But I do agree that at times, it does feel like another draft could have made it even stronger. But the thematic developments and plot are fairly well-realized by series' end; this was very apparent when I recently re-read the first 9 Erikson Malazan novels, the novellas, and the 4 Esslemont. Need to finish re-reading TCG and then review Forge of Darkness, which was a revelation of sorts when I read it back in September.
I agree about Erikson.
His books don't give the impression they'd need more work. They have weaknesses, but I guess this reflects more the limits of Erikson as a novelist rather than giving a feeling of not fully realized work like Sanderson's books.
Other debatable aspects of Erikson's work are actually intentional. Some editors would be appalled and ask him to rewrite a lot of things to make things clearer, or to remove apparently extraneous/irrelevant material, but Erikson writes this way on purpose, not for lack of skills.
This becomes even more apparent in the "prequel" Forge of Darkness, in which a lot of preconceptions about several characters and their interactions with each other have to be tossed out. I know some think of it as "retconning," but to me it seems to be something that more likely than not was planned to be purposeful deception. In addition, between Erikson and Esslemont, it's not like the full series is complete yet.
Illusions fall like the husk of a fruit, one after another, and the fruit is experience. - Narrator, Sylvie
Je suis méchant.
Je suis méchant.
Brandon Sanderson, The Emperor's Soul
- 18/11/2012 08:43:13 PM
1652 Views
Sounds like my kind of Sanderson book!
- 19/11/2012 01:48:56 AM
828 Views
De gustibus... 
- 19/11/2012 02:28:10 AM
1003 Views
- 19/11/2012 02:28:10 AM
1003 Views
*NM*
*NM*
The more Brandon's career evolves...
- 19/11/2012 04:35:26 AM
986 Views
Speed kills
- 19/11/2012 04:38:27 PM
911 Views
I agree with both of you
- 19/11/2012 05:27:30 PM
967 Views
You wouldn't put Erikson in that category?
- 20/11/2012 06:03:05 AM
957 Views
Although there are uneven moments, I think his work accomplishes a shade more than the other two
- 20/11/2012 06:11:34 AM
891 Views
Re: Although there are uneven moments, I think his work accomplishes a shade more than the other two
- 20/11/2012 03:12:45 PM
915 Views
Re: Speed kills
- 19/11/2012 08:59:14 PM
1013 Views
With Martin it's what I call "Robert Jordan Syndrome"
- 20/11/2012 02:31:22 AM
1742 Views
Re: With Martin it's what I call "Robert Jordan Syndrome"
- 20/11/2012 04:12:03 PM
1076 Views
I don't think it's very accurate to call Dance with Dragons a "CoT".
- 20/11/2012 07:53:59 PM
866 Views
Re: I don't think it's very accurate to call Dance with Dragons a "CoT".
- 20/11/2012 11:56:55 PM
930 Views
I just want to throw out there - I really appreciate this analysis, DomA. Interesting tidbits.
- 22/11/2012 01:31:17 AM
1063 Views