The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a series of ten epic fantasy novels written by Canadian author Steven Erikson. The series, which is often compared to the works of George R. R. Martin and J.R.R. Tolkien, is known for its complex plotlines, large cast of characters, and intricate world-building. The series is set in the fictional world of Malaz, where gods, magic, and warfare are commonplace. The story follows a wide range of characters, from soldiers and assassins to gods and mages, as they navigate the political and military conflicts that shape the world. The first novel in the series, "Gardens of the Moon," introduces readers to the Malazan Empire, a powerful and ambitious force that is expanding its territory through conquest and assimilation. One of the defining features of the Malazan Book of the Fallen is its deep and intricate world-building. Erikson has created a vast and detailed world, filled with diverse cultures, histories, and religions. The series explores themes of power, politics, and the nature of humanity, as the characters struggle to survive and make sense of the world around them. The series is also known for its complex plotlines and large cast of characters. Erikson weaves together multiple storylines, shifting perspectives and time frames, which can make it challenging for readers to keep track of everything that's happening. However, for those who are willing to put in the effort, the payoff is a rich and rewarding reading experience. The Malazan Book of the Fallen is not a series for the faint of heart. It is a dense and challenging read, filled with graphic violence, complex political intrigue and philosophical discussions. But for those who are willing to take on the challenge, the series offers a unique and immersive reading experience that will stay with them long after they've turned the final page. In summary, The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a complex and rewarding epic fantasy series that offers a rich and immersive reading experience. With its intricate world-building, large cast of characters, and deep exploration of themes of power, politics, and humanity, it is a series that will appeal to fans of the genre looking for a more challenging and thought-provoking read.
Joe Abercrombie
The First Law series
If you enjoyed the complex characters, intricate plotting, and brutal worldbuilding in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, then you'll love The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie. This grimdark fantasy features a cast of morally ambiguous characters, a gritty and violent world, and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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The Stormlight Archive series
Fans of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series will appreciate the epic worldbuilding, large cast of characters, and intricate plotting in The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson. This high fantasy series features a richly detailed world, a complex magic system, and a story that spans multiple books.
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The Prince of Nothing series
If you enjoyed the philosophical themes and complex characters in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, then you'll love The Prince of Nothing series by R. Scott Bakker. This grimdark fantasy features a cast of morally ambiguous characters, a deep and thought-provoking story, and a brutal and unforgiving world.
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The Wheel of Time series
Fans of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series will appreciate the epic worldbuilding, large cast of characters, and intricate plotting in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. This high fantasy series features a richly detailed world, a complex magic system, and a story that spans multiple books.
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The Gentlemen Bastards series
If you enjoyed the intricate plotting and complex characters in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, then you'll love The Gentlemen Bastards series by Scott Lynch. This fantasy series features a cast of thieves and con-artists, a gritty and realistic world, and a story that will keep you guessing until the very end.
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The Kingkiller Chronicle series
Fans of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series will appreciate the epic worldbuilding, large cast of characters, and intricate plotting in The Kingkiller Chronicle series by Patrick Rothfuss. This high fantasy series features a richly detailed world, a complex magic system, and a story that spans multiple books.
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The Broken Empire series
If you enjoyed the morally ambiguous characters and brutal worldbuilding in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, then you'll love The Broken Empire series by Mark Lawrence. This grimdark fantasy features a ruthless and cunning protagonist, a gritty and violent world, and a story that will keep you hooked until the very end.
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The Lies of Locke Lamora
If you enjoyed the intricate plotting and complex characters in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, then you'll love The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. This fantasy novel features a cast of thieves and con-artists, a gritty and realistic world, and a story that will keep you guessing until the very end.
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The Powder Mage Trilogy
Fans of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series will appreciate the epic worldbuilding, large cast of characters, and intricate plotting in The Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McClellan. This flintlock fantasy series features a unique magic system, a gritty and realistic world, and a story that spans multiple books.
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The Dresden Files series
If you enjoyed the complex characters and intricate plotting in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, then you'll love The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. This urban fantasy series features a wise-cracking protagonist, a gritty and realistic world, and a story that will keep you hooked until the very end.
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