Forge of the High Mage

Fast-paced and gripping . . . loaded with set pieces, contains wonderful dialogue, witty exchanges, explosive showdowns, unlikely alliances, and features some of the finest character creations that the genre has to offer.

Heart-stopping fights, impressive displays of magic and desperate final stands . . .the book has it all.

Engrossing . . . has all the hallmarks of great epic fantasy . . . an essential read for Malazan fans.

Everything you expect of a Malazan story . . . nail-biting and anything but obvious.

Impossible to put down and highly recommended for all fans of the Malazan Book of the Fallen.

The finest Esslemont novel so far, and a superb Malazan novel in its own right'

Born in Winnipeg in 1962, IAN CAMERON ESSLEMONT has studied and worked as an archaeologist, travelled extensively in South East Asia and lived in Thailand and Japan for several years. He now lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, with his wife and children. His novels - beginning with Night of Knives - are all set in the fantasy world of Malaz that he co-created with Steven Erikson. Dancer's Lament was the first book in the 'Paths to Ascendancy' sequence (which continues the story of the turbulent early history of this epic imagined world) while Forge of the High Mage is the fourth. 
To find out more, visit www.ian-esslemont.com and www.malazanempire.com

After decades of warfare, Malazan forces are now close to consolidating the Quon Talian mainland. Yet it is at this moment that Emperor Kellanved orders a new campaign far to the north: the invasion of Falar. 
 
Since the main Malazan armies are otherwise engaged in Quon Tali, a collection of orphaned units and broken squads has been brought together under Fist Dujek - himself recovering from the loss of an arm - to fight this new campaign. A somewhat rag-tag army, joined by a similarly motley fleet under the command of the Emperor himself. 
 
There are however those who harbour doubts regarding the stewardship of Kellanved and his cohort Dancer, and as the Malazan force heads north, it encounters an unlooked-for and most unwelcome threat - unspeakable and born of legend, it has woken and will destroy all who stand in its way. Most appalled by this is Tayschrenn, the untested High Mage of the Empire. He is all-too aware of the true nature of this ancient horror - and his own inadequacy in having to confront it. Yet confront it he must, alongside the most unlikely of allies . . . 
 
And then the theocracy of Falar is itself far from defenceless - its priests are in possession of a weapon so terrifying it has not been unleashed for centuries. Named the Jhistal, it was rumoured to be a gift from the sea-god Mael. But two can play at that game, for the Emperor sails towards Falar aboard his flagship Twisted - a vessel that is itself thought to be not entirely of this world . . . 
 
Here in the Ice Wastes and among the islands of Falar, the Empire of Malaz faces two seemingly insurmountable tests - each one potentially the origin of its destruction. 
 
These are bloody, turbulent and treacherous times for all caught up in the forging of the Malazan Empire.

(Path to Ascendancy Book 3): full of adventure and magic, this is the spellbinding final chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's awesome epic fantasy sequence

Kellanved's Reach

Esslemont's Path to Ascendancy series takes us back to the majestic and mystical Malazan Empire. This is the much anticipated origin story, chronicling the troubled continent's early history from a time when it was a land ravaged by war, with minor city states, baronies and principates fighting for supremacy.

Full of adventure and magic, the exciting third chapter in Esslemont's new epic fantasy series that takes readers back to the turbulent early history of what would become the Malazan Empire.

Fantastic world-building meets spellbinding storytelling in this must-read fan-favourite from Esslemont. Ideal for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson. 
 
'This book hits all the right notes at all the right times' -- FANTASY BOOK REVIEW 
'Highly entertaining . . . streamlined, tightly-plotted and structured' -- TOR.COM 
'Incredible storytelling' -- ***** Reader review 
'What a treat' -- ***** Reader review 
'A fantastic end to a wonderful trilogy' -- ***** Reader review 
'OMG - amazing. What more can I say' -- ***** Reader review 
*********************************************************************************** 
The incessant war between the bickering city states of Quon Tali rages. So engrossed are the warring lords and princes in their own petty feuds that few notice that an upstart mage from Dal Hon has gained control of the southern seas. But some powers are alarmed. 
 
And in the meantime, as Purge and Tali indulge in what seems like a never-ending game of war. Simultaneously, a pair of escapees from Castle Gris make their way across this ravaged landscape of flame and butchery. Their intention is to seek out the legendary Crimson Guard. 
 
And then there's Kellanved, who could not care less about any of this petty politicking or strategy or war. Something other and altogether more mysterious has caught his attention and he - together with a reluctant and decidedly sceptical Dancer - traverse continents and journey through the Realms in pursuit . . . But this ancient mystery that has so captivated Kellanved is neither esoteric nor ephemeral. No, it is of an altogether darker and more dangerous hue. It involves the Elder races themselves, and more specifically - certainly more alarmingly - the semi-mythic, and universally dreaded, Army of Dust and Bone. 
 
Surely no one in their right mind would be so foolish as to embark on a journey from which none have returned? Well, no one except Kellanved that is . . .

(Path to Ascendancy: 2): the enthralling second chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's awesome epic fantasy sequence

Deadhouse Landing

Essential reading for Malazan fans, this enthralling second chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's awesome epic fantasy sequence that began with the acclaimed Dancer's Lament returns to that troubled continent's turbulent early history.

Fantastic world-building meets spellbinding storytelling in this must-read fan-favourite from Esslemont. Ideal for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson. 
 
'The world building is truly impressive . . . the action scenes well written . . . Esslemont's writing style addictive and engaging . . .' -- RISING SHADOW.NET 
'Esslemont . . . seamlessly weaves great characters, action sequences and genuine humour into a fascinating narrative . . .' -- THE CRITICAL DRAGON.COM 
'Never really slows down and the book is so engrossing I finished it within a week' -- ***** Reader review 
'Ian C Esslemont strikes again!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Another winner' -- ***** Reader review 
'Absolutely brilliant' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************************* 
 
After the disappointments of Li Heng, Dancer and Kellanved wash up on a small insignificant island named Malaz. Immediately, of course, Kellanved plans to take it over. To do so they join forces with a small band of Napans who have fled a civil war on their own home island. The plan, however, soon goes awry as Kellanved develops a strange and dangerous fascination for a mysterious ancient structure found on the island... 
 
The chaos in the region extends to the metaphysical planes also as a young priest of D'rek starts to question the rot at the heart of the worship of the god of decay. And back in Li Heng, Dassem, now the proclaimed Sword of Hood, finds himself being blamed for a plague which leads him to a crisis of faith - and searching for answers. 
 
During all this, war with the neighbouring island of Nap threatens, recruited allies wonder at Kellanved's sanity, and powerful entities take more of an interest in the little mage from Dal Hon. Dancer faces a hard choice: should he give up on his partnership? Especially when the fellow's obsession with shadows and ancient artefacts brings the both of them alarmingly close to death and destruction. 
 
After all, who in his right mind would actually wish to enter an Elder mystery known to everyone as the 'Deadhouse'?

Tremendous . . . I loved having the opportunity to glimpse characters in a completely different light, and the creation of the Malazan Empire through the lens of reality rather than myth. Deadhouse Landing is one of Esslemont's best books to date . . . for fans of anything Malazan, this is an absolute must.

FANTASY BOOK REVIEW 'Recommended Book of the Month'

The world building is truly impressive . . . the action scenes well written . . . Esslemont's writing style addictive and engaging . . . if you're looking for a new epic fantasy read, I strongly recommend taking a look at Deadhouse Landing, because it's one of the best and most epic fantasy novels of the year!

Esslemont delivers another engrossing tale . . . has all the hallmarks of great epic fantasy . . . seamlessly weaves great characters, action sequences and genuine humour into a fascinating narrative . . . an essential read for Malazan fans, new and old.

Esslemont nails the feel and flavour of Erikson's books and brings the historical characters to life with a dexterity that will win over even the most sceptical fans.

Tight and enjoyable . . . builds on the very fine foundation stones laid by Dancer's Lament.

Wonderfully tense . . . fantastic set pieces . . . it never stops having fun . . . his best writing yet . . . and I can’t wait to see the next instalment.

(Path to Ascendancy: 1): an ingenious and imaginative fantasy from a master of the genre

Dancer's Lament

Epic fantasy from a superb storyteller  (Path to Ascendancy 1)

Taking Malazan fans back to that troubled continent's turbulent early history, this is the opening chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's awesome new epic fantasy sequence, the Path to Ascendancy.

Fantastic world-building meets spellbinding storytelling in this must-read fan-favourite from Esslemont. Ideal for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson. 
 
'This book hits all the right notes at all the right times' -- FANTASY BOOK REVIEW 
'Highly entertaining . . . streamlined, tightly-plotted and structured' -- TOR.COM 
'An awesome read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Esslemont at his best' -- ***** Reader review 
'Totally absorbing' -- ***** Reader review 
'You'll find this hard to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
*********************************************************************************************************** 
 
It was once a land ravaged by war, minor city states, baronies and principates fighting for supremacy. But when the rival cities of Tali and Quon formed an alliance, Quon Tali came into being. 
 
However that was generations ago, that dynasty has collapsed and the regional powers are now clawing at each others throats once more. But at the heart of Quon Tali lies the powerful city state of Li Heng which has for centuries enjoyed relative stability under the guidance of the powerful sorceress known as the "Protectress". 
 
She is not someone likely to tolerate the arrival of two particular young men into her domain: one is determined to prove he is the most skilled assassin of his age; the other is his quarry - a Dal Hon mage who is proving annoyingly difficult to kill. 
 
And now, under a new and ambitious king, the forces of Itko Kan are marching on Li Heng from the south. His own assassins, the Nightblades, have been sent ahead into the city, and rumours abound that he has inhuman, nightmarish forces at his command. So as shadows and mistrust swirl and monstrous beasts run rampage through Li Heng's streets, it seems chaos is come - but in chaos, as a certain young Dal Hon mage would say, there is opportunity . . .

For fans of the Malazan world, be it Erikson or Esslemont, Dancer’s Lament is a brilliant return to one of the most majestic and mystifying fantasy worlds ever to be created. Filled with rooftop knife fights, devastating magery and underworld evil, this book hits all the right notes at all the right times.

When I finished this I was desperate for the next one. . . I think this book really lets his abilities as an author shine. Great storytelling, brilliantly entertaining characters, well-paced and engaging structure, and a tight focus that allows him to play with those aspects of the world that serve the narrative. Dancer’s Lament is a must read for Malazan fans, and fans of fantasy that like a well told story. I loved it and couldn’t put it down.

A fun and enjoyable book and moreover a very solid addition to the Malazan universe.

Highly entertaining . . .  streamlined, tightly-plotted and structured.

inventive and original. A compelling frontier fantasy epic

Assail

The sixth epic fantasy novel from the co-creator - with Steven Erikson - of this brilliantly imagined world and the final chapter in the epic, awesome story of the Malazan Empire!

Born in Winnipeg in 1962, IAN CAMERON ESSLEMONT has studied and worked as an archaeologist, travelled extensively in South East Asia and lived in Thailand and Japan for several years. He now lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, with his wife and children. His novels - beginning with Night of Knives - are all set in the fantasy world of Malaz that he co-created with Steven Erikson. Dancer's Lament was the first book in the 'Paths to Ascendancy' sequence (which continues the story of the turbulent early history of this epic imagined world) while Forge of the High Mage is the fourth. 
To find out more, visit www.ian-esslemont.com and www.malazanempire.com

Tens of thousands of years of ice is melting, and the land of Assail, long a byword for menace and inaccessibility, is at last yielding its secrets. Tales of gold discovered in the region’s north circulate in every waterfront dive and sailor’s tavern and now adventurers and fortune-seekers have set sail in search of riches. And all they have to guide them are legends and garbled tales of the dangers that lie in wait - hostile coasts, fields of ice, impassable barriers and strange, terrifying creatures. But all accounts concur that the people of the north meet all trespassers with the sword - and should you make it, beyond are rumoured to lurk Elder monsters out of history’s very beginnings. 
Into this turmoil ventures the mercenary company, the Crimson Guard. Not drawn by contract, but by the promise of answers: answers that Shimmer, second in command, feels should not be sought. Also heading north, as part of an uneasy alliance of Malazan fortune-hunters and Letherii soldiery, comes the bard Fisher kel Tath. With him is a Tiste Andii who was found washed ashore and cannot remember his past and yet commands far more power than he really should. It is also rumoured that a warrior, bearer of a sword that slays gods and who once fought for the Malazans, is also journeying that way. But far to the south, a woman patiently guards the shore. She awaits both allies and enemies. She is Silverfox, newly incarnate Summoner of the undying army of the T’lan Imass, and she will do anything to stop the renewal of an ages-old crusade that could lay waste to the entire continent and beyond. Casting light on mysteries spanning the Malazan empire, and offering a glimpse of the storied and epic history that shaped it, Assail brings the epic story of the Empire of Malaz to a thrilling close.

(Malazan Empire: 5): an ingenious and imaginative fantasy. More than murder lurks in this untameable wilderness

Blood and Bone

The fifth epic fantasy novel from the co-creator - with Steven Erikson - of this brilliantly imagined world of the Malazan Empire...

Fantastic world-building meets spellbinding storytelling in this must-read fan-favourite from Esslemont. Ideal for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson. 
 
'Esslemont's best yet' - FANTASYBOOK REVIEW 
 
'The Malazan franchise is fighting fit in the hand of its co-creator' - SFX 
 
'His best novel so far.' - ***** Reader Review 
 
'Just gets better and better with each book. Love it.' - ***** Reader Review 
 
******************************************************** 
 
A BITTER WILDERNESS. A BITTER CONFLICT. 
 
On the continent of Jacuruku, the Thaumaturgs have mounted another expedition into the neighbouring wild jungle. Yet this is no normal wilderness. It is called Himatan, half of the spirit-realm and half of the physical, ruled by a powerful entity who some name the Queen of Witches and some a goddess: the ancient Ardata. 
 
Saeng grew up knowing only the rule of the magus Thaumaturgs - but it was the voices from that land's forgotten past that she listened to. And when her rulers launch their invasion of this jungle, those voices send her and her brother on a desperate mission. 
 
To the south, the desert tribes are united by the arrival of a foreign warleader, a veteran commander in battered ashen mail men call the Grey Ghost. This warrior leads these tribes on a raid unlike any other, deep into the heart of Thaumaturg lands. 
 
While word comes to K'azz, and mercenary company the Crimson Guard, of a contract in Jacuruku. 
 
And their employer? Could it be the goddess herself... 
 
******************************************************** 
 
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 also dense with fan-pleasing information... an entertaining romp.' - DEATHRAY 
'Maybe I'm prejudiced since I love the Malazan books so much, but I had a blast reading Night of Knives... I highly recommend it to anyone.' - FANTASY BOOKCRITIC 
'Esslemont handles action and brooding atmosphere equally well.' - STARBURST 
'Extremely readable... All credit to Esslemont and Erikson. They have created a wonderfully energetic world that is just crying out for adventures.' - ETERNAL NIGHT

(Malazan Empire: 4): a concoction of greed, betrayal, murder and deception underscore this fantasy epic

Orb Sceptre Throne

An epic new chapter in the history of the Malazan Empire - the new fantasy novel from the co-creator - with Steven Erikson - of this brilliantly imagined fantasy world...

The finest Esslemont novel so far, and a superb Malazan novel in its own right, Orb, Sceptre, Throne is a book long-time Malazan fans will love

The tumult of great powers colliding has passed and the city of Darujhistan and its citizens can at last get on with what matters: trading, bickering, politicking and enjoying all the good things in life. However, not all are ready to leave the past behind. A treasure hunter, digging amongst the burial grounds that surround the city, is about to uncover a hidden crypt. He will open the last of a series of sealed vaults - the one that no other dared touch - and, in so doing, set free something so terrifying that the knowledge of its internment may have been systematically wiped from all history. 
 
Fortune hunters are also at work far to the south. When a fragment of Moon's Spawn, once the home of Anomander Rake, Son of Darkness, crashed into the Rivan Sea it created a chain of small islands. Legends and rumours already surround them. The most potent of these is that here is hidden the Throne of Night, claimed by some to be the seat of Mother Dark herself. Either way, all who seek this ancient artefact - renegade mages, hardened mercenaries, even a Malazan army deserter - believe it will bestow unlimited power upon the eventual possessor. The stakes are high, greed is rife, betrayal inevitable, and murder and chaos lie in wait...

(Malazan Empire: 3): the renowned fantasy epic expands in this unmissable and captivating instalment

Stonewielder

A breathtaking addition to the history of Malaz - the new epic fantasy from the co-creator of this extarordinary imagined world...

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...

a compelling, evocative and action-packed epic fantasy that will keep you gripped

Return Of The Crimson Guard

Now in paperback, the second epic fantasy from the co-creator of the world of Malaz.

From the pen of million copy seller Ian C Esslemont comes this breath-taking, thrilling and captivating epic fantasy - a must read for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson. 
 
"Everything you expect of a Malazan story, being both epic and relevant... nail-biting and anything but obvious" - SFFWORLD 
"The Malazan franchise is fighting fit in the hands of its co-creator" - SFX 
"A true Malazan tale to sink your teeth into" -- ***** Reader review 
"Fast paced, truly involving, with characters who are not just realistic but who also seem to draw out the reader's empathy." -- ***** Reader review 
"Complex and engaging" -- ***** Reader review 
****************************************************************************** 
The return of the Crimson Guard could not have come at a worse time for an empire exhausted by warfare and weakened by betrayals and rivalries. 
 
Into the seething cauldron of Quon Tali - the Malazan Empire's heartland - they march, and with their return comes the memory of their vow: undying opposition to the Empire. Yet, elements within the Guard's élite, the Avowed, have set their sights on far greater power. 
 
As the Guard prepare to wage war, the Empress Laseen's generals and mages grow impatient at what they perceive as her mismanagement of the Empire. 
 
Is she losing her grip on power or has she outwitted them all? Could she be using the uprisings to draw out and finally eliminate the last irksome survivors from the days of Kellanved, her illustrious predecessor?

Everything you expect of a Malazan story, being both epic and relevant... nail-biting and anything but obvious

The Malazan franchise is fighting fit in the hands of its co-creator

From the pen of million copy seller Ian C Esslemont comes this breath-taking, thrilling and captivating epic fantasy - a must read for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson. 
 
"Everything you expect of a Malazan story, being both epic and relevant... nail-biting and anything but obvious" - SFFWORLD 
"The Malazan franchise is fighting fit in the hands of its co-creator" - SFX 
"A true Malazan tale to sink your teeth into" -- ***** Reader review 
"Fast paced, truly involving, with characters who are not just realistic but who also seem to draw out the reader's empathy." -- ***** Reader review 
"Complex and engaging" -- ***** Reader review 
****************************************************************************** 
The return of the Crimson Guard could not have come at a worse time for an empire exhausted by warfare and weakened by betrayals and rivalries. 
 
Into the seething cauldron of Quon Tali - the Malazan Empire's heartland - they march, and with their return comes the memory of their vow: undying opposition to the Empire. Yet, elements within the Guard's élite, the Avowed, have set their sights on far greater power. 
 
As the Guard prepare to wage war, the Empress Laseen's generals and mages grow impatient at what they perceive as her mismanagement of the Empire. 
 
Is she losing her grip on power or has she outwitted them all? Could she be using the uprisings to draw out and finally eliminate the last irksome survivors from the days of Kellanved, her illustrious predecessor?

Ian C Esslemont

(Malazan Empire: 1)

The Malazan Empire - vast, omnipotent and unforgiving . . . 
 
The small island of Malaz and its city may have given this great empire its name, but it is now little more than a sleepy, backwater. Or usually it is. Tonight, however, things are different. Tonight the city is on edge, a hive of desperate, sometimes violent, activity as its citizens hurry to and fro, barring doors, shuttering windows, avoiding any stranger's stare. Because tonight there is to be a convergence - the once-in-a-generation appearance of a Shadow Moon - an occasion that threatens the good people of Malaz with demon hounds and all manner of other, darker things. 
 
It was also prophesied that this night would witness the return of Emperor Kellanved, and there are those prepared to do anything to prevent that happening. As factions within the empire draw up battle lines, a far more ancient and potent presence prepares for an all-out assault upon the island. 
 
And there will be witnesses to these cataclysmic events, including Kiska, a young thief who yearns to flee the city, and the grizzled, battle-weary veteran Temper who simply wants to escape his past. It seems that each has a part to play in a confrontation that will not only determine the fate of Malaz City but also of the world beyond . . .

Ian C Esslemont

Books by Ian C Esslemont

Series by Ian C Esslemont

Malazan Empire6 Books

Path to Ascendancy3 Books

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