Preview
  • Forge of the High Mage

  • A Novel of the Malazan Empire (Path to Ascendancy, Book 4)
  • By: Ian C. Esslemont
  • Narrated by: John Banks
  • Length: 17 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (104 ratings)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Forge of the High Mage

By: Ian C. Esslemont
Narrated by: John Banks
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $31.49

Buy for $31.49

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2

Publisher's summary

A riotous novel takes readers deeper into the politics and intrigue of the NYT bestselling Malazan Empire

After decades of warfare, Malazan forces are poised to consolidate the Quon Tali mainland. Yet it is at this moment that Emperor Kellanved orders a new, some believe foolhardy campaign: the invasion of Falar that lies far to the north . . .

And to fight on this new front, a rag-tag army raised from orphaned units and broken squads is been brought together under Fist Dujek, and joined by a similarly motley fleet under the command of the Emperor himself.

So the Malazans head north, only to encounter an unlooked-for and most unwelcome threat. Something unspeakable and born of legend has awoken and will destroy all who stand in its way. Most appalled by this is the Empire’s untested High Mage, Tayschrenn. All too aware of the true nature of this ancient horror, he fears his own inadequacies when the time comes to confront it.

Yet confront it he must.

Falar is itself far from defenceless. Its priests possess a weapon–rumoured to be a gift from the sea god, Mael–a weapon so terrifying it has not been unleashed for centuries. But two can play at that game, for the Emperor’s flagship is also believed to be not entirely of this world.

These are turbulent, treacherous and bloody times for all caught up in the forging of an Empire and so, amongst the Ice Wastes and in the archipelago of Falar, the Malazans must face two seemingly insurmountable tests, each one potentially the origin of their destruction . . .

©2023 Ian Cameron Esslemont. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Produced by arrangement with Transworld Publishers, a division of The Random House Group Ltd. All rights reserved.

What listeners say about Forge of the High Mage

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    80
  • 4 Stars
    19
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    83
  • 4 Stars
    11
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    75
  • 4 Stars
    15
  • 3 Stars
    5
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A great continuation of a great series.

While less warfare then the chronicles the adventures of characters you’ll recognize from them is a very welcome addition to the overall story. I can’t wait for the next installment.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another amazing tale!

Esslemont fabulously delivers another epic Malazan tale. Really enjoyed the deeper look into the history empire and development of these complex, dynamic, and beloved characters.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

A wondrous addition to the Malazan universe!

Esslemont’s pen drips fell sorcery and plot/character development with equal ardor!

A must read for those love epic fantasy and great writing.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another great book!

Great followup in the series, loved every minute! Realy looking forward to the next book. Both Ian and Erik continue to deliver high quality malazan awesomeness!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Character backstory

All my favorite malazans with a few Elder cameos outstanding! Definitely my favorite in the ascendancy series

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

fun listen

it was a sort of light hearted tale of the time before The Malazan book of the fallen.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Enjoyable Read!

I was quite happy with this entry being a bit longer than all the others I feel like it allows more fleshing out with the characters and different plot lines. Overall well written and very enjoyable, with a climatic ending!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing story and delivery

Amazing story and delivery, sucked me right in and didn't let up. The author really knows his stuff and audience and delivers.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another jewel

A masterpiece, page turner and a must read for Malazan fans. The rise of the inner circle has so many twists and Ian does a great work of telling a very entertaining story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

More Malazan Novels please!!

Such an awesome series. I never want them to stop. The depth of each character is outstanding. The plots, subplots and overarching plots create a wonderful tapestry of action and intriguing.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!