'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.

All manner of folk have come for riches or fame, but few are prepared for Assail.
This is a thrilling close to the Malazan Empire series and just as engaging as a standalone, this novel will not disappoint. Ideal for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson.
'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
'The Malazan franchise is fighting fit in the hand of its co-creator' - ***** SFX
'The story just gets more engrossing with every page. Love it.' - ***** Reader Review
'His best novel so far' - ***** Reader Review
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A NEW HORIZON DAWNS. WRAP UP WARM.
To the North lies Assail. It is a land that has been impenetrable for centuries.
Now, as the ice begins to melt, it starts to yield its long-hidden secrets and the steady march through this hostile environment begins. Awaiting those brave enough to make the journey is the murmured promise of riches and reverence.
Some go seeking answers, some wealth, and some simply adventure.
In the South waits Silverfox.
The newly incarnate Summoner of the undying army of the T'lan Imass, she will do anything in her power to halt the renewal of an ages-old crusade - a crusade that could lay waste to the entire continent. . . and beyond.
Shedding light on the mysteries that span the Malazan Empire, and offering glimpses into the epic history that shaped it, Assail brings this empire's epic story to a thrilling close.
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Further praise for Esslemont's Malazan series:
'Everything you expect of a Malazan story, being both epic and relevant. . . nail-biting and anything but obvious.' - SFF WORLD
'Terrific. . . impossible to put down and highly recommended for all fans of The Malazan Book of the Fallen.' - FANTASY HOTLIST
'Hugely promising. . . a contained, concise romp that's also dense with fan-pleasing information. . . an entertaining romp.' - DEATHRAY
'Maybe I'm prejudiced since I love the Malazan books so much, but I had a blast reading Night of Knives. . . I highly recommend it to anyone.' - FANTASY BOOKCRITIC
'Esslemont handles action and brooding atmosphere equally well.' - STARBURST
'Extremely readable. . . All credit to Esslemont and Erikson. They have created a wonderfully energetic world that is just crying out for adventures.' - ETERNAL NIGHT









