Reading Order of Malazan Book of the Fallen

While we wait for the last book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson, The Crippled God to arrive. I thought it would be a good idea for those of you who are considering getting into the series or just starting the adventure to know where to begin.

One of the most difficult parts of understanding the series is the timelines, which do not always add up. So, I will also attempt to simplify the timelines as well. Bear in mind this may or may not be completely accurate as I have a hard time figuring everything out myself. Of course you can read them in order of timeline or by publishing order the choice is yours.


Timeline Order:

Night of Knives (1154)

Blood Follows (c. 1154)
The Lees of Laughter's End (c. 1154)
The Healthy Dead (c. 1158)
Midnight Tides (uncertain, but possibly two years before Gardens of the Moon, c. 1161)
Gardens of the Moon (1163)
Deadhouse Gates and Memories of Ice (1163-64, these two novels occur simultaneously)
House of Chains (1164, with a lengthy prologue section that takes place some years earlier)
The Bonehunters (1164-65)
Return of the Crimson Guard (c. 1165, just after the events in The Bonehunters)
Stonewielder (1165, a few months after the events in Return of the Crimson Guard)
Reaper's Gale (c. 1165 or 1166)
Toll the Hounds (by internal evidence, c. 1169-70, but this conflicts with dates in other books)
Dust of Dreams (unknown, but after the events of Reaper's Gale)
The Crippled God (unknown)

Publishing Order:
Gardens of the Moon (1999)
Deadhouse Gates (2000)
Memories of Ice (2001)
House of Chains (2002)
Midnight Tides (2004)
The Bonehunters (2006)
Reaper's Gale (2007)
Toll the Hounds (2008)
Dust of Dreams (2009)
The Crippled God (15 FEB 2011)

Novellas:
Blood Follows (2002)
The Healthy Dead (2004)
The Lees of Laughter's End (2007)
Bauchelain and Korbal Broach (2009)
The Crack'd Pot Trail (2009)

Novels of the Malazan Empire:
Night of Knives (2005)
Return of the Crimson Guard (2008)
Stonewielder (2010)

REVIEW: Return of the Crimson Guard

Return of the Crimson Guard, by Ian C. Esslemont
Format: Hardcover; 702 pages
Publisher:Tor, ©2008
ISBN: 978-0-7653-2370-5
Copy: Out of pocket
Reviewer: PeterWilliam

From inside the dust cover: The return of the mercenary company the Crimson Guard could not have come at a worse time for a Malazan Empire exhausted by warfare and weakened by betrayals and rivalries. Indeed, there are those who wonder whether the Empress Laseen might not be losing her grip on power as she faces increasing unrest as conquered kingdoms and principalities sense freedom once more.

Into the seething cauldron of Quon Tali - the Empire's heartland - marches the Guard. With their return comes the memory of the Empire - and yet all is not well with the Guard itself. Elements within its elite, the Avowed, have set their sights on far greater power. There are ancient entities who also seek to further their own arcane ends. And what of the swordsman called Traveller who, with his companion Ereko, has gone in search of a confrontation from which none have ever returned?

As the Guard prepares to wage war, Laseen's own generals and mages, the "Old Hands," grow impatient with what they see as her mismanagement of the Empire. But could Laseen have outwitted them all? Could she be using the uprisings to draw out and finally eliminate these last irksome survivors from the days of her illustrious predecessor, Kellanved?

My first trip down Esslemont Lane, in the Malazan world, was good enough. I know, it sounds like the kiss of death. Seriously, I liked Night of Knives well enough, but not nearly as much as previous Malazan offerings. Return of the Crimson Guard, however, is quite fine indeed.

The style employed, whether it's Esslemont or Erikson, is something of a third-person limited-omnisicient. C'mon, I know it's rather oxymoronic, but bear with me here. The story regularly offers subtle hints and characters nod their heads knowingly, even when the reader is struggling to uncover the point/mystery involved. I'm sure that there are Malaz-oid fanboys (complete with self-drawn maps, timelines, etc.) out there who can, speculatively, tie together all of the hints nicely. I, on the other hand, sit in blissful suspense through each new offering in the Malazan world because I expect the answers will fall into my lap, in the end.

This story follows an implosion, seemingly, of the empire. The empress is forced to make alliances and betrayals, which seem to be pivotal to survival when faced with the empire's arch-nemesis, the Crimson Guard. The Crimson Guard aren't having an easy time of it either, as there appears to be no dearth of covert manipulations employed to advance the agendas of internal factions in their corner as well.

Into this possible implosion come several parties. There are a group of exiled and imprisoned mages from the Seven Cities otataral mines - that end up en route to Quon Tali. There is the enigmatic Traveller, with his companion Ereko - bound in a similar direction, complete with tag-alongs from a parallel plot line. When combined with the Crimson Guard, en route to Quon Tali, the locals who are uprising in hopes of independence once more and, let's not forget, the empire itself, you get quite the stew.

This is my segue into the reason I love all things Malazan, so much. Scope. As in an extraordinarly ambitious and over-the-top scope. When you consider the variety of races, locations, mortals, deities, demi-deities, warrens, etc., it's almost numbing - oh, but I just love it (right down to the cover art - seriously, just look at that). Return of the Crimson Guard, among a couple of other works written within the Malazan world, perfectly epitomizes this.

I will readily admit it - I'm a fan of big, fat fantasy series (BFF). Generally speaking, I like them all. However, the Malazan world is, and has been for some time now, the best (ok, my favorite). Esslemont's Return of the Crimson Guard only further cements my opinion on the matter.

Plot - 9
Characters - 9
Style - 9

Overall - 9

Around the Net Week of June 7th

TV News

Torchwood has been picked up for another 10 episodes.

BBC Press Release-

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP SECURES NEW SERIES OF TORCHWOOD

Key cast - John Barrowman (Capt. Jack), Eve Myles (Gwen) – to return for the next installment, along with new faces

Monday 7^th June 2010

BBC Cymru Wales, BBC Worldwide and US premium entertainment network, Starz Entertainment, have today announced a three way co-production partnership that will develop a new series of the hit BBC sci-fi drama Torchwood. BBC Worldwide will also distribute the series to broadcasters globally.

The 10-episode instalment will be written by a team led by Torchwood creator, Russell T Davies, and produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Davies and BBC Worldwide Productions’ SVP Scripted, Julie Gardner, return as executive producers with BBC Worldwide Productions EVP Jane Tranter. The series has been commissioned by Controller BBC ONE, Jay Hunt, Controller BBC Drama, Ben Stephenson, and Starz President and CEO, Chris Albrecht.

While previous series were based on location in Cardiff, Wales, this new instalment will see storylines widen to include locations in the U.S. and around the world. John Barrowman and Eve Myles will return in their roles as Captain Jack and Gwen respectively, along with new faces.

Announcing the commission, Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning said: "We have a long history of working with many U.S. networks but it is incredibly exciting to be working with Starz for the first time, as well as to be reunited with the best of British in Russell, Jane and Julie.Torchwood will burst back onto the screen with a shocking and moving story with global stakes and locations that will make it feel bigger and bolder than ever"

Jane Tranter, EVP, BBC Worldwide Productions, added: "Torchwood has attracted remarkable attention and loyalty in both the UK and U.S., and in this new partnership with Starz, the next chapter will not only reward our current fans, but also introduce new viewers to the most impressive instalment yet."

"We're committed to programming exceptional television that is entertaining, imaginative and provides a premium TV experience, and by any measure the new concept for Torchwood fits that mandate," Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht said. "I've been part of successful partnerships with Jane Tranter and the BBC previously, and I'm very much looking forward to working with them again."

Torchwood is a drama that puts extraterrestrial threats into a very real world, and asks how humanity deals with the danger - while fighting human's darkest instincts. The series was originally commissioned and produced in 2006 by BBC Cymru Wales, with the latest high octane series capturing UK audiences of more than 6 million.

BBC Worldwide has distributed previous Torchwood series around the world to territories such as Korea, Japan, Italy, Spain, Israel, Russia and across Latin America.

Adidas is launching their new World Cup ads

Thundercats

Its official, Cartoon Network will be relaunching The Thundercats next year.

THUNDERCATS, HO!

WARNER BROS. ANIMATION ANSWERS THE CALL WITH A NEW

TAKE ON THE CLASSIC ANIMATED SERIES "THUNDERCATS,"

TO AIR ON CARTOON NETWORK

(June 3, 2010 - Burbank, CA) - Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) has begun production on "ThunderCats," an all-new animated series for Cartoon Network, based upon the iconic 1980s action classic. "ThunderCats" is the newest series from WBA, joining "Batman: The Brave and the Bold," which was recently renewed for a third season, and the following forthcoming programs: "The Looney Tunes Show," "MAD," "Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated" and "Young Justice." The announcement was made today by Sam Register, Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Animation.

"In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation's first anime series, 'ThunderCats' marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy," said Register. "The realism and dynamic visual style we've achieved are sure to thrill viewers, and the cool weapons, vehicles and technology should help the show appeal to a diverse audience."

The 21^st century reimagining of the series marks a creative collaboration between WBA and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan, with credits including "The Animatrix," "Gotham Knights" and "Halo Legends." WBA is working closely with Studio4°C, utilizing the latter's expertise to give the "ThunderCats" characters a new cutting-edge look while remaining true to the compelling storylines and mythology of the original series.

"We at Studio4°C are excited to be in this creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation to bring 'ThunderCats' to life," said Eiko Tanaka, President and CEO, Studio4°C. "This collaboration combines the strengths of our two companies - high production values and great storytelling - toward reintroducing this classic fan-favorite to a new audience."

Roaring to life through WBA and Studio4°C's use of the Japanese animated artistry of anime, "ThunderCats" characters Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Panthro, Cheetara and others will spring off the screen with realistic cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations.

The new "ThunderCats" will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O's ascension to the throne - and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost - takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.

"ThunderCats" is executive produced by Sam Register ("Teen Titans," "Ben 10," "Batman: The Brave and the Bold"). Michael Jelenic ("Batman: The Brave and the Bold," "Wonder Woman") and Ethan Spaulding ("Avatar: The Last Airbender") are the producers.

Comic News

Frank Miller has announced plans for a prequel of 300. The comic will be called Xerxes and be a six-issue mini-series released in 2011. More information can be found over at Robot 6 and their interview with Frank Miller.

Movie News

Michael Bay has set his sights on another 80's icon- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. From Deadline.com.

EXCLUSIVE: Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon have brought Michael Bay and his Platinum Dunes partners Brad Fuller and Andrew Form on to produce Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the live-action film that reboots the film series launched by New Line in 1990. Bay, Fuller and Form will  produce with Galen Walker and Scott Mednick.

The producers will begin meetings with writers in the next few weeks. The deal puts Bay in the center of two Paramount franchises, as he started production May 17 on Transformers 3, and is zeroing in on Rosie Huntington-Whitely to replace Megan Fox as love interest for Shia LaBeouf. TMNT, a co-production between Paramount and Nickelodeon, is an outgrowth of the $60 million acquisition made by Nick last October for global rights to the entire Turtles franchise. Right around the same time, Paramount made a first look deal with the Platinum Dunes partners, who will generate genre projects but also want to expand their scope. While they've already set up several projects including a Rob Cohen-remake ofFright Night, the Turtles film puts them into new territory.

BOOK NEWS

They synopsis for Ian Cameron Esslemont's Stonewielder has been released:

Greymane believed he'd outrun his past. He now ran a school for swordsmanship in Falar and was looking forward to becoming fat and lazy. With him was Kyle, though the plains youth was not quite so contented with civilian life outside the mercenary company the Crimson Guard. Yet it is not so easy to disappear when you are an ex-Fist of the Malazan Empire, especially one denounced and under a death-sentence from that very Empire.

For there is a new Emperor on the throne of Malaz, and his thoughts turn to the lingering drain of blood and treasure that is the failed invasion of the Korel subcontinent. In the record vaults beneath Unta, the Imperial capital, lie the answers to that disaster. And out of this buried history surfaces the name Stonewielder.

In Korel, Lord Protector Hiam, commander of the Stormguard, faces the potential annihilation of all that he loves as with the blood of his few remaining men and a crumbling stone wall that has seen better days, he labours to stave off the sea-borne Stormriders who would destroy his lands. 

Meanwhile, religious war has broken out all across these lands as the local cult of the Blessed Lady, who has stood firm for millennia against the assaults of the Stormriders, seeks to stamp out all rivals; a champion refuses to stand against the alien 'Riders' and takes up arms in rebellion; and a local magistrate innocently pursuing the mystery of a series of murders is brought to the very heart of a far larger and far more terrifying ancient crime that has stained the entire subcontinent.

You can pre-order the limited edition from PS Publishing here.

Fundraiser has been extended

If you purchase Speculative Horizons between now and June 11th you can help a worthy cause. From Pat's Fantasy Hotlist:

Indeed, the good people at Subterranean Press have elected to extend the fundraiser till June 11th. Which means that 10% of the cover price of each copy of Speculative Horizons pre-ordered till then will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

So if you want to help by supporting this worthy cause, simply follow thislink. And thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered their copy! =)

In addition, Speculative Horizons can now be pre-ordered on amazon.com. As usual, once the pre-orders start to kick in, the price will likely go down and you could get it at about 30% off. But keep in mind that Subpress gives priority to those who purchased the book directly via their website. Which means that they often can't honor the orders from other online retailers. Moreover, no money from the Amazon sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society. But if you are short on your dough and you want to try to get the anthology on the cheap, go ahead and give it a shot! ;-)