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Books like Bauchelain and Korbal Broach

Bauchelain and Korbal Broach

2009Steven Erikson

3.7/5

This collection of Malazan novellas is a splendid example of high quality fantasy in short form, retaining the beauty of the longer books, including the astute political and social analyses which Erikson tends to indulge in. It also illustrates the sheer compellingness of well-crafted malicious characters. A fascinating viewpoint which is still somewhat underexposed. \ Blood Follows\ Urban murder mysteries from the perspective of heavily involved necromancers and their hapless manservant. A delightful reintroduction to Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, and an absolutely brilliant bite-sized adventure in the Malazan world. It is quite different from Erikson’s typical long form escapades, but it is no less well-crafted. In fact, I found myself wishing for the inclusion of such writing, more focused and precise, in the main series. At the very least it provides an interesting change.Rating: 5 stars\ The Lees of Laughter’s End\ A fascinating sequel story. The sea voyage setting makes for a confined mystery plot evocative of Agatha Christie, but subsequent events turns this novella into something more reminiscent of an absurd Tarantino film. Considerably stranger than its predecessor, but an interesting addition in its own right. Rating: 4 stars\ The Healthy Dead\ The collection’s jewel. The more philosophical of the three, it is a fantastic statement on the perils of rigidity (even rigid goodness) and the ease with which good intentions are twisted and transformed into horrid practices. As a dark, but light-hearted inspection of morality, it is both intelligent, witty and entertaining. Rating: 5 stars

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