SFF Readalongs led by Kitty G discussion

This is for discussion of Chapter 5 of Memories of Ice. Please ensure you do NOT post spoilers for any other part of the book! Thank you!

This is a massive chapter! And so much happened in here that I had to put it down for a while to collect myself in between scenes.

I am getting really intrigued with the Seguleh and would have loved to watch the duel between Thurule and Tool, and even more so, the fight between Rake and the Seguleh.

There have been quite a lot of mention of Anomander Rake thus far in the book, and I've been waiting with bated breath for his eventual appearance in MOI. And my, this dude really knows how to make an entrance.." The black, silver-maned dragon emerged from the darkness like a piece of night torn loose.." Rake is possibly my favourite character in the Malazan series so far - I am absolutely crushing on his otherworldly awesomeness. And for all the powerful terror and threat that he inspires, there is a certain elegance to Rake and his conversation with Brood (and those with Baruk in GOTM) belies a much deeper persona than what he appears to be on the surface.

And Kruppe! Gosh I miss him - he is absolutely hilarious.

The most unexpected moment in the entire chapter - the Jaghut Tyrant, Raest, making me laugh! Loved this scene for the tension it initially created when Raest appeared before Paran and the subsequent humour provided by Raest. "I weep a river of tears for your plight." LOL!

The entire encounter from the moment Rake appeared - Whiskyjack planting his sword in front of Silverfox, Rake's questing being slapped away, Rake drawing the Dragnipur and Brood his hammer, Kruppe flying out of the tent with the card table, Paran sudden appearance and silver chains of sorcery enveloping him from his own image on the table - truly cinematic writing here, what I wouldn't give to see this realised on the silverscreen.

Quick Ben dropping Kallor into a hole in the ground and making haste to leave the scene, had me hooting with laughter. Great injection of humour after the sorrowful yet touching scene between Mhybe, Crone and Korlat.

Another thoroughly entertaining and intriguing chapter and I too have to second TS's thoughts. I think that the most exciting thing for me was the return of Kruppe as he's my favourite character in the series so far and I love when he appears as you know there's going to be confusion, laughter and trouble all at once.

I also really enjoyed the scenes between Paran and Raest inside the Azath. That was something I didn't anticipate, it seems like Paran is a pretty vital and significant player now and I wonder what he's going to learn and do with his knowledge as he seemed to learn a lot from that encounter!

I also really like Silver Fox and the controversy and craziness that is surrounding what to do about her. It seems that she has 3 souls within her battling for control and whilst Paran can draw forth Tattersail, Nightchill and the other (whose name I have forgotten just now!) are not so friendly or happy!
I think it's interesting that she's a flesh and bone bonecaster and that the T'lann Imass are drawn to her. I wonder how dedicated they will be when she truly calls on their aid...

I also loved the funny moment of Quick Ben dumping Kallor in a hole and escaping. It was pretty funny to be sure and a much needed laugh after the tensions within this chapter.

I really enjoyed learning about the hammer and the sword and their various wielders. So much power and all so very ominous. I wonder if we will see either used and what will happen when they are, because they're both rather extreme weapons!

Oh my this was quite a chapter. It somewhat resembles the dinner scene from GotM, yet on a much larger scale.

The aforementioned hole in the ground has been the funniest moment in the series thus far. The scene comes out of nowhere while I was concentrating on more serious issues. Kallor seems as if he will be a big player in Silverfox's story as he is determined to see her demise through to the end by any means necessary.

I also enjoyed the little scene where Paran gives his Bridgeburners their due for stealing the table. The entire story of the stolen table is very reminiscent of innocent pranks played within sports teams, military squads or even musical bands. With chapter 5 being so dense with information and serious scenes, this was a nice story to lighten the mood.

I liked Tattersail a lot in GotM and I want to see Silverfox succeed as well as her relationship rekindled with Paran. There is so much working against her including her mother who now hates her and wants to see Silverfox destroyed for stealing her life force.

There is just so much in this chapter to try and recall, with all of it carrying importance. I am very interested to see how all of these tensions, pacts, wars and of course how the T'lan Imass plays into the story.

There is so much here, my mind is blown!

Funniest line in the book so far. After all the crazy tension and the stand off over Silverfox and Paran returns from his trip to the Azath and wepons are put away....
'Is anyone else hungry?'
All eyes turned to Kruppe.
That was an lol moment for me