Return of the Crimson Guard (Malazan Empire) - Softcover

Riveting sequel to 2009's Night of Knives. "Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)"

One can become enthralled with a well-created universe replete with epic heroes, battles and a fascinating mosaic view of the struggles of a world-encompassing empire. "RT Book Reviews""

Riveting sequel to 2009's Night of Knives. Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

One can become enthralled with a well-created universe replete with epic heroes, battles and a fascinating mosaic view of the struggles of a world-encompassing empire. RT Book Reviews

"Riveting sequel to 2009's Night of Knives." --Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"One can become enthralled with a well-created universe replete with epic heroes, battles and a fascinating mosaic view of the struggles of a world-encompassing empire." --RT Book Reviews

The return of the mercenary company, the Crimson Guard, could not have come at a worse time for a Malazan Empire exhausted by warfare and weakened by betrayals and rivalries. Indeed, there are those who wonder whether the Empress Laseen might not be losing her grip on power as she faces increasing unrest as conquered kingdoms and principalities sense freedom once more.

Into the seething cauldron of Quon Tali--the Empire's heartland--marches the Guard. With their return comes the memory of the Empire--and yet all is not well with the Guard itself. Elements within its elite, the Avowed, have set their sights on far greater power. There are ancient entities who also seek to further their own arcane ends. And what of the swordsman called Traveller who, with his companion Ereko, has gone in search of a confrontation from which none have ever returned?

As the Guard prepares to wage war, so Laseen's own generals and mages, the 'Old Hands', grow impatient at what they see as her mismanagement of the Empire. But could Laseen have outwitted them all? Could she be using the uprisings to draw out and finally eliminate these last irksome survivors from the days of her illustrious predecesor, Kellanved?