Malazan Book of the Fallen Reading Order

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and complex fantasy series ever written. Penned by Canadian author Steven Erikson, the ten-book saga unfolds a rich tapestry of gods, mortals, empires, magic, and war that rivals (and often surpasses) the depth of Tolkien or Martin. However, diving into the Malazan series can be intimidating due to their dense lore, massive cast, and nonlinear storytelling. Adding to the challenge is the fact that other authors, most notably Ian C. Esslemont, have contributed significantly to the same universe. This article provides a definitive guide to the Malazan reading order, helping new readers embark on this epic journey while ensuring veterans don't miss out on essential companion books.

What Is the Malazan Book of the Fallen?

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a ten-volume epic fantasy series written by Steven Erikson. The series is set in a sprawling, ancient world where gods and ascendants walk among mortals, continents bleed history, and military campaigns stretch across time and space. Erikson, an anthropologist and archaeologist by training, brings an unmatched sense of scale and depth to his storytelling. Each book is both self-contained and a critical piece of the overall puzzle.

The main series includes:

1. Gardens of the Moon
2. Deadhouse Gates
3. Memories of Ice
4. House of Chains
5. Midnight Tides
6. The Bonehunters
7. Reaper's Gale
8. Toll the Hounds
9. Dust of Dreams
10. The Crippled God

These ten books form the core of what most readers consider the Malazan Book of the Fallen proper. Erikson’s storytelling is nonlinear, with characters appearing and disappearing across multiple continents and timelines. As such, understanding the Malazan reading order is essential for both comprehension and enjoyment.

Official Publication Order vs Chronological Order

There are several ways to approach the Malazan series. The most common and recommended method is to follow the publication order. This is the order in which Erikson intended the reader to experience the narrative, complete with its revelations, twists, and character arcs.

However, some readers prefer a chronological approach, especially once they incorporate works by Ian C. Esslemont, the co-creator of the Malazan world. While the chronological order can give a clearer picture of historical events, it can also spoil major reveals and lacks the emotional resonance built up in the publication order.

For most readers, sticking to the official publication order is the best way to appreciate the intricacies of the Malazan Book of the Fallen.

The Core Malazan Reading Order (Erikson Only)

If you're focusing solely on the main ten-book saga, your Malazan reading order should look like this:

1. Gardens of the Moon
2. Deadhouse Gates
3. Memories of Ice
4. House of Chains
5. Midnight Tides
6. The Bonehunters
7. Reaper's Gale
8. Toll the Hounds
9. Dust of Dreams
10. The Crippled God

It’s important to note that Gardens of the Moon can be a difficult entry point, it drops you into the middle of a campaign with little exposition. If you're struggling, try reading a few chapters into Deadhouse Gates, then loop back. But if you can power through the first few chapters, the payoff is immense.

Expanding the Universe: Ian C. Esslemont’s Contributions

Ian C. Esslemont, co-creator of the Malazan universe, has written several novels that provide crucial context and backstory to the main series. These books are not just optional side stories, they flesh out major events, explore different continents, and offer additional perspectives on the series' key players.

Esslemont's works fall into two primary series:

1. Novels of the Malazan Empire

• Night of Knives
• Return of the Crimson Guard
• Stonewielder
• Orb Sceptre Throne
• Blood and Bone
• Assail

These books are set during and after the events of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, but focus on other parts of the world. For a more comprehensive experience, many readers weave these into their Malazan reading order as follows:

• Read Night of Knives after Memories of Ice (Book 3)
• Read Return of the Crimson Guard after The Bonehunters (Book 6)
• Continue alternating the remaining books between Erikson's novels.

2. Path to Ascendancy Trilogy

• Dancer’s Lament
• Deadhouse Landing
• Kellanved’s Reach

This prequel trilogy explores the rise of two of the most enigmatic characters in the Malazan series: Dancer and Kellanved. These are excellent starting points for new readers who want a more linear introduction to the universe, but for a full appreciation, they’re best read after finishing the main series.

The Ultimate Malazan Reading Order (Erikson + Esslemont)

For the ambitious, here’s a combined publication-based Malazan reading order that includes both Erikson and Esslemont:

1. Gardens of the Moon (Erikson)
2. Deadhouse Gates (Erikson)
3. Memories of Ice (Erikson)
4. Night of Knives (Esslemont)
5. House of Chains (Erikson)
6. Midnight Tides (Erikson)
7. Return of the Crimson Guard (Esslemont)
8. The Bonehunters (Erikson)
9. Reaper’s Gale (Erikson)
10. Stonewielder (Esslemont)
11. Toll the Hounds (Erikson)
12. Orb Sceptre Throne (Esslemont)
13. Dust of Dreams (Erikson)
14. The Crippled God (Erikson)
15. Blood and Bone (Esslemont)
16. Assail (Esslemont)
17. Path to Ascendancy Trilogy (Esslemont – optional as post-script or prequel reread)

Deciding on your ideal Malazan reading order depends on your reading preferences, but the general consensus is to begin with Erikson’s main series before expanding into Esslemont’s work. Once you’re invested in the world, the companion novels become indispensable.

Whether you're a newcomer ready to step into the chaos of Genabackis and Seven Cities, or a returning reader looking to revisit old friends like Whiskeyjack, Anomander Rake, or Fiddler, the Malazan series offers a reading experience like no other. Take the plunge, just remember:

“No one is innocent. There are only different degrees of guilt.”