I took a well-needed break after Erikson’s dual door-stop conclusion to his Malazan Book of the Fallen Series, Dust of Dreams and The Crippled God. But I couldn’t leave Esslemont’s six book series unfinished.

Orb Sceptre Throne takes place in Darujhistan, a city on the same continent as the book that started it all, Gardens of the Moon. Interestingly, those “gardens” are featured in this story, if in a minor way.

Most critics agree that at this point in his career, Esslemont’s really catching his stride. I would agree. He handles three radically different plots, one quite complex, and keeps the reader interested until they converge.

Next up I’m heading to Jacuruku with book five, Blood and Bone, as my guide.

Esslemont, Ian C. Orb Sceptre Throne. Narrated by John Banks, audiobook ed., unabridged ed., Transworld, 2016. Novels of the Malazan Empire 4.