Deadhouse Landing

Returning readers to the turbulent early history of what would become the Malazan Empire, this is the second chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's thrilling new epic fantasy sequence. Dancer and Kellanved wash up on a small insignificant island named Malaz, where Kellanved develops a strange and dangerous fascination for a mysterious ancient structure found on the island . . .

Co-created by two Canadian authors - Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esslemont - and 28 books and counting, the Malazan series defines 'epic fantasy'. However, it takes an effort to get into it. After abandoning Erikson's series in book 2 quite some years ago, finishing Esslemont's later published and more accessible prequel trilogy has resparked my drive to continue on in 2021. It also helps that nowadays there exists an extensive wikia for Malazan. Featuring a well-thought-out magic system, top-notch characters and world-building, and more than a couple of very angry gods, Malazan in its entirety is, as I am finding out for myself, deservedly hailed as a fantasy reader’s dream series.