Updating my initial review (from years ago!) when I was on Deadhouse Gates - I just finished The Crippled God! Listening to this podcast was such a joy as a companion for my journey through the series. Thank you 4 for producing such a wonderful, comforting, humorous podcast - I enjoyed spending time with yall so much. I cried during the last sign-out. If you all ever made another read through podcast I’d listen in a heartbeat. ❤️❤️❤️

I am quitting Malazan and this podcast after 8 books/seasons. At the beginning, India was my least favorite because she just did not seem committed like the others; she hated on the books and then seemed to kiss up to Steve. As I got deeper into the series, I found myself agreeing more and more with her. My feelings after listening for eight seasons: AJ— that guy consistently rocks! Josh’s humor started to grate on my nerves after a few seasons. Pete is just insufferable: he offers no help to his friends, choosing to smugly sit off to the side until he vehemently disagrees with one of their opinions. Ugh! I know the podcast was his idea, but it would have been better without him. He refuses to answer questions posed to him because he claims he doesn’t want to spoil things, which forces Josh to have to look them up. I liked the friendly vibe, and the pacing of chapters was perfect. However, I’m quitting because India was right in her comment during Toll of the Hounds: these books are just not for everyone.

Was so great listening to the eps over the past few years. Miss you guys!!

I love reading but I’m not an English major nor do I enjoy picking apart every literary device in books to where it feels like homework - but I do love a hilarious and relatable recap and casual predictions or discussions about clues missed or different interpretations and that’s exactly what I get listening to this group. I’m only on 2 - Deadhouse Gates right now and I’m a slow reader so I get so sad when I have to get through half an inch of pages before I can listen to the next episode! Anyways I’m having a blast and thanks for pushing through this series to give me hours of enjoyment along with the story in these epic doorstoppers.

Listening to this podcast is like reading my favorite books all over again through new eyes.

When I first started listening to this, I had lost steam halfway through Reaper’s Gale and was considering putting the series down for good. The struggles, good times, and friendship that these three had with the books convinced me to push through. Thank you, seriously — these podcast episodes are too good to miss.

josh says something in season 4 that’s so off the cuff and hilarious that i remembered y’all earned these stars. just started the bone hunters. see y’all on the other side 🫡

The Patreon is great too!

These guys don’t seem like they’re having fun or are even enjoying these books anymore. And while these books are absolutely not without their flaws, it feels like the discussions surrounding the issues that the series tries to cover are rarely constructive. At times, it’s like they’re trying to lecture Erikson rather than approach his work with any sort of thoughtful analysis.

Stoked to get to revisit my favorite series of all time!

I feel like I do most of my reading in a vacuum as none of my family or peeps read fantasy. So nice to listen to this an feel a connection with other readers for once! Must listen to content for Malazan fans.

I’m a huge fan of this series and it’s great to be able to hear others go through the books and join them on that journey. The four people on this podcast are all very fun to listen to and they each bring something different to contribute to the show. They really put in good work to make this show worth listening to and I genuinely think about this podcast throughout the week and get excited for new episodes. In the most recent episode, they switched things up and had India host and that’s what encouraged me to review the podcast. It was truly delightful and India did an incredible job. I really enjoy listening to the ‘fantasy veterans’ and feel like they bring a lot of powerful stuff to the discussion, but thank the gods for India.

This is helping me revisit the books without having to commit to a reread that would take years but India is a moron who clearly has never read a book for adults and though her perspective as a normie can be refreshing it’s usually annoying, also Pete is an SJW and it gets in the way sometimes of his analysis, give him Lolita or American Psycho so he can learn to read about immoral characters.

None of my friends are fantasy readers so it’s nice to hear an actual discussion on this series. There are plenty of reviews out there this a read through. Great job! Plus Steven Erikson (the author) does a end book discussion with the group.

You can take her out and everything would be better. Please.

I’m not sure what the purpose of this podcast is? This is my 1st Readthrough of Malazan Book of the Fallen. I thought it would be cool to listen to this podcast as I go through. I was hoping by doing this I would get a deeper understanding of the books but so far Josh & India understand so little it’s basically just Peter explaining the simplest events. This makes this podcast useless beyond surface level stuff 99% of the readers will already understand. Josh & India are beyond lost. I guess they are here for comedic effect but it comes off as ridiculous. I mean India doesn’t understand anything that’s going on & that includes blatantly obvious stuff like is a character still alive. I’m only a few episodes in but if this silliness continues I’m done bothering with this. Edit: The nonsense continues so I’m done. Don’t find it vey funny that one of the “readers” obviously hates the experience. Nobody should read something they don’t like.

A great read along assistant to anyone who feels lost In the overwhelming journey that is Malazan.

I listened to the first 6 episodes. The main host who has read the books before, Peter, is ok. However, Josh and India are awful. Josh is the sort of commentator who thinks curse words are opinion, India is a completely inexperienced fantasy reader who doesn't bother to keep track of what's going on. I realized I was done with this podcast when nothing they had said had provoked any interesting thoughts.

I tried to read GotM twice before I tried this podcast to help me along a bit. This is great thank you.

Some “reviewers” need to lighten up. I appreciate the banter and info and having the author himself is a real coup. Thanks!

Granted, I’m still in the early stages of this podcast, but does India ever develop reading comprehension or the ability to retain information? This is a VERY heavy read, so having a fantasy newby (Twilight?!?) tackle this is setting her up for failure. Her cluelessness and dismissiveness/derision spoils an otherwise enjoyable listen.

My current favorite podcast. I can't imagine a better reread podcast for fans of the Malazan series (new or returning!) Peter, India, Josh, and AJ, are such a dynamic group but somehow are the perfect combination. Not only do they regularly engage in deep and worthwhile discussions over the books, they are open and loose while doing so and make you feel like they're just having fun making it. Come ready to laugh!

Top notch podcast that greatly helps to understand Malazan series. 3/4 through Memories of Ice and throughly enjoying all your reactions as I’m trudging through. Also Joel Embiid for MVP and go birds

I just reading the books for the first time, and I found this podcast about 1/3 of the way through my journey. I enjoy listening since y’all are funny & help clarify some details! Such a blessing that y’all interviewed Erikson!!! What a cool man! It’s great to hear more about his process, life, and some of the tidbits he shared! Keep up the awesome work!

This would be an amazing podcast even if I had never read the books. Thoroughly entertaining personalities make this great.

Just stumbled upon this podcast, and it beats out any of the book reviewers I’ve seen on YouTube. I love Malazan and their podcast is the perfect companion. I hope they have considered reviewing more books and/or book series and also expanding into video, as I think they are entertaining, witty, and likely could attract a large YouTube fanbase. Keep up the good work!

An engaging discussion among folks who are clearly great friends! It’s also cool to see how the non-fantasy friends among the group engage in the material - I’ve changed my views several times now after hearing India’s thoughts. As a huge nerd myself (who is rereading these), I’m seeing things from different perspectives. It’s also been impressive to see how the podcast has grown and developed since it started (go AJ go!!!). Keep up the great work! And keep horribly mispronouncing things 🤩🤩!!

India drops this review to one star. Pretty soon I’m going to stop because I can’t stand listening to her, but not quite there yet. She has the reading comprehension of a 7 year old.

We get it peter your a social justice warrior I think if a book was written to please you it would be bland, boring and unexceptional leave your SJW crap out of it

Love the host banter and the book summaries are just perfect. The interviews with the author also great! Keep on reading!

I look forward to hearing the three, now four, of them each week talk and laugh their way though this series. I just hope they do all 10! Thanks.

Read the books and listen to the podcast

Great to see the Malazan series getting some podcast love. These 3 are funny and entertaining together. Josh has been impressive with his pickups for a first read through. Stay with it India! Beyond all the guts is a story deeply focused on humanity and empathy that brought me to tears at multiple moments.

The hosts are funny, light, and irreverent which is a really nice change of pace after reading hundreds and hundreds of pages of Malazan brutality. Plus the format of the show includes pretty in-depth (but quick) recap interludes that are surprisingly helpful for first time readers like me.

You guys are very entertaining. Caught up with all the episodes over about a week. I haven’t finished the series yet, so maybe I’ll follow your pacing.

Sure, each of the three hosts brings a different aspect and background to the reading, and that keeps the conversation alive, but truly....this podcast shines the most in the exquisitely made chapter summaries. An awesome electric/synth band creates new music for this podcast, and each song creates the perfect ambience for the chapter summaries. Truthfully, the chapter summaries are more art than summary...the choice of diction is somehow poetically profound. Malazan is such a literary masterpiece that a podcast must have the core substance to match it. This podcast is the way to go. You’ll get chained by the music on its own ;)

Please finish all ten books

This podcast would be so much better if Peter delved into analysis of the books, rather than two hosts who try to compete for the most “witty” one liner. Josh’s attempts at being aloof come off stale and completely ruin the sincerity of the podcast. India constantly claiming she hates the books is incredibly frustrating to listeners who are coming here to gain deeper insights. The lack of research done prior to recording has created multiple incorrect assertions. Also, the editing/sound quality is horrible. Constant feedback and echoing, along with sloppy mistakes that should have been edited out. This needs a lot of work and readers are better off on their own.

This podcast is great because Peter, India, and Josh cover all of the emotions one feels when reading these very big books. Peter is the steady voice of reason, telling you to enjoy the ride, and have faith in what Erickson is building for us. Josh provides the instant impact, getting fired up for the awesome battles, and angry at how dumb some characters are. Finally, India gives the voice to everyone who is constantly confused (which is everyone). I was looking for a podcast to supplement the books, and these three kill it. I really really hope they keep going through the entire series (I’m on book 4 now, and I can’t wait to see their takes on what I’ve read).

Very well done read through. Please keep them coming! Great resource for Malazan veterans and newcomers alike.

I’m on Memories of Ice right now and I love listening to the podcast. It’s fun to listen to their arguments and speculation. Keep it up!

Entertaining and interesting to hear new readers’ takes on each chapter. Enjoying it very much and really hope it can make it through all ten books.

India, Josh, and Peter are entertaining as hell. I just finished my first readthrough of the 10 main books and I am loving the chance to revisit the storyline. India and Josh’s enthusiasm and confusion are so relatable, and Peter’s gentle steering of the conversation is great.

Honestly this podcast is becoming THE Malazan Read along, it captures the spectrum of readers from a host whose read the entire series before and two beginners. Love it, a must listen to any fan of these 10 very big books

Really enjoyed listening. I’m currently on House of Chains but have been needing a refresher on the series’ minutiae. I can’t wait for your read through of Deadhouse Gates. Cheers!

As a long-time Malazan lover WAITING for a good consistent podcast. I just want to thank you all for creating a fun and insightful re-look at my favorite fantasy series of all time. Note: I was not a fan of GoTM when I read it. I think it’s the roughest of all the books. Deadhouse Gates is where I realized the genius of Erikson, so India PLEASE STICK WITH IT! You are the heart and soul of this podcast, even when you’re trashing what I love! Peter and Josh, you guys are great too. Thanks all!

I am half way through Deadhouse Gates and I am going to slow down to let you guys catchup. Really enjoy your analysis. This is my second attempt at reading the series, and I was India in my first attempt. Now I am immensely enjoying this series and I hope to keep sharing it with you guys.

the editing is fantastic!

I’ve been an avid Malazan reader for over a decade and have read all of Erickson’s and Ian Esslemonts books. I’ve been rereading the main series and I’m really excited for the first time readers to find out just how amazing the story gets! Great chemistry on this podcast and I’m looking forward to the next episode!

I just finished my second read through of MBotF and of course wanted to start it all over again, but I wanted to get to Esslemont’s books first. When I found this I got excited. I’ve only listened to the first episode, but am ready to join you guys on your journey. Great discussion, quoting, music and fun. Keep it going!