If you crave epic fantasy with deep world-building, unforgettable (and sometimes hilarious) characters, and stories that blend history, archaeology, and myth, you’ll be hooked. The series features a massive and remarkably diverse cast - soldiers, sorcerers, gods, and more - each with memorable arcs and personalities. It’s ideal for readers who love complex plots, rich backstories, witty dialogue, and unexpected emotional depth. Fans of gritty, military-focused fantasy or anyone tired of predictable fantasy tropes will find Malazan endlessly rewarding.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This isn’t a breezy, easy read. The sheer number of characters, intertwined plots, and non-linear storytelling can be overwhelming. Some readers find the pacing uneven and wish for more hand-holding, especially as the significance of events can take a while to be revealed. If you prefer straightforward narratives, immediate payoff, or need your eBooks to have perfect formatting and searchability, this edition in particular may frustrate you. Those wanting fast, simple fantasy may struggle with its ambition and scope.

An epic, challenging masterpiece of fantasy, bursting with inventiveness, genuine humor, and emotional punch. Definitely not casual reading, but a true landmark series for adventurous readers willing to dive deep.

About:

The Complete Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson is a high fantasy series that immerses readers in a world filled with ancient civilizations and present-day events. The plot follows the Malazan marines as they navigate through expanding their empire, solving ancient wrongs, and ultimately saving the world. The writing style is characterized by a vast cast of characters, intricate world-building, and a narrative that gradually reveals the big picture through convergences of significant events.

Characters:

The characters are extensive and diverse, featuring notable personalities such as Kruppe and Quick Ben, with significant development and engaging traits.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich and immersive, with detailed world-building that requires concentration and engagement from the reader.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is complex and expansive, involving multiple storylines and factions, primarily the Malazan army, culminating in significant convergences of events.

Setting:

The setting encompasses multiple civilizations and epochs, rich in history with ancient ruins, offering a vast and exotic backdrop for the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing varies; while some sections are action-packed, others can be slow, requiring careful attention to navigate intricate plotlines.

. . . In the eighth year the Free Cities of Genabackis established contracts with a number of mercenary armies to oppose the Imperium’s advance; prominent among these were the Crimson Guard, under the...

Notes:

The character development in the series is highly praised.

Kruppe and Tehol Beddict are particularly funny characters.

Kruppe is seen as the most intelligent character in the series.

Quick Ben is another intelligent character and a High Mage.

The series has a vast cast of memorable characters.

The author, Steven Erikson, has a background in archaeology and anthropology.

The world-building includes ancient civilizations interacting with newer ones.

It's a 10-book series known for being long but worth it.

The series starts with a battle right after the prologue.

The author uses a storytelling technique called convergences for plot development.

The books offer a mix of war, mystery, action, and drama.

Readers need to pay attention as the story is complex and not always easy to follow.

Some character developments and plot points become clearer only later in the series.

Setting features a mix of military chapters and other settings.

Readers report feeling a deep connection to the characters.

The story spans years and involves considerable backstory spanning thousands of years.

The Kindle edition has limitations that some readers find frustrating, like lack of searchability.

The series is not for casual readers and requires commitment and focus.

The Chain of Dogs battle is a notable highlight in the series.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of war, violence, and distressing events that may affect readers.

From The Publisher:

All ten volumes of New York Times bestselling author Steven Erikson's epic fantasy series featuring vast legions of gods, mages, humans, and dragons battling for destiny of the Malazan Empire are collected together in one e-Book bundle.

In this epic fantasy series, Erikson draws on his twenty years of experience as an anthropologist and archaeologist, as well as his expert storytelling skills. The Complete Malazan Book of the Fallen includes:

Gardens of the Moon

Deadhouse Gates

Memories of Ice

House of Chains

Midnight Tides

The Bonehunters

Reaper's Gale

Toll the Hounds

Dust of Dreams

The Crippled God

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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About the Author:

Archaeologist and anthropologist Steven Erikson's debut novel, Gardens of the Moon, was shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award. His New York Times bestselling series, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, has been hailed as a masterpiece of epic fantasy. He lives in Cornwall.

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The Complete Malazan Book of the Fallen

Steven Erikson

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