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Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
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Synopsis
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 12,000 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 chapter in Steven Erikson's acclaimed Malazan Book of the Fallen.
House of Chains: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This is intense adult epic fantasy with graphic violence, war atrocities, torture, sexual content, and strong language throughout. The Malazan series is known for its complexity and dark, unflinching portrayal of warfare and human suffering.
What to know going in
This book has graphic violence, moderate sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include torture, slavery, graphic violence, death, and mass death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult fantasy readers will be gripped by the epic scope, complex military campaigns, and morally ambiguous characters struggling through brutal conflicts.