Penned by the talented Steven Erikson, “The Malazan Book of the Fallen” is a monumental epic fantasy series that spans ten main books, published between 1999 and 2011. Set in the Malazan Empire and several other diverse continents and realms, the series delves into the lives of soldiers, gods, ascendants, and various races as they navigate wars, politics, magic, and ancient mysteries.
Throughout the series, readers are introduced to a myriad of characters, each with their own intricate backstories and motivations. The narrative is known for its non-linear structure, philosophical undertones, and the sheer scope of its world-building.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Steven Erikson |
| Genre | Epic Fantasy |
| Number of Books | 10 |
| Publication Years | 1999 – 2011 |
Main Characters
- Anomander Rake: Leader of the Tiste Andii, he wields the sword Dragnipur.
- Ganoes Paran: Initially a captain in the Malazan army, he undergoes significant transformation throughout the series.
- Whiskeyjack: A respected sergeant in the Malazan army and a central figure in the series.
- Quick Ben: A powerful mage in the Malazan army known for his cunning and resourcefulness.
- Kalam: An assassin and close friend to Quick Ben.
- Tattersail: A mage in the Malazan army and an early central character in the series.
Themes and Motif
- Mortality and Immortality: The series delves deep into the nature of life, death, and what lies beyond.
- War and Sacrifice: The brutality and futility of war are central themes, as well as the sacrifices made by soldiers.
- Power and Ascendancy: The series explores the nature of power, both mortal and divine, and the paths to ascendancy.
- Compassion: Amidst the backdrop of war and chaos, the theme of compassion runs deeply throughout the series.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen Series in Order
| S no. | Book’s Name | Year | Book’s Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gardens of the Moon | 1999 | Check Price |
| 2 | Deadhouse Gates | 2000 | Check Price |
| 3 | Memories of Ice | 2001 | Check Price |
| 4 | House of Chains | 2002 | Check Price |
| 5 | Midnight Tides | 2004 | Check Price |
| 6 | The Bonehunters | 2006 | Check Price |
| 7 | Reaper’s Gale | 2007 | Check Price |
| 8 | Toll the Hounds | 2008 | Check Price |
| 9 | Dust of Dreams | 2009 | Check Price |
| 10 | The Crippled God | 2011 | Check Price |
Reception
- Critical Reception: “The Malazan Book of the Fallen” has been praised for its depth, complexity, and maturity, setting it apart in the epic fantasy genre.
- Reader Reception: While some readers find the series challenging due to its complexity, many laud it for its rich storytelling and character development.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- Steven Erikson, a trained archaeologist and anthropologist, has infused his knowledge into the series, giving it a unique depth in terms of cultures, civilizations, and history.
- The world of Malazan was co-created by Steven Erikson and Ian Cameron Esslemont, both of whom have written novels set in the same universe.
- The series is known for starting “in media res,” meaning it drops the reader into the middle of events with minimal exposition, which can be both intriguing and challenging.
