Imagine diving into an expansive and intricate world where every page provides new adventures! Step into Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series for an epic fantasy experience like no other – an experience sure to mesmerize and confound readers alike! Among its ten books lies one that might appear daunting, but don’t worry, this blog has your back!
Knowing the perfect reading order can make all the difference in fantasy fiction, whether you’re an enthusiast or simply curious. Imagine epic battles, complex characters and unexpected plot twists rolled into one grand tapestry that leaves an unforgettable impression with every book added – this makes every reading experience truly remarkable and unique!
So get set for an epic journey through one of fantasy literature’s iconic works – we will guide your experience step by step so as not to leave anything out! Are you ready for this unforgettable journey? The ultimate reading order awaits.
Malazan Book of The Fallen Series by Steven Erikson
Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series stands out among epic fantasy literature with its detailed world-building, multilayered characters and compelling storytelling techniques. Spanning over 10 books long, its unique storytelling techniques have won audiences worldwide; here is more insight as to why this series stands out.
Key Themes
War and Power
This series explores the dynamics of power and warfare from multiple viewpoints, delving into their causes and outcomes on individuals and societies.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Erikson explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and betrayal through the relationships and decisions of her characters. Her depiction of human-animal interactions highlights their complexity while showing their nuanced complexity.
Redemption and Sacrifice
Many characters strive for redemption for past actions, often making significant sacrifices to improve society. These themes are explored with philosophical depth and add emotional weight to the narrative.
Fate and Free Will
This series explores the tension between fate and free will, exploring whether individuals have control of their destinies. This theme runs throughout both characters’ journeys and a larger series of events.
Order of the Books
- Gardens of the Moon
- Deadhouse Gates
- Memories of Ice
- House of Chains
- Midnight Tides
- The Bonehunters
- Reaper’s Gale
- Toll the Hounds
- Dust of Dreams
- The Crippled God
Steven Erikson Malazan Series Reading Order
This epic fantasy series comprises ten main books, each offering complex plots, engaging characters, and breathtaking world-building. If you’re new to fantasy or simply enjoying its appeal, following this reading order can help make for an effortless saga experience – let’s dive right in with an ultimate reading guide for this legendary series!
Gardens of the Moon
Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson’s inaugural Malazan Book of the Fallen book, is an example of epic fantasy at its finest: setting out an intricate plot with captivating characters in an exquisitely rendered world.
Gardens of the Moon begins in the Malazan Empire, an expansive and powerful realm engaged in an aggressive expansionist campaign. Beginning with their siege of Pale, which pits their elite soldiers, known as Bridgeburners, against its formidable city. As they press forward with conquering Darujhistan – Genabackis’ last Free City – readers meet an array of characters whose destinies entwine unexpectedly with one another.
Erikson creates an intricate web of motivations and schemes through characters like Tattersail, Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his Bridgeburners, Empress Laseen and her loyal Bridgeburners, and Anomander Rake, who wields Dragnipur. This incredible sword plays an integral part in this intricate tale.
Deadhouse Gates
After the stunning debut in Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson’s Deadhouse Gates takes readers on an even deeper and expansive exploration of the Malazan Book of the Fallen world. Renowned for its compelling character development, heartrending plotlines, and epic scale – it truly remains an epic tale!
Deadhouse Gates shifts the action to the Seven Cities continent, where the Malazan Empire faces off against a rebel movement known as Whirlwind. Civil war ensues, and Deadhouse Gates follows multiple intertwining storylines as civil strife ensues.
- Coltaine and the Chain of Dogs: One of the most riveting narratives follows Coltaine, a Fist of the Malazan Empire, as he leads a courageous group of refugees known as Chain of Dogs to safety across a desert landscape while being pursued by their enemies. This tale celebrates courage, sacrifice, and war’s horrors – something many fans remember fondly today.
- Felisin’s Journey: Felisin Paran, younger sister of Ganoes Paran from “Gardens of the Moon,” is sent to a labor camp and must navigate a brutal path to survival, accompanied by the enigmatic Heboric and the ruthless Baudin. Her transformation and the trials she faces are both harrowing and compelling.
- Icarium and Mappo: This duo of a tragic, time-lost warrior and his loyal, sorrowful companion brings a layer of deep emotional resonance to the narrative as they seek to uncover Icarium’s forgotten past.
- Crokus, Apsalar, and Fiddler: Their journey across Seven Cities is filled with danger and intrigue as they attempt to return to Darujhistan while dealing with the fallout from the first book.
Memories of Ice
Steven Erikson’s Memories of Ice is the third installment in his Malazan Book of the Fallen series. After the events of Deadhouse Gates, it brings back familiar characters and settings introduced in Gardens of the Moon. Erikson deftly weaves intricate plotlines together while deepening character relationships and heightening tension over power and survival struggles.
Memories of Ice is set immediately following the siege of Pale, continuing the Genabackis campaign storyline with multiple threads that eventually come together into one grand narrative.
- The Alliance Against the Pannion Domin: Under Dujek Onearm’s command, the Malazan 2nd Army joins forces with Caladan Brood and Anomander Rake forces, former enemies, to combat a new threat: Pannion Seer’s Pannion Domin. Though their relationship is filled with tension and mistrust, they find strength in confronting one common foe.
- The Bridgeburners’ Quest: Whiskeyjack and his Bridgeburners embark on an uncertain mission, confronting the legacy of war, leadership responsibilities, and hidden agendas on their path.
- The T’lan Imass and the Jaghut Tyrant: T’lan Imass are ancient undead warriors from Malazan culture who seek to fulfill an ancient vow by wiping out Jaghut. Their tale allows readers to gain more insight into Malazan society.
- Itkovian and the Grey Swords: Itkovian and his mercenary company, Grey Swords, add depth and dimension to the narrative, exploring themes such as honor, duty and sacrifice.
House of Chains
House of Chains, Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series’ fourth book, continues its epic narrative by weaving intricate plotlines, rich character development and profound philosophical themes together in one cohesive whole. Set against Malazan Empire sprawl and beyond, this installment delves deeper into familiar lives and those of brand-new protagonists.
The narrative in House of Chains follows several pivotal storylines.
- Karsa Orlong’s Journey: Karsa Orlong is introduced as the new main protagonist and embarks upon a journey of self-discovery and revenge against Teblor warriors, setting in motion events throughout the series.
- Sha’ik’s Rebellion: Seven Cities follows desert prophet Sha’ik as he leads an uprising against the Malazan Empire by recruiting various groups and characters from previous books into his rebellion against it.
- Tavore Paran and the Malazan 14th Army: As the aftermath of Memories of Ice unfolds, Tavore Paran assumes command of the Malazan 14th Army and faces new challenges, such as quelling rebellion.
- Fiddler and the Bridgeburners: Fiddler and his fellow Bridgeburners continue to play key roles, navigating through the challenges associated with loyalty, duty, and personal sacrifice.
Midnight Tides
Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series explores themes related to power, betrayal and the clash of civilizations within the Malazan Empire’s expansive and intricate realm, with this installment providing compelling explorations on these important subjects.
Midnight Tides transports readers to Lether, an earthen continent ruled by the Letherii Empire. This novel introduces.
- Trull Sengar: A Tiste Edur warrior and member of the powerful Sengar clan, whose loyalty and beliefs are tested as political intrigue and personal ambition threaten to tear his family apart.
- Rhulad Sengar: Trull’s ambitious younger brother, whose actions set off a chain of events reverberating throughout the series.
- The Letherii Empire: A sprawling and wealthy civilization facing internal strife and external threats as its rulers navigate alliances and conflicts that could reshape the continent’s future.
- The Malazan Perspective: Elements of the Malazan Empire, including familiar characters and factions, intersect with the events unfolding in Lether, adding complexity to the narrative.
The Bonehunters
Steven Erikson’s sixth installment in his Malazan Book of the Fallen series, The Bonehunters, continues the epic saga with an engaging combination of action, political intrigue, and deep philosophical considerations set against an unpredictable world. Exploring war’s effects, leadership challenges, and lasting bonds of loyalty and friendship is at its core.
House of Chains and Memories of Ice left off with Malazan 14th Army’s maneuvers through various terrain. Now, The Bonehunters picks up where these previous books left off by following them through.
- The aftermath of the Pannion Seer’s defeat: Adjunct Tavore Paran has led the 14th Army through recent campaigns, experiencing firsthand the numerous threats and enemies that come their way. Now faced with fresh challenges and enemies alike, Adjunct Paran must cope with its legacy from previous campaigns while confronting new obstacles head-on.
- The Return of the Bridgeburners: Fiddler and his surviving Bridgeburner companions continue to play pivotal roles, coming to terms with their past and current events.
- The Intrigues of Empires: Political maneuvering and alliance formation shift as the Malazan Empire and its adversaries vie for dominance – with far-reaching effects for all involved.
- Ascendants and Gods: Powerful beings – mortal and divine – influence events as they unfold, adding further complexity to this narrative.
Reaper’s Gale
Reaper’s Gale, Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series book seven, pulls readers deep into conflict and upheaval as empires clash and destiny is written. With intricate plots, multidimensional characters and philosophical depth, Reaper’s Gale further expands the Malazan saga’s epic scope.
Reaper’s Gale brings us back to Lether, and its Tiste Edur-led Letherii Empire is on the brink of collapse due to external threats and internal dissension. Key storylines in Reaper’s Gale feature stake drama like the Malazan Invasion, the Tyranny of Rhulad Sengar, the Tyranny Rebellion of Awl Rebellion, and Karsa Orlong Return.
- The Malazan Invasion: Adjunct Tavore Paran leads the 14th Army as they land on Lether to face off against Tiste Edur and their Letherii allies, the Tiste Edur Empire and Letherii allies. Malazan soldiers, war-hardened after years of struggle against oppressive regimes such as Tiste Edur, are faced with an oppressive yet corrupt empire that they will need all their strength to take down.
- The Tyranny of Rhulad Sengar: Rhulad, known as the Emperor of a Thousand Deaths, struggles against his cursed immortality and the political maneuverings around him. His reign is marked by madness and tyranny, which threatens both his people and family alike.
- The Rebellion of the Awl: Indigenous Awl people led by Redmask are on an offensive against Letherii oppressors to reclaim their land and heritage, adding yet another dimension to this complex conflict.
- Karsa Orlong’s Return: Karsa Orlong’s journey continues as he returns to Lether, driven by his sense of destiny and vengeance. His path intersects with other key characters, leading to explosive confrontations.
Toll the Hounds
Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series continues with Toll the Hounds, once more in vibrant Darujhistan and exploring its intricate web of destiny. By weaving dark themes with rich character studies and philosophical depth, this installment examines human nature’s complexity while depicting light vs darkness as an ongoing battle.
Toll the Hounds follows several key storylines through Darujhistan and Black Coral’s realm, weaving them together seamlessly to tell a compelling narrative.
- Anomander Rake and Black Coral: Tiste Andii leader Anomander Rake faces daunting choices and challenges as he juggles ancient obligations with rising forces of chaos.
- The Return of Iconic Characters: Tiste Andii leader Anomander Rake must navigate complex decisions and challenges while balancing ancient obligations against increasing forces of chaos.
- The Rise of Darkness: Tiste Andii leader Anomander Rake must navigate complex decisions and challenges while striving to balance ancient obligations against ever-increasing forces of chaos.
- The Path of the Redeemer: This narrative delves deep into the life and journey of the Redeemer, an icon of hope and salvation, as he seeks to save those around him.
Dust of Dreams
Dust of Dreams by Steven Erikson marks the ninth chapter in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. It serves as its grand conclusion, offering exciting battle scenes, character depth exploration and warnings of impending apocalyptic events. As this next to the last installment builds towards its grand conclusion – this complex tapestry of loyalty, sacrifice and fate creates an engaging journey toward its conclusion for its readers.
Dust of Dreams follows the Malazan 14th Army and their allies across the unforgiving Wastelands with a sense of impending doom and regret for past actions. Key storylines in Dust of Dreams include.
- The March of the Bonehunters: Adjunct Tavore Paran’s Malazan 14th Army – popularly known as Bonehunters – embarks on a perilous journey across the Wastelands. Their resolve will be put through rigorous scrutiny as they confront both external threats and internal struggles.
- The Tribal Clashes: Subtle tribal factions with their histories and grudges become embroiled in the conflict, further deepening and heightening its intensity.
- The Rising Threat of the Forkrul Assail: An ancient and powerful race known as the Forkrul Assail emerges as a significant threat, their strict sense of justice and purity threatening to bring destruction across all.
- The Burden of the Past: Fiddler, Quick Ben and Hedge grapple with their pasts and the effects of their experiences, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.
The Crippled God
Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series comes to a breathtaking and moving close with The Crippled God, its final book and monumental epic. This chapter combines all of its threads and plotlines into an emotional finale that is both exquisite and moving.
In The Crippled God, fates converge as Malazan 14th Army and their allies prepare for a final confrontation. Key storylines in The Crippled God include.
- The Fate of the Crippled God: Crippled God has long been seen as a figure of manipulation and suffering; today, his fate entwines with that of all humanity.
- The Bonehunters’ Last Stand: Adjunct Tavore Paran leads his Bonehunters in their ultimate fight against daunting odds and personal obstacles.
- The Alliance of Powers: Three influential factions – Tiste Andii, K’Chain Che’Malle and Forkrul Assail – join forces in an epic struggle that will shape the course of history and determine the fate of this planet.
- The Resolution of Personal Journeys: Fiddler, Quick Ben and Kalam face their final challenges and sacrifices before becoming part of history.
Conclusion
Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series, known for its expansive world-building, intricate characters, and multilayered storytelling, is an epic fantasy series known for captivating its readers with deep themes such as war, power, loyalty, betrayal, redemption and the tension between fate and free will. Each book in this epic tale, from “Gardens of the Moon” to its conclusive “The Crippled God,” adds something new and enriching to its grand narrative; whether writing a blog post about it or simply curiously exploring it — take this monumental series and experience an immersive and multilayered universe full of depth and complexity like never before!