Deadhouse Gates

This tale continues with only four of the characters from Book 1 (Kalam, Fiddler, Crokus, and Apsalar) and a host of new characters on another continent. The four from Book 1 travel to the Seven Cities area of the vast continent west from Genabackis. The seer Sha'ik launches a war against the Malazans. The Empress Laseen picks the Wickan leader of the Crow Clan, Coltaine to safeguard the Malazan refugees. Coltaine begins a long, hazardous march to the city of Aren. There are several bloody battles, many perilous travels through strange “warrens”, and some new interesting characters, notably the Imperial Historian, Duiker (attached to Coltaine's march) and the youngest daughter of House Paran, Felisin. Her journey takes some strange turns. It's epic, strange, dark, and weird. It's also big meaty fantasy with an eye-popping conclusion. I enjoyed it but next up is some lighter fare.