Ian C. Esslemont writes fantasy fiction set in the Malazan world. He is the author of books including Night of Knives, Orb Sceptre Throne, Blood and Bone, and Dancer's Lament.
Assail
Assail
Synopsis
Assail is the sixth and concluding volume of Ian C. Esslemont's Novels of the Malazan Empire, set in the world of the Malazan Book of the Fallen. It finally lifts the veil on Assail, a continent long rumoured to be the most dangerous land in the world, as melting ice opens its interior to outsiders.
Esslemont frames the story as a northern, saga-inflected tale of blood feud and hard journeys, following converging parties: adventurers chasing gold, members of the Crimson Guard pursuing older purposes, and the wandering bard Fisher. Told through many viewpoints, it balances harsh survival against the reawakening of forces buried for millennia.
As the capstone of Esslemont's contribution to the shared Malazan world, it answers long-standing questions while delivering the grim, sprawling scope readers of the series expect.
Vibe
Genres
Characters
Kyle (Whiteblade)Protagonist
The plainsman warrior of the Crimson Guard, now known as Whiteblade, returning to the northern reaches.
Princess ShimmerSupporting
A veteran commander of the Crimson Guard travelling toward Assail with her company.
K'azz D'AvoreSupporting
Duke of the Crimson Guard, whose purpose in Assail runs deeper than the gold rush around him.
Fisher kel TathSupporting
A legendary bard returning to his homeland much to his own surprise.
