I only finished Malazan Book of the Fallen, first two Tales books and all The Path to Ascendancy books. Also started Forge of Darkness, but was too preoccupied with my life to finish it.

Honestly Esselmont books are just weaker overall. The Path to Ascendancy was much better, but 3rd book is just too rushed.

> I would be curious of the story still makes sense to you by the end when listening at that speed.

Speed have no effect on story at all. Basically after you practice it for a bit you even get every emotion narrator trying to put into his speech.

As for the story in general it's make more and more sense closer you get the the end. It's masterfully crafted world with great theme of compassion and even though I finished it more than a year ago I still have flashback or two from time to time since I loved some of characters. Malazan is certainly one of my favorite book series.

Yet keep in mind there is abundance of information and events as well as unreliable narrators which can confuse your view of story lines.

Malazan quickly became my favourite book series (and I am not even a fan of fantasy). It was hard initially. But it gets better.

However, I think that re-read is a must if you want to fully grasp the whole thing.