Forge of the High Mage

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The second thing I noticed after rereading KR before, was how tight the plot is. We have 3 set pieces, one very big with lots of different POV characters and fractions, also the one where I found the biggest surprise in the story (but a welcome one), and 2 smaller ones which merge together somewhere in the middle. And in the end everything comes together neatly. There is a single story arc that probably sets up the next book, but even this one is interwoven in the main narrative of this book. No character arcs that are completely independent from the rest, no plot lines that go nowhere, nothing that felt cramped in for the sake of it, everything here has its place in the story (unlike with KR).

No, the problem lay among her shapeshifting, Soletaken clans. And she focused upon a group of tall and ropy Jhek warriors among the crowd of her court. The wolf-warriors – most resentful of her peace, and most eager to return to hunting their traditional enemy. Epitomized by their clan leader – white-haired, lean, and ever with a hungry sharp-toothed smile – Looris. Kellanved gave a curt wave. ‘Exactly. A lost cause. We miscalculated there. I’ll not pour more resources down that hole.’ Today the Priestess too was nervous, though she strove to hide it. And she may have been able to disguise her emotions from her court, but she could not screen them from her pets, so deep and personal was her connection with them. Her unease spread to the birds and they loosed more shrill calls than usual, half rose from their perches, and shook their wings as if eager to hunt. Here, then, in the tracts of the Ice Wastes and among the islands of Falar, the Empire of Malaz faces two seemingly insurmountable tests - each one potentially the origin of its destruction...

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Finally, it is worth noting that there are a couple of big-name cameos in Forge of the High Mage with characters who are not directly involved in the action taking place (yet). I found that these were handled brilliantly, with a few special easter eggs for Malazan fans who read closely. These special appearances seemed more organic and purposeful than those in The God is Not Willing. So if you don't want to know anything more, stop reading now and be assured that this book is much better (at least in my opinion, but if your problems with book 3 were similar, maybe for you too) than its predecessor. But I still won't put any plot details or characters down below, that you can't already guess from the blurb. And then the theocracy of Falar is itself far from defenceless - its priests are in possession of a weapon so terrifying it has not been unleashed for centuries. Named the Jhistal, it was rumoured to be a gift from the sea-god Mael. But two can play at that game, for the Emperor sails towards Falar aboard his flagship Twisted - a vessel that is itself thought to be not entirely of this world...

Kellanved is delightful in this book. Still crazy as a coconut, but much less frustrating because now, all his associates are aware of his unlimited potential, his infinite cunning and utter unpredictability. They trust their Emperor and he seems to always come through.And I really like Falar as a set piece. Just like so many Esslemont books we visit a new place and discover it in some detail (another thing that was missing in the last book). The characters there are refreshingly original, and the whole archipelago thing is just pleasant to read. Into this foray with the Malazan military and navy, Emperor Kellanved has his sights set on the islands of Falar to expand the Malazan Empire. The Dal Hon mage raised his chin, half turning away, huffing, ‘I’ll have you know I don’t need anyone’s permission.’

Tay (the titular High Mage) steals the show, he really comes on leaps and bounds as a character from a largely unknown, pretty stereotypical big hitter type character to someone with nuance and it gives you understanding of how he is, who he is. Really shines … heart-stopping fights, impressive displays of magic and desperate final stands … the book has it all."—SFX Esslemont nails the feel and flavor of Erikson's books and brings the historical characters to life with a dexterity that will win over even the most skeptical fans."— Publishers WeeklyOld legends return, my absolute favourite the K' Chain Che Malle, Dinosaurs with swords for arms, causing absolute mayhem with their slicing and dicing. That is the question, is it not? We propose an expedition to discover the truth of this. A shared one.’ If they can,’ the general muttered, darkly. ‘And regardless, we can use those forces here. Dujek is still stamping out insurrections in the east, and I’m still trying to pacify the west coast. Surly is camped in Unta to keep it quiet and all the while Dal Hon threatens to explode. Not a good time to start yet another front.’ Forge Of The High Mage is the fourth in book in the Path to Ascendancy series, which has just gotten better and better. For any Malazan fan, this just adds layers and layers to the main characters from the main series. Beautifully soul satisfying.

Forge of the High Mage is a fast-paced and gripping epic fantasy read. It is loaded with set pieces, contains wonderful dialogue, witty exchanges, explosive showdowns, unlikely alliances, and features some of the finest character creations that the genre has to offer. As ever, the excellent magic system (through the use of warrens) is finely showcased here and, for the most part, I found my reading experience to be extremely rewarding; leading me to score Forge of the High Mage an 8/10 rating. And to fight on this new front, a rag-tag army raised from orphaned units and broken squads is been brought together under Fist Dujek, and joined by a similarly motley fleet under the command of the Emperor himself. There are however those who harbour doubts regarding the stewardship of Kellanved and his cohort Dancer, and as the Malazan force heads north, it encounters an unlooked-for and most unwelcome threat - unspeakable and born of legend, it has woken and will destroy all who stand in its way. Most appalled by this is Tayschrenn, the untested High Mage of the Empire. He is all-too aware of the true nature of this ancient horror - and his own inadequacy in having to confront it. Yet confront it he must, alongside the most unlikely of allies . . . There are however those who harbour doubts regarding the stewardship of Kellanved and his cohort Dancer, and as the Malazan force heads north, it encounters an unlooked-for and most unwelcome threat - unspeakable and born of legend, it has woken and will destroy all who stand in its way. Most appalled by this is Tayschrenn, the untested High Mage of the Empire. He is all-too aware of the true nature of this ancient horror - and his own inadequacy in having to confront it. Yet confront it he must, alongside the most unlikely of allies...Something far too low for a human ear washed over the piper, making the small stones lying all about him vibrate and jump. The musician perked up, straightened, and repeated his last passage. Conversation on Malazan with Steven Erikson and AP Canavan (aka A Critical Dragon) - Green Team of the Legendarium - See 56:45