Forge of Darkness

Publisher Marketing: In this first installment of the prequel trilogy for the "New York Times" bestselling series Malazan Book of Fallen, an ancient power emerges at the brink of civil war Steven Erikson entered the pantheon of great fantasy writers with his debut, "Gardens of the Moon." Now Erikson returns with a trilogy that takes place millennia before the events of the Malazan Book of the Fallen. "Forge of Darkness" introduces listeners to Kurald Galain, the warren of Darkness, and tells an epic tale of a realm whose fate plays a crucial role in shaping the world of the Malazan Empire. It s a conflicted time in Kurald Galain, the realm of Darkness, where Mother Dark reigns. This ancient land was once home to many powers and even death is not quite eternal. The commoners great hero, Vatha Urusander, is being promoted by his followers to take Mother Dark s hand in marriage, but her Consort, Lord Draconus, stands in the way of such ambitions. The impending clash sends fissures throughout the realm, and as rumors of civil war burn through the masses, an ancient power emerges from the long dead seas. Caught in the middle of it all are the First Sons of Darkness, Anomander, Andarist, and Silchas Ruin of the Purake Hold. Steven Erikson brings to life this ancient and important tale set in the world he introduced in the Malazan Book of the Fallen." Review Citations: Booklist 10/15/2012 pg. 27 (EAN 9780765323569, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  Erikson, Steven Steven Erikson was born in Toronto, grew up in Winnipeg, and then lived in the UK for several years with his wife and son. They recently returned to Winnipeg. He spent nearly twenty years working as an anthropologist and archaeologist, which shines quite clearly in the depth and breadth of the various societies, peoples, and cultures in his books. He is a graduate of the Iowa Writer s Workshop. Contributor Bio:  Philpott, Daniel Daniel Philpott is associate professor of political science and peace studies, University of Notre Dame.