BOOK REVIEW: Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson

I don't think I will ever truly feel qualified to talk about a book from this series, even after finishing it. Perhaps on my second read-through that might change. For now, though, I feel at times like a lost pup being guided through the most amazing experiences which are just outside of my full comprehension.

I realised about halfway through MoI that for the first time in this series I was reading and had a decent understanding of the world, the plot, the characters, and motivations. Sure, the book through curveballs at me, but by-and-large I found myself engaged in a way unlike I had been with Gardens of the Moon and Deadhouse Gates. That speaks to the careful, gradual way the author reveals information to you over the course of several books.

Memories of Ice is a fantastic piece of fantasy fiction. A genuine classic. Whilst it doesn't come without it's flaws - at times I think the scope of what the author is trying to achieve is a little too large and overly complex - it is an unforgettable experience that will leave you heartbroken.

Full of epic battles, quiet character moments, and a woven thread of intrigue that will leave you questioning to the last. Memories of Ice is an improvement on books 1 & 2 in nearly every way.

A must-read for any fan of epic fantasy. You just have to persevere through the wild nature of the first two entries to make it here. But I promise the journey is worth it.

I can't wait to see what the rest of this series has in store. I have no doubt I will be questioning everything I thought I knew by the end of the next novel.

Final score: 4.5/5