[shadow9d9]

I am about halfway through Gardens of the Moon, and the book is amazing... I am preparing to purchase the whole series, but I am always cautious with long series... is the quality somehow maintained or does he start padding like I hear the WOT series did?

No spoilers please!

Also, while I am here asking questions, is Glen Cook's stuff any good?

[Obtuse]

Take the plunge. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I've read up through book 4, House of Chains, and the series just keeps getting better. Erikson does more than just maintain the quality, he improves upon it.

As for Cook, yeah, his Black Co. books are pretty good. They're no masterpieces, but they are quality. Since you seem to like Erikson, I think you would like Cook as well. IIRC, Erikson has stated that Malazan was/is heavily influenced by the Black Co. books.

On a side note, while WoT certainly has its issues, I don't believe Jordan started padding it as the series progressed. IMO the level of detail that many refer to as padding has existed from the very beginning of the series. It just wasn't as obvious and annoying until the plot began to labor and slow under its own massive weight.

[bearhat]

I'm up to the sixth book in the Malazan series and can honestly say that each book seems to outdo the one before (with the possible exception of 'Memories of Ice', which is only as good as 'Deadhouse Gates', not better). The great thing about this series is that although they're all connected with a large story continuing; each is somewhat self-contained with a "local" threat and a resolution of sorts each time. The larger menace grows throughout.

Yeah, take the plunge, but I don't think the books are going to disappear anytime soon, so you could buy one at a time and see how you go.

[kater]

Definitely go for it, I've read all seven to date and have no problems saying it's my favourite current fantasy series. If anything GotM is probably the weakest book when reading it for the first time, only good things to come :)

[Arinth]

I'm waiting on book seven to arrive, but I would defininitly recommend the series. Kater is right, book one is the weakest the first time you read through, books 2 and 3, (Deadhouse Gates and Memories of Ice) Are two of the best fantasy books I've read

[shadow9d9]

Great! I was hoping to hear that kind of a response. It baffles my mind how some people could be brilliant enough to consistently write such amazing books(same goes for creating complex tv shows, music, etc). His book is just constant plot.. it really does amaze me.

[ChrisW]

Peaked at book 3 for me. Still worth reading though.

[thrinidir]

...and can honestly say that each book seems to outdo the one before (with the possible exception of 'Memories of Ice', which is only as good as 'Deadhouse Gates', not better).

most ppl argue that MoI is the strongest one in the series :rolleyes: ...I liked it well enough, but now i'm at the book 4 and it's blowing my mind away (karsa orlong, iskaral pust and onrack t'lan imass...you can't go wrong with these one)

[Werthead]

I'd rank them, from best to worst:

Memories of Ice
Deadhouse Gates
Gardens of the Moon
Midnight Tides
Reaper's Gale
House of Chains
The Bonehunters

I quite like GotM and thought it was a fine introduction to the series. I've never really seen the problems that so many other people seem to have with it.

[Brahm_K]

Order for me:

Midnight Tides
Deadhouse Gates
Reaper's Gale
House of Chains
Bonehunters
Gardens of the Moon
Memories of Ice

You've still definitely got the best to go- it is very worth it.