''Kellanved's Reach'' is the third novel of the Path to Ascendancy series by

Canadian Canadians (french: Canadiens) are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Canadians, many (or all) of these connections exist and are collectively the source of ...

author

Ian Cameron Esslemont Ian Cameron Esslemont (born 1962) is a Canadian writer. He was trained and has worked as an archaeologist. He is best known for his series ''Novels of the Malazan Empire'', which is set in the same world as the ''Malazan Book of the Fallen'' ep ...

. Set in the world of the ''

Malazan Book of the Fallen ''Malazan Book of the Fallen'' is a series of epic fantasy novels written by the Canadian author Steven Erikson. The series, published by Bantam Books in the U.K. and Tor Books in the U.S., consists of ten volumes, beginning with '' Gardens of ...

'', Kellanved's Reach tells the story of the founding of the Malazan empire.

Development

In a 2016 interview with ''The Critical Dragon'', Esslemont states he has three novels planned for his ''Path to Ascendency'' series. He goes on to state "the door is open" for further novels, and the series could "prove as long as it need be to tell its tale". In a March 2022 interview, Esslemont announced a fourth ''Path to Ascendancy'' book titled ''Forge of the High Mage''.

Plot

The novel chronologically takes place between Deadhouse Landing and

Night of Knives ''Night of Knives'' is the first novel of the Novels of the Malazan Empire series by Canadian author Ian Esslemont, set after the prologue, but before the main body of ''Gardens of the Moon'', the first novel in the ''Malazan Book of the Fallen ...

. It continues the story of Dancer and Kellanved, their founding of the Malazan Empire, and eventual ascension.

Critical reception

''Kellanved's Reach'' received positive reviews upon publication. Bill Capossere calls it a "well-written prequel", praising the pace and plot of the novel compared to Esslemont's earlier works. ''Fantasy Book Review'' gave it a 9 out of 10, calling it a "fantastic addition to the trilogy" and describing it as "equal parts majestic, captivating, thrilling, funny, and mystifying". ''

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of ...

'' says "Esslemont’s weird magics, intense combat, and varied characters continue to put his work at the peak of epic fantasy" but notes "extensive cast of characters and the wide scope will prevent newcomers from being able to join the story in progress."

References

2016 Canadian novels High fantasy novels Malazan Book of the Fallen Tor Books books Bantam Books books {{2010s-fantasy-novel-stub