Orb Sceptre Throne: (Malazan Empire: 4): a concoction of greed, betrayal, murder and deception underscore this fantasy epic

Ian C Esslemont

Jan 2012 · Malazan Empire Book 4 · Random House

About this ebook

No one is safe in this gripping fantasy that will keep you guessing. A must-read for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson.

'The finest Esslemont novel so far, and a superb Malazan novel in its own right, Orb, Sceptre, Throne is a book long-time Malazan fans will love' - DRYING INK

'Everything you expect of a Malazan story, being both epic and relevant... nail-biting and anything but obvious.' - SFF WORLD

'The Malazan franchise is fighting fit in the hand of its co-creator' - SFX

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THE TUMULT OF GREAT POWERS COLLIDING HAS PASSED.

Now the city of Darujhistan and its citizens can be left to get on with trading, bickering, politicking and enjoying life. But not all are ready to leave the past behind.

Outside the city walls, a treasure hunter is about to uncover a crypt and open a long-forgotten vault and set free an entity so terrifying that all knowledge of its incarceration had been wiped from history.

And far to the south, fortune hunters explore the islands of the Rivan Sea, supposedly created from the shattered remnants of Moon's Spawn, citadel of Anomander Rake. Rumour has it that hidden here is the seat of Mother Dark herself, the Throne of Night.

All who seek this ancient artefact - renegade mages, hardened mercenaries, even a Malazan army deserter - believe it will bestow unlimited power upon the eventual possessor.

The stakes are high, greed is rife, betrayal inevitable, and murder and chaos lie in wait...

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Further praise for Esslemont's Malazan series:

'Terrific... impossible to put down and highly recommended for all fans of The Malazan Book of the Fallen.' FANTASY HOTLIST
'Hugely promising... a contained, concise romp that's also dense with fan-pleasing information... an entertaining romp.' - DEATHRAY
'Maybe I'm prejudiced since I love the Malazan books so much, but I had a blast reading Night of Knives... I highly recommend it to anyone.' - FANTASY BOOKCRITIC
'Esslemont handles action and brooding atmosphere equally well.' - STARBURST
'Extremely readable... All credit to Esslemont and Erikson. They have created a wonderfully energetic world that is just crying out for adventures.' - ETERNAL NIGHT

Ratings and reviews

After reading through Erickson's books I felt a bit frustrated with little details that had been left in the wind eg the pickled seguleh. Once I started reading ICE it all came together and made it very satisfying. Also it made it feel very much the same universe even though it's different authors. I feel the stories are very well connected.

another good visit to the world of Malaz, did wonder where Sarsa Orlong was as i beleve he was living there at time, but good story!!

Although a little hard to follow at times, even for a seasoned mezla, I hungered for each different story line at different times

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