Fantastic world-building meets spellbinding storytelling in this must-read fan-favourite from Esslemont. Ideal for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson.

'The world building is truly impressive . . . the action scenes well written . . . Esslemont's writing style addictive and engaging . . .' -- RISING SHADOW.NET
'Esslemont . . . seamlessly weaves great characters, action sequences and genuine humour into a fascinating narrative . . .' -- THE CRITICAL DRAGON.COM
'Never really slows down and the book is so engrossing I finished it within a week' -- ***** Reader review
'Ian C Esslemont strikes again!' -- ***** Reader review
'Another winner' -- ***** Reader review
'Absolutely brilliant' -- ***** Reader review

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After the disappointments of Li Heng, Dancer and Kellanved wash up on a small insignificant island named Malaz. Immediately, of course, Kellanved plans to take it over. To do so they join forces with a small band of Napans who have fled a civil war on their own home island. The plan, however, soon goes awry as Kellanved develops a strange and dangerous fascination for a mysterious ancient structure found on the island...

The chaos in the region extends to the metaphysical planes also as a young priest of D'rek starts to question the rot at the heart of the worship of the god of decay. And back in Li Heng, Dassem, now the proclaimed Sword of Hood, finds himself being blamed for a plague which leads him to a crisis of faith - and searching for answers.

During all this, war with the neighbouring island of Nap threatens, recruited allies wonder at Kellanved's sanity, and powerful entities take more of an interest in the little mage from Dal Hon. Dancer faces a hard choice: should he give up on his partnership? Especially when the fellow's obsession with shadows and ancient artefacts brings the both of them alarmingly close to death and destruction.

After all, who in his right mind would actually wish to enter an Elder mystery known to everyone as the 'Deadhouse'?

Essential reading for Malazan fans, this enthralling second chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's awesome epic fantasy sequence that began with the acclaimed Dancer's Lament returns to that troubled continent's turbulent early history.

About the Author
Born in Winnipeg in 1962, IAN CAMERON ESSLEMONT has studied and worked as an archaeologist, travelled extensively in South East Asia and lived in Thailand and Japan for several years. He now lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, with his wife and children. His novels - beginning with Night of Knives - are all set in the fantasy world of Malaz that he co-created with Steven Erikson. Dancer's Lament was the first book in the 'Paths to Ascendancy' sequence (which continues the story of the turbulent early history of this epic imagined world) while Forge of the High Mage is the fourth. To find out more, visit www.ian-esslemont.com and www.malazanempire.com

Reviews
Tremendous . . . I loved having the opportunity to glimpse characters in a completely different light, and the creation of the Malazan Empire through the lens of reality rather than myth. Deadhouse Landing is one of Esslemont's best books to date . . . for fans of anything Malazan, this is an absolute must. * FANTASY BOOK REVIEW 'Recommended Book of the Month' *
The world building is truly impressive . . . the action scenes well written . . . Esslemont's writing style addictive and engaging . . . if you're looking for a new epic fantasy read, I strongly recommend taking a look at Deadhouse Landing, because it's one of the best and most epic fantasy novels of the year! * RISING SHADOW.NET *
Esslemont delivers another engrossing tale . . . has all the hallmarks of great epic fantasy . . . seamlessly weaves great characters, action sequences and genuine humour into a fascinating narrative . . . an essential read for Malazan fans, new and old. * THE CRITICAL DRAGON.COM *
Esslemont nails the feel and flavour of Erikson's books and brings the historical characters to life with a dexterity that will win over even the most sceptical fans. * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *
Tight and enjoyable . . . builds on the very fine foundation stones laid by Dancer's Lament. * THE WERTZONE *



Book Information
ISBN 9780857502841
Author Ian C Esslemont
Format Paperback
Page Count 496
Imprint Bantam Books (Transworld Publishers a division of the Random House Group)
Publisher Transworld Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 500g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 127mm * 35mm