Malazan Empire books in order

Q: "How many books are in the Malazan Empire series?"

"There are six books in the Malazan Empire series, published between 2004 and 2014."

Q: "What is the first book in the Malazan Empire series?"

"The first book in the Malazan Empire series is Night of Knives, published in 2004."

Q: "Do you need to read Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen before Esslemont's Malazan Empire books?"

"You don't need to read Erikson's series first, but many readers find it helpful since the two series share the same world and some characters overlap. Esslemont's books can be read on their own, though they are richer when read alongside Erikson's work."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	Night of Knives	2004	Ian C. Esslemont	Buy
2	Return of the Crimson Guard	2008	Ian C. Esslemont	Buy
3	Stonewielder	2010	Ian C. Esslemont	Buy
4	Orb Sceptre Throne	2012	Ian C. Esslemont	Buy
5	Blood and Bone	2012	Ian C. Esslemont	Buy
6	Assail	2014	Ian C. Esslemont	Buy

The Novels of the Malazan Empire is Ian C. Esslemont’s series of epic fantasy novels set in the world he co-created with Steven Erikson. Beginning with Night of Knives in 2004, the series explores corners of the Malazan world that Erikson’s main sequence doesn’t cover in depth.

Esslemont’s novels follow their own characters and storylines while connecting to the broader events of the Malazan universe. The series has been praised by fans of the setting for adding depth and new perspectives to an already sprawling fictional world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Malazan Empire series?

There are six books in the Malazan Empire series, published between 2004 and 2014.

What is the first book in the Malazan Empire series?

The first book in the Malazan Empire series is Night of Knives, published in 2004.

Do you need to read Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen before Esslemont's Malazan Empire books?

You don’t need to read Erikson’s series first, but many readers find it helpful since the two series share the same world and some characters overlap. Esslemont’s books can be read on their own, though they are richer when read alongside Erikson’s work.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order