The Last Champion
An enthralling, exciting, fifth chapter – full of adventure and magic – in the acclaimed epic fantasy sequence Path to Ascendancy by Ian C. Esslemont that takes readers back to the turbulent and troubled early history of what would become the Malazan Empire.
Here we will be documenting and following the emerging Malazan Empire's first landings and foothold in the region of the Seven Cities. Central to this account will be the monumental and notorious attack on the Holy City of Aren.
The emergence of Dassem Ultor, his rising influence and popularity among the military of the empire – together with Surly's growing wariness of it – is all suggestive of his death before the walls of Y'ghatan.
Another path of this story will follow Kellanved and Dancer's exploration of Shadow and beyond, and further steps towards the former's ascension as Shadowthrone.
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Ian C. Esslemont
Ian C. Esslemont is a name that echoes through the halls of epic fantasy, often found alongside fellow author Steven Erikson as a co-creator of the vast, intricate world of the Malazan Book of the Fallen. But Esslemont’s journey began long before he joined forces with Erikson—his passion for storytelling and rich, complex worlds stretches back to his early years, when he first explored the realms of imagination.
Born in Canada, Esslemont’s deep love for fantasy literature was forged through his voracious reading and his fascination with history and mythology. His stories delve into the complexities of power, the murky ethics of war, and the human experience amidst chaos. This passion for storytelling eventually led him to co-create the Malazan Empire, a sprawling, multi-layered universe that became the foundation for his own novels. Esslemont's contribution to the Malazan saga is indispensable, as his books expand on the history and peoples of this monumental world, breathing new life into characters and landscapes first introduced in Erikson’s works.
Path to Ascendancy
Path to Ascendancy is an unflinching journey into the depths of the Malazan Empire, exploring the rise of one of its most pivotal figures—Empress Laseen. Set against the backdrop of a fractured empire, this prequel series invites readers into a world where power is not simply inherited, but forged through blood, betrayal, and ambition.
Path to Ascendancy consists of four books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series Malazan World
