The return of Erickson's grand Malazan tale to the locale of Darujhistan. Those of you who've read the series will welcome the return. Those of you new to the series, start with 'Gardens of the Moon', and welcome to one of the best fantasy series put to page.
November 11, 2008 | |
From a rabid Erikson fan - I was a little disappointed 
I'm giving this book 3 1/2 stars, 4 stars officially because Erikson deserves being rounded up. I'll start by saying I am a hugely devoted Steven Erikson fan and consider this the best fantasy series in print right now. However, Toll the Hounds has some shortcomings from my eye that haven't surfaced in the other books of the series. Here's the specifics:
As noted by the author, Erikson changed his writing style with this book. He is writing mostly as though the story is told by Kruppe, to an audience named later. I didn't mind this too much but it comes and goes like a fake Keanu Reeves accent. On top of this, there is far less action for 90% of the book and much more reflection on emotions, internal monologue, pondering the past etc. Most of it honestly, was quite boring and tedious, not to mention inconsequential. Instead of rewarding the readers with more of the interesting storylines (Traveler/Karsa, Bridgeburners in Daru), he almost delights in teasing them and then immediately switching to something boring once the reader's interest get pique'd. I thought most of the Nimander story, Seerdomin/Redeemer, and even the Rake/Endest Silan/Spinnock Durav storylines were FAR too lengthy and fell flat.
Then after all of the musings (kind of mopey musings) of the Tiste Andii, the Redeemer, Seerdomin, etc we get about 100 pages or so of extreme unadulterated mayhem for an ending. Now, I like unadulterated mayhem, don't get me wrong, but it just came across as rushed. The mayhem was more quick, random and confusing than deep and emotional like it should have been. The emotional payoff of this book should have blown Deadhouse Gates and Memories of Ice away, given the material. It doesn't. If the pace of the book was a chart it would be a 1 or 2 for the first 90% and then spike to 200. It didn't work in this book and I have to say Erikson kind of asked for it (I'll explain).
Erikson has always been known to be intentionally vague. He'll have flashbacks or dialogue that is meaningless to the reader because they don't know the context (on the first read at least). I've always liked this about Erikson because I know he'll explain later, making second readings of his books almost more enjoyable than the first. In this one though a second reading is mandatory to reach full enjoyment because he takes it over the top. There is almost nothing given to the reader so they can get an emotional grip on the story. A spoiler free example is the story of the Tiste Andii, Endest Silan, Anomander and his brothers. There is a bunch of depressing talk of sacrifice, betrayal, redemption, etc but we have no idea what Erikson is talking about at the time. How am I supposed to get emotionally involved when I have no idea what the context is? When I finally get the explanation it is too late, and rushed.
I think others may understand what I mean, perhaps not. I recommend reading the book at any rate. The action at the end IS awesome, and this is still the best fantasy series on the market. I hope Erikson goes back to what he does best which is maintaining an exciting pace and leaving the emotional smash over the head for the end, when we're fully vested. Memories of Ice did this and is still one of the top 3 books I have ever read. The way he balanced the action, emotion and mystery of that book was pure genius.
I still love Erikson and I truly hope other readers see something in this book that I did not. A weak Erikson book is still miles ahead of Terry Goodkind's best.
October 31, 2008 | |
Still on top of the heap of epic fantasy
Although I fault this book for some of the same reasons listed here, Erikson's writing from Kruppe's point of view is a delight.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Erikson for being so committed and loyal to his readers. To crank out this much material in such a timely manner is no small fete. Unlike the author of another popular fantasy series (who seems to enjoy tally-hoing around the world more than finishing his story), Erikson delivers in both style and function.
Thanks!
October 28, 2008 | |
Patience is rewarded
I can certainly relate to those who are annoyed by the frequent jumping from one character (or group of characters) to another every 2-3 pages or so, but if you stick with "Toll the Hounds", everything eventually coalesces into a stunning conclusion, as at least one central theme is resolved. Here are some reasons to hang in there:
1. Mother Dark turned her back on her children, the Tiste Andii. Her son, Anomander Rake, assumed responsibility for the fate of his people. The purpose of his sword Dragnipur is revealed, and is not what it seems. Rake's fate and purpose are revealed in stunning fashion, enough to justify reading "Toll the Hounds".
2. Traveler: who is he, and what brings him to Darujhistan? Another revelation sure to surprise those familiar with earlier books. Never assume the departed do not return.
3. Hood, God of death; what is he behind the hood? His purpose is also revealed; the dead are collected for a reason, and and marching towards their fate.
4. A new player is introduced; the Dying God. The visceral corruption of his blood compares to the Crippled God.
As usual, several players are called upon to make terrible sacrifices, and redemption abounds. As always, a few Bridgeburners fight against extinction. And of course, another group of intrepid travelers bumble and stumble their way towards their destination in comedic fashion, trying not to get themselves killed in the process.
I know the book starts a little slow, but stick it out; the conclusion is worth the price of admission.
October 27, 2008 | |
As good as always
If you know Erikson, if you know Malaz, Daru people, Karsa, Rake... is there any way to not read this?
It's really great adventure into some fallen world. And best of all - is as good as ever! But - don't forget to read previous books or you lost best parts.
I love this narration, this reachfull wordl, those characters and all this history.
October 19, 2008 | |
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