Novels of the Malazan Empire Series Reading Order

On the eve of a legendary commemoration, the ancient Malazan Empire teeters on the brink of collapse. A morally complex… On the eve of a legendary commemoration, the ancient Malazan Empire teeters on the brink of collapse. A morally complex assassin, Kiska, returns to the imperial capital, drawn into a labyrinth of political intrigue and shadowy conspiracies. As a single night descends into a maelstrom of blades and desperate power plays, forgotten gods awaken and the fate of an entire civilization hangs in the balance. Kiska must navigate deadly factions and confront his own shadowed past if he hopes to survive the escalating conflict and perhaps even salvage a future for the dying empire. read more

The return of the mercenary company, the Crimson Guard, could not have come at a worse time for a Malazan Empire exhaust… The return of the mercenary company, the Crimson Guard, could not have come at a worse time for a Malazan Empire exhausted by warfare and weakened by betrayals and rivalries. Indeed, there are those who wonder whether the Empress Laseen might not be losing her grip on power as she faces increasing unrest as conquered kingdoms and principalities sense freedom once more. Into the seething cauldron of Quon Tali--the Empire's heartland--marches the Guard. With their return comes the memory of the Empire--and yet all is not well with the Guard itself. Elements within its elite, the Avowed, have set their sights on far greater power. There are ancient entities who also seek to further their own arcane ends. And what of the swordsman called Traveller who, with his companion Ereko, has gone in search of a confrontation from which none have ever returned? As the Guard prepares to wage war, so Laseen's own generals and mages, the 'Old Hands', grow impatient at what they see as her mismanagement of the Empire. But could Laseen have outwitted them all? Could she be using the uprisings to draw out and finally eliminate these last irksome survivors from the days of her illustrious predecesor, Kellanved? read more

A must-read epic fantasy for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson, Stonewielder capitalises furth… A must-read epic fantasy for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson, Stonewielder capitalises further on Esslemont's mastery of world-building and fantasy storytelling. 'Epic fiction at its finest' - SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER 'A gripping, bloat-free military fantasy which further illuminates and explores this intriguing world, and one of the strongest books in the series' -- ***** Reader review 'Words can not express how these books are!' -- ***** Reader review 'Simply you just will not want to put this one down. It builds and builds to a brilliant ending. Superb. -- ***** Reader review ******************************************************** Greymane believed he'd outrun his past. He was adjusting well to life outside the mercenary company, the Crimson Guard. However, it it is not so easy for an ex-Fist of the Malazan Empire to disappear, especially one under sentence of death from that same Empire. For there is a new Emperor on the throne of Malaz and he is dwelling on the Empire's failed invasion of Korel. In the vaults beneath Unta, the Imperial capital, lie the answers to that disaster; out of this buried history surfaces the name Stonewielder. In Korel, Lord Protector Hiam, commander of the Stormguard, faces the potential annihilation of all that he holds dear. With few remaining men and a crumbling stone wall that has seen better days, he confronts an ancient enemy: the sea-borne Stormriders have returned. Stonewielder is an enthralling new chapter in the epic story of a brilliantly imagined world. The Malazan Empire series continues in Orb Sceptre Throne... read more

The epic new chapter in the history of Malaz—the new epic fantasy from Steven Erikson's friend and co-creator of this ex… The epic new chapter in the history of Malaz—the new epic fantasy from Steven Erikson's friend and co-creator of this extraordinary and exciting imagined world. Darujhistan, city of dreams, city of blue flames, is peaceful at last; its citizens free to return to politicking, bickering, trading and, above all, enjoying the good things in life. Yet there are those who will not allow the past to remain buried. A scholar digging in the plains stumbles across an ancient sealed vault. The merchant Humble Measure schemes to drive out the remaining Malazan invaders. And the surviving agents of a long-lost power are stirring, for they sense change and so, opportunity. While, as ever at the centre of everything, a thief in a red waistcoat and of rotund proportions walks the streets, juggling in one hand custard pastries, and in the other the fate of the city itself. Far to the south, fragments of the titanic Moon's Spawn have crashed into the Rivan Sea creating a series of isles...and a fortune hunter's dream. A Malazan veteran calling himself 'Red' ventures out to try his luck—and perhaps say goodbye to old friends. But there he finds far more than he'd bargained for as the rush to claim the Spawn's treasures descends into a mad scramble of chaos and bloodshed. For powers from across the world have gathered here, searching for the legendary Throne of Night. The impact of these events are far reaching, it seems. On an unremarkable island off the coast of Genabackis, a people who had turned their backs upon all such strivings now lift their masked faces towards the mainland and recall the ancient prophesy of a return. And what about the ex-Claw of the Malazan Empire who now walks the uttermost edge of creation? His mission—the success or failure of which the Queen of Dreams saw long ago—is destined to shape far more than anyone could have ever imagined. read more

Fantasy. On the continent of Jacuruku, the Thaumaturgs have mounted another expedition in a bid to tame the neighbouring… Fantasy. On the continent of Jacuruku, the Thaumaturgs have mounted another expedition in a bid to tame the neighbouring wild jungle. It is called Himatan, and it is said to be half of the spirit-realm and half of the earth,, and ruled by a powerful entity who some name the Queen of Witches and some a goddess: the ancient Ardata. When Saeng's rulers launch an invasion of this jungle, she and her brother begin a desperate mission read more

All manner of folk have come for riches or fame, but few are prepared for Assail. This is a thrilling close to the Malaz… All manner of folk have come for riches or fame, but few are prepared for Assail. This is a thrilling close to the Malazan Empire series and just as engaging as a standalone, this novel will not disappoint. Ideal for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson. 'Esslemont nails the feel and flavor of Erikson's books and brings the historical characters to life with a dexterity that will win over even the most skeptical fans.' - ***** PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'The Malazan franchise is fighting fit in the hand of its co-creator' - ***** SFX 'The story just gets more engrossing with every page. Love it.' - ***** Reader Review 'His best novel so far' - ***** Reader Review ******************************************************** A NEW HORIZON DAWNS. WRAP UP WARM. To the North lies Assail. It is a land that has been impenetrable for centuries. Now, as the ice begins to melt, it starts to yield its long-hidden secrets and the steady march through this hostile environment begins. Awaiting those brave enough to make the journey is the murmured promise of riches and reverence. Some go seeking answers, some wealth, and some simply adventure. In the South waits Silverfox. The newly incarnate Summoner of the undying army of the T'lan Imass, she will do anything in her power to halt the renewal of an ages-old crusade - a crusade that could lay waste to the entire continent... and beyond. Shedding light on the mysteries that span the Malazan Empire, and offering glimpses into the epic history that shaped it, Assail brings this empire's epic story to a thrilling close. ******************************************************** Further praise for Esslemont's Malazan series: 'Everything you expect of a Malazan story, being both epic and relevant... nail-biting and anything but obvious.' - SFF WORLD 'Terrific... impossible to put down and highly recommended for all fans of The Malazan Book of the Fallen.' - FANTASY HOTLIST 'Hugely promising... a contained, concise romp that's a read more