I've read more than one book that is obviously the author's role-playing campaign written down. Sometimes this can make for an interesting story but more often

I've read more than one book that is obviously the author's role-playing campaign written down. Sometimes this can make for an interesting story but more often it leads to action-packed but dull novels. The problem with makes books (and films) out of games is that novel and games have different aims, and creators skilled at one are not necessarily good at the other medium. The typical game (tabletop or computer) is heavily action based. There are exceptions, but typically the plot (where the characters make impactful choices) is front loaded, happening during the introduction or even just before the game starts. How many computer games have the player show up just after a big event and learn about it through recordings or notes of NPCs who are no longer there? The player joins the plot at the point where the only thing left to do is kill a bunch of things - basically the third act of a typical film. The Malazan books were recommended to by an author but, like you, I found the ideas much better than the writing, but the author did improve noticeably in the second book. https://sheep.horse/2013/9/book_review_-_deadhouse_gates.html https://sheep.horse/2013/9/book_review_-_deadhouse_gates.htm...