Rating: 
Summary: Complex and challenging - I loved it!
Review: Absolutely breathtaking. No lame story plots or ready set characters for Erikson. Totally original, he takes his skill and obvious flare beyond the boundaries in this thrilling new book. The Chain of Dogs was simply wonderful, the brutality of it made it all the more exciting and the characters' point of view was a very nice touch in helping the reader understand the sequence of events.The story never gets boring; you get to see all the heroes' flaws and villains' good sides. Also Erikson doesn't associate villains with black and darkness and all that other nonesense found in most books. Well, that's it I guess. I recommend it to all readers up to a challenge. Never slows down but can get a bit complex - NOT FOR AMATEUR READERS!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Living, breathing fantasy
Review: Deadhouse Gates and also its prequel, Gardens of the Moon, seem to defy all convention that is known to the genre of fantasy. These books are so different, in fact, that it is hard to compare them to most fantasy. For many readers who are tired of the usual sword and sorcery quest filled with heroes who are overly righteous and villains who cannot be any more villainous, these books will be quite refreshment. Deadhouse Gates shows you the real side of war that is usually untouched in most fantasy. It's a sight that at some times is so depressing that you feel that peace and happiness will never ever reign. The excellence of Erikson's writing ability shines through in this new novel. His characters are wonderfully human and have real human emotions that drive them to do human actions. There are no invincible "good guys" who always 'do the right thing' and win against impossible odds. And although Deadhouse plays out with mostly different characters, a wholly different plot, and on a totally different continent than its predecessor, the book still reads with a believable and connecting storyline. Deadhouse is not without its faults, yet is a distinct improvement from Gardens, which I felt was only adequate and sorely lacking what is necessary for a good fantasy novel. One of Erikson's greatest achievements here in Deadhouse Gates is his viewpoint characters. While Gardens of the Moon was plagued with over 20 different character viewpoints, Deadhouse is told through the eyes of only seven people; Mappo, Felisin, Duiker, Kalam, Fiddler, Kulp, and to a lesser extent, Lostara. These characters are vivid in their portrayals of simple people trying to survive and keep their sanity while lost within the horrific wars that are unleashed across the Seven Cities. There are no super heroes in Deadhouse Gates, no flame-throwing, Forsaken-killing do-gooders. These wonderfully gray characters do what they do to stay alive and that's it. While this war-torn crowd is usually hard to like, you can't help but to be holding you breath in the hopes that they will win out in the end. When Steven Erikson writes well, he writes superbly, drawing you into his story just like the mighty Whirlwind itself that encompasses Deadhouse Gates. His battle scenes are written so brilliantly and with such stunning ferocity that you can actually picture them in your mind down to the finest detail. In this sense, Erikson shows you a different side of fantasy that is usually shied away from, military fantasy. A large portion of Deadhouse is spent on the Chain of Dogs, an army that is 'escorting' thousands of refugees to safety. Here, you spend you time in the throes of battle after battle and live though exhaustion, dehydration, and depression. Reading about the Chain of Dogs can be so disheartening that at some times you almost have to put the book down. Deadhouse Gates is for a much more mature audience for it encompasses very bloody battles. Erikson also provides some very interesting, new stories of what actually happened to the Emperor and Dancer and shows a side of the Empress that you might not have thought possible. And at the same time, he keeps you updated on what is happening with some of the characters from Gardens of the Moon on Genabackis. Yet among the splendors that I have reaped upon Deadhouse Gates, it does have its flaws. Many times the story seems absolutely aimless and redundant on it self. These characters seem to spend so much time wandering and wandering that it can really get tiring and you wonder that Erikson is really leading to. Also, some of the storylines, especially Mappo, are rather confusing. You don't really understand the reason for the characters actions. The storyline between Mappo, Icarium, and Iskaral is rather difficult to understand. Of course, things are resolved and understood in the end, but it would have been more interesting to learn then earlier on. Also, Deadhouse Gates seems so totally depressing and unrelenting in its brutality. Many fantasy readers have commented on how brutal and cold Martin's 'Song of Ice and Fire' series is. Yet, this series makes Martin's look like a Disney movie. I don't even think that the characters in Deadhouse Gates know how to smile. Despite it disheartening storyline and sometimes slow, aimless plot, Deadhouse Gates is an excellent and very worthy read. It is extremely different from most of what is out in the fantasy market and will draw you in with its realistic writing and engaging characters. Erikson has shown himself to be an important new face in the fantasy field and have surpassed many authors whose books are only read as time-consumers between the next books in "the Song of Ice and Fire" and "Wheel of Time" series. I have heard that Erikson's next book, Memories of Ice, returns Genabackis and continues the Malazan storyline in what hopes to be an excellent new series.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent second book in "Malazan" series
Review: Erickson's debut novel, "Gardens of the Moon", was one of the finest fantasies to appear in recent years. "Deadhouse Gates", Erickson's second (and the second chapter in the "Malazan" series) lives up to the promise of its predecessor. It is like "Gardens" in many ways, but it is very much its own story. Consider: Like "Gardens" it is very intricate. At the same time, however, it is coherently plotted and admirably plausible. It is extremely violent, but through it runs a strong vein of empathy (and it is assuredly not, as some have remarked, cynical). There is a backdrop of extraordinarily deep history and myth; on the other hand, this is a very "in your face" and direct narrative. "Gates" shares all these traits with "Gardens". But it is still, as I said, very much its own story. Consider also: It is set in a different continent (the Seven Cities), with its own costumes, society, and history. And only a very few of the characters from "Gardens" make an appearance in "Gates", even though the events take place immediately after "Gardens". And, most importantly, whilst the background of both tales is the same - the struggle between the Malazan Empire and those that oppose it - the focus of "Gates" is very different to "Gardens". In "Gardens" the story revolved around a free city attempting to avoid subjugation and finding help amongst rebel Malazans. In "Gates", the opposite is true: this story centers around the efforts of a Malazan general to save his army and the civilians it defends from a rebellion gone out of control. This last bit might sound confusing (who are the good guys here, anyway?), but bear in mind that the basic premise any reader would have after reading "Gardens" - that Empress woman sure is bad news - is succinctly (though not yet irrevocably) turned upside down by a few deliberately ambivalent paragraphs in "Gates". This alone is arresting and makes me curious to see what will happen next. But I would buy the next volume anyway: this is Good Stuff. In fact, it is excellent.
Rating:
Summary: "Deadhouse Gates"
Review: I am in awe of this book. Buy a six pack of Mountain Dew and call in sick for work, because "Deadhouse Gates" grabs hold and won't let go. The campaign "The Chain of Dogs" is one of the finest pieces of literature I've read, topping even "War and Peace" and its spectacular battles. When the rollercoaster was finally over, I put "Deadhouse Gates" down, convinced that Erikson is better than either Robert Jordan or George Martin. The world is brutal and original yet strangly beautiful; the characters aren't as dynamic, but just as memoriable; and the plot is completely unpredictable. Though he won't be published in the USA until 2004, (he finally got TOR to sign him on) buy Erikson off Amazon, and you won't be disappointed!
Rating:
Summary: A series that is going somewhere...
Review: I won't waste time with what others have said. Okay maybe a little: this is dark, epic fantasy at its best, and you better keep track of the plot and characters, because the author is not going to walk you through this one. Erikson is a master of writing an emotionally gut-wrenching scene but then following it up with an uplifting glimpse into the future that will have you smiling in anticipation of what's to come. Unlike many other series in this genre, you see the world and its characters progressing. Each book pulls the world forward and you can see a grand design taking place. You want to read this series because you *know* all 10 books will be great, and so far, each is greater than the last.
Rating:
Summary: There's A New And Exciting Voice In Fantasy
Review: If you prefer fantasy that draws upon the familiar, the tried and true as well as tired conventions, a storyline that is easily recognized and with which you are already well acquainted, with a main character whose adventures you can readily follow and a plot that is simple and linear, this is not the book for you. Shifting between a rich and varied cast of characters, with events taking place at a pace that at times leaves the reader breathless, this vivid and multifaceted tale contains enough material to fill another author's ten books. And, despite all the twists and turns confronting the narrative, rarely does the story ever lag or falter, instead hurtling on through a world so richly imagined and textured that any other writer must look on in wonder and envy---I know I certainly do. Stephen Donaldson has hailed the author's imagination as being "vast in scope" and "almost frighteningly fecund." I could not agree more. This is a work that demands the reader's attention: so much is taking place that if you blink you may miss it. Though at times the author's prolific weaving of plot threads and imaginative furies can almost overreach themselves, never once is the reader long left dangling, instead swept back into the maelstrom of events and worlds that not so much unfold as rush to be revealed, anticipation racing over every page. Even in rare moments, when the narrative's aims seem unclear, the vivid writing holds one spellbound. Quite an accomplishment, and not for the faint of heart. Without a doubt, one of the best books of the year. There's a new voice in fantasy, one as ringing and exuberant and clear as a legion's clarion call, and it belongs to Steven Erikson.
Rating:
Summary: Hard Core Fantasy Buffs Take Note
Review: If you're looking for a light fluffy easy-reading fantasy, read Brooks or Eddings. If, however, you are looking for something thought provoking, brutal, staggering, heartbreaking, & breathtaking with believeable characters to boot, then read Steven Erikson. This book can be hard going. Even after 700 pages into the book I still found myself refering to the glossary and index of the book when new characters popped into being; no shortage of characters here folks as seems to be the case with all Erikson's Malazan books. The book focuses on four separate but still connected groups of characters and their stories. I found characters whom I had forgotten about 400 pages back suddenly reappearing(thank God for the glossary!).
Erikson creates a thoroughly believeable world;
This is not a "Good vs. Evil" story, in fact it is usually impossible to discern between the two; Men and women fight side by side in battle; Assassins have "soft-spots"; Even the Gods themselves have "human" qualities such as weaknesses and a good sense of humour. This is the second book in the Malazan Series(out of ten; however only four have been published so far) Gardens of the Moon is the first book. The reason I only gave it 4 stars was the lack of depth in certain characters(eg. Coltaine; leader of the Chain of Dogs: for someone so important to the story we know very little about him). This book can also be purchased through amazon.ca. Erickson's books are usually in stock and sent out within 24 hours.
Rating:
Summary: Fantasy at its best
Review: If you're looking for a low-calorie dish of light fantasy, this ain't it. If you're looking for a nine-course riot of taste and texture, exotically spiced to make your eyes water, your heart pump faster and your brain do cartwheels inside your cranium, I know a great little Thai place downtown. Or, if you want something analogous to that in your reading, stop at the 'E's and pick up the latest from Steven Erikson. Like 'Gardens of the Moon', and indeed like the whole concept for the 10-volume Malazan series, Deadhouse Gates is an ambitious work that is sometimes in danger of over-reaching itself. But if you can buckle down for the ride, it sure is a frightening one. I don't know what to say, this is the greatest fantasy book I have read ever for a few years. The book starts of a bit slow and your not sure what is happening, as you read on you start to understand what is happening. The book is not just focused on one Character, but serveral. Like most fantasy goods, its good vs Evil, this is different, Good guys do bad things and bad guys do good things and sometimes things that look good are actually bad. So you don't know who's side you are on. In GOTM (Gardens of the Moon), people were say there was not enough history background info, but you find out much in this book, and I'm sure we will find out much more in the future books. The second half of the book, starts to set off fireworks, fast pace action, this book makes you think. Kalam, Crokus, Apsalar, and Fiddler are back, and they got business to sort out. The characters have totally different personalities, and aims. Also we see alot of Parans younger sister Fesilin, and hear much about his older sister. The book is building up to a massive climax for the seven cities, where each side will later have to gamble, take risks, and have the nerves to do what they need to. Also you learn much more about Shadowthrone's and co, history. And the new characters are wicked. S.E really knows all about writing battles, and descripbing exactly what is happening. You'll know what I mean when you read about the Chain Of Dogs. It is quite challenging to read, but when you have finished it, you'll be demanding more. I just can't wait for the next one to come out when they return to Genabackis, coming out in Sep 2001 called 'Memories of Ice'.
Rating:
Summary: Tangible grit, raw narrative
Review: It is actually a tribute to Steven Erikson's writing that this book is so hard to plow through. This is because his vivid descriptions of the central heroic event of the novel -- a retreat from a conquering army that is akin to Mao's Long March (although it's the potential "good guys" who are retreating, not a future oppressor of 1/2 of Asia) -- is so realistic. The retreating army's despair, desperation, resignation, determination, heroism, intelligence, brutality (and those of its enemy) are palpable to the point that it is hard to continue reading of the dire straits of the heroes. Deadhouse Gates also has three or more other story threads that are largely separate from Gardens of the Moon (book 1 of the Malazan Empire series), and is essentially a stand-alone novel. Nonetheless, Deadhouse Gates fits squarely within the overarching narrative that connects all the books in the series (and which becomes more apparent in Memories of Ice, book 3 of the series). It contains the story elements that have launched Erikson's career -- gritty stories of heroism and villainy, vivid action, intriguing cultural elements, unquestioned originality (especially in comparison to 95% of the fantasy fiction available) and the feel that the world he created is starting toward a gargantuan eruption with innumerable initial tremors. These books are hard to procure in the US because Erikson does not have a US publisher yet. Also -- the whole Malazan Cycle is projected at 10 books total, but Erikson writes relatively fast (one book/year). Nonetheless, they're worth the time and effort to procure and read. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars doesn't give this book the justice it deserves
Review: More complex than the first book and yet completely engrossing. Only a few of the characters featured in Gardens are present in Deadhouse, but I'll be damned if one of the secondary characters in Gardens (Kalam), doesn't turn out to be one of the greatest characters in modern fantasy. Incredibly, each plot thread is woven with what has to be an enormous payoff, and yet the reader never loses interest. Well done again.
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