Malazan Book of the Fallen
Steven Erikson
18 people recommended it in 14 threads, 2015–2024.
3 commenters pushed back on it — worth reading the threads.
What people on Hacker News said
The entire series is an amazing meld of epic fantasy and philosophy that delves deep into topics surrounding human nature and human existence.
The entire series is a piece of art. It also happens have a myriad of badass characters appearing and disappearing throughout the novels, so there's always something to look forward to in the next book.
A fantasy series, set in a really unique setting. It's an epic fantasy series with a huge ensemble cast and a bunch of parallel plots that break a lot of the usual tropes.
It's supposedly fantasy, but it contains some of the best (fun and insightful) examinations of political systems, economics, religion, the environment, military culture and more.
Book 1 is really hard to get into and doesn't reward as much. But if you stick with it, as early as the end of Book 2, you'll know what you're in for.
If you're looking for a complex fantasy series that will occupy you for a long time, I cannot recommend Malazan Book of the Fallen enough!
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2023 and recommend for 2024? 2023 · 5 recommendations
- Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read? 2024 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Any interesting books you have read lately? 2023 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which book are you reading, since when? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What is your favorite fiction book? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What was a book that changed your life? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best books you read in the past decade? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which book have you re-read the most times? how many times? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are your favorite books of all time, and why? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which non-technology book has influenced you the most and why? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- YC's Winter Reading List 2016 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What good books have you read lately? 2016 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What is the most mind blowing book you've ever read? 2015 · 1 recommendation