Memories of Ice
Third volume in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series.
Memories of Ice is an epic fantasy novel by Canadian writer Steven Erikson, the third volume in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. Its events begin just after the first book, Gardens of the Moon, and occur simultaneously with the second, Deadhouse Gates. The novel focuses on the renegade Malazan 5th Army and their allies on the continent of Genabackis as they battle the emerging Pannion Domin.
Quick Facts
- Author
- Steven Erikson
- Cover artist
- Steve Stone
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Series
- Malazan Book of the Fallen
- Genre
- Fantasy novel
- Publisher
- Bantam (UK & Canada) & Tor Books (US)
- Released
- 6 December 2001
Facts from the source article.
Synopsis
The Malazan Book of the Fallen unfolds in a high fantasy realm where hidden dimensions known as warrens grant magical power to mages, priests, and shamans. These gifted individuals can strike deals with gods who walk the world and shape its fate, or they may rise to become powerful ascendants. The story of Memories of Ice is set on the continent of Genabackis, where the Malazan Empire has conquered most of the northern cities. The novel starts roughly four months after Gardens of the Moon and runs parallel to the events of Deadhouse Gates. The Malazan 5th Army, commanded by Dujek Onearm with Whiskeyjack as his second, is believed to have gone rogue. This army allies with the immortal Children of Darkness, led by the archmage Anomander Rake, and a force of thirty thousand soldiers under the warlord Caladan Brood. Together they head for the city of Capustan to face the Pannion Domin, a growing empire of conquest ruled by the enigmatic Pannion Seer, prophet of a new faith. The Bridgeburners unit contacts the White Face clans of the nomadic Barghast, winning their help when Bridgeburner Trotts triumphs in single combat and it is revealed that the Barghast gods are held captive in Capustan. The Pannion Domin army lays siege to Capustan. The Grey Swords, a mercenary company of warrior-priests, mount a strong defense but are crushed by the endless ranks of starving Pannion peasants whipped into a cannibalistic frenzy. When the Grey Swords learn their patron god Fener has fallen (due to events just before in Deadhouse Gates), they seek new war gods. Itkovian, whom Fener had chosen to bear the world's pain, faces the cannibal leader Anaster, who runs away in terror. Caravan guard Gruntle becomes the mortal champion of the newly ascended god Treach after his friend is raped and beaten in Capustan, and he joins the fight against the Pannion. The White Face Barghast and Bridgeburners arrive to find Capustan ablaze, enter the city, and the next day push the Pannion Domin forces out into the waiting allied army. The Pannion army is crushed, Rake shifts into a dragon-like form to frighten the cannibals into surrender, and Anaster is captured.
Critical reception
The SF Site called Memories of Ice easily one of the best books of the year, stating Erikson infused new life into one of the oldest traditions of fiction and reinterpreted the spirit of Greek and Norse sagas. Fantasy Book Reviews noted the novel contains wonderful characters from a wide variety of well conceived races. Pat's Fantasy Hotlist described it as an undeniable masterpiece, with the reviewer remarking that after reading fantasy novels for two decades, they could still be awed by an author's work. James Tivendale placed the novel among his top fantasy novels, writing in Grimdark Magazine that it is beautifully written and was the moment Erikson cemented his position as a master weaver of tales. Publishers Weekly described the writing as gripping and vivid, stating its release placed Erikson near the top of the epic fantasy pantheon.
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