I initially found the extremely dark atmosphere of the Deadhouse Gates a bit offputting, especially given that Gardens of the Moon had very different tone. However, it really grew on me and I realized that there is much more to this book.

I find it amazing how Erikson manages to encompass so much of the human experience in this book. Yes, it is mostly about various flavors of suffering, but there is also so much wisdom, wit, and hope to be found here. I especially love how he doesn't shy away from portraying some really painful situations and how they may impact certain people (see Felisin or Duiker).

This is certainly a difficult read at times, but definitely worth it. Not your typical escapist fantasy.