Read Steven Erikson Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 8, 2026

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Fantasy literature has long been a realm where imagination knows no bounds, and among the modern masters of this genre, Steven Erikson stands out as a towering figure. His works, particularly the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, have captivated readers with their sprawling narratives, morally complex characters, and intricate world-building that rivals the depth of Tolkien’s Middle-earth or Martin’s Westeros. Yet, approaching Erikson’s works can be both thrilling and intimidating. With ten books, countless characters, multiple timelines, and interwoven plots, understanding how to navigate this literary universe is essential for both first-time readers and seasoned fantasy enthusiasts. In this guide, we will explore the world of Steven Erikson’s books, examine their reading order, and discuss the nuances that make his series an unforgettable literary journey.

List Of Steven Erikson Books In Order

More On Steven Erikson Books In Chronological Order

1. Gardens of the Moon (1999)

This is where it all starts-*Gardens of the Moon* is the first book in the *Malazan Book of the Fallen* series, setting the stage for an epic tale that’s vast in scale and complexity. The book introduces a sprawling world filled with gods, armies, and ancient forces all battling for dominance. The Malazan Empire is embroiled in war, and the narrative weaves between different characters, from soldiers to wizards, all in a world where magic and politics collide in the most unpredictable ways. It’s gritty, action-packed, and full of twists, but be warned: it can be a little overwhelming for first-time readers.

2. Deadhouse Gates (2000)

Now that the world has been set up, *Deadhouse Gates* takes you even deeper into the Malazan Empire, shifting its focus to a new set of characters, primarily in the vast desert of Seven Cities. The story is centered around a rebellion, the arrival of a mysterious force, and a military campaign that’s far from straightforward. The narrative digs into the human cost of war, the desperation of people, and how different factions, from the Malazans to the native tribes, clash in this unforgiving environment. It’s a brutal, emotional ride and one of the highlights of the series.

3. Memories of Ice (2001)

*Memories of Ice* is a continuation that builds on the events of the previous books, especially tying in some of the storylines from *Gardens of the Moon*. But it’s not just a sequel-it brings in new characters, new mythologies, and amplifies the epicness of everything. This time, the focus is on the Tiste Andii and their ancient conflict with other races, the arrival of a new army, and the horrors that arise when ancient powers wake up. The book is packed with intense battle sequences, some fascinating character growth, and an atmosphere of impending doom that Erikson does so well.

4. House of Chains (2002)

The fourth book in the *Malazan* series, *House of Chains*, introduces us to yet another corner of the Malazan Empire. This one is centered on the rise of a man named Karsa Orlong, who begins as a tribal warrior but soon grows into one of the series’ most iconic figures. The book deals with themes of conquest, identity, and how brutal civilizations can shape the mind. It also throws readers back into the desert of Seven Cities, where the rebellion is still going on, and forces them to face the dark truths behind human conflict.

5. Midnight Tides (2004)

*Midnight Tides* is the fifth book in the *Malazan* series, and it introduces a completely new setting, characters, and even more complex political intrigue. Set in the far-flung islands of the Tiste Edur, the book explores their history, their dark gods, and their destructive conquest of other civilizations. The characters, once again, are morally grey and complex, and the narrative explores the devastating effects of colonialism, power, and the nature of betrayal. It’s a departure from the other books, but still feels very much a part of the larger Malazan world.

6. The Bonehunters (2006)

After the events of *Midnight Tides*, *The Bonehunters* takes us back to familiar territories as we follow the Bonehunter army-a group of soldiers navigating the aftermath of a brutal war. This book is incredibly dense, both in plot and character development, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s where Erikson really starts pulling the strings of all the characters together. The main arc centers on the aftermath of a civil war, but there are so many layers: a former soldier turned war hero, gods getting involved, and conspiracies all around. You’ll get attached to some of the characters, and then Erikson has a way of pulling the rug out from under you, so prepare for emotional gut-punches.

7. Reaper’s Gale (2007)

Continuing the story from *The Bonehunters*, *Reaper’s Gale* deepens the conflict between the Malazan Empire and the rising forces that threaten its existence. This book has some major reveals about the gods and their meddling in human affairs, and we see some old favorites return to the fray. The Bonehunter army is still trying to get their footing, but larger cosmic forces are afoot, threatening to destroy everything. It’s a big, sprawling story that tackles fate, leadership, and the cost of war in Erikson’s signature way-dark, tragic, and absolutely compelling.

8. Toll the Hounds (2008)

This book has a very personal feel compared to some of the earlier entries in the series. *Toll the Hounds* takes readers back to Darujhistan, one of the cities introduced in *Gardens of the Moon*, and digs deep into the lives of several characters, including a few whose fates have been building across the series. Themes of revenge, sacrifice, and redemption take center stage as Erikson explores the emotional costs of the epic scale of war. The book also explores the relationship between the gods and mortals in a way that’s profound and devastating.

9. Dust of Dreams (2009)

*Dust of Dreams* is the first book in the final two-part conclusion to the *Malazan* saga. The tension and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Erikson weaves together the fates of numerous characters who’ve been on this journey from the start. This is a book about the inevitable march of history and how individuals and armies can get caught in its wake. It’s filled with high fantasy tropes-battles, betrayals, and heartbreak-but it’s also a deep meditation on how history repeats itself, and how sometimes there’s no escaping it.

10. The Crippled God (2011)

The final book in the *Malazan Book of the Fallen* series, *The Crippled God* brings the epic saga to a breathtaking conclusion. All the threads, all the stories, all the characters Erikson has introduced over the previous ten books come to a head here. It’s a grand and tragic finale, with the world at war, gods dying, and a final confrontation between the forces of good and evil. The book ties up many long-running plot points, but it’s not a neat, tidy resolution. It’s an emotional, philosophical ending that asks readers to question what they’ve experienced and, ultimately, what the cost of everything really is.

Background On Steven Erikson Books

Steven Erikson, a Canadian author and anthropologist, brings a unique blend of historical insight, philosophical inquiry, and epic storytelling to fantasy literature. His signature work, the Malazan Book of the Fallen, spans ten volumes, beginning with Gardens of the Moon and concluding with The Crippled God. The series is renowned for its complexity: it blends multiple storylines, a vast ensemble of characters, and a richly detailed mythology that spans thousands of years. Unlike conventional fantasy series that often center around a single hero’s journey, Erikson’s books explore the rise and fall of empires, the burdens of immortality, the intricacies of magic systems, and the profound consequences of human and non-human ambition.

Each book in the series is a mosaic, composed of individual character arcs, political intrigue, and philosophical reflections. Erikson’s style challenges readers to engage actively, rewarding those who pay attention to subtle details, historical echoes, and layered storytelling. His novels also stand out for their philosophical underpinnings: themes of suffering, loyalty, war, and the morality of power recur throughout, making the series not just a fantastical adventure, but a meditation on human existence.

Reading Order Explained

Navigating the Malazan universe can be daunting, primarily because the narrative is non-linear and the cast of characters is immense. There are two primary reading approaches: publication order and chronological order.

Publication Order

The simplest approach is to read the series in the order Erikson published the books. This begins with:

1. Gardens of the Moon
2. Deadhouse Gates
3. Memories of Ice
4. House of Chains
5. Midnight Tides
6. The Bonehunters
7. Reaper’s Gale
8. Toll the Hounds
9. Dust of Dreams
10. The Crippled God

Reading in publication order preserves the experience intended by the author, including the gradual revelations and thematic developments. This method allows readers to absorb the narrative surprises and character arcs as Erikson unfolded them, ensuring the full impact of plot twists and interconnected events.

Chronological Order

For readers who prefer a linear timeline, the chronological approach rearranges the books according to the events within the Malazan world. However, this order can be less satisfying, as it occasionally spoils developments intended to be revealed later. Additionally, it requires integrating Erikson’s companion series, such as The Kharkanas Trilogy and Ian C. Esslemont’s Malazan Empire novels, which provide prequel and side-story perspectives.

Ultimately, publication order is widely recommended for new readers. It balances narrative clarity with the emotional and thematic resonance of Erikson’s storytelling, while chronological order is best suited for returning readers eager to explore the series from a different angle.

What I Like About The Series?

There are countless reasons why the Malazan Book of the Fallen has achieved a cult following, but several aspects stand out distinctly.

1. Complex, Multidimensional Characters: Erikson refuses to rely on simple archetypes. Heroes and villains alike possess depth, vulnerability, and ambiguity. Even secondary characters are intricately drawn, with personal histories, moral dilemmas, and evolving motivations.

2. Vast, Immersive World-Building: The Malazan world is immense and meticulously crafted, with unique cultures, detailed histories, and a living ecology. From sprawling cities to barren wastelands, every setting feels real and tangible, enriched with social hierarchies, political intrigues, and economic systems.

3. Philosophical and Emotional Depth: Beyond battles and magic, Erikson’s novels explore themes such as the nature of suffering, loyalty, love, and the consequences of choices across generations. The series is as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling.

4. Innovative Storytelling: The narrative structure is daring, often shifting between multiple points of view, timelines, and plot threads. This narrative complexity rewards attentive readers and fosters a sense of discovery and intellectual engagement rarely found in fantasy.

5. Epic Scope and Stakes: Wars, magic, divine interventions, and the clash of empires create a scale that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. The series captures the grandeur of epic fantasy while grounding it in human struggles and emotions.

Should You Read Steven Erikson Books In Order?

Yes, reading the Malazan books in order-preferably by publication sequence-is highly recommended. The series’ depth and interconnectedness mean that jumping into the middle can be disorienting. Characters recur, storylines intertwine, and thematic arcs evolve gradually; missing the early books risks losing much of the narrative and emotional resonance.

That said, Erikson’s storytelling is immersive enough that even readers who approach the series out of order may find themselves fascinated by his characters and world-building. However, for the full impact-both intellectually and emotionally-the order of publication is the most rewarding path.