I

Ian C. Esslemont

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 13 Books

3
Series
13
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books
Start with: Night of Knives (2004)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Path to Ascendancy Books
Start with: Dancer's Lament (2016)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Writing Fantasy Heroes (2013)

About Ian C. Esslemont

The Canadian author Ian C. Esslemont, or Ian Cameron Esslemont if full, is a fantasy writer who focuses mainly on high-fantasy novels, as he is largely known for his Malazan Book of the Fallen and Malazan Empire series, which he has been writing for quite some time now for an ever increasing world-wide audience. Previously working as an archaeologist, a field he was initially trained in, he then went on to become a full-time writer, as he collaborated with his friend Steven Erikson. Branching out on his own now, he has also just started on the ‘Path to Ascendancy’ series, a prequel to the initial franchise, providing further back-story of his own. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books series, Ian C. Esslemont has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Ian C. Esslemont

Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books
7 books 2004–2023
1

Night of Knives

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books with Night of Knives, another outstanding contribution from Ian C. Esslemont.

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2004
2

Return of the Crimson Guard

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books with Return of the Crimson Guard, another outstanding contribution from Ian C. Esslemont.

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2008
3

Stonewielder

Stonewielder continues the Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books story arc with Ian C. Esslemont's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
4

Orb Sceptre Throne

Epic adventure awaits in Orb Sceptre Throne, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Ian C. Esslemont has built.

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2012
5

Blood and Bone

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood and Bone as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books series showcases Ian C. Esslemont's mastery of suspense.

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2012
6

Assail

Assail is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian C. Esslemont have come to expect.

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2013
7

Forge of the High Mage

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books with Forge of the High Mage, another outstanding contribution from Ian C. Esslemont.

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2023
Publication Order of Path to Ascendancy Books
4 books 2016–2023
1

Dancer's Lament

Dancer's Lament continues the Publication Order of Path to Ascendancy Books story arc with Ian C. Esslemont's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
2

Deadhouse Landing

A gripping mystery unfolds in Deadhouse Landing as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Path to Ascendancy Books series showcases Ian C. Esslemont's mastery of suspense.

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2017
3

Kellanved's Reach

Kellanved's Reach continues the Publication Order of Path to Ascendancy Books story arc with Ian C. Esslemont's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
4

Forge of the High Mage

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Path to Ascendancy Books with Forge of the High Mage, another outstanding contribution from Ian C. Esslemont.

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2023
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2013–2015
1

Writing Fantasy Heroes

Writing Fantasy Heroes continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ian C. Esslemont's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
2

Imaginarium 3

Imaginarium 3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian C. Esslemont have come to expect.

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2015

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ian C. Esslemont?

Ian C. Esslemont is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 13 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books, Publication Order of Path to Ascendancy Books, Publication Order of Anthologies. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Ian C. Esslemont series to start with?

For readers new to Ian C. Esslemont's work, the Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 7 books. Begin with Night of Knives to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Ian C. Esslemont written?

Ian C. Esslemont has written over 13 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Ian C. Esslemont books in order?

Yes, reading Ian C. Esslemont's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Ian C. Esslemont write in?

Ian C. Esslemont writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 13 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Ian C. Esslemont's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Ian C. Esslemont's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Ian C. Esslemont's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Ian C. Esslemont's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Malazan Empire Books series. The first book, Night of Knives, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.