Deadhouse Gates (Malazan Book of the Fallen 2)

Deadhouse Gates is the second volume in the "Malazan Book of the Fallen" saga, a decology originally published between 1999 and 2011 that is already considered one of the most ambitious series in the genre and has made Canadian writer Steven Erikson one of the greatest voices in contemporary epic fantasy.

Weakened by events in Darujhistan, the Malazan Empire teeters on the brink of anarchy. In the vast domain of the Seven Cities, in the Holy Raraku desert, the seer Sha'ik and her followers prepare for the Whirlwind, the long-prophesied uprising. It will be an outbreak of fanaticism that will envelop the empire in unprecedented savagery and bloodlust. One of the bloodiest conflicts in its history will erupt, and new destinies and legends will emerge...

In the otaralite mines, Felisin dreams of avenging herself on her sister, who condemned her to a life of slavery. The now-outlawed Bridgeburners, Fiddler and the assassin Kalam, have sworn to return Apsalar to her homeland and kill Empress Laseen.

Meanwhile, Coltaine, the charismatic Malazan commander, leads his soldiers in a final battle to save the lives of thirty thousand refugees. And to that ruined land arrive two old acquaintances, Mappo and the Jaghut Icarium, bearing a devastating secret that threatens to break free from its chains...

Reviews:
«Erikson’s novels have redefined the epic.»
Interzone

«One of the most promising writers in recent years.»
Bookseller

«In action and inventiveness no one surpasses Erikson.»
SF Site