The Malazan Empire - vast, omnipotent and unforgiving . . . The small island of Malaz and its city may have given this great empire its name, but it is now little more than a sleepy, backwater. Or usually it is. Tonight, however, things are different. Tonight the city is on edge, a hive of desperate, sometimes violent, activity as its citizens hurry to and fro, barring doors, shuttering windows, avoiding any stranger''s stare. Because tonight there is to be a convergence - the once-in-a-generation appearance of a Shadow Moon - an occasion that threatens the good people of Malaz with demon hounds and all manner of other, darker things. It was also prophesied that this night would witness the return of Emperor Kellanved, and there are those prepared to do anything to prevent that happening. As factions within the empire draw up battle lines, a far more ancient and potent presence prepares for an all-out assault upon the island. And there will be witnesses to these cataclysmic events, including Kiska, a young thief who yearns to flee the city, and the grizzled, battle-weary veteran Temper who simply wants to escape his past. It seems that each has a part to play in a confrontation that will not only determine the fate of Malaz City but also of the world beyond . . .

Autorentext

Born in Winnipeg in 1962, IAN CAMERON ESSLEMONT has studied and worked as an archaeologist, travelled extensively in South East Asia and lived in Thailand and Japan for several years. He now lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, with his wife and children. His novels - beginning with Night of Knives - are all set in the fantasy world of Malaz that he co-created with Steven Erikson. Dancer's Lament was the first book in the 'Paths to Ascendancy' sequence (which continues the story of the turbulent early history of this epic imagined world) while Forge of the High Mage is the fourth.
To find out more, visit www.ian-esslemont.com and www.malazanempire.com

Klappentext

**The action-packed epic fantasy from the million copy bestselling author, a must read for fans of Steven Erikson, George R R Martin, and Brandon Sanderson.

'A gem of a read.'*Fantasy Book Review*

The Malazan Empire - vast, omnipotent and unforgiving . . .

The small island of Malaz and its city may have given this great empire its name, but it is now little more than a sleepy backwater. Until tonight.

Tonight the city is on edge - streets humming with desperate, urgent activity as its citizens hurry to lock up shops, bar doors and shutter windows.

For tonight, there is to be a convergence. The once-in-a-generation appearance of a Shadow Moon - an event that threatens the good people of Malaz with demon hounds and all manner of other, darker things.

And tonight, it is prophesied that the Emperor Kellanved will return - and there are those who would prevent that happening at any cost. As various factions align themselves, a far more ancient presence prepares an all-out assault upon the island.

Witnesses to these cataclysmic events will include Kiska, a young thief who yearns to flee the city, and the war-weary veteran Temper, who simply wants to escape his past.

Although they do not know it, they each have a part to play in a confrontation that will not only determine the fate of Malaz City but also of the world beyond . . .

Praise for The Malazan Empire:

'I cannot recommend this enough' 5-star reader review

'Addictive' 5-star reader review

'Couldn't put it down' 5-star reader review

'Any fan of [Steven] Eriksson will LOVE this book I finished it in one sitting!' 5-star reader review

'Awesome world building' 5-star reader review

'Truly an epic novel with some of the best imagery and descriptive beauty you'll ever find!' 5-star reader review

'Filled with action, magic and amazing characters...I absolutely adored this book!' 5-star reader review

Ian C. Esslemont's Tales of the Malazan Empire continue in Return of the Crimson Guard.