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Review: The God Is Not Willing (Witness Trilogy #1) by Steven Erikson

October 25, 2023 by Alan Behan Leave a Comment

Rating: 10/10

Synopsis

Many years have passed since three Teblor warriors brought carnage and chaos to the small lakeside settlement of Silver Lake. While the town has recovered, the legacy of that past horror remains, even if the Teblor tribes of the north no longer venture into the southlands. One of those three, Karsa Orlong, is now deemed to be a god, albeit an indifferent one. In truth, many new cults and religions have emerged across the Malazan world, including those who worship Coltaine, the Black-Winged God, and – popular among the Empire’s soldiery – followers of the cult of Iskar Jarak, Guardian of the Dead.

A legion of Malazan marines is on the march towards Silver Lake. responding to intelligence that indicates the tribes beyond the border are stirring. The marines aren’t quite sure what they’re going to be facing but, while the Malazan military has evolved and these are not the marines of old, one thing hasn’t changed: they’ll handle whatever comes at them. Or die trying

Meanwhile, in the high mountains, where dwell the tribes of the Teblor, a new warleader has risen. Scarred by the deeds of Karsa Orlong, he intends to confront his god, even if he has to cut a bloody path through the Malazan Empire to do it. Higher in the mountains, a new threat has emerged, and now the Teblor are running out of time.
The long feared invasion is about to begin. And this time it won’t be three simple warriors. This time thousands are poised to flood the lands of the south. And in their way, a single legion of Malazan marines . . .

It seems the past is about to revisit Silver Lake, and that is never a good thing . . .

Review

Witness, damn you, Mr Erikson, you made me cry again with this absolute masterpiece. Another excellent tale from the Malazan world and didn’t expect any less from Mr Erikson. He has delivered like he always does. Sublime plots and worldbuilding, and his writing is so specially intricately woven and crafted that it just leaves you in awe.

The God Is Not Willing is his first book in his new upcoming trilogy, Witness. Set ten years after The Crippled God. A story that is set up around the devastation and past deeds of one of my favourite characters, Karsa Orlong (The Shattered God).

The Malazan Empire is my all-time favourite series, and this book has just cemented why it is and why it always will. The pure scope and depth of this world are truly fascinating. His characters are so compelling and loveable.

I have found my two new favourite Malazan duo, Stillwater and Anyx Fro, two female marines who would stab you just for irritating them, had me laughing out loud with their witticisms, sarcasm and their out and out craziness.

Lots and lots of new amazing characters and some  very old ones are back with bang, bringing Malazan legends and lore back into the fold that will keep you turning page after page.

In this book, many years have passed since three Teblor warriors brought carnage and chaos to Silver Lake. Karsa Orlong has left behind a curse, and a son Rant, still a child and grown taller than any human, must leave because of the hatred towards him.

The XIVth Legion, 2nd Company are responding to reports of a growing unease among the tribes beyond the border, a legion of Malazan marines marches towards Silver Lake. They aren’t quite sure what they’re going to be facing, but, while the Malazan military has evolved and these are not the marines of old, one thing hasn’t changed: they’ll handle whatever comes at them. Or die trying.

In the North, a new Teblor War Lord has risen and has united all the Teblor clans. Something big is coming, and they must move south, even if it must bring war against the southlanders to escape the coming doom.

If you’re a fan of the epic Malazan Book of the Fallen, then you’ll love this. It made me laugh so loud, cry, and left me with so many euphoric moments of awe. Thank you so much, Mr Erikson, for bringing this amazing epic series to our lives. Very highly recommended…😁💀🔥🖤🗡

Filed Under: Action Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, Grimdark, High Fantasy, Reviews, Sword and Sorcery Tagged With: Book Review, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy Books

About Alan Behan

Right a bit about myself, I am married to my wonderful wife Catherine of 18 years, we have three beautiful girls together, 20, 18 and 14 years of age. They are my world as well as my books...😁 I work full time as industrial plumber, I'm 45 years old and my hobbies is spending time with my family and of course reading fantasy every chance I can get. I love supporting indie authors and getting the word out about their new books. My all-time favorite authors are Steven Erikson, Mark Lawrence and Robert Jordan and that's just to name a few.

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