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Novels of the Malazan Empire #4
Orb Sceptre Throne
The epic new chapter in the history of Malaz -- the new epic fantasy from Steven Erikson's friend and co-creator of this extraordinary and exciting imagined world.
Darujhistan, city of dreams, city of blue flames, is peaceful at last; its citizens free to return to politicking, bickering, trading and, above all, enjoying the good things in life. Yet there are those who will not allow the past to remain buried. A scholar digging in the plains stumbles across an ancient sealed vault. The merchant Humble Measure schemes to drive out the remaining Malazan invaders. And the surviving agents of a long-lost power are stirring, for they sense change and so, opportunity. While, as ever at the centre of everything, a thief in a red waistcoat and of rotund proportions walks the streets, juggling in one hand custard pastries, and in the other the fate of the city itself.
Far to the south, fragments of the titanic Moon's Spawn have crashed into the Rivan Sea creating a series of isles... and a fortune hunter's dream. A Malazan veteran calling himself 'Red' ventures out to try his luck -- and perhaps say goodbye to old friends. But there he finds far more than he'd bargained for as the rush to claim the Spawn's treasures descends into a mad scramble of chaos and bloodshed. For powers from across the world have gathered here, searching for the legendary Throne of Night. The impact of these events are far reaching, it seems. On an unremarkable island off the coast of Genabackis, a people who had turned their backs upon all such strivings now lift their masked faces towards the mainland and recall the ancient prophesy of a return.
And what about the ex-Claw of the Malazan Empire who now walks the uttermost edge of creation? His mission -- the success or failure of which the Queen of Dreams saw long ago -- is destined to shape far more than anyone could have ever imagined.
Darujhistan, city of dreams, city of blue flames, is peaceful at last; its citizens free to return to politicking, bickering, trading and, above all, enjoying the good things in life. Yet there are those who will not allow the past to remain buried. A scholar digging in the plains stumbles across an ancient sealed vault. The merchant Humble Measure schemes to drive out the remaining Malazan invaders. And the surviving agents of a long-lost power are stirring, for they sense change and so, opportunity. While, as ever at the centre of everything, a thief in a red waistcoat and of rotund proportions walks the streets, juggling in one hand custard pastries, and in the other the fate of the city itself.
Far to the south, fragments of the titanic Moon's Spawn have crashed into the Rivan Sea creating a series of isles... and a fortune hunter's dream. A Malazan veteran calling himself 'Red' ventures out to try his luck -- and perhaps say goodbye to old friends. But there he finds far more than he'd bargained for as the rush to claim the Spawn's treasures descends into a mad scramble of chaos and bloodshed. For powers from across the world have gathered here, searching for the legendary Throne of Night. The impact of these events are far reaching, it seems. On an unremarkable island off the coast of Genabackis, a people who had turned their backs upon all such strivings now lift their masked faces towards the mainland and recall the ancient prophesy of a return.
And what about the ex-Claw of the Malazan Empire who now walks the uttermost edge of creation? His mission -- the success or failure of which the Queen of Dreams saw long ago -- is destined to shape far more than anyone could have ever imagined.
850 pages, ebook
Published May 22, 2012
197 people are currently reading
6169 people want to read
About the author
Ian C. Esslemont
18 books2,157 followersIAN CAMERON ESSLEMONT was born in 1962 in Winnipeg, Canada. He has a degree in Creative Writing, studied and worked as an archaeologist, travelled extensively in South East Asia, and lived in Thailand and Japan for several years. He now lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, with his wife and children and is currently working on his PhD in English Literature.
Ian C. Esslemont and Steven Erikson co-created the Malazan world in 1982 as a backdrop for role-playing games. In 1991 they collaborated on a feature film script set in the same world, entitled Gardens of the Moon. When the script did not sell, Erikson greatly expanded the story and turned it into a novel.
Ian C. Esslemont and Steven Erikson co-created the Malazan world in 1982 as a backdrop for role-playing games. In 1991 they collaborated on a feature film script set in the same world, entitled Gardens of the Moon. When the script did not sell, Erikson greatly expanded the story and turned it into a novel.
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May 18, 2022Yet another wonderful book from Esslemont that continues what is turning out to be an amazing series
Check out my new youtube channel where I show my instant reactions to reading fantasy books seconds after I finish the book.
This book is another in the Novels of the Malazan Empire that is truly great, and you get the sense that Esslemont is continuing to improve as a writer as more books get released. His first book in this series was quite weak, but since then he has pushed out three books in a row that every fan of Malazan should absolutely adore.
This book takes us back to the City of Darujhistan, which the reader has not experienced since Erikson's books. So far in this series, Esslemont has explored areas that have not had much screentime in the Malazan universe, but this book goes to somewhere we are intimately familiar with. This is a difficult task for a writer, as virtually every character he is writing about has already been written by a different author, so to pick that up and run with it is already a difficult just at keeping good consistency.
The plot, pacing, and characters in this book are wonderful. I love the fact that he covered the Seguleh in more detail, as they are one of the coolest fantasy characters ever written about. Erikson just slightly touched on them, but Esslemont has a whole side plot about them which is great.
The one negative I would say about this story is that I did not enjoy how Esslemont portrayed Kruppe. In the original books Kruppe is hilarious, but Esslemont does not have Erikson's skill at writing funny characters so he fell a bit flat for me in this rendition.
Overall though, this is a 5/5 stars for me and a must read for any Malazan fan.
Check out my new youtube channel where I show my instant reactions to reading fantasy books seconds after I finish the book.
This book is another in the Novels of the Malazan Empire that is truly great, and you get the sense that Esslemont is continuing to improve as a writer as more books get released. His first book in this series was quite weak, but since then he has pushed out three books in a row that every fan of Malazan should absolutely adore.
This book takes us back to the City of Darujhistan, which the reader has not experienced since Erikson's books. So far in this series, Esslemont has explored areas that have not had much screentime in the Malazan universe, but this book goes to somewhere we are intimately familiar with. This is a difficult task for a writer, as virtually every character he is writing about has already been written by a different author, so to pick that up and run with it is already a difficult just at keeping good consistency.
The plot, pacing, and characters in this book are wonderful. I love the fact that he covered the Seguleh in more detail, as they are one of the coolest fantasy characters ever written about. Erikson just slightly touched on them, but Esslemont has a whole side plot about them which is great.
The one negative I would say about this story is that I did not enjoy how Esslemont portrayed Kruppe. In the original books Kruppe is hilarious, but Esslemont does not have Erikson's skill at writing funny characters so he fell a bit flat for me in this rendition.
Overall though, this is a 5/5 stars for me and a must read for any Malazan fan.
May 5, 2020
Q: What does one do upon finishing a Malazan book (they hated)?
A: Why, naturally, one immediately starts a new Malazan book (they hope to love).
“Peacetime was a very different sort of war.”
Ever since I read about the punitive army of three, I wanted to know more about the Seguleh. The very concept of them, a mysterious warrior like society that make the Spartans look like a gang of candied fops, is one of the most fantastic of the fantasy tropes based on a the assumption that with early rising, healthy (preferably mountain) air and a balanced diet, you can turn everybody into a human version of a terminator.
I am sure you have encountered one of its versions if you read fantasy. If not, meet the Seguleh: a society masked warriors of superhuman speed, endurance, and martial capabilities. And a weird codes ofhonour conduct. As the fourth instalment in the series unfolds (and you can safely read it without knowing the other three), they move from the position of an eccentric prop to the main axis of the story. Orb Sceptre Throne brings answers to their origin history and mission, and offers two separate Seguleh lines, even though only one is Seguleh narrated (by the very Second himself!), and the other one has a YA narrator (since Kiska’s all grown up and stopped being so annoying, Yusek promptly appears) tagged to pair of Seguleh on the mission to find one missing from their ranks.
By this point, Mr Esselmont feels comfortable in juggling a rather considerable number of POVs and plot lines that cross and interlock and depend on each other. Some will be old friends in new guises, others - entirely new acquaintances:
⚔️ Scholar Ebbin attesting to the inherent dangers of academic work;
⚔️ Argan, Malazan ambassador to the fair city of Darujhistan;
⚔️ Kiska (the only direct bridge with the previous instalment) and Leoman of the Flails in their search for Tayschrenn on the other side of reality;
⚔️ Kruppe (and yet, not Kruppe because reading his POVs was like watching a favourite picture through a dirty glass that distorts the vision and so even though you *know* what should be there, it’s kind of not there at the same time);
⚔️ Antsy is one of the ‘old-timers’ in his unexplained and irrational quest that takes him to the Moonspawn (and although he travels in disguise two different characters address him per Antsy in two different chapters and this speaks volumes about the editing, I might add);
⚔️ but also Picker, Blend, Duiker, Spindle, and the rest of the individuals frequenting Kru’lls Bar and Temple have their important role in the events;
⚔️ blacksmith Barathol portraying the hard life of an economic migrant (but also what happens if a good man lands a wrong woman);
⚔️ Torvald Nom of House Nom who finds himself in a new role indeed, though no bosoms heave his way (what he is quick to explain to his lovely wife Tiserra);
⚔️ Scorch and Leff, two misfits straight from the Dumb and Dumber kind of comic relief, so if you like this form of entertainment you’ll be delighted (not me!);
⚔️ Caladan Brood, brooding most of the time and then having an unsuccessful you shall not pass moment;
⚔️ last but not least, it would not be a Malazan novel without some military action therefore, we have Fist K’ess from the top down and some fresh Malazan recruit (one Butcher) to give a bottom up perspective of what it means to be in the army;
Additionally, some random Moranth, council members, Lady Envy and also renegade Seguleh, Topper and a bunch of other killers, and unfortunates who these killers dispatch, because, as you can imagine, there is quite a lot of killing going on.
After the utter failure of book 9 and 10 in Malazan proper series, this novel was like a sip of freshwater. It was certainly not champagne, but it was so straightforwardly OK that the pure fun of reading something that does not suffer from a manic “one series to rule them all” syndrome carried me on a rather enthusiastic wave well halfway into the book. Then the wave dissipated and left me in the wreckage of skewed plotlines, unnecessary characters and absurd settings (well, this whole Moonspawn gig does not make sense if you think about it). Suddenly, the main premise started looking a bit silly and if not for the individual characters carrying the weight of the novel via the sheer virtue of their personalities, I think I’d be much more vexed. For me, the main value of this book lies in the fact that it closes several themes either only touched upon *this other series* or abandoned there like orphans of war (and there were many of those!). Also the ending helped because it points to the fact that these two have in fact everything sorted out in their heads, even if they are not always able to put it in acceptable writing.
I am still waiting for the book about the Moranth!
Also in the series:
1. Night of Knives ★★☆☆☆
2. Return of the Crimson Guard ★★★★☆
3. Stonewielder ★★☆☆☆
5. Blood and Bone ★★★☆☆
6. Assail ★★☆☆☆
A: Why, naturally, one immediately starts a new Malazan book (they hope to love).
“Peacetime was a very different sort of war.”
Ever since I read about the punitive army of three, I wanted to know more about the Seguleh. The very concept of them, a mysterious warrior like society that make the Spartans look like a gang of candied fops, is one of the most fantastic of the fantasy tropes based on a the assumption that with early rising, healthy (preferably mountain) air and a balanced diet, you can turn everybody into a human version of a terminator.
I am sure you have encountered one of its versions if you read fantasy. If not, meet the Seguleh: a society masked warriors of superhuman speed, endurance, and martial capabilities. And a weird codes of
By this point, Mr Esselmont feels comfortable in juggling a rather considerable number of POVs and plot lines that cross and interlock and depend on each other. Some will be old friends in new guises, others - entirely new acquaintances:
⚔️ Scholar Ebbin attesting to the inherent dangers of academic work;
⚔️ Argan, Malazan ambassador to the fair city of Darujhistan;
⚔️ Kiska (the only direct bridge with the previous instalment) and Leoman of the Flails in their search for Tayschrenn on the other side of reality;
⚔️ Kruppe (and yet, not Kruppe because reading his POVs was like watching a favourite picture through a dirty glass that distorts the vision and so even though you *know* what should be there, it’s kind of not there at the same time);
⚔️ Antsy is one of the ‘old-timers’ in his unexplained and irrational quest that takes him to the Moonspawn (and although he travels in disguise two different characters address him per Antsy in two different chapters and this speaks volumes about the editing, I might add);
⚔️ but also Picker, Blend, Duiker, Spindle, and the rest of the individuals frequenting Kru’lls Bar and Temple have their important role in the events;
⚔️ blacksmith Barathol portraying the hard life of an economic migrant (but also what happens if a good man lands a wrong woman);
⚔️ Torvald Nom of House Nom who finds himself in a new role indeed, though no bosoms heave his way (what he is quick to explain to his lovely wife Tiserra);
⚔️ Scorch and Leff, two misfits straight from the Dumb and Dumber kind of comic relief, so if you like this form of entertainment you’ll be delighted (not me!);
⚔️ Caladan Brood, brooding most of the time and then having an unsuccessful you shall not pass moment;
⚔️ last but not least, it would not be a Malazan novel without some military action therefore, we have Fist K’ess from the top down and some fresh Malazan recruit (one Butcher) to give a bottom up perspective of what it means to be in the army;
Additionally, some random Moranth, council members, Lady Envy and also renegade Seguleh, Topper and a bunch of other killers, and unfortunates who these killers dispatch, because, as you can imagine, there is quite a lot of killing going on.
After the utter failure of book 9 and 10 in Malazan proper series, this novel was like a sip of freshwater. It was certainly not champagne, but it was so straightforwardly OK that the pure fun of reading something that does not suffer from a manic “one series to rule them all” syndrome carried me on a rather enthusiastic wave well halfway into the book. Then the wave dissipated and left me in the wreckage of skewed plotlines, unnecessary characters and absurd settings (well, this whole Moonspawn gig does not make sense if you think about it). Suddenly, the main premise started looking a bit silly and if not for the individual characters carrying the weight of the novel via the sheer virtue of their personalities, I think I’d be much more vexed. For me, the main value of this book lies in the fact that it closes several themes either only touched upon *this other series* or abandoned there like orphans of war (and there were many of those!). Also the ending helped because it points to the fact that these two have in fact everything sorted out in their heads, even if they are not always able to put it in acceptable writing.
I am still waiting for the book about the Moranth!
Also in the series:
1. Night of Knives ★★☆☆☆
2. Return of the Crimson Guard ★★★★☆
3. Stonewielder ★★☆☆☆
5. Blood and Bone ★★★☆☆
6. Assail ★★☆☆☆
March 14, 2017
I wasn't totally in the right mood for this kind of book, but I will admit that it was the best ICE book which is why it still gets four stars. The ending was definitely the best he's written and I think in this book he really has found his own style of writing.
I didn't like ICE's version of Kruppe, but that probably isn't surprising because I don't like Erikson's Kruppe either. Can't decide which is worse, though.
I didn't like ICE's version of Kruppe, but that probably isn't surprising because I don't like Erikson's Kruppe either. Can't decide which is worse, though.
March 14, 2017
My favorite of the ICE books and closest to 5*'s. ICE seems to be building empathy more and more into his writing which has evolved a lot since book one. A great ending in this one and a lot of enjoyable story threads.
November 17, 2025
"Il paradiso sarebbe una città in cui le perle e le gemme fungono da giocattoli per i bambini.
E perché? Non perché tutti saranno così ricchi, ma perché i suoi cittadini avranno riconosciuto che queste cose sono davvero dei giocattoli".
"Coloro che viaggiano nel mondo vedono i prodigi operati dagli dei. E poi, tornare umiliati."
"Chi siete voi...?' respirò, intimorita suo malgrado.
Noi siamo i Seguleh. E presto tutte queste terre torneranno a conoscerci"
"C'è qualcuno come te, Kruppe? mormorò meravigliato.
'Che cosa?' Il tipo si raddrizzò. La curva del suo stomaco premette contro il tavolo.
'Un altro Kruppe? Ebbene, un tale eccesso di eccellenza violerebbe le leggi fondamentali della creazione".
Ogni romanzo del ciclo Malazan è un concentrato di grande avventura, eventi prodigiosi, personaggi indimenticabili, filosofia e tragedia.
La complessità delle vicende narrate e il non detto rimane un marchio di fabbrica che Erikson ed Esslemont hanno adottato per raccontarci questi eventi straordinari.
Un viaggio da non lasciarsi sfuggire, un'esperienza che cambia la prospettiva del lettore e lo arricchisce.
Sono dell'opinione che nella letteratura fantasy esiste una parola che può rappresentare l'essenza stessa dell'epicità ed è stata forgiata da Erikson ed Esslemont: questa parola è Seguleh.
Le loro rare apparizioni nella saga sono bastate per rendere questi personaggi indimenticabili e fonte di congetture infinite e pura meraviglia. Finalmente in questo romanzo si parla di loro e della loro storia. Già questo potrebbe bastare ad ogni fans della saga per adorarlo, ma non è tutto...
...ai Seguleh si vanno ad aggiungere nel romanzo:
I Moranth e le loro armi, Dassem il Viaggiatore, i reduci Bridgeburners del bar di D'rek, l'esplorazione della Progenie della Luna!!!!, Caladan Brood, Kiska e Leoman, Tayschrenn, Rallick Nom e la Cabala di Darujhistan, il sempre fantastico Kruppe, qualche altra decina di personaggi conosciuti e sconosciuti più una manciata di Divinità e Ascendenti. Cosa chiedere di più?
Il ritrovamento di un'antica reliquia nelle tombe nei pressi della città di Darujhistan metterà in moto tutti gli eventi della trama principale coinvolgendo grandi nomi e semplici sfortunati.
Il romanzo scorre ed intrattiene, lo stile di Esslemont una garanzia di affidabilità e competenza nello gestire il tutto e portare a compimento le decine di sottotrame.
Ammetto che alcune parti sono un pò tirate per le lunghe e forse poco chiare, come al solito si perde tanto se non si sono letti i libri precedenti. Molte volte, pur avendo una buona memoria, sono ricorso alla wiki per rinfrescare informazioni su nomi ed eventi.
Malazan è complesso e profondo, il Dune del fantasy, i personaggi e gli eventi si intrecciano ed è facile perdersi. Rimane comunque una tappa imperdibile e una spanna sopra la maggior parte delle pubblicazioni fantasy degli ultimi anni.
---------------------------
"Heaven would be a city where pearls and gems serve as toys for children.
And why? Not because everyone will be so rich, but because its citizens will have recognized that these things really are toys."
"Those who travel the world see the wonders performed by the gods. And then return humiliated."
"Who are you...?' she breathed, awed despite herself.
We are the Seguleh. And soon all these lands will come to know us again"
"Is there anyone like you, Kruppe?" she murmured in wonder.
'What?' The guy straightened up. The curve of his stomach pressed against the table.
'Another Kruppe? Well, such an excess of excellence would violate the fundamental laws of creation."
Each novel in the Malazan cycle is a concentration of great adventure, prodigious events, unforgettable characters, philosophy and tragedy.
The complexity of the events narrated and the unsaid remains a trademark that Erikson and Esslemont have adopted to tell us about these extraordinary events.
A journey not to be missed, an experience that changes the reader's perspective and enriches him.
I am of the opinion that in fantasy literature there is a word that can represent the very essence of epicness and was forged by Erikson and Esslemont: this word is Seguleh.
Their rare appearances in the saga were enough to make these characters unforgettable and a source of endless speculation and pure wonder. Finally in this novel we talk about them and their story. This alone might be enough for any fan of the saga to adore it, but that's not all...
...to the Seguleh are added in the novel:
The Moranth and their weapons, Dassem the Traveler, the veteran Bridgeburners of D'rek's bar, the exploration of the Moonspawn!!!!, Caladan Brood, Kiska and Leoman, Tayschrenn, Rallick Nom and the Cabal of Darujhistan, the always fantastic Kruppe, a few other dozen known and unknown characters plus a handful of Deities and Ascendants. What more could you ask for?
The discovery of an ancient relic in the tombs near the city of Darujhistan will set in motion all the events of the main plot involving big names and simple unfortunates.
The novel flows and entertains, Esslemont's style a guarantee of reliability and competence in managing everything and completing the dozens of subplots.
I admit that some parts are a little drawn out and perhaps unclear, as usual you lose a lot if you haven't read the previous books. Many times, despite having a good memory, I have resorted to the wiki to refresh information on names and events.
Malazan is complex and deep, the Dune of fantasy, the characters and events are intertwined and it's easy to get lost. However, it remains an unmissable stop and a cut above most of the fantasy publications of recent years.
E perché? Non perché tutti saranno così ricchi, ma perché i suoi cittadini avranno riconosciuto che queste cose sono davvero dei giocattoli".
"Coloro che viaggiano nel mondo vedono i prodigi operati dagli dei. E poi, tornare umiliati."
"Chi siete voi...?' respirò, intimorita suo malgrado.
Noi siamo i Seguleh. E presto tutte queste terre torneranno a conoscerci"
"C'è qualcuno come te, Kruppe? mormorò meravigliato.
'Che cosa?' Il tipo si raddrizzò. La curva del suo stomaco premette contro il tavolo.
'Un altro Kruppe? Ebbene, un tale eccesso di eccellenza violerebbe le leggi fondamentali della creazione".
Ogni romanzo del ciclo Malazan è un concentrato di grande avventura, eventi prodigiosi, personaggi indimenticabili, filosofia e tragedia.
La complessità delle vicende narrate e il non detto rimane un marchio di fabbrica che Erikson ed Esslemont hanno adottato per raccontarci questi eventi straordinari.
Un viaggio da non lasciarsi sfuggire, un'esperienza che cambia la prospettiva del lettore e lo arricchisce.
Sono dell'opinione che nella letteratura fantasy esiste una parola che può rappresentare l'essenza stessa dell'epicità ed è stata forgiata da Erikson ed Esslemont: questa parola è Seguleh.
Le loro rare apparizioni nella saga sono bastate per rendere questi personaggi indimenticabili e fonte di congetture infinite e pura meraviglia. Finalmente in questo romanzo si parla di loro e della loro storia. Già questo potrebbe bastare ad ogni fans della saga per adorarlo, ma non è tutto...
...ai Seguleh si vanno ad aggiungere nel romanzo:
I Moranth e le loro armi, Dassem il Viaggiatore, i reduci Bridgeburners del bar di D'rek, l'esplorazione della Progenie della Luna!!!!, Caladan Brood, Kiska e Leoman, Tayschrenn, Rallick Nom e la Cabala di Darujhistan, il sempre fantastico Kruppe, qualche altra decina di personaggi conosciuti e sconosciuti più una manciata di Divinità e Ascendenti. Cosa chiedere di più?
Il ritrovamento di un'antica reliquia nelle tombe nei pressi della città di Darujhistan metterà in moto tutti gli eventi della trama principale coinvolgendo grandi nomi e semplici sfortunati.
Il romanzo scorre ed intrattiene, lo stile di Esslemont una garanzia di affidabilità e competenza nello gestire il tutto e portare a compimento le decine di sottotrame.
Ammetto che alcune parti sono un pò tirate per le lunghe e forse poco chiare, come al solito si perde tanto se non si sono letti i libri precedenti. Molte volte, pur avendo una buona memoria, sono ricorso alla wiki per rinfrescare informazioni su nomi ed eventi.
Malazan è complesso e profondo, il Dune del fantasy, i personaggi e gli eventi si intrecciano ed è facile perdersi. Rimane comunque una tappa imperdibile e una spanna sopra la maggior parte delle pubblicazioni fantasy degli ultimi anni.
---------------------------
"Heaven would be a city where pearls and gems serve as toys for children.
And why? Not because everyone will be so rich, but because its citizens will have recognized that these things really are toys."
"Those who travel the world see the wonders performed by the gods. And then return humiliated."
"Who are you...?' she breathed, awed despite herself.
We are the Seguleh. And soon all these lands will come to know us again"
"Is there anyone like you, Kruppe?" she murmured in wonder.
'What?' The guy straightened up. The curve of his stomach pressed against the table.
'Another Kruppe? Well, such an excess of excellence would violate the fundamental laws of creation."
Each novel in the Malazan cycle is a concentration of great adventure, prodigious events, unforgettable characters, philosophy and tragedy.
The complexity of the events narrated and the unsaid remains a trademark that Erikson and Esslemont have adopted to tell us about these extraordinary events.
A journey not to be missed, an experience that changes the reader's perspective and enriches him.
I am of the opinion that in fantasy literature there is a word that can represent the very essence of epicness and was forged by Erikson and Esslemont: this word is Seguleh.
Their rare appearances in the saga were enough to make these characters unforgettable and a source of endless speculation and pure wonder. Finally in this novel we talk about them and their story. This alone might be enough for any fan of the saga to adore it, but that's not all...
...to the Seguleh are added in the novel:
The Moranth and their weapons, Dassem the Traveler, the veteran Bridgeburners of D'rek's bar, the exploration of the Moonspawn!!!!, Caladan Brood, Kiska and Leoman, Tayschrenn, Rallick Nom and the Cabal of Darujhistan, the always fantastic Kruppe, a few other dozen known and unknown characters plus a handful of Deities and Ascendants. What more could you ask for?
The discovery of an ancient relic in the tombs near the city of Darujhistan will set in motion all the events of the main plot involving big names and simple unfortunates.
The novel flows and entertains, Esslemont's style a guarantee of reliability and competence in managing everything and completing the dozens of subplots.
I admit that some parts are a little drawn out and perhaps unclear, as usual you lose a lot if you haven't read the previous books. Many times, despite having a good memory, I have resorted to the wiki to refresh information on names and events.
Malazan is complex and deep, the Dune of fantasy, the characters and events are intertwined and it's easy to get lost. However, it remains an unmissable stop and a cut above most of the fantasy publications of recent years.
March 5, 2018
“When you think everyone around you is mad - you should start to suspect it’s actually you.”
I will point out again how despite that there are ten books in The Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and more than nine thousand written pages about it, unfortunately, there are many things, places, characters and events Erikson mentioned, picked our interest with them – only to never visit them again.
So that’s why I am more than happy to recommend to anyone who’s intrigued with this world – but, like me, felt that certain parts of the worldbuilding were abandoned too soon in the main series – to just jump right into this parallel – follow-up of sorts – series Ian created for us.
Yes, every book in this series I have read so far had some problems – most of them are simply unbalanced structural narrative – and this one also has such problem (unequal depth of characterization).
But it is most rewarding, not just revisiting or tying loose ends or exploring this world even further, but also seeing one’s writer progress and his shaping.
Those of you who don’t mind these flaws, but enjoy militaristic fantasy, this is the series for you.
Seguleh.
“How they have all forgotten. One does not claim First. It can only be given.”
Yes, we finally go there.
Cant, capital city of a locked-out and secluded island of deadliest human society in Malazan world. Mix of Spartan/Shinobi warriors, relentless, masked Seguleh.
In the main series we have seen what destruction army of just three of them caused.
Now imagine what entire Agatii – first 1000 – will do.
But that’s not the only fascinating thing about this – what I enjoyed the most is their interactions and their point of view. We haven’t had that so far. We were always bystanders and witnesses from afar of this society, group of people that did job good enough to intrigue us.
However, here we go in depth and Ian easily delivers.
You probably remember in Memories of Ice, when, out of the blue, Seguleh attacks T’lan Imass Onos T’oolan, just because they seemingly crossed their eyes?
Well, here we get to see from Seguleh’s point of view how he interprets such things.
And so much more.
Actually, Ian’s progress in characterization is best mirrored in character such as Jan. Really great addition to the world and such a compelling story around him.
Moranth.
Where were you? Ah, yes, we abandoned their part of the story at the siege of Coral. Mhm, before Coral was named Black Coral.
And although we didn’t quite missed them in main series – no we had full hands in it – it’s such a bad thing that there simply wasn’t enough place for them to have bigger part overall in this world.
Yes, Malazan sappers were crazy to begin with, but what made them so deadly terrifying were all those burners, cussers and sharpers. All of which was Moranth munitions.
Now, as affective those sappers were with this munition, their main point of assault was always from the ground.
Morant’s fly. They fly those enormous flying insects, those Quorls. Just imagine that glorious bombardment. By none other than Silver Moranths. Guild that created Moranth munition in the first place.
The book continues right after the events in Toll the Hounds, so you should expect everyone dear to you from city of Darujhistan to reappear in this novel.
In conclusion, all those flaws that gnaw Ian’s books, flaws of which I have wrote in previous reviews, still stand here. But in much lesser capacity.
Enjoyable book, for sure.
Kharkanas Trilogy
Forge of Darkness
Fall of Light
Path to Ascendancy series
Dancer's Lament
Deadhouse Landing
Malazan Empire series
Night Of Knives
Return of the Crimson Guard
Stonewielder
Malazan Book of the Fallen series
Gardens of the Moon
Deadhouse Gates
Memories of Ice
Midnight Tides
House of Chains
The Bonehunters
Reaper's Gale
Toll the Hounds
Ultimate Malazan Chronological Reading Order
I will point out again how despite that there are ten books in The Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and more than nine thousand written pages about it, unfortunately, there are many things, places, characters and events Erikson mentioned, picked our interest with them – only to never visit them again.
So that’s why I am more than happy to recommend to anyone who’s intrigued with this world – but, like me, felt that certain parts of the worldbuilding were abandoned too soon in the main series – to just jump right into this parallel – follow-up of sorts – series Ian created for us.
Yes, every book in this series I have read so far had some problems – most of them are simply unbalanced structural narrative – and this one also has such problem (unequal depth of characterization).
But it is most rewarding, not just revisiting or tying loose ends or exploring this world even further, but also seeing one’s writer progress and his shaping.
Those of you who don’t mind these flaws, but enjoy militaristic fantasy, this is the series for you.
Seguleh.
“How they have all forgotten. One does not claim First. It can only be given.”
Yes, we finally go there.
Cant, capital city of a locked-out and secluded island of deadliest human society in Malazan world. Mix of Spartan/Shinobi warriors, relentless, masked Seguleh.
In the main series we have seen what destruction army of just three of them caused.
Now imagine what entire Agatii – first 1000 – will do.
But that’s not the only fascinating thing about this – what I enjoyed the most is their interactions and their point of view. We haven’t had that so far. We were always bystanders and witnesses from afar of this society, group of people that did job good enough to intrigue us.
However, here we go in depth and Ian easily delivers.
You probably remember in Memories of Ice, when, out of the blue, Seguleh attacks T’lan Imass Onos T’oolan, just because they seemingly crossed their eyes?
Well, here we get to see from Seguleh’s point of view how he interprets such things.
And so much more.
Actually, Ian’s progress in characterization is best mirrored in character such as Jan. Really great addition to the world and such a compelling story around him.
Moranth.
Where were you? Ah, yes, we abandoned their part of the story at the siege of Coral. Mhm, before Coral was named Black Coral.
And although we didn’t quite missed them in main series – no we had full hands in it – it’s such a bad thing that there simply wasn’t enough place for them to have bigger part overall in this world.
Yes, Malazan sappers were crazy to begin with, but what made them so deadly terrifying were all those burners, cussers and sharpers. All of which was Moranth munitions.
Now, as affective those sappers were with this munition, their main point of assault was always from the ground.
Morant’s fly. They fly those enormous flying insects, those Quorls. Just imagine that glorious bombardment. By none other than Silver Moranths. Guild that created Moranth munition in the first place.
The book continues right after the events in Toll the Hounds, so you should expect everyone dear to you from city of Darujhistan to reappear in this novel.
In conclusion, all those flaws that gnaw Ian’s books, flaws of which I have wrote in previous reviews, still stand here. But in much lesser capacity.
Enjoyable book, for sure.
Kharkanas Trilogy
Forge of Darkness
Fall of Light
Path to Ascendancy series
Dancer's Lament
Deadhouse Landing
Malazan Empire series
Night Of Knives
Return of the Crimson Guard
Stonewielder
Malazan Book of the Fallen series
Gardens of the Moon
Deadhouse Gates
Memories of Ice
Midnight Tides
House of Chains
The Bonehunters
Reaper's Gale
Toll the Hounds
Ultimate Malazan Chronological Reading Order
October 29, 2019
The best in the series so far. We finally get to know more about the Seguleh and they are absolutely fascinating. Completely stole the show.
September 10, 2020
Seguleh.
Need I say more?
So. Much. Seguleh.
Also, we get some more Moranth secrets. Not a lot, but some.
These aspects are worth it alone to read this book, but otherwise I really enjoyed it still. We get a glimpse inside the actual workings of the Seguleh system here. I have to say, they're one of my favorite races in Malazan especially with their hierarchy, marked on the masks they wear, of martial prowess. The fact that they sent 3 people to take revenge on the Pannion Domin in Memories of Ice just sold me on how awesome they are.
We're back in Darujhistan, which is always a fun place to be. There's a ton going on, but those barrows outside of town don't ever seem to remain covered forever and they always have some fun ready to be let out.
I've found that Esslemont (ICE as I love to call him) isn't quite as good as Erickson at handling a ton of different threads and characters and bringing them together, but I thought that Orb, Sceptre, Throne is quite well handled. I tend to prefer ICE in a limited number of perspectives, but I thought he did a great job here and I'm looking forward to more.
I think I mention this every time, but if Erickson didn't exist and we only had ICE, we'd be praising him as much as Erikson. This story is amazing and its incredible that he can handle it anywhere close to where Erikson does. It's definitely the same world, there's the same feeling, the same great happenings and numerous races, and that's incredible in and of itself. But since we have Erikson, I think people often treat ICE too harshly.
OST is a great example of why I believe that.
4.5 out of 5 Stars (very highly recommended)
Need I say more?
So. Much. Seguleh.
Also, we get some more Moranth secrets. Not a lot, but some.
These aspects are worth it alone to read this book, but otherwise I really enjoyed it still. We get a glimpse inside the actual workings of the Seguleh system here. I have to say, they're one of my favorite races in Malazan especially with their hierarchy, marked on the masks they wear, of martial prowess. The fact that they sent 3 people to take revenge on the Pannion Domin in Memories of Ice just sold me on how awesome they are.
We're back in Darujhistan, which is always a fun place to be. There's a ton going on, but those barrows outside of town don't ever seem to remain covered forever and they always have some fun ready to be let out.
I've found that Esslemont (ICE as I love to call him) isn't quite as good as Erickson at handling a ton of different threads and characters and bringing them together, but I thought that Orb, Sceptre, Throne is quite well handled. I tend to prefer ICE in a limited number of perspectives, but I thought he did a great job here and I'm looking forward to more.
I think I mention this every time, but if Erickson didn't exist and we only had ICE, we'd be praising him as much as Erikson. This story is amazing and its incredible that he can handle it anywhere close to where Erikson does. It's definitely the same world, there's the same feeling, the same great happenings and numerous races, and that's incredible in and of itself. But since we have Erikson, I think people often treat ICE too harshly.
OST is a great example of why I believe that.
4.5 out of 5 Stars (very highly recommended)
July 18, 2012
This is definitely my favourite book out of Ian Esslemont's 4 Malazan books. The first book Night of Knives being my second. The two middle books I think he tried too hard to emulate Steven Erikson's convoluted style from the main series and though I still enjoyed them, they were hard going at times. But in this last book I think his own style comes through a bit more and for the better. The story is tight. The pacing is consistently good. At no point did I think (as is common in the Malazan series) get past this or that bit so I can continue with the interesting bits. It was just well done all the way through.
The book is set in my favourite city of the whole series, Darujhistan after the events of Toll the Hounds. We revisit some of our favourite haunts, like "The Phoenix Inn," frequented by one of my favourite characters of the series, namely Kruppe, the walking talking Deck of Dragons personified. A thief of immense skill . . . and size, er due mainly to his art of lifting cakes off unsuspecting street vendors. Seducer of beautiful women . . . beauty being in the eye of the beholder of course, like the old hairy witch in the gutters . . grrrr.
We also spend time in "Krull's Bar" with some of our retired Malazan veterans - technically they're deserters but its all relative to one's point of view of course and Picker, Blend, Spindle and Antsy are quite happy to put their point of view across down the barrel of a crossbow with an explosive device attached. Anyway, our veterans are mainly concerned with keeping stock of the finest ordinary wine, the best cuisine one can scrape off the pavement, and a few pickled undead Seguleh. Because you never know when a few pickled undead Seguleh in the back pocket will come in handy. Especially when the last time we left them they had the entire assassins guild attempt to take the whole bar out. Hah, no one's going to try that again . . . you'd think.
We also go on a pilgrimage/treasure hunt with Antsy, to Moon Spawn, Old sky keep of Rake, and tomb of The Bridgeburners. We will briefly run into our favourite evil necromancers, Bauchelain and Korbal Broach - Korbal Broach as many will know, is still obsessed with making a baby out of dead things. Moon Spawn has lots of dead things, like Bridgeburners - oh joy.
Apart from these we also have Caladan Brood, Traveller, Malazans, Moranth, living Seguleh, undead Seguleh, live Bridgeburners, undead Bridgeburners, - and will Kiska finally find Teyschrenn.
But my favourite characters of this book are Scorch and Leff. Swords for hire. Between them they may have half a brain, but not quite enough to make the conceptual distinction between what can be killed and what you aren't supposed to be able to kill. Slow of wit they may be but give them a couple of crossbows and set them into a blind panic and they can shoot faster and straighter than anybody in town.
In this latest of Esslemont's Malazan novels, an archaeological dig outside Darujhistan unearth's an ancient evil (yes another one) - a Tyrant from of old (yes another one). And the poor unwitting citizens of Darujhistan are in danger of total annihilation (yet again) as ancient hostilities are reignited against an old enemy.
Can Kruppe pull himself away from his cupcakes to save his city yet again? Will he be prepared to put his body on the line to get the hairy old witch down the road to help out? Will he call down the help of the gods. Nah - the gods are too busy elsewhere - all he's got to work with is a handful of Bridgeburners, a blacksmith, and Scorch and Leff. How does he fancy his chances? Well lets just say he is sweating a fair bit more than usual.
Esslemont's best work yet. Its 4 stars from me.
The book is set in my favourite city of the whole series, Darujhistan after the events of Toll the Hounds. We revisit some of our favourite haunts, like "The Phoenix Inn," frequented by one of my favourite characters of the series, namely Kruppe, the walking talking Deck of Dragons personified. A thief of immense skill . . . and size, er due mainly to his art of lifting cakes off unsuspecting street vendors. Seducer of beautiful women . . . beauty being in the eye of the beholder of course, like the old hairy witch in the gutters . . grrrr.
We also spend time in "Krull's Bar" with some of our retired Malazan veterans - technically they're deserters but its all relative to one's point of view of course and Picker, Blend, Spindle and Antsy are quite happy to put their point of view across down the barrel of a crossbow with an explosive device attached. Anyway, our veterans are mainly concerned with keeping stock of the finest ordinary wine, the best cuisine one can scrape off the pavement, and a few pickled undead Seguleh. Because you never know when a few pickled undead Seguleh in the back pocket will come in handy. Especially when the last time we left them they had the entire assassins guild attempt to take the whole bar out. Hah, no one's going to try that again . . . you'd think.
We also go on a pilgrimage/treasure hunt with Antsy, to Moon Spawn, Old sky keep of Rake, and tomb of The Bridgeburners. We will briefly run into our favourite evil necromancers, Bauchelain and Korbal Broach - Korbal Broach as many will know, is still obsessed with making a baby out of dead things. Moon Spawn has lots of dead things, like Bridgeburners - oh joy.
Apart from these we also have Caladan Brood, Traveller, Malazans, Moranth, living Seguleh, undead Seguleh, live Bridgeburners, undead Bridgeburners, - and will Kiska finally find Teyschrenn.
But my favourite characters of this book are Scorch and Leff. Swords for hire. Between them they may have half a brain, but not quite enough to make the conceptual distinction between what can be killed and what you aren't supposed to be able to kill. Slow of wit they may be but give them a couple of crossbows and set them into a blind panic and they can shoot faster and straighter than anybody in town.
In this latest of Esslemont's Malazan novels, an archaeological dig outside Darujhistan unearth's an ancient evil (yes another one) - a Tyrant from of old (yes another one). And the poor unwitting citizens of Darujhistan are in danger of total annihilation (yet again) as ancient hostilities are reignited against an old enemy.
Can Kruppe pull himself away from his cupcakes to save his city yet again? Will he be prepared to put his body on the line to get the hairy old witch down the road to help out? Will he call down the help of the gods. Nah - the gods are too busy elsewhere - all he's got to work with is a handful of Bridgeburners, a blacksmith, and Scorch and Leff. How does he fancy his chances? Well lets just say he is sweating a fair bit more than usual.
Esslemont's best work yet. Its 4 stars from me.
June 14, 2019
The fourth I.C.E novel written in the Malazan world and i'm a little disappointed especially as i thought he'd found his rhythm with each of the last three books improving in quality. I think the main problem with Orb Sceptre Throne is the setting. After a lengthy stay in Darujhistan in Toll the Hounds we're back there again. I thought Erikson wrote a satisfactory end to its citizens without the need to check in on them anytime soon but we revisit for another 844 pages.
Whilst exploring an old well a treasure hunter stumbles upon a room with a corpse wearing a gold mask. Even though he should probably walk away he obviously doesn't and takes the mask. It's cursed with the soul of an old Darujhistan tyrant who's now unleashed on the world. The second story follows Bridgeburner legend Antsy as he makes his way to Moons Spawn in search of the infinite riches rumored to be amongst the wreckage. There's also Kiska and Leoman continuing their search for Tayschrenn on the Shores of Creation and finally the first proper outing for the Seguleh who answer a call to return home. As with most Malazan books there is an inevitable convergence of these story lines.
The book isn't bad it just felt like we were covering old ground. What made Return of the Crimson Guard and Stonewielder so good was the exploration of different places but with the exception of the Seguleh, who are a pretty dull culture, there's nothing new to get excited about. The main story of the Tyrant attempting to take over the continent isn't that enthralling and the side plots are also substandard compared to previous books.
I'm confident that Blood and Bone and Assail will be a return to form as they cover new continents but unfortunately Orb Sceptre Throne is only worthy of an average score.
Whilst exploring an old well a treasure hunter stumbles upon a room with a corpse wearing a gold mask. Even though he should probably walk away he obviously doesn't and takes the mask. It's cursed with the soul of an old Darujhistan tyrant who's now unleashed on the world. The second story follows Bridgeburner legend Antsy as he makes his way to Moons Spawn in search of the infinite riches rumored to be amongst the wreckage. There's also Kiska and Leoman continuing their search for Tayschrenn on the Shores of Creation and finally the first proper outing for the Seguleh who answer a call to return home. As with most Malazan books there is an inevitable convergence of these story lines.
The book isn't bad it just felt like we were covering old ground. What made Return of the Crimson Guard and Stonewielder so good was the exploration of different places but with the exception of the Seguleh, who are a pretty dull culture, there's nothing new to get excited about. The main story of the Tyrant attempting to take over the continent isn't that enthralling and the side plots are also substandard compared to previous books.
I'm confident that Blood and Bone and Assail will be a return to form as they cover new continents but unfortunately Orb Sceptre Throne is only worthy of an average score.
July 13, 2017
Otro gran capítulo de una de mis sagas de fantasía favoritas.
Orbe, cetro, trono es un libro un poco raro en el sentido que se siente un poco desconectado del resto de la saga de Malaz el Imperio escrita por Ian C. Esslemont; más bien diría que es una conclusión para muchas de las tramas que Erikson dejó de lado en la saga principal: conocemos qué están haciendo los Bridgeburners retirados en la ciudad de Darujhistan, los misterios encerrados en la fortaleza flotante de Anomander Rake, qué carajo pasó con Leoman después de Los Cazahuesos, proporciona un buen final para la trama de Traveller y también vuelve a aparecer Kruppe (<3) junto a la banda de parroquianos de la Taberna del Fénix.
Pero además es un libro que aporta mayor información del mundo de Malaz en general, como ocurre con los misteriosos Seguleh. Es el primer libro en el que conocemos el propósito de esta raza de espadachines sin igual gracias al punto de vista de Sall, el guerrero de más alto rango.
Debo admitir que fue el libro de Malaz para el que tuve que consultar más veces la Wiki porque hubo muchos personajes que no aparecían desde el primer libro de Erikson (13 libros atrás -.-'). Les recomiendo encarecidamente que lean este libro después de Toll the Hounds (libro 8 de Erikson) porque de lo contrario se van a comer una cantidad de spoilers enormes.
Sigo sosteniendo que Esslemont es un gran escritor y sus libros tienen todos los condimentos que hacen de Malaz una saga única. Sin embargo, este otro arco argumental carece de los personajes memorables de la saga principal y hasta el momento no hubo un giro que me volara la cabeza. Es por esto que recomiendo leer los libros de Esslemont después de los 10 libros de Erikson, ya que a mi entender funcionan mejor si ya conoces los eventos y personajes de la saga principal. Considero que Malaz el Imperio es una buena saga para complementar la lectura del Libro de los Caídos porque le da un cierre apropiado a muchísimas tramas que, debido a la enorme cantidad de personajes, fueron imposibles de cerrar en la otra saga.
Tan solo me quedan 2 libros de Malaz y eso me apena, pero espero leer Blood and Bone próximamente y subir una reseña general de toda la saga escrita por Esslemont a mi blog una vez que la termine.
Orbe, cetro, trono es un libro un poco raro en el sentido que se siente un poco desconectado del resto de la saga de Malaz el Imperio escrita por Ian C. Esslemont; más bien diría que es una conclusión para muchas de las tramas que Erikson dejó de lado en la saga principal: conocemos qué están haciendo los Bridgeburners retirados en la ciudad de Darujhistan, los misterios encerrados en la fortaleza flotante de Anomander Rake, qué carajo pasó con Leoman después de Los Cazahuesos, proporciona un buen final para la trama de Traveller y también vuelve a aparecer Kruppe (<3) junto a la banda de parroquianos de la Taberna del Fénix.
Pero además es un libro que aporta mayor información del mundo de Malaz en general, como ocurre con los misteriosos Seguleh. Es el primer libro en el que conocemos el propósito de esta raza de espadachines sin igual gracias al punto de vista de Sall, el guerrero de más alto rango.
Debo admitir que fue el libro de Malaz para el que tuve que consultar más veces la Wiki porque hubo muchos personajes que no aparecían desde el primer libro de Erikson (13 libros atrás -.-'). Les recomiendo encarecidamente que lean este libro después de Toll the Hounds (libro 8 de Erikson) porque de lo contrario se van a comer una cantidad de spoilers enormes.
Sigo sosteniendo que Esslemont es un gran escritor y sus libros tienen todos los condimentos que hacen de Malaz una saga única. Sin embargo, este otro arco argumental carece de los personajes memorables de la saga principal y hasta el momento no hubo un giro que me volara la cabeza. Es por esto que recomiendo leer los libros de Esslemont después de los 10 libros de Erikson, ya que a mi entender funcionan mejor si ya conoces los eventos y personajes de la saga principal. Considero que Malaz el Imperio es una buena saga para complementar la lectura del Libro de los Caídos porque le da un cierre apropiado a muchísimas tramas que, debido a la enorme cantidad de personajes, fueron imposibles de cerrar en la otra saga.
Tan solo me quedan 2 libros de Malaz y eso me apena, pero espero leer Blood and Bone próximamente y subir una reseña general de toda la saga escrita por Esslemont a mi blog una vez que la termine.
did-not-finish
September 28, 2020I heard the events here happened after Toll the Hounds, I'm so excited to go back to Darujhistan.
January 29, 2024
This book is about forgotten history and the fixation to tradition. That in an ongoing war that spans generations of mutual affliction, everyone involved may have probably forgotten the original reason why they are in conflict.
So far, this has been the most engaging book that Esslemont has written of the Malazan Empire.
So far, this has been the most engaging book that Esslemont has written of the Malazan Empire.
March 2, 2013
http://www.rantingdragon.com/review-o...
Orb Sceptre Throne is the fourth novel by Canadian archaeologist and writer Ian C. Esslemont. It is set in the world of The Malazan Book of the Fallen, a setting co-created by Esslemont and fellow Canadian Steven Erikson as a backdrop for role-playing games. Orb Sceptre Throne takes place in the city of Darujhistan after the events of The Malazan Book of the Fallen have concluded.
The world that keeps on giving
Say what you will about other fantasy epics; Erikson and Esslemont have done more with their world than any other series I can name. Esslemont is doing a marvelous job filling in the gaps in and around the events of Erikson’s 10-book epic. With each new volume, we learn more and more about this huge world (larger than Earth, in fact, if the various cartographers are to be trusted) and the incredible depth of its characters, societies, and peoples.
While several of Esslemont’s previous forays into the world of Malaz served as back story and “meanwhile over here” narrative, Orb Sceptre Throne takes events forward, and we see a return of some of the series’ most engaging and fascinating characters: The Warlord Caladan Brood, High Mage Tayschrenn, and everybody’s favorite Malazan marines, the Bridgeburners—or, at least, what is left of them. As usual, the characters find themselves embroiled in events of both small and world-sweeping import. Esslemont has no problems at all keeping up with the high bar Erikson set for phenomenal characterization and dialogue, which continue to set this world apart from so many others.
Many irons in the fire
One thing in Orb Sceptre Throne that might be taken as either a strength or a weakness, depending on your personal preference, is just how many different narratives are going on. I can count at least seven different story lines I’d consider distinct from one another in this book, which is only 600 pages in trade paperback. This can give the book a bit of a disjointed feel, like you’re skipping all over and never really settling into one story long enough to get invested. For people who have trouble keeping a lot of small details clear when they are being thrown at you quickly, that could really put you off this book and potentially the series as a whole.
Conversely, I, personally, really appreciate this writing technique because I feel it enables Esslemont to build to cliffhangers and climaxes way more often than is typical in a book. This gives it more of a serial feel that actually kept me reading more and longer, because I kept wondering what was going to happen next. Add in the way he tends to subtly interweave the stories as they approach their conclusion, and it reads more like a Guy Ritchie movie than anything else.
My new favorite fantasy culture
Orb Sceptre Throne also spends a lot more time focusing on a people that are comparatively minor characters in the rest of the series: The Seguleh, a warrior people with an incredibly rigid societal structure. All members of Seguleh society that go armed have “taken up the sword” and are part of a ranking system that imposes a strict hierarchy upon them. Each Seguleh warrior will submit to the orders of any higher ranked, unless they wish to challenge that person for their rank. Battles of rank are almost never lethal, as their skill is so high that it is obvious almost immediately who is the superior warrior. The Seguleh warriors also wear masks displaying their rank, which become more simple and unmarked as they rise in authority. They are referred to by rank rather than name, so the fifth ranked Seguleh is named “The Fifth” or “Fifth.”
This kind of culture fascinates me, as does their portrayal as being almost legendarily skilled. Several characters who know very well what they are doing in a fight consider the possibility of an army of Seguleh to be absolutely terrifying. Fearless veterans come across the Third of the Seguleh and basically crap their pants. Readers of The Malazan Book of the Fallen may recall that Anomander Rake, the Son of Darkness, who is one of the most legendary and skilled warriors in the world, found himself ranked as only Seventh among these people.
It was so great to finally see a book that featured them more heavily, and this contributed quite a lot to my enjoyment and the accompanying high rating I’ve assigned this book. If, by some magical confluence of events, Steven Erikson or Ian Esslemont ever see this review: give us a whole book about the Seguleh!
Why should you read this book?
There really isn’t much NOT to like in this book. The characters are fantastic, the story is fantastic, the world is beyond fantastic. You might find it a little confusing if this is your first book in the world of Malaz, though. It could be read as a stand-alone but would contain some pretty heavy spoilers for the parts of The Malazan Book of the Fallen that take place in the same part of the world.
For a continuation to a truly epic fantasy series, it lives up absolutely to the others, and is worth a read for anybody who wants to fall into a world and not ever want to come back.
Orb Sceptre Throne is the fourth novel by Canadian archaeologist and writer Ian C. Esslemont. It is set in the world of The Malazan Book of the Fallen, a setting co-created by Esslemont and fellow Canadian Steven Erikson as a backdrop for role-playing games. Orb Sceptre Throne takes place in the city of Darujhistan after the events of The Malazan Book of the Fallen have concluded.
The world that keeps on giving
Say what you will about other fantasy epics; Erikson and Esslemont have done more with their world than any other series I can name. Esslemont is doing a marvelous job filling in the gaps in and around the events of Erikson’s 10-book epic. With each new volume, we learn more and more about this huge world (larger than Earth, in fact, if the various cartographers are to be trusted) and the incredible depth of its characters, societies, and peoples.
While several of Esslemont’s previous forays into the world of Malaz served as back story and “meanwhile over here” narrative, Orb Sceptre Throne takes events forward, and we see a return of some of the series’ most engaging and fascinating characters: The Warlord Caladan Brood, High Mage Tayschrenn, and everybody’s favorite Malazan marines, the Bridgeburners—or, at least, what is left of them. As usual, the characters find themselves embroiled in events of both small and world-sweeping import. Esslemont has no problems at all keeping up with the high bar Erikson set for phenomenal characterization and dialogue, which continue to set this world apart from so many others.
Many irons in the fire
One thing in Orb Sceptre Throne that might be taken as either a strength or a weakness, depending on your personal preference, is just how many different narratives are going on. I can count at least seven different story lines I’d consider distinct from one another in this book, which is only 600 pages in trade paperback. This can give the book a bit of a disjointed feel, like you’re skipping all over and never really settling into one story long enough to get invested. For people who have trouble keeping a lot of small details clear when they are being thrown at you quickly, that could really put you off this book and potentially the series as a whole.
Conversely, I, personally, really appreciate this writing technique because I feel it enables Esslemont to build to cliffhangers and climaxes way more often than is typical in a book. This gives it more of a serial feel that actually kept me reading more and longer, because I kept wondering what was going to happen next. Add in the way he tends to subtly interweave the stories as they approach their conclusion, and it reads more like a Guy Ritchie movie than anything else.
My new favorite fantasy culture
Orb Sceptre Throne also spends a lot more time focusing on a people that are comparatively minor characters in the rest of the series: The Seguleh, a warrior people with an incredibly rigid societal structure. All members of Seguleh society that go armed have “taken up the sword” and are part of a ranking system that imposes a strict hierarchy upon them. Each Seguleh warrior will submit to the orders of any higher ranked, unless they wish to challenge that person for their rank. Battles of rank are almost never lethal, as their skill is so high that it is obvious almost immediately who is the superior warrior. The Seguleh warriors also wear masks displaying their rank, which become more simple and unmarked as they rise in authority. They are referred to by rank rather than name, so the fifth ranked Seguleh is named “The Fifth” or “Fifth.”
This kind of culture fascinates me, as does their portrayal as being almost legendarily skilled. Several characters who know very well what they are doing in a fight consider the possibility of an army of Seguleh to be absolutely terrifying. Fearless veterans come across the Third of the Seguleh and basically crap their pants. Readers of The Malazan Book of the Fallen may recall that Anomander Rake, the Son of Darkness, who is one of the most legendary and skilled warriors in the world, found himself ranked as only Seventh among these people.
It was so great to finally see a book that featured them more heavily, and this contributed quite a lot to my enjoyment and the accompanying high rating I’ve assigned this book. If, by some magical confluence of events, Steven Erikson or Ian Esslemont ever see this review: give us a whole book about the Seguleh!
Why should you read this book?
There really isn’t much NOT to like in this book. The characters are fantastic, the story is fantastic, the world is beyond fantastic. You might find it a little confusing if this is your first book in the world of Malaz, though. It could be read as a stand-alone but would contain some pretty heavy spoilers for the parts of The Malazan Book of the Fallen that take place in the same part of the world.
For a continuation to a truly epic fantasy series, it lives up absolutely to the others, and is worth a read for anybody who wants to fall into a world and not ever want to come back.
May 9, 2016
Great work. You've got to read it for the jaw-dropping last page!
August 7, 2018
Easily the best of the Malazan Empire books so far.
May 22, 2021
Pues han hecho falta cuatro libros de Esslemont, pero finalmente en Orbe, cetro, trono; me ha dado la sensación de volver a estar en Malaz de verdad. Bueno, en el Malaz de El Libro de los Caídos, que evidentemente toda la obra de Esslemont es tan Malaz como la de Erikson. Es verdad que frente a La Noche de los Cuchillos, que me pareció más flojo, tanto El Regreso de la Guardia Carmesí como Empuñapiedras me habían convencido bastante más, y aún así, se me había quedado el regustillo de "no es lo mismo". Pero Orbe, cetro, trono me ha encantado.
En esta novela, Esslemont continúa la trama de Kiska y Leoman en búsqueda de Tayschrenn, pero el resto de las tramas son nuevas en El Imperio, el autor se aleja de la Guardia Carmesí, los Korelrianos, etc; y acude a tramas y personajes a los que ya habíamos conocido en El Libro de los Caídos: ni más ni menos que Darujhistan, el lugar donde comenzó El Libro de los Caídos en Los Jardines de la Luna; y retoma la historia justo tras los acontecimientos ocurridos en la ciudad en Doblan por los Mastines. Y quizá eso sea lo que le ha dado a este libro el "plus", la recuperación de esos personajes y esas tramas. Rallick y Torvald Nom, Barathol Mekhar, Vorcan, Kruppe, Envidia, Coll, Eje, Mezcla, Rapiña, Azogue... Son algunos de los personajes que se asoman de nuevo en las páginas de este libro, que se va a centrar en dos tramas. Por un lado, el saqueo de unas ruinas arqueológicas en las cercanías de Darujhistan va a despertar un antiguo mal legendario en la ciudad, un viejo mal que parece enraizarse en el origen de los exóticos y letales seguleh y el posible estallido de una guerra que quizá traiga la destrucción de la propia ciudad. Y por otro lado, al sur de Darujhistan, en la bahía de Coral Negro, la destrucción de Engendro de Luna ha provocado la aparición de una serie de islas llamadas Los Engendros, que atraen a muchos saqueadores en busca de joyas, riquezas, obras de arte... y quizá el mismísimo trono de la Oscuridad. Con estas dos historias, además de la de Kiska y Leoman, Esslemont construye una historia en la que vamos viendo como las tramas van confluyendo una sobre otra hasta un final explosivo... aunque quizá sea el punto más flojito de la novela, la verdad. Me ha dado la sensación de que no era un final "redondo", no tanto porque deje tramas semiabiertas como porque hay cosas que se me han quedado muy descolgadas, como la presencia por ejemplo de Azogue en los Engendros, que me ha dado la sensación de que era una excusa simplemente para hablar del antiguo dominio de Anomander Rake (a falta de saber la importancia que puedan tener personajes como Orquídea o Malakai en los futuros libros de El Imperio, habrá que esperar a ver si traducen Assail y El Jhistal para saberlo).
En fin, que para ser el último libro que voya poder leer de Malaz en una larga temporada que va a depender de lo que tarden en seguir traduciendo cosas, me ha dejado buen sabor de boca.
En esta novela, Esslemont continúa la trama de Kiska y Leoman en búsqueda de Tayschrenn, pero el resto de las tramas son nuevas en El Imperio, el autor se aleja de la Guardia Carmesí, los Korelrianos, etc; y acude a tramas y personajes a los que ya habíamos conocido en El Libro de los Caídos: ni más ni menos que Darujhistan, el lugar donde comenzó El Libro de los Caídos en Los Jardines de la Luna; y retoma la historia justo tras los acontecimientos ocurridos en la ciudad en Doblan por los Mastines. Y quizá eso sea lo que le ha dado a este libro el "plus", la recuperación de esos personajes y esas tramas. Rallick y Torvald Nom, Barathol Mekhar, Vorcan, Kruppe, Envidia, Coll, Eje, Mezcla, Rapiña, Azogue... Son algunos de los personajes que se asoman de nuevo en las páginas de este libro, que se va a centrar en dos tramas. Por un lado, el saqueo de unas ruinas arqueológicas en las cercanías de Darujhistan va a despertar un antiguo mal legendario en la ciudad, un viejo mal que parece enraizarse en el origen de los exóticos y letales seguleh y el posible estallido de una guerra que quizá traiga la destrucción de la propia ciudad. Y por otro lado, al sur de Darujhistan, en la bahía de Coral Negro, la destrucción de Engendro de Luna ha provocado la aparición de una serie de islas llamadas Los Engendros, que atraen a muchos saqueadores en busca de joyas, riquezas, obras de arte... y quizá el mismísimo trono de la Oscuridad. Con estas dos historias, además de la de Kiska y Leoman, Esslemont construye una historia en la que vamos viendo como las tramas van confluyendo una sobre otra hasta un final explosivo... aunque quizá sea el punto más flojito de la novela, la verdad. Me ha dado la sensación de que no era un final "redondo", no tanto porque deje tramas semiabiertas como porque hay cosas que se me han quedado muy descolgadas, como la presencia por ejemplo de Azogue en los Engendros, que me ha dado la sensación de que era una excusa simplemente para hablar del antiguo dominio de Anomander Rake (a falta de saber la importancia que puedan tener personajes como Orquídea o Malakai en los futuros libros de El Imperio, habrá que esperar a ver si traducen Assail y El Jhistal para saberlo).
En fin, que para ser el último libro que voya poder leer de Malaz en una larga temporada que va a depender de lo que tarden en seguir traduciendo cosas, me ha dejado buen sabor de boca.
October 5, 2017
The fourth book by I. C. Esslemont is a good addition to the Malazan world. It centres mainly around events in Darujhistan after what happened in Toll the Hounds (MBotF #8). We have the return of one of the Tyrants of old to Darujhistan. This return will set in motion a lot of other events; Moranth are fleeing the cities, the remaining Malazan army is being forced out of the cities and on an isle near the coast of Genabackis the return of the Tyrant also means a return of the Seguleh to the mainland. War is close at hand with Darujhistan and Genabackis at stake.
I feel this was definitely a good book, but it wasn't my favourite Esslemont so far. I still prefer the overall story of RotCG over this book although it had several flaws. The writing of this book was probably better and more consistent than his earlier books. I also felt that Esslemont added some very good emotional scenes in this book; a great improvement!
This book also had a ton of interesting characters! We have the usuals in Darujhistan; the former Bridgeburners Blend and Picker and a return of Spindle. The historian and Fisher are still the regulars in Krull's bar. For House Nom we have a return of Rallick and Torvald. And what would Darujhistan be without the magnanimous Kruppe! For once I even liked him a bit ... Also Scorch and Leff make their return and are responsible for the humorous note.
Caladan Brood makes a new appearance. There is Traveller who has retreated into a monastery after the terrible events in TTH and The Moranth and Seguleh also return to the story and are now fully introduced with some sort of a back story.
Conclusion:
Definitely a good addition to the Malazan world; good story, interesting events, good action, fun and interesting returning characters, some new interesting characters, ... Very fun read deserving 4 stars!!!
Rating: 8,5/10
I feel this was definitely a good book, but it wasn't my favourite Esslemont so far. I still prefer the overall story of RotCG over this book although it had several flaws. The writing of this book was probably better and more consistent than his earlier books. I also felt that Esslemont added some very good emotional scenes in this book; a great improvement!
This book also had a ton of interesting characters! We have the usuals in Darujhistan; the former Bridgeburners Blend and Picker and a return of Spindle. The historian and Fisher are still the regulars in Krull's bar. For House Nom we have a return of Rallick and Torvald. And what would Darujhistan be without the magnanimous Kruppe! For once I even liked him a bit ... Also Scorch and Leff make their return and are responsible for the humorous note.
Caladan Brood makes a new appearance. There is Traveller who has retreated into a monastery after the terrible events in TTH and The Moranth and Seguleh also return to the story and are now fully introduced with some sort of a back story.
Conclusion:
Definitely a good addition to the Malazan world; good story, interesting events, good action, fun and interesting returning characters, some new interesting characters, ... Very fun read deserving 4 stars!!!
Rating: 8,5/10
June 15, 2012
This is a terrific addition to the Malazan series. It's action packed, full of information fans have been waiting for for years, and Kruppe!
In this book more than any of his previous ones, Esslemont is writing directly on the heels of Erikson. This is, essentially, a sequel to Erikson's Toll the Hounds, and it has been pined for almost as much as that novel about *hushed whisper*Assail*hushed whisper*. Fans ought not to be disappointed, but fantasy fans are like metal fans. They're a bunch of arrogant assholes.
That rant aside, there's a perfect balance of suspense, mystery, horror, and humour throughout the book. The battle scenes themselves, which I've always though Esslemont did better than Erikson, are just amazing, even more so since a few involve Seguleh... and the Malazan trope of having 'stronger' races get owned by weaker ones is not used in those cases.
There are, of course, still the standard "I must do this" "Noooo! Ok, I understand..." Reader:"What the bloody-hell is going on?" fare that one should expect with Esslemont novels... developments that ought to keep the fan busy until the next installment that may be released this year!
In this book more than any of his previous ones, Esslemont is writing directly on the heels of Erikson. This is, essentially, a sequel to Erikson's Toll the Hounds, and it has been pined for almost as much as that novel about *hushed whisper*Assail*hushed whisper*. Fans ought not to be disappointed, but fantasy fans are like metal fans. They're a bunch of arrogant assholes.
That rant aside, there's a perfect balance of suspense, mystery, horror, and humour throughout the book. The battle scenes themselves, which I've always though Esslemont did better than Erikson, are just amazing, even more so since a few involve Seguleh... and the Malazan trope of having 'stronger' races get owned by weaker ones is not used in those cases.
There are, of course, still the standard "I must do this" "Noooo! Ok, I understand..." Reader:"What the bloody-hell is going on?" fare that one should expect with Esslemont novels... developments that ought to keep the fan busy until the next installment that may be released this year!
September 18, 2024
2nd read. This, and RotCG are clearly the best books in Esslemont's Malazan Empire novels (excluding the Path to Ascendancy trilogy which I'm haven't read yet).
He gives us a satisfying continuation of Erikson's Toll the Hounds, explores the interesting relations between Darujhistan, the Seguleh and the Moranth, and even takes us to Moon's Spawn. And he also manages to finish the arc of huge characters like Traveller and Tayschrenn. There's some sweet Kruppe revenge and Torvald Nom shenanigans in there, too. Seriously, this book is awesome.
He gives us a satisfying continuation of Erikson's Toll the Hounds, explores the interesting relations between Darujhistan, the Seguleh and the Moranth, and even takes us to Moon's Spawn. And he also manages to finish the arc of huge characters like Traveller and Tayschrenn. There's some sweet Kruppe revenge and Torvald Nom shenanigans in there, too. Seriously, this book is awesome.
May 25, 2014
Finally, Ian! Finally!
I really enjoyed this Malazan novel. It took me back to some of my favorite characters and their colorful language, not to mention, humor throughout the entire book.
Scorch, Leff, Studlock, Spindle, Antsy, Raest, Raest's cat, and more and more - you are the best!
And friend Kruppe, how would that city manage without you?
I really enjoyed this Malazan novel. It took me back to some of my favorite characters and their colorful language, not to mention, humor throughout the entire book.
Scorch, Leff, Studlock, Spindle, Antsy, Raest, Raest's cat, and more and more - you are the best!
And friend Kruppe, how would that city manage without you?
January 6, 2021
Este es el primer libro de Esslemont que casi alcanza mis 5 estrellas, pero lamentablemente se queda un poco por debajo. A pesar de ello considero que es lo mejor que he leído de su obra. Desde luego no era difícil que me encandilara teniendo en cuenta que la acción transcurre en Genabakis, mi continente favorito; aprendemos más sobre la sociedad de los seguleh; aparecen personajes conocidos como el gran Kruppe y Rallick Nom (uno de mis personajes favoritos y uno de los más maltratados por Erikson)...
La trama se centra en Darujhistan, donde surge una amenaza proveniente del pasado (otra vez) que provocará el caos en la ciudad y en el continente, convocando al pueblo seguleh y avivando las aún no extintas brasas de la guerra con los moranthianos, sus enemigos ancestrales. Todo esto afectando al ejército malazano apostado en el continente.
Paralelamente, mucha gente se aventura a explorar los restos de la antigua fortaleza flotante Engendro de Luna en busca de riquezas ocultas, y Azogue, un soldado malazano retirado, irá a hacer lo propio para asegurarse un buen plan de jubilación.
Por último, y por ello menos importante, está la típica continuación de la historia de Kiska, esta vez en busca del mago supremo Tayschrenn, todo junto a la inestimable (nótese el sarcasmo) compañía de Leoman de los Mayales.
En general todas las tramas son bastante interesantes. A mí personalmente siempre me ha encantado Darujhistan. Me imagino a la ciudad como uno de los lugares más bellos del mundo malazano, con interesantes arquitecturas y ese fuego azul. Además nos acompañan personajes ya conocidos al principio de la saga y a los que yo guardo especial cariño. Rallick Nom fue mi personaje favorito en Los jardines de la Luna y siempre deseé verlo más inmerso en la acción. En Doblan por los mastines tuve la oportunidad de volver a encontrarme con él, pero lamentablemente sus apariciones fueron escasas y no de gran importancia en la trama. En el libro que nos ocupa no ha sido así. Sin ser tampoco del todo protagonista sí he sentido que ha tenido apariciones memorables y una especie de "cierre" para su arco. Aunque no volviera a aparecer yo ya estaría satisfecho con el personaje.
También aparecen otros personajes conocidos residentes en Darujhistan como Barathol o Lady Envidia, y aunque ha estado bien saber de ellos no me interesaban tanto. Lo que sí me ha dolido un poco ha sido el nulo uso de personajes relevantes de la saga como Karsa. No pedía que apareciera cercenando cabezas de mastines, pero qué menos que un emotivo reencuentro con Torvald. En fin...
En los libros de Esslemont suele aparecer un punto de vista de un soldado novato del ejército malazano. En El regreso de La Guardia Carmesí fue Noche (o cabo Miedica), en Empuñapiedras fue un dalhonesio cuyo nombre no recuerdo y en Orbe Cetro Trono tenemos a Carnicero, un pandillero de tres al cuarto de un pueblo cercano a Darujhistan, brutal en sus métodos debido a una vida repleta de miseria y que se alista en el ejército malazano para huir de la justicia. De todos ellos este es el que más me ha gustado, a pesar de que diría que es el que menos apariciones tiene. Desde su punto de vista viviremos las batallas en primera persona, pues qué sería de Malaz sin mancharse un poco de barro.
Sin duda lo mejor del libro es enterarse de cómo funciona la sociedad de los seguleh, un pueblo con una cultura basada en el honor y la lucha y que posee a algunos de los mejores espadachines del mundo de Wu (aprende, Rothfuss). Como curiosidad, Erikson confirmó que los seguleh fueron invención completa de Esslemont (textualmente "su bebé").
Por otro lado, los moranthianos no se quedan atrás. Un pueblo que domesticó a unas criaturas voladoras parecidas a insectos, que llevan armaduras con colores que delatan su rango (paralelamente a las máscaras de los seguleh) y que han dominado el arte de la confección de explosivos a partir de elevadas técnicas alquímicas.
La trama que más me aburrió fue la de Kiska, que me sigue pareciendo un personaje bastante insoportable. Además tampoco soporto a Leoman. Por campechano que quiera aparentar ser jamás olvidaré las atrocidades que cometió.
Respecto a la parte de Azogue, me siento bastante satisfecho con ella, ya que Azogue nunca fue de mis abrasapuentes favoritos y en este libro he empatizado y simpatizado mucho con él. Quizás haya demasiados paralelismos con Violín, pero aun así creo que es un buen personaje por méritos propios. Aunque el final de su trama me pareció algo apresurado.
Y como punto negativo quisiera señalar el estilo de Esslemont. No sé hasta qué punto sería culpa suya o de la traducción, pero en muchas ocasiones las oraciones eran ambiguas. Entiendo que el Esslemont intenta emular a Erikson en su estilo críptico, pero me parece que no le sale del todo bien. Una cosa es hacerte pensar para enterarte de lo que está ocurriendo y otra muy distinta es no ser capaz de distinguir quién está hablando o quién ha hecho qué cuando hay varios personajes en una sala. No es nada grave, porque por contexto más o menos se acaba aclarando todo, pero me ponía un poco de los nervios.
Y eso sería todo. En general ha sido un buen libro y me plantearía ponerlo por encima de Los jardines de la Luna (a falta de una relectura de este último para tener una perspectiva más amplia).
La trama se centra en Darujhistan, donde surge una amenaza proveniente del pasado (otra vez) que provocará el caos en la ciudad y en el continente, convocando al pueblo seguleh y avivando las aún no extintas brasas de la guerra con los moranthianos, sus enemigos ancestrales. Todo esto afectando al ejército malazano apostado en el continente.
Paralelamente, mucha gente se aventura a explorar los restos de la antigua fortaleza flotante Engendro de Luna en busca de riquezas ocultas, y Azogue, un soldado malazano retirado, irá a hacer lo propio para asegurarse un buen plan de jubilación.
Por último, y por ello menos importante, está la típica continuación de la historia de Kiska, esta vez en busca del mago supremo Tayschrenn, todo junto a la inestimable (nótese el sarcasmo) compañía de Leoman de los Mayales.
En general todas las tramas son bastante interesantes. A mí personalmente siempre me ha encantado Darujhistan. Me imagino a la ciudad como uno de los lugares más bellos del mundo malazano, con interesantes arquitecturas y ese fuego azul. Además nos acompañan personajes ya conocidos al principio de la saga y a los que yo guardo especial cariño. Rallick Nom fue mi personaje favorito en Los jardines de la Luna y siempre deseé verlo más inmerso en la acción. En Doblan por los mastines tuve la oportunidad de volver a encontrarme con él, pero lamentablemente sus apariciones fueron escasas y no de gran importancia en la trama. En el libro que nos ocupa no ha sido así. Sin ser tampoco del todo protagonista sí he sentido que ha tenido apariciones memorables y una especie de "cierre" para su arco. Aunque no volviera a aparecer yo ya estaría satisfecho con el personaje.
También aparecen otros personajes conocidos residentes en Darujhistan como Barathol o Lady Envidia, y aunque ha estado bien saber de ellos no me interesaban tanto. Lo que sí me ha dolido un poco ha sido el nulo uso de personajes relevantes de la saga como Karsa. No pedía que apareciera cercenando cabezas de mastines, pero qué menos que un emotivo reencuentro con Torvald. En fin...
En los libros de Esslemont suele aparecer un punto de vista de un soldado novato del ejército malazano. En El regreso de La Guardia Carmesí fue Noche (o cabo Miedica), en Empuñapiedras fue un dalhonesio cuyo nombre no recuerdo y en Orbe Cetro Trono tenemos a Carnicero, un pandillero de tres al cuarto de un pueblo cercano a Darujhistan, brutal en sus métodos debido a una vida repleta de miseria y que se alista en el ejército malazano para huir de la justicia. De todos ellos este es el que más me ha gustado, a pesar de que diría que es el que menos apariciones tiene. Desde su punto de vista viviremos las batallas en primera persona, pues qué sería de Malaz sin mancharse un poco de barro.
Sin duda lo mejor del libro es enterarse de cómo funciona la sociedad de los seguleh, un pueblo con una cultura basada en el honor y la lucha y que posee a algunos de los mejores espadachines del mundo de Wu (aprende, Rothfuss). Como curiosidad, Erikson confirmó que los seguleh fueron invención completa de Esslemont (textualmente "su bebé").
Por otro lado, los moranthianos no se quedan atrás. Un pueblo que domesticó a unas criaturas voladoras parecidas a insectos, que llevan armaduras con colores que delatan su rango (paralelamente a las máscaras de los seguleh) y que han dominado el arte de la confección de explosivos a partir de elevadas técnicas alquímicas.
La trama que más me aburrió fue la de Kiska, que me sigue pareciendo un personaje bastante insoportable. Además tampoco soporto a Leoman. Por campechano que quiera aparentar ser jamás olvidaré las atrocidades que cometió.
Respecto a la parte de Azogue, me siento bastante satisfecho con ella, ya que Azogue nunca fue de mis abrasapuentes favoritos y en este libro he empatizado y simpatizado mucho con él. Quizás haya demasiados paralelismos con Violín, pero aun así creo que es un buen personaje por méritos propios. Aunque el final de su trama me pareció algo apresurado.
Y como punto negativo quisiera señalar el estilo de Esslemont. No sé hasta qué punto sería culpa suya o de la traducción, pero en muchas ocasiones las oraciones eran ambiguas. Entiendo que el Esslemont intenta emular a Erikson en su estilo críptico, pero me parece que no le sale del todo bien. Una cosa es hacerte pensar para enterarte de lo que está ocurriendo y otra muy distinta es no ser capaz de distinguir quién está hablando o quién ha hecho qué cuando hay varios personajes en una sala. No es nada grave, porque por contexto más o menos se acaba aclarando todo, pero me ponía un poco de los nervios.
Y eso sería todo. En general ha sido un buen libro y me plantearía ponerlo por encima de Los jardines de la Luna (a falta de una relectura de este último para tener una perspectiva más amplia).
August 9, 2018
The best book in this series so far.
November 8, 2024
اون قسمتی که وارد مهزاد میشیم 🥲😍
March 20, 2025
Jak zakochałem się w Darudżystanie po raz kolejny
Kocham Darudżystan. Powtórzę jeszcze raz – KOCHAM DARUDŻYSTAN. To miasto, które jest dla mnie jak paczka czekoladek – niby wiesz, co dostaniesz, ale i tak za każdym razem zaskoczy cię coś nowego. Darudżystan. Miasto cudów, miasto chaosu, miasto, w którym możesz znaleźć skarb, stracić życie i spotkać boga – wszystko w tej samej karczmie. Nie da się nie kochać Darudżystanu. To nie jest jakaś tam metropolia fantasy z generatorem losowych ulic i bezosobowymi NPC-ami. To miasto jest bohaterem samym w sobie, pełnym osobowości, mroku i humoru. Gdy inne miasta toną w ciemnościach, Darudżystan rozświetla się nocą jak jakaś starożytna wersja Las Vegas. Ale niech cię to nie zwiedzie – pod tym pięknym światłem kryje się miasto, gdzie każde słowo może być pułapką, a każdy uśmiech może być preludium do zdrady.
Nie byłoby Darudżystanu bez jego niekończących się intryg. To miasto pełne jest gildii, tajnych organizacji i szemranych handlarzy, z których każdy ma swój plan na przyszłość (i prawdopodobnie zakłada on eliminację konkurencji). A skoro już o złocie mowa – barony, posiadłości i pałace możnych w Darudżystanie są równie istotne, co jego podziemia pełne starych ruin i tajemniczych grobowców. W końcu to miasto było tu od wieków i nie raz zmieniało właścicieli.
A skoro o podziemiach mowa... W pobliżu Darudżystanu znajdują się starożytne grobowce, w których lepiej nie grzebać. Oczywiście, mieszkańcy miasta nigdy nie wyciągają wniosków i zawsze ktoś postanawia otworzyć barrow, co kończy się kolejną magiczną katastrofą, najazdem nieumarłych lub przebudzeniem jakiegoś zapomnianego bóstwa. Ale hej, to tylko kolejny dzień w Darudżystanie!
Dlaczego Darudżystan to najlepsze miasto fantasy?
Bo jest żywy. Nie jest tylko tłem dla wydarzeń – to aktywny uczestnik fabuły, pełen tajemnic, absurdalnych zbiegów okoliczności i humoru, który idealnie pasuje do ponurej rzeczywistości Malazańskiego świata. Jeśli miałbym zamieszkać w jednym miejscu z całego uniwersum, to chyba tylko tutaj – pod warunkiem, że miałbym dobrą polisę ubezpieczeniową i umiejętność błyskawicznego uciekania w razie kłopotów. Jednak te miasto uświadamia mi, że kocham "żywe" miejsca wydarzeń.
O co tu właściwie chodzi?
Akcja "Jabłko, Berło, Tron" dzieje się po zakończeniu "Malazańskiej Księgi Poległych", czyli wielkiego cyklu Stevena Eriksona. Większość książek Esslemonta do tej pory skupiała się na miejscach, o których Erikson mówił raczej "mamy to w planach, ale nie mamy budżetu". Tym razem jednak ICE bierze na warsztat legendarny Darudżystan – miasto intryg, alchemii i ludzi z niepokojąco elastycznym podejściem do moralności.
Oczywiście, jak to u Esslemonta, jest tu więcej wątków niż w operze mydlanej emitowanej od 50 lat. Ale to dobrze! W końcu, jeśli nie gubisz się co chwilę w fabule książki z uniwersum Malazańskiego, to pewnie czytasz coś innego.
Seguleh! Seguleh wszędzie!
Największą gwiazdą tej książki są oczywiście Seguleh – wojownicy, którzy mają w sobie coś z legendarnych samurajów, ale w wersji "ale co, jeśli weźmiemy ich honor na serio?". Ich społeczność to ranking najlepszych wojowników, gdzie każdy może rzucić wyzwanie komuś wyżej i awansować. Proste? Niby tak, ale kiedy do Darudżystanu przybywa trójka Seguleh, robi się ciekawiej niż na czarnym rynku artefaktów K’rula.
Kruppe... czy na pewno Kruppe?
Jedyny problem? Kruppe. No dobra, nie on sam, ale to, jak ICE go napisał. Kruppe, który u Eriksona był genialnym, knującym żartownisiem o niewyparzonym języku, tutaj brzmi trochę jak... jego własny kuzyn po przejściach. Dialogi, które powinny być złotem, momentami wypadają płasko, jakby Esslemont próbował, ale nie do końca czuł tę postać.
Dlaczego 4.5/5?
Bo Esslemont robi robotę. Nie jest Eriksonem i nie musi być. Tworzy świetne historie, a to, że nie ma tej samej poetyckości w stylu, to w sumie niewielka cena za możliwość wracania do tego świata. "Jabłko, Berło, Tron" to doskonała książka, wciągająca, epicka i pełna wszystkiego, co kocham w Malazie. Darudżystan znowu wymiata, Seguleh robią swoje, historia wciąga, a Esslemont udowadnia, że nawet stojąc w cieniu Eriksona, potrafi błyszczeć.
Kocham Darudżystan. Powtórzę jeszcze raz – KOCHAM DARUDŻYSTAN. To miasto, które jest dla mnie jak paczka czekoladek – niby wiesz, co dostaniesz, ale i tak za każdym razem zaskoczy cię coś nowego. Darudżystan. Miasto cudów, miasto chaosu, miasto, w którym możesz znaleźć skarb, stracić życie i spotkać boga – wszystko w tej samej karczmie. Nie da się nie kochać Darudżystanu. To nie jest jakaś tam metropolia fantasy z generatorem losowych ulic i bezosobowymi NPC-ami. To miasto jest bohaterem samym w sobie, pełnym osobowości, mroku i humoru. Gdy inne miasta toną w ciemnościach, Darudżystan rozświetla się nocą jak jakaś starożytna wersja Las Vegas. Ale niech cię to nie zwiedzie – pod tym pięknym światłem kryje się miasto, gdzie każde słowo może być pułapką, a każdy uśmiech może być preludium do zdrady.
Nie byłoby Darudżystanu bez jego niekończących się intryg. To miasto pełne jest gildii, tajnych organizacji i szemranych handlarzy, z których każdy ma swój plan na przyszłość (i prawdopodobnie zakłada on eliminację konkurencji). A skoro już o złocie mowa – barony, posiadłości i pałace możnych w Darudżystanie są równie istotne, co jego podziemia pełne starych ruin i tajemniczych grobowców. W końcu to miasto było tu od wieków i nie raz zmieniało właścicieli.
A skoro o podziemiach mowa... W pobliżu Darudżystanu znajdują się starożytne grobowce, w których lepiej nie grzebać. Oczywiście, mieszkańcy miasta nigdy nie wyciągają wniosków i zawsze ktoś postanawia otworzyć barrow, co kończy się kolejną magiczną katastrofą, najazdem nieumarłych lub przebudzeniem jakiegoś zapomnianego bóstwa. Ale hej, to tylko kolejny dzień w Darudżystanie!
Dlaczego Darudżystan to najlepsze miasto fantasy?
Bo jest żywy. Nie jest tylko tłem dla wydarzeń – to aktywny uczestnik fabuły, pełen tajemnic, absurdalnych zbiegów okoliczności i humoru, który idealnie pasuje do ponurej rzeczywistości Malazańskiego świata. Jeśli miałbym zamieszkać w jednym miejscu z całego uniwersum, to chyba tylko tutaj – pod warunkiem, że miałbym dobrą polisę ubezpieczeniową i umiejętność błyskawicznego uciekania w razie kłopotów. Jednak te miasto uświadamia mi, że kocham "żywe" miejsca wydarzeń.
O co tu właściwie chodzi?
Akcja "Jabłko, Berło, Tron" dzieje się po zakończeniu "Malazańskiej Księgi Poległych", czyli wielkiego cyklu Stevena Eriksona. Większość książek Esslemonta do tej pory skupiała się na miejscach, o których Erikson mówił raczej "mamy to w planach, ale nie mamy budżetu". Tym razem jednak ICE bierze na warsztat legendarny Darudżystan – miasto intryg, alchemii i ludzi z niepokojąco elastycznym podejściem do moralności.
Oczywiście, jak to u Esslemonta, jest tu więcej wątków niż w operze mydlanej emitowanej od 50 lat. Ale to dobrze! W końcu, jeśli nie gubisz się co chwilę w fabule książki z uniwersum Malazańskiego, to pewnie czytasz coś innego.
Seguleh! Seguleh wszędzie!
Największą gwiazdą tej książki są oczywiście Seguleh – wojownicy, którzy mają w sobie coś z legendarnych samurajów, ale w wersji "ale co, jeśli weźmiemy ich honor na serio?". Ich społeczność to ranking najlepszych wojowników, gdzie każdy może rzucić wyzwanie komuś wyżej i awansować. Proste? Niby tak, ale kiedy do Darudżystanu przybywa trójka Seguleh, robi się ciekawiej niż na czarnym rynku artefaktów K’rula.
Kruppe... czy na pewno Kruppe?
Jedyny problem? Kruppe. No dobra, nie on sam, ale to, jak ICE go napisał. Kruppe, który u Eriksona był genialnym, knującym żartownisiem o niewyparzonym języku, tutaj brzmi trochę jak... jego własny kuzyn po przejściach. Dialogi, które powinny być złotem, momentami wypadają płasko, jakby Esslemont próbował, ale nie do końca czuł tę postać.
Dlaczego 4.5/5?
Bo Esslemont robi robotę. Nie jest Eriksonem i nie musi być. Tworzy świetne historie, a to, że nie ma tej samej poetyckości w stylu, to w sumie niewielka cena za możliwość wracania do tego świata. "Jabłko, Berło, Tron" to doskonała książka, wciągająca, epicka i pełna wszystkiego, co kocham w Malazie. Darudżystan znowu wymiata, Seguleh robią swoje, historia wciąga, a Esslemont udowadnia, że nawet stojąc w cieniu Eriksona, potrafi błyszczeć.
November 25, 2016
While the first half of the story contained some disjointed story jumping very reminiscent of the start of Return of the Crimson Guard, Esslemont delivered in bringing together a fantastic story that finished with a bang! Some touching scenes, many intense battles, and Kruppe.
Without ruining anything and giving too much away, the Seguleh sections were the standouts, some old characters are new again, and this story meshes more intimately with the Book of the Fallen series than previous ICE instalments. Esselmont stumbles with Kruppe's dialogue a bit, while with Erikson it felt smoother, but overall the book is fantastic.
If you haven't read this yet, I would recommend for it to be read following the recommended reading order.
Without ruining anything and giving too much away, the Seguleh sections were the standouts, some old characters are new again, and this story meshes more intimately with the Book of the Fallen series than previous ICE instalments. Esselmont stumbles with Kruppe's dialogue a bit, while with Erikson it felt smoother, but overall the book is fantastic.
If you haven't read this yet, I would recommend for it to be read following the recommended reading order.
August 14, 2025
We're so back, that was awesome. Good job Mr Esslemont. One of the best paced books of Malazan for sure and the convergence was badass as hell. Getting lots of lore about factions we don't learn a lot about in the main series was also greatly appreciated and satisfying. We get a lot of familiar faces here too which helps.
February 5, 2018
[Second read 2018]
I'll have a proper review up later but I just wanted to mention the atrocious editing of this edition. It should be a crime that anything so poorly edited ever saw the light of day. The examples are too numerous to list but here are three:
"Bride" instead of "bridge."
Chapter nineteen's heading was "IXX."
At one point, the character Blend is identified as "Blood."
And then there are dropped words, fragments and sentences that make no sense.
________________________________
Night of Knives continues to reign, IMO, as Ian Esslemont’s (ICE) best novel to date. It’s a tightly written story that focuses on a small cast of characters and a specific point in time and space. But Orb, Sceptre, Throne is at least as good as Return of the Crimson Guard and much better than the disappointing Stonewielder. It would be pointless to try and distill the plot in a few paragraphs because ICE is constantly shifting among several – Darujhistan's plight under a resurrected tyrant; the Seguleh and the Moranth; Antsy’s adventures in the ruins of Moon’s Spawn; and Kiska, Leoman and Tayschrenn on the Shores of Creation. For me, that’s the chief weakness of the novel – there is no focus. I say this having read and being an ardent fan of Steve Erikson’s (SE) Malazan Book of the Fallen, whose 10, 700+ page books are poster children for Sprawling Epic Syndrome (SES), and many of whose readers despair at the insanely complicated mishmash of stories and cast of thousands. But there is a focus. It’s not terribly clear, particularly in the first half of the series, but it becomes ever more so as time goes on and the myriad plots become ever more directly associated with it – dealing with the Crippled God. I don’t see any focus in ICE’s series so far. Night of Knives takes place at the end of Kellanved’s reign, Return of the Crimson Guard takes place at the end of Laseen’s, Stonewielder drags us off to Korelri, and the present volume jumps to yet another continent – Genebackis. There are few common characters and the various tales are rushed because ICE doesn’t spend enough time developing them. This is evident in the Moon’s Spawn arc, for example. This thread reads most like a role-playing-game session as Antsy, a former sergeant of the Bridgeburners, journeys south to where Moon’s Spawn – former Tiste Andii citadel and present tomb of the Bridgeburners, who have ascended to take Hood’s place as King of High House Death – has settled in the sea. There he falls in with a motley band of treasure hunters – Malakai, a sorcerer and thief; Corien Lim, a scion of a Daru noble family; and Orchid, a young woman who turns out to have a connection with the Tiste Andii. They enter the "dungeon" of Moon’s Spawn, advance through a series of encounters, reach the last room and recover the treasure.
SE has the skill (again, IMO, others may [and do] hold different ones) to weave his threads together and keep the reader interested. ICE’s strengths as a writer, though, shine through when he stays focused on a limited number of characters on a smaller stage. Night of Knives was so good because you spent most of the novel in the company of Kiska or Temper, two interesting characters, and the action centered around Laseen’s accession and Kellanved’s ascension to Shadow. Not so much in the later novels, where too many characters are introduced who don’t stand out. Another strength of SE is that he can create memorable characters in a short space (Tattersail, Whiskeyjack, Sorry, Trull Sengar, Kruppe and Karsa Orlong, among many more). ICE needs more time, which he doesn’t give himself.
I persevere, however. It’s the Malazan Empire and environs, one of my favorite fantasy milieux. Hopefully, ICE will get back to the strengths he exhibited in Night of Knives. In the meantime, I can live with the writing and the books continue to be a reasonably enjoyable tidbit of brain candy.
I'll have a proper review up later but I just wanted to mention the atrocious editing of this edition. It should be a crime that anything so poorly edited ever saw the light of day. The examples are too numerous to list but here are three:
"Bride" instead of "bridge."
Chapter nineteen's heading was "IXX."
At one point, the character Blend is identified as "Blood."
And then there are dropped words, fragments and sentences that make no sense.
________________________________
Night of Knives continues to reign, IMO, as Ian Esslemont’s (ICE) best novel to date. It’s a tightly written story that focuses on a small cast of characters and a specific point in time and space. But Orb, Sceptre, Throne is at least as good as Return of the Crimson Guard and much better than the disappointing Stonewielder. It would be pointless to try and distill the plot in a few paragraphs because ICE is constantly shifting among several – Darujhistan's plight under a resurrected tyrant; the Seguleh and the Moranth; Antsy’s adventures in the ruins of Moon’s Spawn; and Kiska, Leoman and Tayschrenn on the Shores of Creation. For me, that’s the chief weakness of the novel – there is no focus. I say this having read and being an ardent fan of Steve Erikson’s (SE) Malazan Book of the Fallen, whose 10, 700+ page books are poster children for Sprawling Epic Syndrome (SES), and many of whose readers despair at the insanely complicated mishmash of stories and cast of thousands. But there is a focus. It’s not terribly clear, particularly in the first half of the series, but it becomes ever more so as time goes on and the myriad plots become ever more directly associated with it – dealing with the Crippled God. I don’t see any focus in ICE’s series so far. Night of Knives takes place at the end of Kellanved’s reign, Return of the Crimson Guard takes place at the end of Laseen’s, Stonewielder drags us off to Korelri, and the present volume jumps to yet another continent – Genebackis. There are few common characters and the various tales are rushed because ICE doesn’t spend enough time developing them. This is evident in the Moon’s Spawn arc, for example. This thread reads most like a role-playing-game session as Antsy, a former sergeant of the Bridgeburners, journeys south to where Moon’s Spawn – former Tiste Andii citadel and present tomb of the Bridgeburners, who have ascended to take Hood’s place as King of High House Death – has settled in the sea. There he falls in with a motley band of treasure hunters – Malakai, a sorcerer and thief; Corien Lim, a scion of a Daru noble family; and Orchid, a young woman who turns out to have a connection with the Tiste Andii. They enter the "dungeon" of Moon’s Spawn, advance through a series of encounters, reach the last room and recover the treasure.
SE has the skill (again, IMO, others may [and do] hold different ones) to weave his threads together and keep the reader interested. ICE’s strengths as a writer, though, shine through when he stays focused on a limited number of characters on a smaller stage. Night of Knives was so good because you spent most of the novel in the company of Kiska or Temper, two interesting characters, and the action centered around Laseen’s accession and Kellanved’s ascension to Shadow. Not so much in the later novels, where too many characters are introduced who don’t stand out. Another strength of SE is that he can create memorable characters in a short space (Tattersail, Whiskeyjack, Sorry, Trull Sengar, Kruppe and Karsa Orlong, among many more). ICE needs more time, which he doesn’t give himself.
I persevere, however. It’s the Malazan Empire and environs, one of my favorite fantasy milieux. Hopefully, ICE will get back to the strengths he exhibited in Night of Knives. In the meantime, I can live with the writing and the books continue to be a reasonably enjoyable tidbit of brain candy.
October 9, 2018
One of the most well deserved 5 star rating.. well done Esslemont !
From beginning to end, this book kept me on the edge. The story never slacked, and things keep happening right from the beginning. The climax built up nicely, and didn't end abruptly. It's a Malazan world story, so there was no happy ending, but still left me satisfied.
Esslemont is brilliant at developing his characters. The way he lays out their thoughts and conversations helps you understand why is someone doing what he/she is doing. And this time, the characters he chose were those who have been built up from the first book - Seguleh and Moranth. They are as awesome as we expected them to be. There are also others whose stories continue from where they were left off in the main series - Baruk, Fisher, Envy, Brood, Raest, Kruppe, Antsy and his Bridgeburners, a mysterious servant of the monastery, and of course Leff and Scorch.
A lot of histories are revealed mainly around Darujhistan, but few still remain (who is this Kruppe exactly?). Feels like the story will return to this Blue City again.
The two things I think Esslemont missed
Overall, a great fantasy thriller. Totally recommended to every Malazan fan.
From beginning to end, this book kept me on the edge. The story never slacked, and things keep happening right from the beginning. The climax built up nicely, and didn't end abruptly. It's a Malazan world story, so there was no happy ending, but still left me satisfied.
Esslemont is brilliant at developing his characters. The way he lays out their thoughts and conversations helps you understand why is someone doing what he/she is doing. And this time, the characters he chose were those who have been built up from the first book - Seguleh and Moranth. They are as awesome as we expected them to be. There are also others whose stories continue from where they were left off in the main series - Baruk, Fisher, Envy, Brood, Raest, Kruppe, Antsy and his Bridgeburners, a mysterious servant of the monastery, and of course Leff and Scorch.
A lot of histories are revealed mainly around Darujhistan, but few still remain (who is this Kruppe exactly?). Feels like the story will return to this Blue City again.
The two things I think Esslemont missed
Overall, a great fantasy thriller. Totally recommended to every Malazan fan.
June 7, 2016
Well, I know that some folks didn't find Orb Sceptre Throne all that satisfying, but I sure as hell did! This book slots right into the Malazan world and more than holds its own. Esslemont's writing just continues to improve with each offering, and this one is a dandy. Esslemont returns us to one of my favorite stages in the whole series--Darujhistan. There's just something about this city and its denizens that I love. We get to rub elbows again with Picker, Blend, Duiker, Rallick and Torvald Nom, Antsy, Scorch, Leff, Barathol Mekhar and Scillara, Baruk and his demon Chillbais, and even good old lovable Kruppe. There are some great plot threads in this novel that actually shed a lot of light on events from Steven Erikson's Toll the Hounds, and some events even as far back as Gardens of the Moon and Memories of Ice; and Esslemont can sure write battle scenes (Oh, and did I mention that you learn a whole lot more about the Seguleh? Yup! Great stuff!). At some point I've simply got to settle back in my easy chair and and spend a few months and just reread the entire series in the order that Erikson and Esslemont intended. I just gotta believe that it'd be a really special experience. Anyway, I enjoyed Orb Sceptre Throne so much that I am now going to reread Toll the Hounds. Like I said, I love Darujhistan! Good work Ian, keep 'em coming!
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