SFF Readalongs led by Kitty G discussion
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Toll the Hounds
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Toll the Hounds Discussion
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Book 4 & Epilogue & Final Thoughts
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kOkay, before I go into that I just want to mention some of the things I have been liking a lot so far with this book. I do think that this has certainly been a slower read, but it hasn't actually had boring long sections for me like Reaper's Gale and Deadhouse did. I think largely this is due to the fact that Kruppe has been a huge part of the story and we have seen a lot of narration from him which is always really engaging and fabulous. Particularly the death scenes in chap 22 I thought were handled nicely from his pov and I liked that we saw people from all walks of life as they died and struggled.
Another thing I need to mention is Murillio whose death struck me for sure because although I think it was hinted at heavily, I still kind of thought that he would get away with pulling something off and of course he didn't which then led to all manner of terrible vengeance and events.
I was loving Harllo and his story has been so devastating and sad throughout with horrible Snell leading him on a tragic path. Seeing him having to escape and lose people along the way was bad enough but hearing how unloved and unappreciated he felt was truly devastating to read. I also hated that at the young age he is he's already had to kill someone! That's surely going to affect him terribly later on!
Chalice has annoyed me to no end in this book. I can't say I like her at all actually and her misuse of herself and of her lovers, Cutter included, has been a constant irritant for me. I am glad that she thinks Cutter killed her husband for her, because I want to see her disappointment when she learns this is not what happened or what he intended.
As for Cutter's story, I think he's certainly so vastly different now from when we knew him as Crokus and the steady crumbling and development of him has been sad to see.
Moving on to the events of chap 22 specifically.... HOOD MANIFESTED?! What?! I was so shocked by that happening I have to say because I didn't necessarily see it coming (maybe I should have but still!) and then ANOMANDER KILLS HIM?!?! using Dragnipor?! WOW... I mean, people have been telling me that the ending of this book was intense... and yeah... I see that....
I feel so for Anomander having to bear the weight of trapping Hood himself within Dragnipor... I wonder why he has done so and what it will lead to... Surely, knowing Erikson, more tragedy.
I've also been interested in the rise of the Crippled God in this book and his increase of followers seems to really be a focus. I think that that story is only growing in reach and potential devastation... Something needs to be done soon with him!
And finally the Hounds actually running wild too was crazy... oh, and Lady Spite and Envy fighting... Ahh, just SO much has happened recently (I really should have commented earlier)...
'and the night is but half done...' --- probably the most ominous threat we've had so far after that ending to the chapter I expect the payoff for this to be extreme and extraordinary!!
(I'm certain I have forgotten things but TS or anyone else taking part will surely fill my blanks in when you catch up!)
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Karsa and Traveller were a pair I meant to mention in my last post but totally forgot to so I will mention them now as it's been revealed that Dassem is Traveller. I think we had a lot of hints that this is who is was, but it was nice to have the revelation at that moment when everything is chaotic and Darujhistan is in total uproar.
Seeing them and travelling together in fairly harmonious ways was surprising at first as I wasn't sure they'd get along but in fact they did and seeing Karsa shadowing Traveller at the end with the intention of protecting his back was nice for sure.
However then we saw the epic fight between Traveller and Anomander and HE KILLED ANOMANDER! Which is crazy as Anomander had borne so much and dealt with so many burdens...
We also had a great scene where Kruppe and Iskarul met each other and I have to say that that really did make me laugh a lot and smile in the midst of the horrors unfolding all around. I love those two and seeing more of them is fab!
We also had the story arc with Barathol and Chaur which is another I've been really enjoying and seeing Chaur injured and everyone unwilling to help because of what's happening and seeing Barathol's sadness was really moving.
Challice off-ed herself by jumping... kind of unexpected in the midst of everything but I can't say I'm saddened.
THEN THE MOON EXPLODES... like, wow, okay, I hadn't thought that was going to just happen, but I mean, I suppose with Anomander struggling and it being his territory it makes sense!?
We have Hounds of Shadow and Light doing battle and Spite and Envy in on it all.
Kallor had been held back by Spinnock throughout the slaughter and tragedy so he's now injured but heading for Darujhistan... all very dramatic!!
Overall a lot to take in and a very exciting end... Still one more chapter to go though!!
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I definitely feel like that ending recharged some of the excitement of the series as a whole for me and I can't wait to read some more Erikson (pity the Esslemont ones so far haven't been as good as we have two of them up next!)
I finished this book a few days ago and wow... I did sort of see Murillo's death coming but Rake was very shocking. I cant believe they released everyone that was in dragonpur into the world does that mean that Whiskeyjack is back? and also will Draconus want revenge from Ganoes Paran for not helping him but helping the hounds when he was in Dragonpur?Also I Loved to hate Snell he was such an evil child and I think he was a bit of a psychopath, Harllo's parts were so sad I cried a little especially when he was talking about all the things he was did for love and how he lied to his friend to give him comfort as he died. I really loved the Pust and Krupper fight and the wise mules and I really liked the conclusion of that bout(LOL) plus I cant believe Hood let Pust write the book of shadow.
I am wondering which god Hood wants Karsa to kill.
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Agreed! I loved to hate Snell! Gosh, he was so horrendous!
And I agree, what on earth will happen next? It's going to be a crazy final two books I think! To wrap up everything that was blown open in this one it would have to be!
I am only going to leave thoughts about characters and storylines that really affected me.. Saving the best for last, let's start with Murillo. His death and the scene at Phoenix Inn were very well done. While I was sad when he died at the mines, it wasn't till Chap 19 when the full weight of what had passed hit me after seeing the reactions of Cutter, Rallick, Coll, Meese, Irilta and Kruppe.
And can't speak of Murillo without mentioning Harllo. Such a tragic storyline here. Bainisk's death was truly heartbreaking.
The Bridgeburners - seems that the resolution behind the assassinations are not going to be dealt with in this book. Again, the impact of the death of Mallet and Bluepearl on the Bridgeburners are handled with such emotional adroitness that it leaves the readers feeling the loss like its their own.
And FINALLY, Anomander Rake!
The ending of Chapter 21 was mind-blowing to say the least, when Rake decapitated Hood. Rake really knows how to make an entrance and this time I had the foreboding that it's going to his last. And I was right! *WAILS!*
Rake was such an enigma throughout this series and even though we never really got close to the character, he just rose to the top of my list of favourite Malazan characters. And this ending solidifies his status right at the very top. It does rip my heart to see how much pain the death of Rake at his hands had on Dassem. Rake definitely intended to die here.. by his own sword... so he can enter Dragnipur, dissolve into the Gate of Darkness and save Darkness from Chaos. Spinnock Durav holding Kallor back from dusk to dawn. Endest Silann enduring the onslaught of sorcery from the Dying God and just holding on. Mother Dark's acceptance and Rake's reunion with his mother.
Excuse me, while my mind-blown self continues to weep.
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YAY We're at the end :D What did you think???