Dive Into the Malazan World: Complete Guide to the Epic Saga

A guide to the world of Malazan, as described in Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen and Ian C. Esslemont’s Novels of the Malazan Empire.

Books of the Malazan Series
Storylines
How to Read the Malazan Series
The Malazan Empire
Warrens
Races
Holds
Gods
Characters

In the world of Malazan, you will find 32 published books.

“Malazan” is an epic fantasy universe created by Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esslemont. Their work includes two core series – Malazan Book of the Fallen and Novels of the Malazan Empire. These books depict an age of upheaval and conflict in the Malazan Empire and in surrounding peoples such as the Letherii. The series is renowned for its vast cast of characters, political intrigue, and overarching themes. Each novel tells a largely self-contained story, with only certain characters and storylines carrying over into other volumes. This makes it distinct from most traditional fantasy series, which usually tell a single story stretched across multiple books.

The world of Malazan, which serves as the foundation for both authors’ novels, was created by Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esslemont in 1982. They initially used the setting as the basis for a tabletop role-playing game, adapting the rules of Dungeons & Dragons and GURPS for their needs. Between 1982 and 1986 they expanded and deepened the world, until it evolved into the rich fantasy setting we know from the novels.

Originally, Erikson and Esslemont wrote a screenplay titled Gardens of the Moon, meant to tell the story of patrons in a Darujhistan tavern. When the script failed to find a producer, they reworked the concept into literary form. Erikson wrote the novel version of Gardens of the Moon in 1991–1992, but it was not published until 1999, when Transworld Books acquired the UK rights after a competitive bidding process. During negotiations Erikson outlined a ten-book plan, which became Malazan Book of the Fallen. Tor Books began publishing the series in the United States in 2004.

Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson (10 volumes)

Novels of the Malazan Empire by Ian C. Esslemont (6 volumes)

Night of Knives (2004)
Return of the Crimson Guard (2008)
Stonewielder (2010)
Orb Sceptre Throne (2012)
Blood and Bone (2012)
Assail (2014)

Other Malazan Works

Kharkanas Trilogy by Steven Erikson

Forge of Darkness (2012)
Fall of Light (2016)
Walk in Shadow (forthcoming)

Path to Ascendancy by Ian C. Esslemont

Dancer’s Lament (2016)
Deadhouse Landing (2017)
Kellanved’s Reach (2019)
Forge of the High Mage (2024)

The Witness Trilogy by Steven Erikson

The God is Not Willing (2021)
No Life Forsaken (forthcoming)
Untitled third book

The Bauchelain & Korbal Broach Novellas (Steven Erikson)

Blood Follows (2002)
The Healthy Dead (2004)
The Lees of Laughter’s End (2007)
Crack’d Pot Trail (2009)
The Wurms of Blearmouth (2012)
The Fiends of Nightmaria (2016)
Upon a Dark of Evil Overlords (2020)

Storylines in Malazan

The Malazan series does not follow a strict chronological order. Instead, the novels present different regions of the world and storylines that often unfold simultaneously, though in distant lands.

Malazan Book of the Fallen

Gardens of the Moon introduces key characters and storylines: the political intrigue in Darujhistan, conflicts across Genabackis, and the rise of the Panion Domin.
Deadhouse Gates transports readers to the Holy Desert Raraku in the Seven Cities, where Sha’ik’s rebellion takes form. The novel also follows the unforgettable Chain of Dogs.
Memories of Ice returns to Genabackis, where the armies of Caladan Brood and Dujek Onearm ally against the Panion Domin. Its events occur concurrently with Deadhouse Gates.
House of Chains returns to the Seven Cities, following Adjunct Tavore Paran’s attempt to crush the rebellion. It also traces the journey of Karsa Orlong, the Teblor warrior.
Midnight Tides shifts to the conflict between the Tiste Edur and the Letherii Empire. Aside from Trull Sengar, none of the earlier characters appear. Chronologically, it precedes Gardens of the Moon by several years.
The Bonehunters unites multiple threads as Tavore’s army gathers in the Seven Cities, while the Letherii seek allies against their undying emperor.
Reaper’s Gale brings the Malazan forces to Lether and portrays the escalating struggle against the Letherii Empire.
Toll the Hounds focuses on the Tiste Andii and characters converging once again in Darujhistan.
Dust of Dreams follows the Bonehunters on their new, mysterious mission into the distant continent of Kolanse.
The Crippled God ties together countless threads as armies and Ascendants gather for a final clash on Kolanse.

Novels of the Malazan Empire

Ian C. Esslemont’s companion series expands the saga:

Night of Knives serves as a prequel, set in Malaz City during a fateful night when prophecy foretold the return of Emperor Kellanved and his companion Dancer.
Return of the Crimson Guard unfolds after Erikson’s The Bonehunters, depicting civil war and rebellion across Quon Tali. The Crimson Guard, sworn enemies of the Empire, rise to topple what they see as tyranny.
Stonewielder continues with the Malazan Empire’s invasion of Korelri, seeking to end a long and bloody campaign.
Orb Sceptre Throne takes us back to Darujhistan in the aftermath of Toll the Hounds, following the rise of a prophesied tyrant.
Blood and Bone shifts to Jacuruku, paralleling the events of Orb Sceptre Throne and The Crippled God.
Assail concludes Esslemont’s series, set in the mysterious northern continent of Assail, and resolves arcs stretching back to Memories of Ice.

How to Read the Malazan Series

There are two main approaches:

By publication order – the most common approach, recommended for first-time readers.
By chronological order – which mixes series and novellas. This can reveal spoilers earlier than intended.

Publication Order

Malazan Book of the Fallen

Gardens of the Moon (1999)
Deadhouse Gates (2000)
Memories of Ice (2001)
House of Chains (2002)
Midnight Tides (2004)
The Bonehunters (2006)
Reaper’s Gale (2007)
Toll the Hounds (2008)
Dust of Dreams (2009)
The Crippled God (2011)

Novels of the Malazan Empire (Esslemont)

Night of Knives (2004)
Return of the Crimson Guard (2008)
Stonewielder (2010)
Orb Sceptre Throne (2012)
Blood and Bone (2012)
Assail (2014)

Kharkanas Trilogy (Erikson)

Forge of Darkness (2012)
Fall of Light (2016)
Walk in Shadow (forthcoming)

Path to Ascendancy (Esslemont)

Dancer’s Lament (2016)
Deadhouse Landing (2017)
Kellanved’s Reach (2019)
Forge of the High Mage (2024)

Witness Trilogy (Erikson)

The God is Not Willing (2021)
No Life Forsaken (forthcoming)
Untitled third book

Bauchelain & Korbal Broach Novellas

Blood Follows (2002)
The Healthy Dead (2004)
The Lees of Laughter’s End (2007)
Crack’d Pot Trail (2009)
The Wurms of Blearmouth (2012)
The Fiends of Nightmaria (2016)
Upon a Dark of Evil Overlords (2021)

A More Detailed Breakdown of Events

If you want an even more detailed reading experience, you can follow the list below. However, you will need access to all books, since this order requires jumping between series, trilogies, and novellas.

Forge of Darkness – Kharkanas Trilogy #1
Fall of Light – Kharkanas Trilogy #2
Midnight Tides – Prologue I
Reaper’s Gale – Prologue I
Return of the Crimson Guard – Prologue
Memories of Ice – Prologue I
Stonewielder – Prologue I
Memories of Ice – Prologue II
Assail – Prologue
Stonewielder – Prologue II
Dancer’s Lament – Path to Ascendancy #1
Gardens of the Moon – Prologue
Night of Knives – Novels of the Malazan Empire #1
Blood Follows – Bauchelain & Korbal Broach novella
Stonewielder – Prologue III
The Lees of Laughter’s End – Bauchelain & Korbal Broach novella (ending)
Midnight Tides – Prologue II
Gardens of the Moon – Chapter I
The Wurms of Blearmouth – Bauchelain & Korbal Broach novella
Midnight Tides – Book I
Gardens of the Moon – Book I, Chapters II–IV
Midnight Tides – Book II
Gardens of the Moon – Book II
Midnight Tides – Book III
Gardens of the Moon – Book III
Midnight Tides – Book IV
Midnight Tides – Epilogue
Gardens of the Moon – Book IV
House of Chains – Prologue
House of Chains – Book I
Gardens of the Moon – Books V–VII
Deadhouse Gates – Prologue
Gardens of the Moon – Epilogue
Deadhouse Gates – Book I
Memories of Ice – Book I
Deadhouse Gates – Book II
Memories of Ice – Book II
Deadhouse Gates – Book III
Memories of Ice – Book III
Deadhouse Gates – Book IV
Memories of Ice – Book IV
Deadhouse Gates – Epilogue
Memories of Ice – Epilogue
House of Chains – Books II–IV
House of Chains – Epilogue
Reaper’s Gale – Prologue II
The Bonehunters – Prologue
The Bonehunters – Books I–IV
Reaper’s Gale – Prologue III
The Bonehunters – Epilogue
The Healthy Dead – Bauchelain & Korbal Broach novella
Reaper’s Gale – Books I–II
Return of the Crimson Guard – Book I
Reaper’s Gale – Books III–IV
Return of the Crimson Guard – Book II
Reaper’s Gale – Epilogue
Return of the Crimson Guard – Book III
Toll the Hounds – Prologue
Return of the Crimson Guard – Epilogue
Crack’d Pot Trail – Bauchelain & Korbal Broach novella
Toll the Hounds – Books I–II
Dust of Dreams – Book I
Toll the Hounds – Book III
Dust of Dreams – Book II
Toll the Hounds – Book IV
Dust of Dreams – Book III
Stonewielder – Prologue IV
Toll the Hounds – Epilogue
Stonewielder – Prologue V
Dust of Dreams – Book IV
Stonewielder – Book I
Blood and Bone – Prologue
The Crippled God – Book I
Blood and Bone – Chapters I–V
Stonewielder – Book II
Blood and Bone – Chapters VI–X
The Crippled God – Book II
Blood and Bone – Chapters XI–XIII
Stonewielder – Book III
Blood and Bone – Chapters XIV–XV
Blood and Bone – Epilogue
Orb Sceptre Throne – Prologue
Stonewielder – Epilogue
The Crippled God – Book III
Orb Sceptre Throne – Book I
The Crippled God – Book IV
Orb Sceptre Throne – Book II
The Crippled God – Book V
Orb Sceptre Throne – Book III
The Crippled God – Book VI
Orb Sceptre Throne – Epilogue
The Fiends of Nightmaria – Bauchelain & Korbal Broach novella
The Crippled God – Book VII
The Crippled God – Epilogue I
Assail – Chapters I–XV
Assail – Epilogue
The Crippled God – Epilogue II

The Malazan Empire

The Empire arose from the island of Malaz, off the coast of Quon Tali. Its founders were Emperor Kellanved and his companion Dancer, both believed slain by Empress Laseen, who later seized the throne.

At its height, the Empire encompassed Quon Tali, the subcontinent of Falar, the Seven Cities, and the northern coasts of Genabackis. Later expansions reached Stratem and Korelri.

The Continent of Lether

Located on the opposite side of the globe from the Malazan Empire.

The Letherii: pale-skinned people, devoted to endless expansion and profit above all.

Warrens

Warrens are magical realms that mages, priests, shamans, and others draw power from. They also serve as conduits for travel between worlds and across vast distances.

Warrens fall into two broad categories:

Elder Warrens, tied to specific races.
Paths, accessible to humans.

There is a belief that each Warren corresponds to a dragon.

Elder Warrens

Kurald Galain – the Warren of Darkness, domain of the Tiste Andii.
Kurald Emurlahn – the shattered Warren of the Tiste Edur, now in fragments, inaccessible to mortals. Created by the dragon Ampelas.
Tellann – the Warren of the T’lan Imass, an Elder Warren of Fire.
Omtose Phellack – the Jaghut Warren of Ice.
Starvald Demelain – the First Warren, belonging to Tiam, the Warren of the Eleint (Dragons).

Paths (Younger Warrens)

Denul – the Path of Healing.
D’riss – the Path of Stone.
Hood’s Path – the Warren of Death.
Meanas – the Path of Shadow and Illusion, born of Thyr, both separate and connected. Associated with illusion and mind manipulation. Dragon creator: Ellot.
Ruse – the Path of the Sea.
Rashan – the Path of Darkness.
Serc – the Path of the Sky.
Tennes – the Path of the Land.
Thyr – the Path of Light.
Mockra – the Path of the Mind.
Telas – the Path of Fire.

Other notable:

Imperial Warren – a constructed magical realm.
Warrens of Chaos – unstable, destructive realms between others.

Most mages are naturally attuned to one Warren, though some can access multiple. A few rare individuals can command them all.

Warrens also enable travel: opening a gate, a mage envisions the destination and traverses the realm, covering vast real-world distances in days. Mode of entry matters – ships travel by sea, riders by land.

“Land for land, air for air, water for water.”

Warrens are also used for barriers and wards. Though powerful, these wards can be destroyed by sufficiently strong force, such as Moranth munitions.

Holds

Holds are older, cruder predecessors to Warrens. They originate in a forgotten age when magic was wild and chaotic. Holds provide less flexibility than Warrens and are closer to the raw power of Chaos.

Examples:

Ice Hold – the Jaghut Hold.
Eleint Hold – tied to the dragons.
Azath – magical entities analogous to Warrens, active on Lether.
Beast Hold – primal hold of animals, also Letherii.
Hold of Darkness – tied to the Tiste Andii.
Hold of Shadow – tied to the Tiste Edur.
The Empty Hold – a chaotic, corrupted realm.

The Bluer (the “Lord of Holds”) is considered equivalent to the Master of the Deck of Dragons.

Races of the Malazan World

The Malazan universe features both ancient races and younger mortal peoples, each tied to specific Warrens, Holds, or gods.

Ancient Races

Tiste Andii – the First Children of Mother Dark.
- Appearance: tall, ebony-skinned, almond-shaped eyes that shift in color, and long hair (usually black or silvery-white).
- Ruled by Anomander Rake, the Son of Darkness.
Tiste Edur – the Children of Shadow, the third children of Mother Dark, kin to the Andii.
- In their faith, they consider the Soletaken Scabandari Bloodeye their father. Originally Edur, he became their champion. Scabandari slaughtered their royal line and spilled dragon blood into the heart of Kurald Emurlahn, tearing the Warren asunder.
- In early writings of Shadowthrone’s realm, the throne was occupied by Tiste Edur. Historically, the Edur and Andii fought as allies against the K’Chain Che’Malle. Later the Edur betrayed the Andii, claiming Lether lands for themselves. In punishment, the Elder God Mael (Lord of the Seas) implored Gothos (a Jaghut) to cover the battlefield in ice, sealing it with Omtose Phellack. This prevented magic from flourishing in western Lether, leaving sorcery there bound to crude Holds rather than Warrens.
Tiste Liosan – the Children of Light, the second children of Mother Dark.
- Appearance: similar to the Edur, but with very pale, almost luminous skin and silvery hair.
- Ruled by Osserc (also called Osserick or Ozric).
T’lan Imass – one of the First Races.
- Appearance: short, with overly long arms and short, bowed legs.
- History: originally mortal, they were enslaved by Jaghut tyrants posing as gods. After millennia of war, the Imass performed the Ritual of Tellann, binding themselves into undead warriors who could hunt the Jaghut eternally without rest, hunger, or death.
Toblakai / Thelomen Toblakai – hulking humanoids.
- Appearance: muscular, flat-faced, around 2 meters tall, possessing four lungs.
- Descendants are scattered across the Malazan world under different names: Teblor, Fenn, Tarthanel, Toblakai.
Trell – believed to be of mixed Toblakai blood, shorter in stature.
Barghast – another Toblakai-descended people, also shorter.
Jaghut (and sub-branch Shurq) – among the First Races.
- Appearance: taller and broader than humans, with tusks protruding from their lower jaw, gray-green skin, gray hair, and long, jointed fingers.
- Known for isolationism. Tyrants among them enslaved other races using Omtose Phellack, the Warren of Ice. Defeated after millennia by the T’lan Imass.
Forkrul Assail – among the First Races.
- Appearance: tall, gaunt humanoids with alabaster skin, large black eyes, and multiple joints in their limbs that allow unnatural movement. Their blood is blue, not red.
- Known for their obsession with balance and judgment.
K’Chain Che’Malle – an ancient, reptilian-draconic race.
- Once rulers of Letheras.
- Appearance: bipedal reptilian creatures with draconic features, sharp teeth, and formidable size.
Eleint (Dragons) – an Elder race of pure dragons. They should not be confused with Soletaken.
Eres’al – ancient beings, associated with the Hounds and said to have shaped the Imass.

Other Races & Beings

D’ivers – shapeshifters capable of transforming into many animals at once. Their transformation is accompanied by a sharp, spicy scent.
Soletaken – lesser shapeshifters. They can assume a single animal form through rituals involving blood. All Imass bonecasters are Soletaken.
Wyval – corrupted spawn of the Eleint, mongrel dragons beyond anyone’s control.
Anibar, Vedic, Gral, Pradu – various tribal peoples across the Seven Cities.

The Deck of Dragons

The Deck of Dragons is a divination system used across the Malazan Empire. In Lether its precursor uses tiles instead of cards.

Each card represents a member of the Pantheon. New cards are added as Ascendants rise. The deck reshuffles itself with the shifting power balance among mortals, Ascendants, and gods.

The High House of Life

King
Queen (Queen of Dreams)
Defender
Priest
Herald
Soldier
Spinner

The High House of Death

King (Hood)
Queen
Knight (once Dassem Ultor, later Baudin)
Mages
Herald
Soldier
Veteran
Mason
Maiden

The High House of Light

King
Queen
Defender (Osserc)
Priest
Captain
Soldier
Seamstress
Builder
Maiden

The High House of Dark

King
Queen
Knight (Anomander Rake)
Mages
Captain
Soldier
Spinner
Mason
Bride

The High House of Shadow

King (Shadowthrone / Ammanas)
Queen
Assassin (Cotillion / The Rope)
Mages
Hounds (Baran, Gear, Blind, Rood, Pallid, Lock)

The House of Chains

The Crippled King
The Consort (Poliel)
The Ravager (Kallor)
Knight (Toblakai)
The Seven of the Dead Fires (the Unbound)
The Crippled One
The Leper
The Fool

The Unaligned

Oponn – the Twins of Chance
Burn (the Sleeping Goddess)
The Crown
The Sceptre
The Orb
The Throne
Master of the Deck – Ganoes Paran

Gods of Malazan

The gods of the Malazan world are mostly Ascendants, mortals who gained immense power and took thrones within the Houses. Ascendants with worshippers become gods; those without are considered unaligned. If worship ceases, they fade and die.

Gods are often described as “immortal,” yet Elder God K’rul says: “Every god will fall to a mortal hand. That is the only end to immortality.”

Notable Gods & Ascendants

Anomander Rake – Son of Darkness
Apsalar – Goddess of Thieves
Beru – God of Storms
Burn – the Sleeping Goddess
Hood – King of the High House of Death
Cotillion (The Rope) – Patron of Assassins, Knight of Shadow
D’rek – the Worm of Autumn
Fener – the Boar of Summer, God of War
Treach/Trake – the Tiger of Summer, also a War God
Mael – Elder God of the Seas
K’rul – Elder God of the Warrens
Draconus – Elder God, forger of Dragnipur
Grizzin Farl – Elder God
Kilmandaros – Elder Goddess
Poliel – Mistress of Disease and Famine
Oponn – the Twin Jesters of Chance
Queen of Dreams – Queen of the House of Life
Shadowthrone (Ammanas) – King of Shadow
The Crippled God – Lord of the House of Chains

Different cultures worship their own Ascendants and spirits. For example, the Barghast follow their own Beast Hold Ascendants.

Characters from The Malazan Book of the Fallen

The Malazan Empire and the Bridgeburners / The Fourteenth Army

Ganoes Stabro Paran — Nobleman and officer drawn into the “game” between mortals and powers beyond comprehension. Master of the Deck.

Whiskeyjack — Legendary sergeant and the backbone of the Bridgeburners.

Quick Ben (Aptly Apsalar / Adephon Delat) — Mage of extraordinary talent and even greater secrets.

Kalam Mekhar — Master assassin and veteran Bridgeburner.

Fiddler (Strings) — Sapper, storyteller, and the glue that holds the squad together.

Hedge — Infamous sapper and Fiddler’s partner in mischief.

Dujek Onearm — High Fist and commander of the Malazan army.

Tayschrenn — High Mage of the Empire.

Empress Laseen — Ruler whose decisions reshape the world.

Adjunct Tavore Paran — Cold-blooded strategist and commander of the Fourteenth Army.

Adjunct Lorn — The Empire’s blade during its early campaigns.

Apsalar (Sorry) — Once a vessel for another’s will, now seeking her own path and purpose.

Tattersail — Battle mage and key figure in the early campaigns.

Gesler and Stormy — Hardened marines turned pillars of the new campaigns.

Bottle — Humble-looking mage of the Fourteenth Army, often playing a surprisingly decisive role.

Darujhistan

Kruppe — Silver-tongued schemer with a flair for miracles.

Crokus Younghand (Cutter) — Thief coming of age in a perilous world.

Rallick Nom — Cold-blooded assassin of the Guild.

Murillio — Charming duelist and adventurer of Darujhistan, known for his wit and connections.

Coll — Fallen nobleman who kept his dignity; friend and ally of Murillio.

Baruk — High Alchemist and the true power behind the city’s politics.

Vorcan — Mistress of Assassins, ruler of Darujhistan’s shadows.

The Chain of Dogs and the Seven Cities Rebellion

Coltaine — Fist of the Wickans; his march becomes legend.

Duiker — Imperial historian and witness to the darkest campaigns.

Felisin Paran — Noblewoman pushed to the edge of despair.

Heboric Light Touch — Former priest with a marked and fated path.

Lostara Yil — Elite warrior and scout bound to key events.

Pearl — Claw assassin.

Nil and Nether — Wickan warlock twins whose whispers are heard by the ancient land itself.

Leoman — Commander and captain in the Apocalypse of Raraku.

Sha’ik — Charismatic leader of the Whirlwind Rebellion, the Apocalypse of Raraku.

Felisin the Younger — A child of Raraku whose journey explores survival, loss, and transformation.

Korbolo Dom — Renowned commander whose choices alter the course of war.

Icarium and Mappo

Icarium — Half-Jaghut wanderer of immense mystery and buried rage.

Mappo Runt — Trell and steadfast companion, keeper of terrible secrets.

The Grey Swords (Capustan)

Itkovian — Shield Anvil of Fener, whose compassion borders on the miraculous.

Brukhalian — Mortal Sword of Fener, a leader carrying a heavy crown.

Gruntle — A seemingly ordinary caravan guard whose role among Capustan’s defenders becomes legend.

The Tiste Edur and the Letherii

Tehol Beddict — Brilliant con man and economist with grand designs and a bigger heart.

Bugg — His mysterious “servant,” who always knows more than he lets on.

Brys Beddict — The sword and honor of the royal guard.

Seren Pedac — Envoy and witness to the clash between nations.

Trull Sengar — Edur exile whose compassion costs him dearly.

Rhulad Sengar — Young emperor cursed with an unbearable gift.

Udinaas — Letherii slave, voice of conscience and chronicler of pain.

Kettle — Child harboring a secret that bridges life and death.

Ublala Pung — Mighty yet kind-hearted “half-blood” with a comic touch.

Shurq Elalle — Pirate given a second chance, fierce and untamed.

Others

Karsa Orlong — Young Toblakai warrior whose path reshapes myth itself.

Samar Dev — Strong and sharp-tongued witch, as dangerous as she is wise.

Toc the Younger — Scout and hunter known for loyalty and keen sight. His journey takes him through torment and transformation — from soldier, to prisoner, to scarred warrior reborn under a new name, still shaping the fate of the world.

Onrack the Broken — T’lan Imass and key companion on a perilous journey.

Caladan Brood — Warlord equal to kings and legends.

Kallor — Cursed ruler with a long and bloody history.

Korlat — Tiste Andii warrior, ally of Brood.

Onos T’oolan (Tool) — T’lan Imass, ancient warrior of unyielding patience.

Traveller — Mysterious warrior cloaked in darkness and legend, often appearing at fateful moments.

Beyond the deities worshiped by members of the Empire, there are others.
For example, the Barghast have their own ascended spirits who dwell within the Hold of the Beast.

We’re still expanding this guide.
If you’d like to help us build something truly useful for Malazan fans, send us your suggestions and additions!

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