Assail (Malazan Novel #6)

by Ian C. Esslemont

Paperback Edition, 776 pages

Originally published 2013

“What do you see?” Ieleen asked. Jute scanned the shore once again. He saw…futility. And greed. “Blind stupid avarice,” he said….

The final book in I.C.E’s original series of six is a bit of a mixed bag of highs and lows. Just like the Crippled God i had an idea in my mind of how i wanted this to end but it wasn’t even close. I guess that’s just life; what you want and what you get are rarely the same.

I was expecting at least 90% of the book to be set on Assail. This is what happened in Blood & Bone with Jacuruku and i wanted to explore Assail in the same manner but it always felt as if i was stuck on the coast in a ship. Rather than just arriving at Assail and setting off for the Sea of Gold the main characters spent most of their time navigating the coast looking for an appropriate place to land. This was fine for a while but eventually it became tiresome and resembled Pirates of the Caribbean. When the Malazans et al do eventually land the book is two thirds done. The parts set on Assail followed Orman, who has acquired his dead fathers legendary spear, and the rest of his clan as they battled other clans. I think this was the general gist of the story as it was pretty boring and after a while i realised i wasn’t sure what was happening.

Luckily there were a few sub-stories that made Assail worth the effort. The Crimson Guard are on their way to Assail to save member Cal-brinn, who was left stranded many years before, and to find the secrets of their ‘Vow’. Yes, they do spend most of their time on a ship but they’re far more interesting than the invading Malazan and Letherii soldiers. The other character who i hope appears in future books is Kyle; he’s great. As is Fisher kel Tarth who travels to Assail for a homely visit and meets a Tiste Andii with memory loss.

The main crux of the story is the returning T’lan Imass to Assail to stir up some more trouble with the Jaghut. Silverfox, our beloved Summoner from Memories of Ice, is there to stop them and calm the situation.

Beyond this point there will be Spoilers:

So ideally i wanted a lengthier appearance by the Forkrul Assail. I don’t believe this is too much to ask given the book is set on their homeland but it doesn’t happen. Every time Fisher mentioned them i got excited because they were the brilliantly written bad guys from Eriksons series and i foolishly believed an army of them would show up at the end to wreak havoc. Instead one lonely Forkrul Assail appears at the end for a few pages to become involved in the peace treaty between the Imass and Jaghut. The Imass basically slaughtered hundreds of locals to be told to ‘stop it’. The thing that really irked me was the revelation that the amnesiac Tiste Andii was Anomander Rake reborn. Didn’t like this at all especially as his death in Toll the Hounds was so cool! Let the legendary dead stay dead.

Not as consistently good as the Erikson series but i still enjoyed it.

In true nerd style i’m going to put the books in the order of favourite to least favourite

1. Stonewielder
2. Blood & Bone
3. Return of the Crimson Guard
4. Orb Sceptre Throne
5. Assail
6. Night of Knives

My score – 3/5

Blood & Bone (Malazan Novel #5)

by Ian C. Esslemont

Paperback Edition, 847 pages

Originally published 2012

“Ghosts ruled the jungles of Jacuruku…”

Imagine The Lost City of Z but with even more ways to get killed and you’ve pretty much got Blood & Bone the fifth book in Ian C Esslemont’s series of Malazan novels.

For the first time the focus is the continent of Jacuruku, which I imagined as the Amazon rainforest with the danger level ramped up to 11; I challenge you not to itch or have the urge to shower after reading this book! The recently disavowed Crimson Guardsman Skinner has returned to the jungle to aid the Thaumaturgs in a search and destroy mission of the Witch Queen Ardata, the islands sorcerous ruler. Problem being she lives in a secret city in the middle of the jungle that barely anyone has reached alive. K’azz D’Avore, rescued leader of the Crimson Guard, is recruited by agents of Ardata to rid Jacuruku of Skinner. We also have the classy Sister Spite leading a band of Malazans on a treasure hunt, local resident Saeng searching for a temple and finally the mysterious ‘Warleader’ recruited by the island tribes to wipe out the Thaumaturgs. As with any Malazan book there’s a shed load going on all heading toward the inevitable convergence.

After the disappointing Orb Sceptre Throne it was a relief to see a return to the writing form I.C.E displayed in Stonewielder. The main contributing factor is featuring a location not explored before in either of the series: Jacuruku. The plot is a good one but what really stands out is the environmental descriptions. The jungle is as hellish as you’d expect; insects, sickness, heat, rain and several beasties. The writing is so good I could genuinely picture myself walking with the Thaumaturgs suffering as they do and most probably crying. I’m glad the UK only offers house spiders and mice as a threat.

I also loved the references to the events taking place concurrently with the Erikson series and Stonewielder. This was brilliantly done and brought a couple of moments of enlightenment. Overall it’s a class book and if you’re as avid a Malazan fan as me then there’s not really much more to say. Assail awaits.

My score – 5/5

Orb Sceptre Throne (Malazan Novel #4)

by Ian C. Esslemont

Paperback Edition, 850 pages

Originally published 2012

“Did we not look out together upon the dark waters of the lake and behold there the constellations of both hemispheres at once…”

The fourth I.C.E novel written in the Malazan world and i’m a little disappointed especially as i thought he’d found his rhythm with each of the last three books improving in quality. I think the main problem with Orb Sceptre Throne is the setting. After a lengthy stay in Darujhistan in Toll the Hounds we’re back there again. I thought Erikson wrote a satisfactory end to its citizens without the need to check in on them anytime soon but we revisit for another 844 pages.

Whilst exploring an old well a treasure hunter stumbles upon a room with a corpse wearing a gold mask. Even though he should probably walk away he obviously doesn’t and takes the mask. It’s cursed with the soul of an old Darujhistan tyrant who’s now unleashed on the world. The second story follows Bridgeburner legend Antsy as he makes his way to Moons Spawn in search of the infinite riches rumored to be amongst the wreckage. There’s also Kiska and Leoman continuing their search for Tayschrenn on the Shores of Creation and finally the first proper outing for the Seguleh who answer a call to return home. As with most Malazan books there is an inevitable convergence of these story lines. 

The book isn’t bad it just felt like we were covering old ground. What made Return of the Crimson Guard and Stonewielder so good was the exploration of different places but with the exception of the Seguleh, who are a pretty dull culture, there’s nothing new to get excited about. The main story of the Tyrant attempting to take over the continent isn’t that enthralling and the side plots are also substandard compared to previous books. 

I’m confident that Blood and Bone and Assail will be a return to form as they cover new continents but unfortunately Orb Sceptre Throne is only worthy of an average score.

My score – 3/5

Forge of Darkness (The Kharkanas Trilogy #1)

by Steven Erikson

Hardback Edition, 662 pages

Originally published 2012

“There will be peace…”

Despite my love of the Malazan Book of the Fallen it’s taken longer than I anticipated to get around to the Kharkanas prequel trilogy mainly because I discovered the Wheel of Time and have been reading the Ian C Esslemont related series. Although ICE’s series of books are brilliant, he’s still second fiddle to the king of complex fantasy Steven Erikson.

There was a little less enthusiasm for Forge of Darkness because I was expecting an Anomander Rake lovefest and although he’s a great character I fear a full book dedicated to the great man may have lessened his impact. This wasn’t even close to the truth as Rake barely appears and isn’t the centre of attention.

The book takes place in Kurald Galain just after the Tiste race’s victory over the Jheleck, who sound like a variation of K’Chain Che’Malle. Mother Dark sits on the Throne of Night and is cavorting with Draconus, which is proving to be an unpopular choice among the rest of the highborns. Legend of war Vatha Urusander is the preferred choice to court Mother Dark but he’s holed up in his castle slightly bitter that it’s peace time and his Legion (army) is surplus to requirements. His most loyal captains are also annoyed at the lack of action so they take it upon themselves to start a civil war. There’s also a couple of the usual ‘side quests’ you’d expect from an Erikson book.

A great many themes are tackled in Forge of Darkness including religion, genocide, class war and communism. It is heavy on philosophy and could be classed as self indulgent but Eriksons writing is so genius it doesn’t feel that way. Everything he writes is relevant to the story.

It’s slow going but it’s book 1 of the trilogy so it’s expected. Over half the book is story building and seed planting and when the meat of the story does start there still isn’t a lot happening. I can only imagine this is an intro and Fall of Light is where the real action is at. Despite the pace it’s brilliant and is as good as any of the main Malazan books. My final score was never in doubt.

My score – 5/5

Stonewielder (Malazan Novel #3)

by Ian C. Esslemont

Paperback Edition, 912 pages

Originally published 2010

“When you do not recognize the wrongs of the past, the future takes its revenge. -Author forgotten”

Night of Knives was poor but Return of the Crimson Guard was a vast improvement whilst still lacking in a few areas. Stonewielder, the third addition in Ian C Esslemont’s series of Malazan books, is a much more complete package than its two predecessors.

Set on the much referred to continent of Korel or Lands of the Fist as seems to be the proper title, the book continues storylines left unresolved in Return of the Crimson Guard whilst also setting up a new plot centred on the Stormwall and the imminent arrival of the demonesque Stormriders. From book two there is ex-Crimson Guard Kyle and disgraced ex-Malazan commander Greymane both trying to find a new purpose after the fallout of the Battle of the Plains. Fortunately the wait isn’t too long as they find themselves headed for Korel where destiny awaits. Kiska also returns and journeys into the Shadow Realm to find the disappeared mage Tayschrenn.

The main plot, where the inevitable convergence takes place, is in and around the legendary Stormwall; first and last proper line of defence against the Stormriders who season after season attack Korel in an attempt to reclaim the land from the Lady’s grasp. The Lady being the Goddess the people of Korel worship.

The Malazan world is my favourite fantasy creation. I just love how the whole thing is set up. From the deities to the magic system and the epic characters to the different continents it all just clicks together so well. I can forgive I.C.E for Night of Knives because it was the first release and even Gardens of the Moon was a little ragged round the edges. Thankfully he found his footing with Crimson Guard, which I consider a proper Malazan book, and now there is Stonewielder which announces its brilliance from Page 1 and doesn’t stop its literary masterclass until the last words of the epilogue. To explore the places and names only referred to in Erikson’s series is awesome and if you want to talk about shared ‘Cinematic Universes’ in books then the Malazan world is the answer.

My score – 5/5

Return of the Crimson Guard (Malazan Novel #2)

by Ian C. Esslemont

Paperback Edition, 702 pages

Originally published 2008

“The eruption had wounded the world… “

The second addition to the Ian C. Esslemont collection of Malazan novels and it’s a massive improvement on Night of Knives. Where as its predecessor was a bit of a nothing book with a limited amount of plot Return of the Crimson Guard is epic, dense and complex; everything i want from a Malazan book.

Taking place after The Bonehunters (book 6 of the Steven Erikson series) the focus is Quon Tali, where a rebellion is slowly taking shape against Empress Laseen. The Crimson Guard are also looking to fulfill their ancient Vow of crushing the Malazan Empire. As is the way with Malazan books there are several subplots, all heading toward an inevitable convergence.

The writing styles of the two authors are very different. Erikson writes challenging prose with philosophical undercurrents whilst Esslemonts writing is a step down on the difficulty level. It’s still challenging but he’s no Erikson.

It’s a slow burner as the plot takes around 350 pages to advance but i didn’t mind. Getting back into the Malazan world a few months after finishing The Crippled God was such a pleasure that i was more than willing to be in for the long haul. The unique characters, the vastly different continents and worlds and the in-depth history reaffirmed this as my favourite fantasy world.

The Crimson Guard appear for the first time proper after brief mentions in previous books and they’re as expected; brutal and war weathered. Although this is their book they’re not overly used and have an equal share of the chapters. Laseen also appears for longer than ever before but i still wanted more from her. She’s the much feared Malazan Empress and needs more airtime to cement her status as ruler. New character Kyle is likable and there’s plenty of involvement from characters alluded to in the Book of the Fallen.

I would suggest reading books 1-6 of the Erikson series before tackling this book. Without prior knowledge of characters and how the world works you’ll get no pleasure from reading Return of the Crimson. For seasoned veterans of this brilliant series then this is a must read and it sets it up nicely for Stonewielder, which I’ve already ordered!

My score – 4/5

Night of Knives (Malazan Novel #1)

Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont

Paperback Edition, 459 pages

Published 5th May 2008 by Bantam

“A feeble wind moaned over a vast plain of hardpan sands scattered with black volcanic rocks where dust-devils danced and wandered…  “

After the critical acclaim and outright genius of the Malazan Book of the Fallen i went into Book 1 of Ian C. Esslemonts series with slightly lesser expectations. Not because I’ve read poor reviews but i just doubted anyone could equal Steven Erikson. 

Set before Gardens of the Moon, Night of Knives tells the story of Kellenved and Dancers entry into the Shadow Realm to lay claim to the Shadow Throne. There isn’t any background to why or how they managed to accomplish this feat (we’ll probably find out in the Path to Ascendancy series), this book purely focuses on the night they achieved it as told through the eyes of Kiska, a wannabe claw and Temper, an ex-Malazan soldier. 

It isn’t ground breaking and i’m wondering if it was necessary. It’s a pretty short book, covering events we learned about in the Book of the Fallen and unless you’ve read the Erikson series you’ll be very confused. In fact, the vague mentions of the ‘Kellenved & Shadow realm’ events in the main series intrigued me more than this book did. Sometimes it’s what isn’t said, which is more interesting. For me the best part of the story was Temper looking back on his time in Y’Ghatan with Dassem Ultor, without this it may have been a lower score. 

My score – 2.5/5