Fall of Light

Did You Know?

• The unabridged audiobook, narrated by Barnaby Edwards, was released by Random House Audiobooks on 21 April 2016.
• Major themes of the novel include love, compassion, and empathy, with the core dealing with the 'heart' as an unremarked power.

Plot

With Anomander Rake absent, his brother Silchas Ruin prepares for confrontation against Urusander's Legion. He controversially orders the Hust Legion to bolster its ranks by recruiting prisoners from the mining pits after massive losses from poisoning by Hunn Raal. Silchas sends sergeants Prazek Goul and Dathenar to serve as lieutenants in the Hust Legion, a decision some Houseblades find hard to accept. Historian Rise Herat and High Priestess of Dark Emral Lanear plan to depose Draconus by turning the Sons of Darkness against him, corresponding with Syntara, the High Priestess of Light. The Azathanai Grizzin Farl, called the Protector, remains at Kharkanas and reveals to Silchas that his presence keeps away his kin who would exploit the Tiste civil war. Mother Dark tests her powers through Endest Silann, gifting him the sorcery of Eternal Night. Sharenas Ankhadu confronts Vatha Urusander with her investigations into the Denier pogrom, revealing Hunn Raal's involvement and a conspiracy against the commander. She takes it upon herself to cull Urusander's camp. Hunn Raal, blessed with sorcery of Light, fashions the title Mortal Sword for himself. His careless display attracts the Azathanai Olar Ethil, who cautions him and instructs him to find a master smithy to build her a fire so she can guide them to the First Forge, where he can forge the Sceptre of Light to balance Draconus's Sceptre of Night. Hundreds and thousands flock to Omtose Phellack to answer Hood's war against Death.

Style

Fall of Light is written in Shakespearean style and tone, with more comic relief and respites from darkness than the first novel. The narrative pairs big event moments against deep personal moments, focusing on individuals to give a larger picture of massive convergences. Scenes early in the novel foreshadow and set the tone for the rest of the narrative.

Background

Erikson confirmed the title Fall of Light in a February 28, 2012 reddit AMA session, stating it would be published a few years after Forge of Darkness. In a 2014 reddit AMA, he revealed he spent more time on this novel than any previous one, having avoided second book syndrome in his ten-volume Malazan Book of the Fallen series. He struggled with structuring the story and became uncertain, but eventually gained confidence in its completion. The novel was published in 2016.

Reception

Fall of Light received widespread critical acclaim. Glen Cook called it a masterwork of the imagination that might be the high-water mark of epic fantasy. Bill Capossere of Tor.com wrote that while the story takes time to pick up pace, the wait is worth it, and the book contains thoughtful examinations of the world. Dan Ruffolo of Strange Currencies noted it continues a fascinating glimpse into the Malazan world's history, with top-notch writing of scene and dialogue, and that Erikson handles serious scenes with appropriate humour and wit. The Critical Dragon reviewer stated the novel builds on Forge of Darkness, adding depth and complexity while fleshing out conflict and characters, boding well for the third book. Steven Diamond of Elitist Book Reviews praised the characters and political intrigue but criticized Erikson's tendency to over-philosophize, noting that while it lends introspection, there were moments he wished it pulled back. Diamond concluded that if you liked Erikson you would like the book, but if not this would not change your mind.