Ian C. Esslemont Reading Order
3 series · 13 books · Born 1962
Ian C. Esslemont is a Canadian fantasy author and trained archaeologist whose work spans interconnected epic worlds. He is primarily known for the Malazan Empire series, which exists within the same universe as Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, and for the Path to Ascendancy prequel trilogy that explores the origins of that shared setting. Across thirteen novels published between 2004 and 2023, Esslemont has established himself as a master of intricate worldbuilding and complex character arcs in large-scale fantasy narratives.
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Anthologies Series
Complete2 books (2013–2015)
Ian C. Esslemont's two-book anthology series spans from 2013 to 2015 and consists of Writing Fantasy Heroes and Imaginarium 3. This complete collection should be read in publication order, beginning with Writing Fantasy Heroes. Both volumes offer fantasy-focused short fiction and related content suited to readers interested in the author's work within the fantasy genre.
Start with Writing Fantasy Heroes and read in order.
Start this series with Writing Fantasy Heroes
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Malazan Empire Series
Likely Complete7 books (2004–2023)
The Malazon Empire series by Ian C. Esslemont consists of seven epic fantasy novels published between 2004 and 2023. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Night of Knives and continuing through Return of the Crimson Guard, Stonewielder, Blood and Bone, Orb Sceptre Throne, Assail, and concluding with Forge of the High Mage. These books explore the history and conflicts of the Malazan Empire through interconnected narratives spanning multiple continents and timelines.
Start with Night of Knives, the first of 7 books in the Malazan Empire series.
Start this series with Night of Knives
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Path to Ascendancy Series
Likely Complete4 books (2016–2023)
The Path to Ascendancy is a four-book fantasy series by Ian C. Esslemont published between 2016 and 2023, appearing to be complete. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Dancer's Lament and continuing through Deadhouse Landing, Kellanved's Reach, and Forge of the High Mage. This series explores the origins and early history of key figures in Esslemont's larger fantasy world.
Start with Dancer's Lament, the first of 4 books in the Path to Ascendancy series.
Start this series with Dancer's Lament
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Ian C. Esslemont written?
- Ian C. Esslemont has written 13 books across 3 series. Their published works span from 2004 to 2023.
- What is the first book in each Ian C. Esslemont series?
- Here are the first books in Ian C. Esslemont's series: Anthologies: Writing Fantasy Heroes; Malazan Empire: Night of Knives; Path to Ascendancy: Dancer's Lament.
- What order should I read Ian C. Esslemont's books?
- We recommend reading Ian C. Esslemont's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Ian C. Esslemont's series complete?
- Ian C. Esslemont has 1 completed series.