Return of the Crimson Guard by Ian C Esslemont
Review by George Roesch
This book simply is an extra volume of the Malazan series. Originally, when I heard that I.C.E. was going to write some companion books to Mr. Erikson’s, I was expecting them to be more of a set of histories akin to Lost Tales or something, explaining all those little things that were only alluded to and have started many a good debate. Like who was Draconus’ father, or was Kruppe really a forgotten god who lost his memories when he lost his followers, but hadn’t faded away so was living as a human because he knew no better. You know the drill.
I would have continued being right if things had kept to the original formula that had been started out in Night of Knives. But I was mistaken. I was half right in the sense that this book is filling in gaps from the Malazan series. But the hook is that this book follows events of such importance as to make it a must read.
As I was reading through this book I was always feeling like I was reading a first edit copy of a true Malazan book. Or maybe a fan site story. It was very well done, but everything seemed to be one step less. The formula was the same, crazy marines, awesome magical displays, and larger than life characters pulling us along into overwhelming events. But where Erikson was bold and firm, I found Esslemont was a bit washed and tentative.
I really do recommend as a must read, as this toned down Malazan book is still a heavyweight, but if it wasn’t for these previously omitted and important events, I would not have been so satisfied at the end.
Let people know what you think about Return of the Crimson Guard. You can write your own review and award the book the rating that you think it deserves.
Fantasy Book Review Book of the Month, February 2012
A Tolkien inspired romantic fantasy that all starts with an extremely loving and well written letter... G.T. Denny's novel, Deep into the Heart of a Rose, will help usher in a new generation of love sick teens. If you love fantasy and adventure fiction then this book is for you. Well written, charmingly detailed and epic, this truly is a must read for 2012.
Read our full review of Deep into the Heart of a Rose
For more information, visit http://gtdenny.com/
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