Memories of Ice (Malazan Book of the Fallen #3) by Steven Erikson

Every character evolves or dies meaningfully, and not just for the meaningless aim of character development.

“We humans do not understand compassion. In each moment of our lives, we betray it. Aye, we know of its worth, yet in knowing we then attach to it a value, we guard the giving of it, believing it must be earned, T’lan Imass. Compassion is priceless in the truest sense of the word. It must be given freely. In abundance.”

Memories of Ice is a treasure of such quotes and life-changing lessons. The fact that a fantasy book series can offer more impactful wisdom for readers than any non-fiction self-help book is surprising. I never knew how I tapped each page on my Kindle device, but every time I read this book, I would finish 100 pages stirred up with what the writer had to offer.

This ‘large’ book takes off after the events of the first Malazan book- Gardens of Moon, providing a break from the events happening in Deadhouse Gates. Memories of Ice continues the characters’ journey amid a large-scale conflict in Genebackis continent and features intricate plotlines and complicated web-like magic structures and realms. You will be able to appreciate magic better in this book compared to the last two, where Erikson writes them distinctively yet weaves them together purposefully. You are introduced to new kingdoms and cults of the Genebackan continent.

Fresh from recovering from unsuccessful events in Darujisthan, where the armies and assassins are confused about whom to support and fight against, our heroes are thrown into a much larger peril broiling in southern Genebackis. When you expect one more tiresome battle sequence like the Chain of Dogs, you’ll realize that this is not a battle but an act of redemption that would derive its roots from millions of years ago.

As expected, the world-building and character development are peerless and unsurpassed. I was in awe of the various aspects of emotions explained through each character, situation, and scene. Every character evolves or dies meaningfully, and not just for the meaningless aim of character development. And this offers a profound sense of satisfaction as you read this book.

The prologue and last part of this book contain some of the most badass and breathtaking sequences you’ll ever read in your life, which will end you tearing up with awe, wonder, shock, sadness, and surprise all at the same time. You must read this book because it offers a lot of things that nobody delivers to you; some writers are still struggling with that.

Memories of Ice is my favorite book in the Malazan series so far, well, until Toll the Hounds came…and it has left me thirsting for more.