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Return of the Crimson Guard
 
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Return of the Crimson Guard (Mass Market Paperback)

by Ian C. Esslemont (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
List Price: CDN$ 11.99
Price: CDN$ 10.79 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over CDN$ 39. Details
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Return of the Crimson Guard + Toll the Hounds (Malazan Book 8)
Price For Both: CDN$ 22.48

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  • This item: Return of the Crimson Guard by Ian C. Esslemont

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    Ships from and sold by Amazon.ca.
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Product Details


Product Description

Product Description

Casting thrilling new light onto an extraordinary creation, this is the second epic fantasy novel from the co-creator of the Steven Erikson world of Malaz.

The return of the mercenary company the Crimson Guard could not have come at a worse time for the Malazan Empire. Driven by constant warfare, weakened by betrayal and rivalries, many see the grip of Empress Laseen beginning to weaken as conquered kingdoms and principalities test their old independence.

Into this gathering civil war on Quon Tali, the Empire’s homeland comes the Guard. And with their return comes the memory of their hundred-year-old vow — undying opposition to the existence of the Empire. Yet rivalries and betrayals stalk the Guard as well; elements of its elite, the Avowed, scheme to open paths to even greater power, and ancient potent entities, Ascendants, also lend a hand exploiting all sides to further their own arcane ends. Meanwhile, a swordsman, Traveller, and his companion Ereko, move from one strange encounter to another in a mysterious dance meant ultimately to bring the swordsman to a final confrontation from which none has ever returned.

As the Crimson Guard gathers from around the globe, Empress Laseen faces a more immediate threat from the generals and old commanders of her predecessor, Emperor Kellanved, who have lost patience with what they see as Laseen’s mismanagement. Yet there are hints that Laseen may be using the uprisings to draw out and finally eliminate these last irksome survivors of her predecessor’s rule.


From the Trade Paperback edition.


About the Author

Ian C. Esslemont was born in Winnipeg. His first novel was the acclaimed Night of Knives.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

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Customer Reviews

2 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Esslemont...A new star author in the Malazan series, Dec 15 2008
By R. Nicholson - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   
'The Return of the Crimson Guard' by Ian C Esslemont, is the second book revolving around Steven Erikson's original 'Malazan Book of the Fallen' series.

It is my understanding that both Erikson and Esslemont are good friends and are co-operative co-authors of the Malazan world, and both are agreeable to and welcome each other contributions.

I'd like to comment on two different facets...

First, this book...

I was enthralled with this story right from the very beginning. It was well written, fast moving and exciting. There were the usual assortment of Malazan characters both good and evil who are forever plotting against one another, or someone or something. There was magic, treachery and betrayal, interesting event filled treks and voyages and some incredibly exciting battles. Also present was the witty and bantering camaraderie of the Malazan army regulars; a special group of mercenaries reminiscent of the 'bridgeburners' or the 'bonehunters' of previous novels. This book, simply had it all.

In traditional Erikson fashion, Esslemont starts off with several short glimpses involving many different persons or groups, however these stories progressed quickly, resulting in a tale that grabs you and just doesn't let go. The individuals' tales were told serially, but because each tale was so well written and interesting, you hated to see one segment come to an end, only to begin an account of someone else's adventure.

Also, there was an extensive list of the characters' names with their locations and 'occupations'; this was really helpful as there were a tremendous number of individuals from various geographic locales.

The only minor negative:
While there is an good general-overview map of the entire area where a lot (but not all) of the action takes place, it would have be so helpful to have had a detailed map of the area where a lot of the fighting took place, particularly for the last third of the book. There are so many groups fighting in so many place, and even though these areas are fairly close together, I found it very confusing to try to keep locales and geographic distances in perspective.

Second, Erikson and Esslemont...

This book, 'Return of the Crimson Guard' recaptures the style of writing that made the Malazan series SO great; it's the type of writing that Erikson needs to get back to.

I'm not sure what's going on with Steven Erikson, but, to me, the last book, 'Toll the Hounds' was at times quite confusing; especially some of the dialogue and also certain events and occurrences. I actually found myself skimming areas because it was difficult to follow OR I just got bored with the protracted mundane situations.

A few more novels of this quality and Esslemont may well become the preeminent writer of the future works in the Malazan series.

Conclusion:
A true Malazan tale to sink your teeth into; any Malazan fan/addict will be thrilled with this effort. It's got that quality of writing coupled with an intriguing story line what will pull you in from page one. It's a book that will make me read late into the night and have me looking forward to some quiet time to return to the story. (and no fantasy/adventure novel has done that recently since Joe Abercrombie's 'The First Law' trilogy)
Easily 5 Stars...more if I could.

Ray Nicholson
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1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars mezla, Mar 8 2009
By P. Mccutcheon "Croakerdough" (texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
the malazan books are the best series since rr. martins ice and fire and glen cooks black company. hard core readers should read these books! makes terry goodkind seem like peirs anthony. raymond fiest hasn`t written anything comparable since the magician series. authors take note this is how you tell a story!
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