The Fiends of Nightmaria

Erikson’s fourth Malazan novella (after The Wurms of Blearmouth) makes its U.S. debut, delivering a wry, intricately constructed ensemble adventure. Infamous necromancers Bauchelain and Korbal Broach have usurped the throne to become king and grand bishop of Farrog, respectively, instating a brutal rule. Their first moves in power are to arrest all of the kingdom’s artists and strengthen its borders. But when the imprisoned Indifferent God escapes his cell and runs amok, the duo must divert their energy into hunting him amid rising political tensions. Meanwhile, a disbanded team of thieves reunite to rescue their leader from imprisonment, an ambassador from Nightmaria seeks to declare war on Farrog, and several artists find a way to break free of their prison. Add in the scores of frustrated demons and hordes of undead summoned by Bauchelain, and the result is a fast-paced, morbidly humorous adventure. Series fans will find much to love in this jam-packed, tongue-in-cheek installment. (Mar.)