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Novels
Malazan Book of the Fallen 04. House of Chains
4.1(20)
4.1
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About the book
Best selling author Steven Erikson returns with the latest in the morbid history of the Malazan Empire
In Northern Genabackis, a raiding party of savage tribal warriors descends from the mountains into the southern flatlands. Their intention is to wreak havoc amongst the despised lowlanders, but for the one named Karsa Orlong it marks the beginning of what will prove to be an extraordinary destiny.
Some years later, it is the aftermath of the Chain of Dogs. Tavore, the Adjunct to the Empress, has arrived in the last remaining Malazan stronghold of Seven Cities. New to command, she must hone twelve thousand soldiers, mostly raw recruits but for a handful of veterans of Coltaine's legendary march, into a force capable of challenging the massed hordes of Sha'ik's Whirlwind who lie in wait in the heart of the Holy Desert.
But waiting is never easy. The seer's warlords are locked into a power struggle that threatens the very soul of the rebellion, while Sha'ik herself suffers, haunted by the knowledge of her nemesis: her own sister, Tavore.
And so begins this awesome new chapter in Steven Erikson's acclaimed Malazan Book of the Fallen . . .
In Northern Genabackis, a raiding party of savage tribal warriors descends from the mountains into the southern flatlands. Their intention is to wreak havoc amongst the despised lowlanders, but for the one named Karsa Orlong it marks the beginning of what will prove to be an extraordinary destiny.
Some years later, it is the aftermath of the Chain of Dogs. Tavore, the Adjunct to the Empress, has arrived in the last remaining Malazan stronghold of Seven Cities. New to command, she must hone twelve thousand soldiers, mostly raw recruits but for a handful of veterans of Coltaine's legendary march, into a force capable of challenging the massed hordes of Sha'ik's Whirlwind who lie in wait in the heart of the Holy Desert.
But waiting is never easy. The seer's warlords are locked into a power struggle that threatens the very soul of the rebellion, while Sha'ik herself suffers, haunted by the knowledge of her nemesis: her own sister, Tavore.
And so begins this awesome new chapter in Steven Erikson's acclaimed Malazan Book of the Fallen . . .
Editions (3)
ISBN9780765348814
PublisherMacmillan USA
Publication Date03/31/07
Pages1036
Main GenreNovels
Sub GenreAdventure
FormatSoftcover
LanguageEnglish
Price16.00 €
Reviews & Ratings
20 ratings
6 reviews
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4.1
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4.0House of Chains is not my favourite of the four Books of Malazan Book of the Fallen I have read yet. But I am not as critical of it as other reviewers have. One character that is highly discussed, Karsa Orlong, has been a favourite of mine from the very beginning of the book (even if he is not the best person) and his transformation throughout the book, I would even dare call it enlightenment, was a joy to behold. I particularly liked the insight into both sides of Rarakus deciding duel: Tavore vs. Shaikh. Although the decisive battle was a bit lackluster when compared with some similar battles in previous installments, the intrigue and backstabbing of the Whirlwind camp was nothing but spectacular. What I adore this book for is trekking a path that has been trekked before. Rarakus ghosts wandering beside those who wander to the concentration of power, of fates. The Chain of Dogs, Coltaine, The Bridgeburners. In some way all play a part in the battle for the fate of Raraku. But this book is also where said battle ends. The fate of the Seven Cities decided. Yes, I love House of Chains, but do I like it more than Eriksons previous work? I honestly cannot quite say. I just felt that something was missing and some conclusions were either rushed or somehow amiss. Kalam, Crokus & Apsalar, to a lesser extend Lostara Yil & Pearl, were all somewhat present, but no quite at the same time, which leaves a bit of a sour taste behind. I give House of Chains a tentative 4,0/5 and maybe one day, if or when I reread Malazan, I will see it in a different light.
Apr 30, 2025
4.0House of Chains is not my favourite of the four Books of Malazan Book of the Fallen I have read yet. But I am not as critical of it as other reviewers have. One character that is highly discussed, Karsa Orlong, has been a favourite of mine from the very beginning of the book (even if he is not the best person) and his transformation throughout the book, I would even dare call it enlightenment, was a joy to behold. I particularly liked the insight into both sides of Rarakus deciding duel: Tavore vs. Shaikh. Although the decisive battle was a bit lackluster when compared with some similar battles in previous installments, the intrigue and backstabbing of the Whirlwind camp was nothing but spectacular. What I adore this book for is trekking a path that has been trekked before. Rarakus ghosts wandering beside those who wander to the concentration of power, of fates. The Chain of Dogs, Coltaine, The Bridgeburners. In some way all play a part in the battle for the fate of Raraku. But this book is also where said battle ends. The fate of the Seven Cities decided. Yes, I love House of Chains, but do I like it more than Eriksons previous work? I honestly cannot quite say. I just felt that something was missing and some conclusions were either rushed or somehow amiss. Kalam, Crokus & Apsalar, to a lesser extend Lostara Yil & Pearl, were all somewhat present, but no quite at the same time, which leaves a bit of a sour taste behind. I give House of Chains a tentative 4,0/5 and maybe one day, if or when I reread Malazan, I will see it in a different light.
Apr 30, 2025
unexist1 Followers
5.0I cannot say for sure how many times I read this whole series or how many books I read between the last time and now, but nevertheless it never ceases to amaze me. So many different plots, so many different tales, just for the overall picture and the game of the gods.
Aug 13, 2023
5.0I cannot say for sure how many times I read this whole series or how many books I read between the last time and now, but nevertheless it never ceases to amaze me. So many different plots, so many different tales, just for the overall picture and the game of the gods.
Aug 13, 2023
3 of 6 reviews
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