Synopsis
After decades of warfare, Malazan forces are now close to consolidating the Quon Talian mainland. Yet it is at this moment that Emperor Kellanved orders a new campaign far to the north: the invasion of Falar.
Since the main Malazan armies are otherwise engaged in Quon Tali, a collection of orphaned units and broken squads has been brought together under Fist Dujek – himself recovering from the loss of an arm – to fight this new campaign. A somewhat rag-tag army, joined by a similarly motley fleet under the command of the Emperor himself.
There are however those who harbour doubts regarding the stewardship of Kellanved and his cohort Dancer, and as the Malazan force heads north, it encounters an unlooked-for and most unwelcome threat – unspeakable and born of legend, it has woken and will destroy all who stand in its way. Most appalled by this is Tayschrenn, the untested High Mage of the Empire. He is all-too aware of the true nature of this ancient horror – and his own inadequacy in having to confront it. Yet confront it he must, alongside the most unlikely of allies . . .
And then the theocracy of Falar is itself far from defenceless – its priests are in possession of a weapon so terrifying it has not been unleashed for centuries. Named the Jhistal, it was rumoured to be a gift from the sea-god Mael. But two can play at that game, for the Emperor sails towards Falar aboard his flagship Twisted – a vessel that is itself thought to be not entirely of this world . . .
Here, then, in the tracts of the Ice Wastes and among the islands of Falar, the Empire of Malaz faces two seemingly insurmountable tests – each one potentially the origin of its destruction . . .
These are bloody, turbulent and treacherous times for all caught up in the forging of the Malazan Empire.
Review
Boom, Malazan is back with a bang, and man Ian C Esslemont didn’t disappoint. The author takes us back to where it all began and how the Malazans forge their empire with their ruthlessness.
Forge Of The High Mage is the fourth in book in the Path to Ascendancy series, which has just gotten better and better. For any Malazan fan, this just adds layers and layers to the main characters from the main series. Beautifully soul satisfying.
Malzan is my all-time favourite series, the worldbuilding, characters, the magic system, and the pure scope of it all that Steven Erikson and Ian C Esslemont has created is just phenomenal.
The writing is just poetic. It will make you laugh, cry, leave you in awe, and there are so many characters for you to fall in love with and hate with a vengeance.
Into this foray with the Malazan military and navy, Emperor Kellanved has his sights set on the islands of Falar to expand the Malazan Empire.
Old legends return, my absolute favourite the K’ Chain Che Malle, Dinosaurs with swords for arms, causing absolute mayhem with their slicing and dicing.
Our main character, who takes centre stage in this Malazan tale, is a young High Mage Tayschrenn, leads the Malazan infantry alongside High Fist Dujek to reach Falar, he is untested and doesn’t realise how powerful a mage he is until he comes up against very powerful elder magics.
Now, I want to start my whole Malazan adventure again. That was such a roller coaster ride and a Malazan fix I thoroughly needed. If you haven’t read any of the main series by the authors yet, I very highly recommend that you do, you won’t regret it..😁🔥🗡🖤⚡️🙏
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