Returning readers to the turbulent early history of what would become the Malazan Empire, the second chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's thrilling new epic fantasy sequence...
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'?
The series
Path to Ascendancy is an unflinching journey into the depths of the Malazan Empire, exploring the rise of one of its most pivotal figures—Empress Laseen. Set against the backdrop of a fractured empire, this prequel series invites readers into a world where power is not simply inherited, but forged through blood, betrayal, and ambition.
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In these gripping novels, Esslemont delves into the complex webs of politics and warfare that shape the empire, bringing to life the characters who will come to define its future. Through the eyes of rising generals, spies, and schemers, readers witness the brutal machinations that pave the way for the empire's ultimate ascension—and its eventual unraveling.
What makes Path to Ascendancy so compelling is its blend of intimate character studies with epic world-building. Esslemont doesn’t just tell the story of the Malazan Empire’s foundations; he unearths the hidden struggles, the alliances built on fragile trust, and the ever-present threat of betrayal that saturates every corner of this brutal world. The series offers a deeper understanding of the political dynamics at play, shedding light on the ruthless minds behind the empire's rise, while also exploring the often-flawed human beings caught in the gears of power.
Esslemont’s writing captures the stark complexity of life in an empire where loyalty is tenuous, where wars rage on distant shores, and where the future is never guaranteed. Each book adds another layer to the grand Malazan mythos, delving into the origins of key factions, characters, and pivotal events that will resonate across the broader Malazan saga.
In Path to Ascendancy, Esslemont invites readers to experience a world of turmoil and ambition, where no one is safe from the deadly politics that swirl around the throne. Fans of the Malazan series and newcomers alike will be drawn to the dark, enthralling tale of power and ascendancy that will leave them questioning: at what cost does greatness come?
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