Bout halfway thru Deadhouse, am loving it, but also am reminded of something a friend said about GoT, and why he enjoys that series so much, and which, so far, seem absent from these books.
It's basically about the "rules" of magic, and defining or explaining what it and what is not possible in that particular world.
I.e. there is a set of rules that govern the magic and events in the GoT universe, and you know nothing outside those rules can happen.
In GoT for example, when Jon and his companions find themselves in a pickle, we just know that there will be no sorcery arriving to save the day, creating a giant fireball or something to destroy all the walkers.
We know this because the books have made it clear to us that such an event would lie outside the "rules" put forth.
Does that make sense?
Anyway, so far, I am not getting a sense of rules, or limits, on this magic in the Malazan series.
Like, I'm at the part where Coltaine's group have reached the river, surrounded and outnumbered by the rebels.
I feel like, we as readers, should be concerned for his safety, and saying to ourselves "Oh no, how is he gonna get himself out of this one!"
But I am NOT concerned. Why? There are no rules or limits to the magic in this series so far.
Some mage could show up at the last minute, open a warren, and voila! Saved!
Should it be that easy?
Are there ever any rules put forth in later books?
Are there limits?
Or, should it even matter?
This post has been edited by Quick Moose: 31 August 2018 - 07:51 PM