I'll start out by saying this book (and series) is not for everyone. If the style of fantasy you enjoy is of the David Eddings or Dungeons & Dragons novelization style, you might not like this book; it doesn't really resemble that end of the epic fantasy spectrum very much.

However, if you're interested in a challenging read, this book is definitely worth reading. It starts in the middle of the action, and the author does not talk down to the readers or explain everything, so it actually takes quite a while to figure out just what is going on. The story is complex, the world is original, and the characters don't fall into the traditional 'good vs. evil' roles. Erikson also doesn't hesitate to kill off major characters, and goes against some of the traditional fantasy conventions.

Overall, I consider this series the best modern epic fantasy. If you like Glen Cook, Charles Bakker, or George R.R. Martin, or if you are looking for something a bit more challenging than traditional epic fantasy, I definitely recommend this book.

I'm not a huge Fantasy fan, but a co-worker recommended this, and I have been reading steadily ever since - I'm now half way through book 3. The plot weaves through each installment, and requires that you jump in with both feet: there are no recaps, brief histories, or long expositions on "the story so far", and that's refreshing. The "good guys" are tarnished, the "bad guys" are blood-stained, and it's fun trying to spot the Ogres, Dwarves, and other "stock" races in their clever disguises. All in all, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for intelligent, involving, epic Fantasy, without the shiny happy Elves and Pointy-hat wearing Wizards.

Puts everything else in the genre to shame. I don't read a lot of fantasy but enough (G.R.R.Martin, Richard Morgan, Dan Simmons) to recognize greatness. Avoids the usual pitfalls for fantasy: too much "swords + sandals"; Tolkienesque replicas; one-dimensional heros and villains; standard script and roles. There are no damsels in distress or 'freaking' elves. There are some very innovative / interesting plots and characters. As far as I'm concerned this series transcends the genre and is simply great literature. I'm now onto Book 6 and they have all been really good, but this is the best - savor it!

This is the first book of a high paced fantasy series on a truly Epic scope.

The "Malazan: Book of the Fallen" series is a great read for those who like lots of action and battles in their fantasy novels. "Book of the Fallen" features complex plots of sweeping proportion involving wars of conquest, rebellions and even disputes between gods. The action is driven by a diverse cast of well developed and convincing characters with well thought out histories.

Erikson creates a believable universe with complex magical systems and a rich pantheon of gods. Perfect for those who like long detailed series with large character casts.

My only complaint would be that the first chapters are a bit confusing and the cast of characters is so large that it can be hard to get into. Once you get into the series you'll appreciate what Erikson has done by not revealing too much at the start.

The complex histories of the characters and universe are revealed as the series goes on and each book draws the reader in further to the dark and intricate world of the Malazan empire.