Midnight Tides

Title: Midnight Tides

5th book of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series

Author: Steven Erikson

For the first time in the series, no Malazan was involved in the fifth installment although Erikson leaves enough names and places that will be familiar to the reader. The story focuses on the Tiste Edur and the Letherii. Two nations that are so different from one another. The book also shows the Crippled God's direct involvement with other beings providing the readers a glimpse of his plans and the extent of his madness.

Although the focus of the story shifted, the book's theme is related to the fourth book, House of Chains. Midnight Tides highlights the relationship between leaders or gods and their followers and the identity of nations. The Letherii and Tiste Edur viewed each other as different people yet they both believed in destiny - that they are both destined for greatness. The Letherii sees conquest as an opportunity to expand and to expel outdated and sometimes violent beliefs prevalent about among tribes and nations who still cling to old gods. While the Edur believe that preserving their tradition and imposing it upon other people is the better path. The Letherii look forward whilst the Edur are tied down by their past.

Unlike the fourth book however, the focus this time is on the followers or subjects and not just the leaders. One such character is a victim of both the beliefs of his people and the manipulation of the Crippled God. Rhulad Sengar sought to be an equal with his brothers. He wanted them to see that he was no longer a child and that even if he was unblooded at the beginning of the story, they should not question his strength in battle. Unfortunately his behavior is seen as defiance of the 'proper way' of being part of their people, and this was preyed upon by those who sought power. The Crippled God gave him what he wanted but at a price. Another character who suffered manipulation many times was Udinaas. But unlike Rhulad, he accepted his fate and has done his best with every task that was given him. Some of the characters were also faced with similar challenges but on a lesser degree than the two I mentioned. Most of them were bound by their duty to do as they were told. But some had no choice. The choice then is how best to cope with it.

The gods themselves are being manipulated. They are used only when the worshipers find value in them. But when the followers disappear, the god is discarded and forgotten. Their existence depends upon the faith of their worshipers. They are made because they need to exist and the duration of that existence depends on their usefulness.

The Crippled God was also a victim. I admit I do not blame him for his need for vengeance. And I admire him for doing so. Instead of wallowing in misery, he embraces it even if by doing so his followers will do the same and therefore he will always be imperfect. 

Erikson fared better this time with some of the one-on-one battles. Unlike the previous books, he no longer describes sword fights as 'the swords were a blur' although there was only one instance in this book. His description of the battle between mages are superb as usual. The nature of the Holds was described here as well. The readers will also get to know demons more.

Overall, it is a great addition to the series. He was able to examine the different faces of people and gods who seem to have no power over what fate has intended. But destiny has nothing to do with it. It is the choices we made that will determine the course of life for our children and for the people around us.