Kellanved's Reach

Path to Ascendancy, Book 3

By: Ian C. Esslemont

Narrated by: John Banks

The conclusion to Ian C. Esslemont's epic fantasy Path to Ascendancy trilogy - a prequel story set in the New York Times bestselling Malazan Empire series - co-created by Steven Erikson.

The incessant war between the bickering city states of Quon Tali rages. So engrossed are the warring lords and princes in their own petty feuds that few notice that an upstart mage from Dal Hon has gained control of the southern seas.

Kellanved could not care less about any of this petty politicking or strategy or war. Something other and altogether more mysterious has caught his attention and he - together with a reluctant and his decidedly skeptical friend Dancer - traverse continents and journey through the Realms. But this ancient mystery that has so captivated Kellanved is neither esoteric nor ephemeral. It involves the Elder races themselves, and more alarmingly, the semi-mythic Army of Dust and Bone.

Surely no one in their right mind would be so foolish as to embark on a journey from which none have returned? Well, no one except Kellanved.

Path to Ascendancy
#1 Dancer's Lament
#2 Deadhouse Landing
#3 Kellanved's Reach

©2019 by Ian C. Esslemont. (P)2019 Penguin Audio.

Cameos

Interesting to see the origins of some pretty big names on the Malazan books, although the supporting characters don’t see much page time. Story is simple, writing is simple. Everything is spelled out, unlike the murky Malazan books.

For the Fans!

I loved geeking out and meeting these characters when they were younger and the nods towards future events. Lots of cool explanations and foreshadowing.

There were were too many p.o.v's for such a short book and I was wanting several plot lines to be fleshed out more. Banks, once again, delivers a great performance!

Great fun!

The story was great. I wished the author would vary up his descriptions of certain acts, or convey the emotion through a different way.

That being said, absolutely worth the read. Get it!

More books?

I went into this assuming it was a trilogy. I can't imagine this one being the last in the series. Hopeful for more and tying up loose ends with a future book or two more.

Great series

Continuation of engaging series, worthy successor of characters from earlier books. Looking forward to the next installment.