In Northern Genabackis, a tribal raiding party descends into the southern flat lands intent on wreaking havoc. But for Karsa Orlong it marks the beginning of what will prove an extraordinary destiny. So begins this awesome epic novel of war, intrigue, magic, and betrayal. n nBest selling author Steven Erikson returns with the latest in the morbid history of the Malazan Empire n nIn Northern Genabackis, a raiding party of savage tribal warriors descends from the mountains into the southern flatlands. Their intention is to wreak havoc amongst the despised lowlanders, but for the one named Karsa Orlong it marks the beginning of what will prove to be an extraordinary destiny. n nSome years later, it is the aftermath of the Chain of Dogs. Tavore, the Adjunct to the Empress, has arrived in the last remaining Malazan stronghold of Seven Cities. New to command, she must hone twelve thousand soldiers, mostly raw recruits but for a handful of veterans of Coltaines legendary march, into a force capable of challenging the massed hordes of Shaiks Whirlwind who lie in wait in the heart of the Holy Desert. n nBut waiting is never easy. The seers warlords are locked into a power struggle that threatens the very soul of the rebellion, while Shaik herself suffers, haunted by the knowledge of her nemesis: her own sister, Tavore. nAnd so begins this awesome new chapter in Steven Eriksons acclaimed Malazan Book of the Fallen . . .n