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The God Is Not Willing

The First Tale of Witness

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The God Is Not Willing

By: Steven Erikson
Narrated by: Emma Gregory
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

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....

©2021 Steven Erikson (P)2021 Penguin Audio
Dark Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Military

Critic Reviews

"A master of lost and forgotten epochs, a weaver of ancient epics." (salon.com)

"Erikson is an extraordinary writer...treat yourself." (Stephen R. Donaldson)

All stars
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Pretty good Alright. Classic Erickson. Not a fan of everyone sleeping with the kid though. Apart from that. Pretty good.

Good not as great as usual.

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incredibly good! would advise reading house of chains and reapers gale before tackling this masterpiece

Witness!

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Emma Gregory is my new favourite narrator. She absolutely nails it. Huge range of accents, vocal tones and styles. She even adds panting and other dramatic sounds, which means she truly knows the material.

The story itself is another Erikson epic. Probably will be difficult for readers that new to his work. The world has evolved since his last works, and it's a joy see how things have changed. Lots of great references and Easter eggs for long time readers.

The themes explored include: What it means to be a child and how adults think of them; the ramifications of rape; civilisation vs wild nature.

Also Malazan marines have been taken to another level.

Every malazan fan will love this work. those new to Erikson, go pick up Gardens of the Moon and treat yourself.

Truly good

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Epic fantasy with excellent narration of diverse charaters. Loved it.
This book marks a return to the world crafted by Steven Erikson in his Malazan Book of the Fallen series and continues his writing that draws on a diverse cast of characters that slowly reveal their truths throughout in a way that draws you in. the scope of the story grows as the character unveil a sometimes convoluted path that pulls you deeper until you emerge with a new appreciation of Eriksons writing talent.
be sure to check out his previous books and those of Ian C. Esselmont who also writes in the same world in conjunction with Erikson.
do yourself a favour and try out this book.

An epic return by Erikson

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great listen ,cant wait for the next one.The narrator was amazing.I have enjoyed all Steven Erickson"s books that i have heard
..

loved it

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Fans of Malazan Book of the Fallen will have no trouble listening to this story. Just like the behemoth that is it’s predecessor, this story is wonderfully written, dark and brutal. The narrator does a really good job bringing the story to life, but the change from Michael Page’s wonderful voice acting took some getting used to. The fact that this narrator pronounces everything differently didn’t help, and some listeners might be very out by such a drastic change, but I got used to it.

Brutal and magnificently written but mixed feelings with the narrator

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Steven’s ability to flesh out beautiful and flawed characters, so deep and believable. Perfect fantasy and yet so much to learn from his characters and their interactions that can be applied to your life.
Emma Gregory is a fantastic narrator, very fun and skilled at creating distinct and consistent characters voices.
Absolutely perfect. <3

Epic and intimate

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Pure coincidence I'd just finished Memories of Ice to find this one follows on more or less after Black Coral.

And its a welcome return to that irreverance, which made the Bridgeburners so memorable. The story brings one of them back, but its the new Marines that marks a return to that Bridgeburner spirit.

Some tough themes and language though , but coupled with some cameos of familiar characters, races, species, etc., readers new to the series may be tempted to check out other offerings.

The narrator demonstrates great skill in managing the voices for the many characters, though the pronounciation of Ma-lar-zan was interesting.

Overall, I enjoyed what to me is a return to great storytelling - laughing one minute, horrorified the next, edge of the seat one moment, shaking my head the other.

An emotional roller coaster ride

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I was weary of new books continuing from Book of The Fallen series, but Steven nailed it. Can't wait for the next one
Narration of his books can be hit and miss, especially with pronunciation of names. Emma Gregory is my new fave, she does the book justice like so few narrators do.

Fantastic book, great continuation of the story

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I loved the book and the story, please bring back Michael Page as the narrator though, it was a bit jarring to hears someone else. She did a good job, but it would have been better to hear the original narrator.

Amazing book

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