'Awe-inspiring. Prepare to fall in love with epic fantasy all over again.'ANNA SMITH SPARK, author of the bestselling The Court of Broken Knives
'Erikson is an extraordinary writer... treat yourself.' STEPHEN R. DONALDSON
The thrilling opening chapter in an epic new fantasy from the author of The Malazan Book of the Fallen...
Many years have passed since three Teblor warriors brought carnage and chaos to Silver Lake.
Now the tribes of the north no longer venture into the southlands. The town has recovered and yet the legacy remains. Indeed, one of the three, Karsa Orlong, is now revered as a god, albeit an indifferent one. In truth, many new religions have emerged and been embraced across the Malazan world. There are those who worship Coltaine, the Black-Winged Lord, and the cult of Iskar Jarak, Guardian of the Dead, is popular among the Empire's soldiery.
Responding to reports of a growing unease among the tribes beyond the border, a legion of Malazan marines marches towards Silver Lake. They aren't quite sure what they're going to be facing, but, while the Malazan military has evolved and these are not the marines of old, one thing hasn't changed: they'll handle whatever comes at them. Or die trying.
And in those high mountains, a new warleader has risen amongst the Teblor. Scarred by the deeds of Karsa Orlong, he intends to confront his god even if he has to cut a bloody swathe through the Malazan Empire to do so.
But further north, a new threat has emerged and now it seems it is the Teblor who are running out of time. Another long-feared migration is about to begin and this time it won't just be three warriors. No, this time tens of thousands are poised to pour into the lands to the south. And in their way, a single company of Malazan marines...
It seems the past is about to revisit Silver Lake, and that is never a good thing...
'A master of lost and forgotten epochs, a weaver of ancient epics.' SALON.COM
The series
In The Tales of Witness, the stakes have never been higher, and the boundaries between the divine and the mortal blur in ways that will leave readers questioning the very fabric of fate. Set in a world shaped by the rise and fall of empires, ancient forces, and the relentless march of time, this series weaves a narrative that resonates with complexity and rich depth.
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The story unfolds in a world where the past is not easily left behind. As new leaders rise, their decisions echo the tumultuous history of their land, each action rippling outward in unexpected ways. The Witness series immerses readers in a gritty, visceral exploration of loyalty, honor, and survival, while challenging the very notions of power and justice. Every character, from the most hardened warrior to the contemplative philosopher, is shaped by their interactions with the past and the choices they make in the present.
The series draws heavily from Erikson’s signature world-building, bringing forth a landscape teeming with ancient gods, long-forgotten powers, and the scars of wars that never truly end. Themes of memory, prophecy, and divine intervention saturate the narrative, often leaving characters to grapple with their own beliefs, destinies, and the cost of their actions.
The atmosphere is thick with tension, as each installment unveils more of the political machinations, personal betrayals, and quiet moments of revelation that define the human experience in this sprawling world. As the gods look on, their silent observation is contrasted with the fierce drive of mortals attempting to carve meaning from their chaotic world.
For those familiar with Erikson’s work, The Tales of Witness is another masterful dive into his expansive universe, offering a fresh perspective while remaining grounded in the dark, complex tones that have defined his writing. For newcomers, it presents an opportunity to witness a world both breathtaking in its beauty and haunting in its desolation—a place where the past never truly dies, and the future is never set in stone.
Through its intricate narrative, unforgettable characters, and unflinching look at the cycles of history, The Tales of Witness is an invitation to journey into a world where every choice matters, and the true cost of living may be more than any of us are willing to pay.
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