"Malarkoi" by Alex Pheby is an ambitious narrative that delves into complex themes with a unique storytelling approach. Pheby's writing style is distinctive, blending historical elements with speculative fiction in a way that demands attention. The novel's structure and character development may not appeal to all, with some readers finding the plot challenging to follow due to its non-linear narrative and the depth of its philosophical inquiries. While "Malarkoi" showcases Pheby's skill in crafting intricate narratives and richly imagined worlds, its appeal may be more niche, resonating with those who appreciate literary experimentation and the blending of genres.

I truly wanted to like this tale, but it just wasn't for me. The author's writing was interesting, but I couldn't connect with the overall story being told. I love an epic fantasy but somehow wanted more from this. Maybe with the second book it will get better, but for now, this was something I was not able to finish.

Mira que me costó trabajo leer y entender Mordew, la primera parte de esta serie, pero creo que una vez que conocemos el mundo Alex Pheby ha lanzado un órdago a la grande con la segunda entrega que no estoy segura de que le haya salido del todo bien.


Nos encontramos ante un libro complejo y enrevesado, con diversos puntos de vista y personajes muy variopintos que no facilitan para nada la lectura. La exploración del mundo mágico, que parece seguir unas reglas que nunca quedan claras y la dualidad enfrentada entre el señor y la señora del lugar requieren de una lectura pausada para comprender el juego que nos propone el autor. El libro adolece de cierta tendencia al infodump, pero son una explicaciones que aunque mantengan cierta coherencia interna no se puede decir que sean totalmente comprensibles, como esa magia antigua que simplemente es y no está encorsetada directamente por un decálogo de axiomas.

El libro es también un viaje por la vida después de la muerte, no sabemos si en busca de la redención, la resurrección, la venganza o simplemente el descanso eterno. Como tal, tiene varios niveles de lectura filosófica, pero para mi gusto, innecesariamente complicado de seguir.

Todos los personajes están en constante movimiento, en una suerte de eterno viaje a través de las dimensiones mágicas del universo, cambiando de plano cuando es necesario. Es casi una road movie mágica, donde quizá lo más atractivo sean las diversas dualidades que nos ofrece el autor. Los dos perros mágicos que se complementan en sus poderes, el señor y la señora del mundo que se enfrentan desde tiempos inmemoriales…

Malarkoi me parece un muy buen ejemplo de lo que es posible conseguir con la fantasía weird, una lectura muy exigente para el lector y que está, a mi entender, un peldaño por debajo de la primera entrega de la serie.

it was hard to make this one make sense for me and it also felt like it was suffering from Middle Book Syndrome. I still found it interesting/compelling though, so it was a strange mix of feelings for me, so be quite honest.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC. I tried to get into this book, but had to DNF it, since nothing caught my attention

Quite a unique read that I would have a hard time to describe to someone. My only comment would be to read it because it's worth it. fresh and addictive!

Malarkoi by Alex Pheby, I struggled to get into this book and it failed to capture my attention while reading it. I do think others will enjoy it and thank you for giving me a chance with this book.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Tor Publishing Group for an advanced copy of this second book in the sure to be talked about Cities of the Weft series.

Some books one reads with involvement, following along as the writer presents words, that set up scenes, present characters, sometimes give motivations, sometimes explain why things are going the way things are going. There is a handy map to follow the story, and a nice A+B=see aren't you enjoying this adventure. Just wait book two, three, or whatever will be more of the same. Other books one has to read a little harder, think a little more, maybe try to find the notes that the writer didn't play to paraphrase Miles Davis. Once in a while a reader comes across an author that one has to make a pact with, a writer who will present so much to the reader that between the two there has to be an understanding, This all makes sense, together we will get there, sit yourself down, strap yourself in, the ride is bumpy, there are no roads, sometimes the car disappears, but this is a trip worth taking. Malarkoi by Alex Pheby is one of those books.

This is the second book in the series, and I highly recommend reading the first one, just to get the mindset right for this adventure. Also a rereading might help. However Pheby has done a something I feel that all authors should do, and recaps the previous adventure. Too many genre authors think that readers stop when their book ends, reading nothing until their next book appears, and one can hope right in. People read alot, and a recap helps quite a bit. From the recap that should work to remind old readers, and possibly help new ones, readers are given a list of things that might occur in this book, or the next one. From here we view different parts of the first novel from a different point of view. Some of these are a little off, some explain broader ideas, and some fill in gaps and plot points to explain why this happened, who this person is, and why this is far more important than one thinks. And from here the book begins, in ways I can't really explain, but really have to be read.

This is a big work of not just fantasy, but a book about dreams, forecasting life, dogs, hate, vengeance, and being lost, and maybe never really being found. Pheby aims high, and for the most part he is successful in what he set out to do, though I can see a lot of readers being confused, or even more a crime indifferent to what is going on. Tyres burning, England, who is this why, more importantly why should I keep reading. The story once it begins anew really starts moving quickly, and the characters even the minor ones are given a life and a reason to be there, and sometimes a fate that seems very, very unfair. I hate saying this is an adult book, but it reads like a big 70's fantasy novel, one with a lot of wordplay, and thinking, but really telling a story of now. Confusion, lies, power, corruption, even families falling away because of secrets.

A fantasy book that I hope will start a lot of conversations, and one that really takes careful reading. I eagerly look forward to the next volume. Or honestly anything Alex Pheby writes.

The first book in this series was excellent. Unfortunately this sequel is nearly unreadable and tedious in the extreme. Plot lines evolve at a glacial pace, often with poor resolutions. Worse still, the majority of the book revolves around the workings of the weft and its relationship with the material realm, so page after page of tedious cod metaphysics.
Such a shame for the series after an excellent start. Not sure that I’ll be bothering with the next volume.

The sequel to Mordew, this book did not disappoint. Fans of Jeff Van De Meer will love this and the first book. Will definitely be ordering for my library (we have Mordew already).

Leaving five stars but I wasn't actually able to read the book. The ARC formatting was way off on my kindle, and it was basically a wall of text interspersed with choppy lines. No idea what was going on.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.