It's been a long time since I've read a Malazan book and holy hell I forgot how amazing Erikson is.

The world is vast and ancient, yet the action takes place in a small area in a short period of time. Seeing the consequences of the previous books I'd remarkable, from the changing gods to the magical landscape and even to characters we know and wish we couldn't imagine the smell of.

Rant is a brilliant character. Bastard son of Karsa Orlong, a god we know is associated with chains and freedom, Rant seeks a path to survival and acceptance after being driven from his home. Through him and the characters around him we see different aspects of Karsa's domain, from the oaths the warleader demands from all warriors to chain them to him, to the ex-slaves chained to their cycles of revenge, to the familial bonds tearing Rant's sisters apart. All concepts Karsa himself has shirked, providing many foils to his looming presence in the background.

The marines are also fantastic. Nevermind that they're hilarious and that Stillwater could solo-carry a while series, they speak to many of the recurring themes of the Malazan books. The horrors of war, even as it advances. The camaraderie to be found in fighting together. The compassion needed to live in the world.

But it goes farther. A modern military, able to construct a civilization as easily as it tears them down. The view of refugees and what any compassionate society needs to do for them. The affect of wanton destruction and the deaths of friends and foes alike on mental health. The need to see natural disasters coming, and to be ready for the displacement of humanity they cause. All very modern concerns, ones we see on the political stage constantly.

Just an absolutely brilliant book in all regards. Desperately need to reread all my Erikson books.