Orb Sceptre Throne

Continuing the chronicles of the Malazan Empire, Esslemont (Stonewielder) spins a tale of adventure and history that is both weighty and electrifying, both breakneck and intricate, and filled with plenty of familiar faces as well as a host of new players. In southern Genabackis, the city of Darujhistan is skirted by dry, dusty plains where immense treasures are said to be ripe for the picking. Scholar Ebbin is one of those who traverse that waste, looking for historical gewgaws for his research into the fabled Darujhistan Imperial Age. As the Darujhistani rulers manipulate a war between the nearby Moranth and Seguleh peoples, Ebbin stumbles across an artifact that could change the fate of the entire continent. Subplots too dense to summarize will make sense only to longtime fans, but those familiar with the series will find this a worthy and satisfying installment. Agent: Helen Edwards, Transworld, (May)