Forge of the High Mage

De: Ian C Esslemont

Narrado por: John Banks

Brought to you by Penguin.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Ian C Esslemont (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Love spending time in this world.

Not quite reaching the heights of previous books, still worth a listen none the less.

A great start to the next triology

I admit, that I was a bit miffed that we skipped the conquest of Qual Tali (Another triology to delight us with, eh, Ian?). However, ICE delivers a great setup for the next phase of conquest and discovery, while showing the shaping of the mid-empire we meet in Gardens. As a hardcore Malazan fan, this has my stamp of approval, and I’m looking forwards to the mext installment. I won’t go into details, as it’s worth it to discover for yourself.