Deadhouse Landing cover art

Deadhouse Landing

(Path to Ascendancy: 2): the enthralling second chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's awesome epic fantasy sequence

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About this listen

Fantastic world-building meets spellbinding storytelling in this must-read fan-favourite from Esslemont. Ideal for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson.

'The world building is truly impressive . . . the action scenes well written . . . Esslemont's writing style addictive and engaging . . .' -- RISING SHADOW.NET
'Esslemont . . . seamlessly weaves great characters, action sequences and genuine humour into a fascinating narrative . . .' -- THE CRITICAL DRAGON.COM
'Never really slows down and the book is so engrossing I finished it within a week' -- ***** Reader review
'Ian C Esslemont strikes again!' -- ***** Reader review
'Another winner' -- ***** Reader review
'Absolutely brilliant' -- ***** Reader review

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After the disappointments of Li Heng, Dancer and Kellanved wash up on a small insignificant island named Malaz. Immediately, of course, Kellanved plans to take it over. To do so they join forces with a small band of Napans who have fled a civil war on their own home island. The plan, however, soon goes awry as Kellanved develops a strange and dangerous fascination for a mysterious ancient structure found on the island...

The chaos in the region extends to the metaphysical planes also as a young priest of D'rek starts to question the rot at the heart of the worship of the god of decay. And back in Li Heng, Dassem, now the proclaimed Sword of Hood, finds himself being blamed for a plague which leads him to a crisis of faith - and searching for answers.

During all this, war with the neighbouring island of Nap threatens, recruited allies wonder at Kellanved's sanity, and powerful entities take more of an interest in the little mage from Dal Hon. Dancer faces a hard choice: should he give up on his partnership? Especially when the fellow's obsession with shadows and ancient artefacts brings the both of them alarmingly close to death and destruction.

After all, who in his right mind would actually wish to enter an Elder mystery known to everyone as the 'Deadhouse'?

Action & Adventure Classics Epic Fantasy Fiction Emotionally Gripping War

Critic reviews

Tremendous . . . I loved having the opportunity to glimpse characters in a completely different light, and the creation of the Malazan Empire through the lens of reality rather than myth. Deadhouse Landing is one of Esslemont's best books to date . . . for fans of anything Malazan, this is an absolute must.
The world building is truly impressive . . . the action scenes well written . . . Esslemont's writing style addictive and engaging . . . if you're looking for a new epic fantasy read, I strongly recommend taking a look at Deadhouse Landing, because it's one of the best and most epic fantasy novels of the year!
Esslemont delivers another engrossing tale . . . has all the hallmarks of great epic fantasy . . . seamlessly weaves great characters, action sequences and genuine humour into a fascinating narrative . . . an essential read for Malazan fans, new and old.
Esslemont nails the feel and flavour of Erikson's books and brings the historical characters to life with a dexterity that will win over even the most sceptical fans.
Tight and enjoyable . . . builds on the very fine foundation stones laid by Dancer's Lament.
Wonderfully tense . . . fantastic set pieces . . . it never stops having fun . . . his best writing yet . . . and I can’t wait to see the next instalment.
All stars
Most relevant
I am really loving these new stories that explore the very early day's of Kellenved and Dancer this is shaping up to give us the story of the rise of the Malazan Empire.

Totally outstanding!

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Read Erikson many moons ago. Looking at his six, on the shelf, in front of me as I write. Never knew of the other side of the tale. Two friends, one World. Feels great to read of the beginning of the Malazan Empire. I'm in no way disappointed. Very much looking forward to the next instalment.

Just as Good

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Love the characters and their grandios partially unknown goals. How the old guard comes to creation and the talon and the claw

Such an amazing adventure

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Read the Fall of the Malazan Empire books and thought this could be a good addition to the story. Didn't disappoint! Really enjoyed the insight into the past.

Really Interesting!

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wonderful story ICE has really come into his own fleshing out this world as much as Mr Eriksson I cannot recommend this enough

really enjoyed this book

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