The God Is Not Willing: Witness, Book 1

As excited as I was to be back in the world of Malazan, it is one that I have never truly left since finishing the series. It has remained a universe that has stayed in my life in one way or another. First there were Ian Cameron Esslemont’s novels of the Malazan Empire. Then there were the Bauchelain and Korbal Broach novellas. Then there was the Ten Very Big Books Podcast, which I have been tuning into biweekly for a couple years now. Then there was the veritable explosion of Malazan content on Youtube in the “booktube” sphere, in which Steven Erikson himself has often taken part. The point is, for those of us who fell in love with the Malazan world and were loathe to leave it, well, we never really had to. And the beautiful thing now is that we return to it at Erikson’s own hand around ten years after the events in The Crippled God for this, the First Tale of Witness, The God is Not Willing.And really, it’s just so great to be back. Falling back into Erikson's cinematic style and all of his idiosyncrasies. Occupying once more a world that feels, more than anything, lived in, crafted meticulously but effortlessly by a world-building extraordinaire. If anyone was under the impression that there wouldn’t be just as much magic, just as much life in this new series as the old one, then let them be dissuaded of that now. Malazan is alive and well, and if anything it is evolving.I suppose one can forget just how satisfying it is to read new work from one's favorite author, when it has been some years since doing so. His prose… I’d sort of forgotten how good it is. It’s not particularly beautiful—though it is at times. And it’s not quite utilitarian—though it is also that at times. But it’s just… how to explain it? It’s perfectly fitting. It places you firmly in the story, makes itself perfectly understood, carries you through visceral action and quiet conversation alike. It is somehow both sparse on description (at times), and yet I never have trouble envisioning exactly what’s going on, or what he's showing me. The writing is never in its own way.He's an expert in ambiguous storytelling. Or, in other words, of telling stories in which it’s hard to decide who to “root for”, so to speak. Because everyone, on every side of every conflict, no matter how vile or malicious they seem, has clear and understandable motivations. They have their virtues and their flaws. No one is one-dimensional, no matter how small a character. I think more than anything, Erikson takes his work seriously. There is a gravitas lent to a work when it is taken seriously, and when it is crafted by someone with the breadth of experience to make the world feel real. And Erikson has that.Now, as fun as it is to see what's changed in the Malazan world over the past decade, it's even more fun to see that some things haven't changed a bit. For fans of the Malazan marines, this book is a veritable feast. It's Malazan Marine 101 from the get-go. New faces, new names, same brutal corps of goofballs, misfits, weirdos, and above all: killers. Truly one of the most fascinating groups in fiction, capable of the most merciless brutality and the most selfless compassion. And in classic marine fashion, they bring plenty of humor into a story that, while it does take itself seriously, never takes itself too seriously.On the other side of things we have the Teblor, who flee their homelands at the news of impending floods, and we have Rant, the son of Karsa Orlong. I suppose I should mention for fans who are unaware, yes, this is the Karsa Orlong trilogy. And no, he does not appear in this book, though he's mentioned often enough. Erikson had to arrange the board before he could bring in the largest pieces, I suppose. And trust me, a few chapters in, you won't be wondering where Karsa is.Why? Because you don't need him. Not yet at least. Erikson has crafted an absolutely stellar tale here to kick off his new trilogy. It's compact, compared to the main series (sub-500 pages), and yet it contains within it all that his fans have come to expect of him and more... Melting ice walls, haunted soldiers, ancient beast-gods, portal caves, shapeshifters, sky fortresses manned by sentient lizards, dead dragons that eat the sun, vengeful spirits, the coolest marines, giant explosions, compassionate acts, and magic. Ohh, the magic. Warrens and Houses and Holds and vortices and illusion realms and ascendants and gods... Erikson has always handled magic better than most. Enough there for it to not be totally confusing, but enough hidden that it still feels like magic. His magic is ancient, and it is new. It is mysterious, and vast. And it is also terrible, horrific in its awesome power.And it just might keep you coming back for more. Fantasy fans who have somehow not read Steven Erikson yet are missing a piece of the puzzle. Remedy that, and enjoy.

I’ve read every novel of the Malazan Universe from both Erikson and Esslemont. This is a fantastic start to a trilogy that I cannot wait to finish. The tone is a little bit different than the Malazan Book of the Fallen— Not so much of the mystery, but instead focusing on several storylines. The characters are mostly brand new, and Erikson does a fantastic job of introducing them. The only negative I have for the book is that I did not appreciate the frequent swearing.Unlike the Kharkanis trilogy, This book stays more true to form about focusing on the Marines and on some very interesting characters who are likable. I had trouble with the Kharkanis books because it was just so morose and serious-even though the story was compelling it was somewhat soulcrushing to read. (But please finish them!!!).Not so here. This book has real heroes—just nothing like what you expect, as we expect for Malazan. There are fantastic moments, heroes, and surprisingly deep philosophy.Overall this was fantastic. Probably hard to jump in unless you’ve read Malazan already though.

back to his best, and I’m so excited for the rest of the series. Whilst the novella’s and Esslemont’s stories are well written and enjoyable, this is Erikson back to his intense, character-building, story-telling best - adding to, but building on, the original series -which is still my all-time fave. bring on the sequel!!

This is great stuff and I do highly recommend. The humor, dark warrens, ancient lore and killer crews are all there. What I stumbled over was the social commentary around migrants and refugees, military deserters popping up left and right, lack of transparency from leadership and whatever this soft, cuddly underbelly (if you are a ferret - soft cuddly Ninny jugs) of the Malazan Elite Marines is all about. That being said, will be interested to see where Rant is heading.

Dangerous profound heartbreaking and hilarious. Malazan.

This is a no brainer, have-to read book. It will also be a no-brain-required-to-read if you are used to Mr. Erikson style, since The God is Not Willing may be the easiest to follow along in the Malazan universe. 2-3 main plot lines that will please seekers of a coming of age story, a gruesome war or an heartbreaking flight for survival. Less characters means more development and oh boy are we served.Maybe 3 notes (which in no way warrant the loss of a star):#1 I would have enjoyed a wider array of POV among the Malazan's, but the series just begun and after 3 re-read of MBoTF I guess I'm just used to the jumping around between a whole garrison.#2 The antagonists are flipped upside down. While MBoTF always gave us reasons to despise both sides and the meddling gods, here, no ones seems to reach out for the Throne of Hatefulness. Is it a bad thing? I don't know. But it weirdly feels good to hate a good villain. In TGiNW there's none, not really. Thus a tad less cathartic in my opinion.#3 I am left with few to no questions about what happened in the book. It's great, leaving us with a satisfied feeling when we close on the epilogue but I think my future re-read will be in nostalgy while MBoTF also answered, on each revisiting, some questions left hanging which made it..addictive? Rewarding? Anchoring since I am now a hardcore fan.Also, I would NOT start in the Malazan universe with this book. It is accessible for the veteran of the complete series.Also Also, how do people write such great things? It's mind boggling.

It's a long awaited book among the fans of Steven Erickson. The events take place after the Crippled god, but can be viewed as a stand alone book. Though some references for new readers may be confusing, but the forums will help.It is a small book by Erickson's standards only about 500 pages but it is a fun read. Glad to have gotten back into the Malazan world after so long.

After struggling a lot with his Kharkanas books I am really happy - and surprised - to find a book both full of the special genius moments of Erikson and being more than well readable at that.New characters that grow closer to your heart with each page. Can't wait to read the next book!

Boy was the MBOTF hard work. Boy did I struggle – not knowing what was going on half the time (I read them annually, as they came out), but soldiering on regardless for those (numerous) moments of Erikson genius. And boy did it help re-reading the whole lot as summaries appeared online. I still can’t say I understand all the connections, but I do know that I’ve grown to love Erikson’s work, particularly since Toll the Hounds, which has a quieter, more soulful tone. In the earlier books (imho), the characters are enigmatic, and draw us in for that reason – in the later books, they’re more familiar, but somehow even more compelling. In The God is Not Willing, when we meet Stillwater, we’re looking right through her eyes as she watches a comrade removing his headgear – described in a way that’s so evocative (of her, of the man she’s watching, and of the place they’re billeted – a blasted heath, trickling with meltwater – a sign of things to come) that I had to stop reading, just to appreciate the scene, and Erikson’s craftsmanship – and this is right after a similarly beautiful introduction to Oams, as he pauses before entering the camp, and picks up a strange companion. On the one hand, nothing happens in these scenes – on the other hand, EVERYTHING happens – everything that should happen in great fiction, anyway. I read Erikson in the same way I read David Foster Wallace or Marcel Proust – one page at a time, when the decks are clear, and when I need that experience that only great writing affords – an immersion in the “other” who is our (oh so mysterious) self.My advice to readers (including myself) is: read Erikson with your Erikson hat on, not your Crichton hat (and that’s a great hat too). And to Malazan fans: enjoy a totally new change of pace and perspective: you’re in for a surprise. The telescope’s in the background, with all its cosmic views – but the microscope’s on full-focus. What I feared would be an unwelcome break in the Kharkanas series, which I love, has turned out to be (and here’s a trigger) – Erikson’s finest work. It really is that good.And my (totally feckless, but here I go anyway) plea to the author is: please – just carry on. Whatever you’re writing – don’t stop. If it’s a 1,000-page description of someone making a cup of tea – let’s have it. The world’s a better place for your contribution to it.