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Cover of House of Chains

House of Chains

Steven Erikson (1998)

SubgenreMilitary Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingHard R
Pages732 (Doorstopper (600+))
SettingSecondary World
CSM age18+
Goodreads4.34/5 (56120)

Content levels

ViolenceGraphic
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageStrong

Synopsis

Best selling author Steven Erikson returns with the latest in the morbid history of the Malazan Empire In Northern Genabackis, a raiding party of savage tribal warriors descends from the mountains into the southern flatlands. Their intention is to wreak havoc amongst the despised lowlanders, but for the one named Karsa Orlong it marks the beginning of what will prove to be an extraordinary destiny. Some years later, it is the aftermath of the Chain of Dogs. Tavore, the Adjunct to the Empress, has arrived in the last remaining Malazan stronghold of Seven Cities. New to command, she must hone twelve thousand soldiers, mostly raw recruits but for a handful of veterans of Coltaine's legendary march, into a force capable of challenging the massed hordes of Sha'ik's Whirlwind who lie in wait in the heart of the Holy Desert. But waiting is never easy. The seer's warlords are locked into a power struggle that threatens the very soul of the rebellion, while Sha'ik herself suffers, haunted by the knowledge of her nemesis: her own sister, Tavore. And so begins this awesome new chapter in Steven Erikson's acclaimed Malazan Book of the Fallen . . . At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

House of Chains: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This is grimdark epic fantasy with graphic violence, battlefield carnage, torture, slavery, and strong language throughout. Sexual content is present but not explicit. Mature themes of war, trauma, and moral ambiguity pervade the narrative.

What to know going in

This book has graphic violence, moderate sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include torture, slavery, graphic violence, gore, and captivity (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Adult readers who love complex, morally gray military fantasy with massive scope and intricate worldbuilding will be captivated by this epic tale.

Tags

Dark FantasyEpic FantasyMilitary FictionHigh Fantasy