Malazan Reading Order

Below is the complete list of Malazan books in reading order, presented in publication order for the series by Steven Erikson. If you’re wondering where to start, the publication order is how the books were originally released and how most readers first experienced the series. You really can’t go wrong starting there.

Some readers prefer chronological order, while others stick with publication order — and fans can be surprisingly passionate about which is right. If you’re unsure, publication order is always a safe choice.

Malazan Book of the Fallen Books

1. Gardens of the Moon (1999)
2. Deadhouse Gates (2000)
3. Memories of Ice (2001)
4. House of Chains (2002)
5. Midnight Tides (2004)
6. The Bonehunters (2006)
7. Reaper’s Gale (2007)
8. Toll the Hounds (2008)
9. Dust of Dreams (2009)
10. The Crippled God (2011)

Malazan Empire Books

1. Night of Knives (2004)
2. Return of the Crimson Guard (2008)
3. Stonewielder (2010)
4. Orb Sceptre Throne (2012)
5. Blood and Bone (2012)
6. Assail (2013)

Bauchelain and Korbal Broach Books

1. Blood Follows (2002)
2. The Healthy Dead (2004)
3. The Lees of Laughter’s End (2007)
4. Crack’d Pot Trail (2009)
5. The Wurms of Blearmouth (2012)
6. The Fiends of Nightmaria (2016)
7. Upon a Dark of Evil Overlords (2021)
8. Time’s Cursed Cartwheel (Unknown)
9. Untitled ninth novella (Unknown)

Kharkanas Trilogy Books

1. Forge of Darkness (2012)
2. Fall of Light (2016)
3. Walk in Shadow (2027)

Path to Ascendancy Books

1. Dancer’s Lament (2016)
2. Deadhouse Landing (2017)
3. Kellanved’s Reach (2019)
4. Forge of the High Mage (2023)
5. The Last Champion (Unknown)

The Tales of Witness Books

1. The God is Not Willing (2021)
2. No Life Forsaken (2025)
3. Legacies of Betrayal (Unknown)

Malazan Book of the Fallen Books by Steven Erikson

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is one of the most ambitious and demanding epic fantasy series ever written. For readers, this guide focuses on how to read the core series correctly, explains why order matters so much, and clarifies common confusion around side novels and expanded universe books.

This page explains correct reading order — helping you understand where to start, what to read next, and what not to mix in too early.

What Is Malazan Book of the Fallen?

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a 10-book epic fantasy series set in a vast, brutal, and deeply layered world shaped by:

• Ancient empires
• Ascendant beings and gods
• Endless wars and conquests
• Complex cultures and histories

Unlike many fantasy series, Malazan does not hold the reader’s hand. You are dropped into the middle of ongoing events with little exposition. Characters, magic systems, and political factions are revealed gradually through context rather than explanation.

Because of this, reading order is critical. The series is designed to unfold in a very specific sequence, with themes and revelations building book by book.

Why Reading Order Matters in Malazan

Malazan is not episodic. It is a single, interwoven narrative told across continents, timelines, and massive casts of characters.

Reading the books out of order can result in:

• Severe confusion
• Missed thematic connections
• Spoiled revelations
• Reduced emotional payoff

Each book assumes you have already absorbed what came before—even if the setting and characters change dramatically.

– The Malazan Book of the Fallen should always be read in publication order.

Malazan Book of the Fallen Reading Order (Core Series)

Below is the official and recommended reading order for the main Malazan Book of the Fallen series, written entirely by Steven Erikson.

Malazan Reading Order – Main Series

1. Gardens of the Moon
2. Deadhouse Gates
3. Memories of Ice
4. House of Chains
5. Midnight Tides
6. The Bonehunters
7. Reaper’s Gale
8. Toll the Hounds
9. Dust of Dreams
10. The Crippled God

This order is non-negotiable for first-time readers.

What to Expect as You Read (Book by Book Structure)

Understanding how the series is structured helps reduce frustration.

Early Books (1–3): Immersion and Shock

• Gardens of the Moon throws you directly into war and politics
• Deadhouse Gates introduces new continents and unforgettable tragedies
• Memories of Ice begins tying storylines together

At this stage, confusion is normal—and intentional.

Middle Books (4–6): Expansion and Depth

• House of Chains reframes earlier events
• Midnight Tides introduces a completely new cast and culture
• The Bonehunters starts merging major narrative threads

This is where many readers realize how carefully planned the series is.

Late Books (7–10): Convergence and Resolution

• Storylines begin to collide
• Long-running themes come into focus
• Emotional and philosophical weight intensifies

By the final two books, Malazan becomes a single unstoppable narrative.

Can You Read Malazan Out of Order?

Short answer: No.

Long answer:
Some guides suggest alternate reading orders or mixing in side novels. These are not recommended for first-time readers.

Reasons:

• The main series already demands full attention
• Side novels assume knowledge of the core books
• Mixing timelines early increases confusion

– Finish the 10-book core series first.

What About the Other Malazan Books?

The Malazan universe includes many additional series written by Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esslemont, who co-created the world.

These include:

• Novels of the Malazan Empire
• Kharkanas Trilogy
• Path to Ascendancy
• Witness Trilogy

Important rule:

These are not part of the Malazan Book of the Fallen reading order.

They should be read after (or well alongside) the core series—never instead of it.

Why Malazan Is Considered Difficult

Many readers struggle early with Malazan because:

• There is no clear “main character”
• Magic is powerful but poorly explained
• Names, titles, and factions are dense
• Moral lines are intentionally blurred

However, this difficulty is also why the series is so highly respected. Malazan treats readers as active participants, not passive consumers.

Who Should Read Malazan?

Malazan is best suited for readers who:

• Enjoy complex, literary epic fantasy
• Are comfortable with ambiguity
• Don’t need immediate explanations
• Appreciate thematic depth and tragedy

It is not ideal for:

• Casual fantasy readers
• Those who want simple magic systems
• Readers who prefer character hand-holding

Tips for First-Time Readers

To get the most out of Malazan:

• Trust the process—confusion fades
• Avoid reading summaries too early
• Don’t worry about remembering every name
• Focus on themes, not just plot

Many fans report that Malazan improves dramatically on rereads, once the structure becomes clear.

Common Reading Order Mistakes

• Starting with a later book
• Mixing in Esslemont novels too early
• Skipping Gardens of the Moon
• Searching for a “simplified” order

There is no shortcut. The experience is built through progression.

Final Thoughts

The Malazan reading order is simple in theory but powerful in execution:
Read the 10-book Malazan Book of the Fallen series in publication order.

This approach preserves:

• Narrative clarity
• Emotional weight
• Thematic payoff

Malazan is not an easy series—but for readers willing to commit, it delivers one of the most profound, brutal, and rewarding epic fantasy experiences ever written.

If you’re ready for a challenge that respects your intelligence and patience, Malazan is waiting.