FallenKingdomReads‘ Beginner’s Guide to Malazan Book of the Fallen
Malazan Book of the Fallen is a ten-book high fantasy series by Canadian author Steven Erikson. The series has been praised for its incredible world-building, rich characters, and epic storytelling. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the series and help you get started on your journey through the Malazan world.
Malazan Book of the Fallen is a massive undertaking for any reader, with ten books comprising the series, each weighing in at over 1,000 pages. The series is known for its complex storytelling, vast cast of characters, and large world. Fans of high fantasy will find much to love in this series.
Premise
The series takes place in a vast, epic world filled with gods, magic, and politics. The Malazan Empire, ruled by the Empress Laseen, is expanding, and as the story unfolds, we see the struggles of those caught up in the power struggles of the empire.
What to Expect
Readers of the Malazan Book of the Fallen can expect a challenging, immersive, and epic reading experience. The series is known for its intricate and detailed world-building, with multiple cultures, races, and factions, and a rich history spanning thousands of years.
The series also features a huge cast of characters, each with their own motivations and goals. The story is told from many points of view, which can be challenging for some readers. The pacing is often slow, with long stretches of world-building and character development, punctuated by sudden bursts of action and drama.
The themes of the series include power, war, redemption, and the nature of humanity. The series is known for its dark, gritty tone, and is not for the faint of heart.
Reading Order
The recommended reading order for Malazan Book of the Fallen is as follows:
- 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
It should be noted that the Novels of the Malazan Empire series by Ian C. Esslemont are set in the same world as Malazan Book of the Fallen and should be read alongside the main series. The recommended reading order for the Novels of the Malazan Empire series is:
- Night of Knives
- Return of the Crimson Guard
- Stonewielder
- Orb Sceptre Throne
- Blood and Bone
- Assail
Conclusion
Malazan Book of the Fallen is a challenging, epic, and immersive series that is sure to delight fans of high fantasy. With some of the most in-depth world-building, complex characters, and epic storytelling, this series is a must-read for any fan of the genre. So grab a copy of Gardens of the Moon and get ready to embark on a journey through one of the most intricate and immersive fantasy worlds ever created.
