The Lees of Laughter's End
A novella. Introduction by James Barclay.
In the wake of their blissful sojourn in the city of Lamentable Moll, the intrepid sorcerors Bauchelain and Korbal Broach – along with their newly hired manservant, Emancipor Reese – have set out on the wide open seas aboard the sturdy Suncurl.
Alas, there's more baggage in the hold than meets the beady eyes of Suncurl's hapless crew, and once on the cursed sea-lane known as Laughter's End – the Red Road in which flows the blood of an Elder God – unseemly terrors are prodded awake, to the understated dismay of all.
It is said that it is not the destination that counts, but the journey itself. Such a noble, worthy sentiment. Aye, it is the journey that counts, especially when what counts is horror, murder, mischance and mayhem. For Bauchelain, Korbal Broach and Emancipor Reese, it is of course just one more night on the high seas, on a journey without end – and that counts for a lot.
Steven Erikson
Steven Erikson's writing is an intricate tapestry of history, mythology, and human experience, woven into the fabric of his expansive fantasy worlds. Born in Canada and trained as an archaeologist and anthropologist, his background in these fields lends a rich texture to his novels. His stories are not just escapist adventures—they are philosophical explorations into the nature of conflict, morality, and the intricate societies that shape human lives.
Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series stands as a towering achievement in epic fantasy. Its labyrinthine plots, vast world-building, and morally complex characters have garnered a loyal following, with each novel revealing new layers of depth. The series kicks off with Gardens of the Moon, a work that redefined the scope of fantasy with its mature themes and unflinching exploration of power, war, and the price of immortality. Recognized with critical acclaim and shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award, this series catapulted Erikson into the pantheon of modern fantasy giants.
Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach
Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach consists of 9 total books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series Malazan World
Book Reviews
The Lees of Laughter's End is the third book of the Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach series. I just finished reading The Lees of Laughter's End. I liked it very much. This novella is good, well written and interesting. If you're interested in Steven Erikson's epic fantasy books, you should read this novella.