Steven Erikson returns to the Malazan world with the second book in a dark and revelatory new epic fantasy trilogy, one that takes place a millennium before the events in his New York Times bestselling Malazan Book of the Fallen.
It's a conflicted time in Kurald Galain, the realm of Darkness, where Mother Dark reigns. This ancient land was once home to many a power? where even death is not quite eternal. The commoners' great hero, Vatha Urusander, is being urged by his followers to take Mother Dark's hand in marriage, but her Consort, Lord Draconus, stands in the way. The impending clash sends fissures throughout the realm. As rumors of civil war burn through the masses, an ancient power emerges from the long-dead seas. Caught in the middle of it all are the First Sons of Darkness, Anomander, Andarist, and Silchas Ruin of the Purake Hold.