House of Chains: Book Four of the Malazan Book of the Fallen

For those of you who have made it this far, you can't turn back now. The story grows more complex and tragic from here on out, but it is some of the best fantasy that I have ever read. The characters are interesting and much of what goes on is just fun to read about. If you are struggling keeping up with who everyone is and what they are about then you are normal, but isn't it so interesting? I am a huge fan of Fantasy and these books are definitely in my top 5 series.

This book continues the tale where it was left off in the second book and leads us through to the meeting of forces in the holy desert of Raraku. The pace is fast and the characters memorable. Although it can be read as an individual book I would strongly recommend reading the series in the published order:-1) Gardens of the Moon2) Deadhouse Gates3) Memories of Ice4) House of ChainsThe reason (apart from it being one of the best series I have ever read, see the reviews and ratings 4.5-5 stars each!) is that to gain the maximum enjoyment you need to understand the characters which have been built up over the previous 3 books into some of the most memorable I have the pleasure to experience. Fiddler and his love of explosive munitions, which he uses too close to allow his squad to feel comfortable.A number of new characters that played small rolls in the previous books are brought to the fore as we see the interlacing of stories that helps explain some of the previous unexplained questions from previous books but also raises new ones. The best thing is that the story lines are separate but interlaced in a way that actually closes some of your unanswered questions! Unlike some series.I am eagerly awaiting the 5th book, that I will undoubtedly buy as soon as it appears

Fantasy writers tell usually tales about power , quests and the eternal struggle between good and evil .G.R.R Martin is not .S.Erikson is not either .There is a dark poesy in this series that takes you and carries you along .Every character is a world in itself .Let us not be mistaken , there is a lot of action and it IS an epic tale with a huge scope and a highly detailed world .But Erikson somehow succeeds to give to each and every character a unique greatness .There are no flat , mindless characters (like f.ex Goodkind's Rahl who is so stereotypical that it borders on parody) , the people you meet here are like nothing you have ever seen .By any means , read it and have an experience that will make you wanting much more of S.Erikson .