Forge of the High Mage - (Path to Ascendancy) by Ian C Esslemont

About the Book

Heading north, the Malazan forces aim to consolidate the Quon Tali mainland, but encounter an unspeakable, ancient horror that even the High Mage cannot fight, in the fourth novel of the series following Kellanved's Reach.

Book Synopsis

A riotous new novel takes readers deeper into the politics and intrigue of the New York Times bestselling Malazan Empire

After decades of warfare, Malazan forces are poised to consolidate the Quon Tali mainland. Yet it is at this moment that Emperor Kellanved orders a new, some believe foolhardy campaign: the invasion of Falar that lies far to the north . . .

And to fight on this new front, a rag-tag army raised from orphaned units and broken squads is been brought together under Fist Dujek, and joined by a similarly motley fleet under the command of the Emperor himself.

So the Malazans head north, only to encounter an unlooked-for and most unwelcome threat. Something unspeakable and born of legend has awoken and will destroy all who stand in its way. Most appalled by this is the Empire's untested High Mage, Tayschrenn. All too aware of the true nature of this ancient horror, he fears his own inadequacies when the time comes to confront it. Yet confront it he must.

Falar itself is far from defenseless. Its priests possess a weapon rumored to be a gift from the sea god, Mael--a weapon so terrifying it has not been unleashed for centuries. But two can play at that game, for the Emperor's flagship is also believed to be not entirely of this world.

These are turbulent, treacherous and bloody times for all caught up in the forging of an Empire and so, amongst the Ice Wastes and in the archipelago of Falar, the Malazans must face two seemingly insurmountable tests, each one potentially the origin of their destruction . . .

Review Quotes

Acclaim for Ian C. Esslemont's Malazan novels

"Esslemont nails the feel and flavor of Erikson's books and brings the historical characters to life with a dexterity that will win over even the most skeptical fans."--Publishers Weekly

"Tremendous . . . For fans of anything Malazan, this is an absolute must."--Fantasy Book Review

"Really shines ... heart-stopping fights, impressive displays of magic and desperate final stands ... the book has it all."--SFX

"Everything you expect of a Malazan story, being both epic and relevant . . . nail-biting and anything but obvious."--SFFWorld

About the Author

IAN C. ESSLEMONT grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He has studied archaeology and creative writing, has traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, and lived in Thailand and Japan for several years. He lives in Alaska with his wife and children and writes novels set in the world of Malaz, a world he co-created with Steven Erikson.