Ian C. Esslemont Books in Order (Updated August 6, 2026)

Ian C. Esslemont is a Canadian fantasy author, archaeologist, and co-creator of the Malazan world with Steven Erikson.

His novels occupy two connected sequences. The Novels of the Malazan Empire expand events occurring during and after Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen. Path to Ascendancy moves backward in time to show the rise of Kellanved, Dancer, and the early Malazan Empire.

Every published Esslemont novel belongs to the same fictional universe. The real question is whether to begin with the empire’s origins or with the books written to accompany the main Malazan saga.

For most new Malazan readers, the safest route is to begin with Steven Erikson’s Gardens of the Moon, then add Esslemont’s Novels of the Malazan Empire alongside the main ten-book sequence. Path to Ascendancy works better after readers already recognize the founders, cities, armies, and legends being explored.

The Two Esslemont Reading Paths

Read the empire as it was revealed

Begin with Night of Knives.

This route follows publication order and preserves the mystery surrounding Kellanved, Dancer, Surly, Dassem Ultor, the Crimson Guard, and the founding generation.

1. Night of Knives
2. Return of the Crimson Guard
3. Stonewielder
4. Orb Sceptre Throne
5. Blood and Bone
6. Assail
7. Dancer’s Lament
8. Deadhouse Landing
9. Kellanved’s Reach
10. Forge of the High Mage
11. The Last Champion, after publication

Read the empire from its beginnings

Begin with Dancer’s Lament.

This route follows broad internal chronology, starting before the Malazan Empire exists and continuing into the later imperial period.

1. Dancer’s Lament
2. Deadhouse Landing
3. Kellanved’s Reach
4. Forge of the High Mage
5. The Last Champion, after publication
6. Night of Knives
7. Return of the Crimson Guard
8. Stonewielder
9. Orb Sceptre Throne
10. Blood and Bone
11. Assail

Chronological order is approachable, but it changes how major historical figures are introduced. Readers already committed to the wider Malazan series will usually get more from publication order.

The Best Starting Point

Readers new to Malazan should not normally begin with an Esslemont novel.

The strongest general entry remains Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson. It introduces the Malazan Empire as an established and often mysterious power, allowing the histories in Path to Ascendancy to function as revelations rather than basic exposition.

Readers who specifically want Esslemont’s writing can begin with Night of Knives. It is short by Malazan standards and focuses on one decisive night in the empire’s history.

Readers already familiar with the main saga can begin Path to Ascendancy with Dancer’s Lament.

Novels of the Malazan Empire in Order

The six Novels of the Malazan Empire are not a duplicate version of Erikson’s ten-book sequence.

They follow different campaigns, continents, political crises, and characters. Several books resolve major threads that remain outside the main focus of Malazan Book of the Fallen.

The sequence should be read in publication order.

1. Night of Knives

Night of Knives (2005): During one storm-filled night on Malaz Island, Kellanved and Dancer attempt to enter the Deadhouse while Surly moves to secure control of the empire.

The novel follows characters caught between an imperial succession crisis, supernatural convergence, and an approaching Shadow Moon.

It introduces Temper, Kiska, Edgewalker, the Claws, the island of Malaz, and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the empire’s founders.

Night of Knives is chronologically earlier than Gardens of the Moon, but it was written for readers who already understand why Kellanved, Dancer, and Surly matter.

2. Return of the Crimson Guard

Return of the Crimson Guard (2008): The Crimson Guard returns to Quon Tali as rebellions spread across the empire and Empress Laseen faces military, political, and supernatural threats.

The novel follows numerous factions, including imperial soldiers, rebels, mages, assassins, and members of the Guard bound by their ancient Vow.

Several events affect the status of the Malazan throne and important characters appearing across Erikson’s books.

This volume should be read after Night of Knives. It also works best after readers have completed at least the early Malazan Book of the Fallen novels.

3. Stonewielder

Stonewielder (2010): Greymane returns to Korel at the head of a Malazan expedition while the Stormwall, the Riders, and the worship of a powerful local deity shape the continent’s long war.

The book moves away from Quon Tali and concentrates on a region frequently mentioned but not previously explored in comparable depth.

Kyle, the Crimson Guard, imperial forces, religious institutions, and Korel’s defenders become part of the same campaign.

Stonewielder follows consequences from Return of the Crimson Guard and should remain third.

4. Orb Sceptre Throne

Orb Sceptre Throne (2012): Darujhistan faces renewed danger as ancient powers awaken beneath the city and competing factions pursue legendary objects linked to its history.

The novel returns to characters and locations established in Gardens of the Moon and Toll the Hounds.

It also continues threads involving the Seguleh, the Moranth, the Tyrant, and former Malazan personnel.

Read Toll the Hounds before Orb Sceptre Throne when combining Esslemont and Erikson. The novel assumes that readers know what recently happened in Darujhistan.

5. Blood and Bone

Blood and Bone (2012): Rival forces enter the dense continent of Jacuruku, where the Crimson Guard, Thaumaturgs, invading armies, and the ancient power known as the Queen of Dreams pursue different goals.

The jungle is more than a setting. Its ecology, spirits, diseases, and old magical forces shape every campaign moving through it.

The book continues the wider Crimson Guard story while revealing a continent only partially explored elsewhere.

Read it after Orb Sceptre Throne, even though the change of location makes the connection appear loose at first.

6. Assail

Assail (2014): Mercenaries, treasure seekers, T’lan Imass, Crimson Guard veterans, and northern inhabitants converge on the continent of Assail, drawn by legends of gold and ancient conflict.

The novel addresses mysteries surrounding the continent, the Imass, Silverfox, and the fate of several long-running Esslemont characters.

It functions as the conclusion of the six-book Novels of the Malazan Empire.

Assail should come last. Its character resolutions depend on the full sequence, especially Return of the Crimson Guard, Stonewielder, and Blood and Bone.

Are the Novels of the Malazan Empire Complete?

Yes.

Night of Knives through Assail form a completed six-book sequence.

The Malazan world continues in Path to Ascendancy and in Steven Erikson’s separate series, but Assail closes the main story Esslemont developed across the Novels of the Malazan Empire.

Path to Ascendancy Books in Order

Path to Ascendancy explores the early careers of figures who later become legendary, feared, or misunderstood.

The series begins before the Malazan Empire exists. Its central characters include Dorin Rav, who will become Dancer, and Wu, who will become Kellanved.

The first three books form an opening arc. Forge of the High Mage begins the next stage of imperial expansion.

1. Dancer’s Lament

Dancer’s Lament (2016): Young assassin Dorin Rav arrives in Li Heng and becomes reluctantly associated with Wu, an eccentric mage whose ambitions extend far beyond the city.

Li Heng is threatened by rival powers, mages, soldiers, criminal groups, and supernatural forces.

The novel shows the first stages of the partnership that will eventually reshape the Malazan world.

This is the correct beginning for Path to Ascendancy.

2. Deadhouse Landing

Deadhouse Landing (2017): Dorin and Wu reach Malaz Island, where pirates, mages, local powers, and the mysterious Deadhouse offer both danger and opportunity.

The pair begin assembling allies who will later become central to the empire, including figures connected to the Napans, the Claw, and the military command.

The novel explains how Malaz Island becomes the base of something much larger.

Read it immediately after Dancer’s Lament.

3. Kellanved’s Reach

Kellanved’s Reach (2019): Kellanved and Dancer push beyond Malaz Island as alliances, military campaigns, and political manipulation begin forming the foundations of an empire.

The story introduces or develops younger versions of several commanders and operatives known from later Malazan history.

The expansion remains improvised, ambitious, and frequently unstable rather than following a clean imperial plan.

This book completes the first Path to Ascendancy arc.

4. Forge of the High Mage

Forge of the High Mage (2023): Kellanved orders a northern campaign against Falar while the developing Malazan command structure faces internal disagreement and an ancient threat in the ice.

Dujek, Tayschrenn, Surly, Dancer, Kellanved, and other early imperial figures receive central roles.

The novel shows Tayschrenn moving toward the position that will define him as the empire’s High Mage.

It continues the series after Kellanved’s Reach and begins a broader phase focused on imperial conquest.

5. The Last Champion

The Last Champion (Scheduled for 2027): The fifth Path to Ascendancy novel is expected to continue the formation of the empire and explore another major stage in the careers of its early champions.

The book remained unpublished on August 6, 2026.

A current release listing places publication in 2027, but the date should remain marked as scheduled until the publisher releases the final edition.

6. Untitled Path to Ascendancy Novel

Path to Ascendancy Book Six (Planned): A sixth volume has been associated with the continuing sequence, but no final title or reliable publication date had been confirmed by the date of this update.

It should not be counted as an available book.

Is Path to Ascendancy Complete?

No.

Four novels are published:

1. Dancer’s Lament
2. Deadhouse Landing
3. Kellanved’s Reach
4. Forge of the High Mage

The Last Champion is planned as book five. A further sixth book has also been discussed, but its title and schedule remain unconfirmed.

Publication Order of Ian C. Esslemont’s Books

Publication order preserves the way Esslemont gradually moved from the mature empire into its origins.

1. Night of Knives (2005): Kellanved and Dancer disappear during a supernatural night as Surly makes her move for imperial control.
2. Return of the Crimson Guard (2008): Rebellion and the Guard’s return threaten Empress Laseen across Quon Tali.
3. Stonewielder (2010): Greymane leads an expedition to Korel and confronts the forces surrounding the Stormwall.
4. Orb Sceptre Throne (2012): Darujhistan faces the return of an ancient Tyrant and a struggle over powerful relics.
5. Blood and Bone (2012): Armies and ascendants enter the hostile jungles of Jacuruku.
6. Assail (2014): Treasure seekers and ancient peoples converge on the dangerous northern continent.
7. Dancer’s Lament (2016): Dorin Rav meets Wu during the struggle for Li Heng.
8. Deadhouse Landing (2017): The future founders establish themselves on Malaz Island.
9. Kellanved’s Reach (2019): Their influence expands into the early structure of the Malazan Empire.
10. Forge of the High Mage (2023): The empire campaigns in Falar while Tayschrenn faces a legendary threat.
11. The Last Champion (Scheduled for 2027): Path to Ascendancy continues into another stage of imperial formation.

This order is recommended for readers concentrating only on Esslemont.

Chronological Order of Ian C. Esslemont’s Books

A broad internal chronology places Path to Ascendancy first:

1. Dancer’s Lament (2016): Dorin and Wu meet before the empire exists.
2. Deadhouse Landing (2017): The future founders establish a base on Malaz Island.
3. Kellanved’s Reach (2019): Early conquest begins linking armies, mages, and political allies.
4. Forge of the High Mage (2023): The expanding empire turns toward Falar.
5. The Last Champion (Scheduled for 2027): Another early imperial phase is expected to follow.
6. Night of Knives (2005): Kellanved and Dancer attempt to ascend as Surly takes control.
7. Return of the Crimson Guard (2008): Laseen’s empire faces widespread revolt.
8. Stonewielder (2010): Imperial attention returns to Korel.
9. Orb Sceptre Throne (2012): Ancient powers threaten Darujhistan.
10. Blood and Bone (2012): Rival campaigns move through Jacuruku.
11. Assail (2014): Several Esslemont storylines reach their final destination.

This chronology is not precise enough to solve every overlap with Steven Erikson’s novels. Malazan books often run concurrently on different continents.

How Esslemont Connects to Steven Erikson

Esslemont and Erikson co-created the Malazan world through gaming and collaborative worldbuilding.

Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen follows the central military and metaphysical conflict surrounding the Crippled God. Esslemont’s Novels of the Malazan Empire often focus more directly on the empire’s government, distant campaigns, old military institutions, the Crimson Guard, and regions outside Erikson’s principal narrative.

Neither author’s books are adaptations of the other.

A reader who skips Esslemont can finish the ten-book Malazan Book of the Fallen, but will miss important developments involving:

1. Empress Laseen and the imperial throne
2. The Crimson Guard
3. Korel and the Stormwall
4. Darujhistan after Toll the Hounds
5. Jacuruku
6. Assail
7. Greymane
8. Kyle
9. K’azz D’Avore
10. Several surviving imperial figures

A reader who skips Erikson will understand Esslemont’s immediate plots, but many returning characters, historical references, ascendants, and political changes will carry less weight.

A Practical Combined Malazan Reading Order

There is no single perfect interwoven order. The books overlap, and an exact chronology can create awkward interruptions.

The route below prioritizes readability and major spoiler boundaries.

1. Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson (1999): The Malazan Empire campaigns on Genabackis as Darujhistan becomes the next target.
2. Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson (2000): Rebellion spreads through Seven Cities and the Chain of Dogs begins.
3. Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson (2001): Armies and ascendants confront the Pannion Domin.
4. House of Chains by Steven Erikson (2002): The Seven Cities rebellion and Karsa Orlong’s story move toward convergence.
5. Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson (2004): The narrative moves to Lether and introduces another side of the world’s central conflict.
6. Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont (2005): The imperial succession night on Malaz Island receives its full story.
7. The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson (2006): The surviving Malazan army faces rebellion, betrayal, and a changing relationship with the empire.
8. Reaper’s Gale by Steven Erikson (2007): Malazan forces reach Lether while the empire there begins collapsing.
9. Return of the Crimson Guard by Ian C. Esslemont (2008): Quon Tali erupts in revolt and Laseen’s rule reaches a major crisis.
10. Toll the Hounds by Steven Erikson (2008): Darujhistan becomes the site of a convergence involving gods, assassins, and old powers.
11. Stonewielder by Ian C. Esslemont (2010): Greymane leads the campaign in Korel.
12. Dust of Dreams by Steven Erikson (2009): The Bonehunters cross the Wastelands toward the final conflict.
13. The Crippled God by Steven Erikson (2011): The central ten-book saga reaches its conclusion.
14. Orb Sceptre Throne by Ian C. Esslemont (2012): Darujhistan’s post-Toll the Hounds story continues.
15. Blood and Bone by Ian C. Esslemont (2012): The focus shifts to Jacuruku and the Crimson Guard.
16. Assail by Ian C. Esslemont (2014): The Novels of the Malazan Empire conclude in the north.
17. Dancer’s Lament by Ian C. Esslemont (2016): The founders’ early history begins.
18. Deadhouse Landing by Ian C. Esslemont (2017): Malaz Island becomes their base.
19. Kellanved’s Reach by Ian C. Esslemont (2019): The empire begins expanding.
20. Forge of the High Mage by Ian C. Esslemont (2023): The early Malazan military turns toward Falar.

Dust of Dreams and The Crippled God are essentially two halves of one ending. Readers who dislike interrupting that finale can read Stonewielder before Dust of Dreams, then continue directly through both Erikson volumes.

Can the Esslemont Books Be Read Without Erikson?

Yes, but not ideally.

Path to Ascendancy is the easier independent route because it begins with younger versions of its central characters and explains the early political situation directly.

The Novels of the Malazan Empire assume more familiarity with the shared world. Return of the Crimson Guard, Orb Sceptre Throne, and Assail especially benefit from knowledge of Erikson’s characters and events.

Readers determined to read Esslemont alone should use publication order and accept that some returning figures are introduced as established legends rather than newly explained protagonists.

Should Path to Ascendancy Be Read First?

Readers focused on chronology can begin there.

Dancer’s Lament provides a relatively contained city conflict and presents Dorin and Wu before they become Dancer and Kellanved.

However, the series gains much of its appeal from dramatic irony. Established Malazan readers already know what many characters will become, making early meetings, rivalries, and accidents more meaningful.

The recommended placement is after Assail or after completing Malazan Book of the Fallen.

Night of Knives Publication-Date Note

Night of Knives has appeared with different years in bibliographies.

The novel first appeared in a limited edition before receiving wider commercial publication. Some listings therefore use 2004, while Esslemont’s official bibliography uses 2005.

For consistency, this article uses 2005, the year given by the author’s official site.

These editions contain the same central novel rather than separate installments.

Omnibus and Collected Editions

Collected editions do not change the order.

The Malazan Empire Series Collection

The Malazan Empire Series: Digital or boxed collections may gather Night of Knives, Return of the Crimson Guard, Stonewielder, Orb Sceptre Throne, Blood and Bone, and Assail.

The internal sequence remains publication order.

Path to Ascendancy Collections

Collections may package Dancer’s Lament, Deadhouse Landing, and Kellanved’s Reach as an opening trilogy.

Forge of the High Mage follows those books and is not a replacement for the earlier three.

Readers should inspect the contents of any omnibus before buying separate editions.

Does Esslemont Have Non-Malazan Novels?

No published non-Malazan novel appears in his current official bibliography.

His fiction career has concentrated on the world he created with Steven Erikson.

Esslemont has also published nonfiction essays, including work connected to fantasy, archaeology, and literary discussion. Those pieces are not part of a narrative reading order.

Latest Ian C. Esslemont Book

Ian C. Esslemont’s latest published novel as of August 6, 2026 is Forge of the High Mage.

Forge of the High Mage (2023): The early Malazan Empire invades Falar while Tayschrenn faces an awakened ancient power and the demands of becoming the empire’s principal mage.

The book was first released in the United Kingdom in 2023. The United States edition followed in 2024.

These are regional editions of the same fourth Path to Ascendancy novel.

Upcoming Ian C. Esslemont Book

The Last Champion (Scheduled for 2027): The fifth Path to Ascendancy novel is expected to continue the rise of the Malazan Empire and the careers of its founding generation.

A current listing places the book in 2027.

Because the novel remained unpublished on August 6, 2026, it should be labeled as forthcoming rather than included among completed releases.

A sixth Path to Ascendancy book is also expected, but no confirmed title or publication date was available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ian C. Esslemont book should I read first?

Begin with Night of Knives when reading Esslemont in publication order.

Begin with Dancer’s Lament only when you deliberately prefer the empire’s internal chronology.

Should I read Steven Erikson before Ian C. Esslemont?

Yes, in most cases.

Gardens of the Moon provides the strongest introduction to the Malazan world, while Esslemont’s books expand people, places, and events already treated as historically important.

Are Esslemont and Erikson’s books in the same universe?

Yes.

They co-created the world, and their novels share characters, continents, gods, armies, magic, and historical events.

Did Ian C. Esslemont write Malazan Book of the Fallen?

No.

Steven Erikson wrote the ten-book Malazan Book of the Fallen.

Esslemont wrote the six Novels of the Malazan Empire and Path to Ascendancy.

Are the Novels of the Malazan Empire optional?

They are optional only if the goal is to finish Erikson’s ten-book central sequence.

They are essential for a complete view of the Malazan Empire, the Crimson Guard, Korel, Jacuruku, Assail, and several major political outcomes.

Is Night of Knives a prequel?

It takes place before Gardens of the Moon.

It is also the first published Novel of the Malazan Empire and should be read first within Esslemont’s original sequence.

Can I read Night of Knives before Gardens of the Moon?

Yes, but it is not the strongest general introduction.

The novel assumes some interest in Malazan history and does not explain the world as gradually as Gardens of the Moon.

When should I read Return of the Crimson Guard?

A common placement is after Reaper’s Gale and before Toll the Hounds.

It contains major imperial developments that fit naturally during that portion of the shared chronology.

When should I read Orb Sceptre Throne?

Read it after Toll the Hounds.

It continues the history of Darujhistan and assumes knowledge of the city’s recent convergence.

When should I read Assail?

Read it after Blood and Bone.

It is the sixth and concluding Novel of the Malazan Empire.

Is Path to Ascendancy a trilogy?

It began with a three-book opening arc, but the series has continued.

Forge of the High Mage is book four, The Last Champion is planned as book five, and a sixth volume is expected.

Is Path to Ascendancy complete?

No.

Four books are published, with additional volumes planned.

Is Forge of the High Mage book one or book four?

It is book four of Path to Ascendancy.

It also begins a new phase after the opening trilogy, which is why some descriptions call it the first book in a new Ascendancy arc.

Are Dancer and Dorin the same person?

Yes.

Dorin Rav is the younger assassin who later becomes known as Dancer.

Are Wu and Kellanved the same person?

Yes.

Wu is an early identity used by the mage who becomes Emperor Kellanved.

Is Mallick Rel important in Esslemont’s books?

Yes.

His political rise and influence are especially relevant to the later imperial situation. Full context comes from reading both authors.

Is the Crimson Guard series separate?

The Crimson Guard is central to the Novels of the Malazan Empire, but those six books are not formally titled a separate Crimson Guard series.

Their Vow, leadership, internal divisions, and long conflict with the empire run through several volumes.

Is Assail the end of Malazan?

No.

It ends Esslemont’s six-book Malazan Empire sequence.

The wider world continues in Path to Ascendancy and in Steven Erikson’s Kharkanas and Witness books.

Does Ian C. Esslemont write short-story collections?

No major Malazan short-story collection by Esslemont appears in his current published bibliography.

His main fictional works are novels.

What is Esslemont’s latest book?

Forge of the High Mage is his latest published novel as of August 6, 2026.

What is his next book?

The Last Champion is scheduled for 2027.

The Order That Works Best

Readers entering the entire Malazan world should begin with Gardens of the Moon, not with internal chronology.

Add Night of Knives after the early Erikson novels, then place Return of the Crimson Guard after Reaper’s Gale and Orb Sceptre Throne after Toll the Hounds. Complete the remaining Esslemont sequence with Stonewielder, Blood and Bone, and Assail.

Once the mature empire’s story is familiar, begin Path to Ascendancy with Dancer’s Lament. Continue through Deadhouse Landing, Kellanved’s Reach, and Forge of the High Mage.

The two Esslemont sequences describe opposite ends of imperial history. The Novels of the Malazan Empire show its instability, distant campaigns, and unresolved legacies. Path to Ascendancy shows how its founders, armies, mages, and institutions first came together.