This is book one in a series and the first book I’ve read by this author. You are dropped right down in the middle of the action from page one. For me this was confusing at first and it took some time for me to figure out what was going on. Once I got it, I was sucked into the story all the way to the end.  

The Malazan Empire is trying to take over everyone and will stop at nothing to achieve its goals. There are many forces opposing it and even those working for the Empire that want to see it fail. Mages and Gods have their own objectives and are often in competition with each other. Under these circumstances, a large cast of characters work to defend their own agendas and some just trying to stay alive.  

Fans of adult fantasy will love this book. It’s well written and I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.