Fans of Malazan Book of the Fallen have a rite of passage known to them as walking The Chain of Dogs, achieved by finishing the second book in the series. What other book series has something considered to be a rite of passage by the fans?

I’ve just finished reading Steven Erikson’s latest Malazan book No Life Forsaken, the second book in his new Malazan series called Witness. I found it to be more of a sequel to that favoured and long ago discovered, by me at least, book Deadhouse Gates, which, in part, tells the story of The Chain of Dogs, than a few other books in The Malazan Book of the Fallen series. As such, it has me pondering on the other books in the series, in particular Deadhouse Gates and the other Malazan books set on the same continent, and talking the ears off any friend foolishly enough to entertain my enthusiasm.

Unfortunately I have no friends who have read the books, so the reasons for my unbridled enthusiasm requires explanation. One friend, when describing to them the importance of The Chain of Dogs plot line, to the series as well as the fans, remarked that they had never heard of a book that involved a, so called by its fans, rite of passage. To my surprise, I couldn’t think of another example either.

For those who don’t know about the Malazan epic fantasy book series, it is seen as quite the experience to actual read a specific plot line in the second book Deadhouse Gates and is known amongst fans as walking The Chain of Dogs. There are a few reasons as why it is considered to be of such import to fans of the series. For many it is the point when they finally fall in love with the books and/or finally understand what Erikson is going for in terms of the sheer scope of the story and themes. Another is that, whilst considered utterly brilliant by its fans, especially the ending, it is often seen as quite the ordeal to actually read, being that the story and way it is written can be harrowing to experience. It would take a heart of stone (or simply one not gelling with the book) to not be affected by it. I, whilst admit to being someone apt to being emotionally affected by books, I was left stunned after finishing Deadhouse Gates in a way unlike any other experience I have had.

Now that I’ve explained what The Chain of Dogs is, although my wish not to spoil maybe has left my explanation a little vague, can anyone think of another book series with a book, plot line or just a moment that would considered a rite of passage like walking The Chain of Dogs is seen to Malazan fans?