The Kharkanas Trilogy

Did You Know?

• The story is divided into three main narratives: the Tiste divide into Andii, Liosan, and Edur; the Jaghut declare war on Death; and the Azathanai include both generous beings and those who exploit conflicts.
• Erikson revealed on his official Facebook page on October 25, 2017, that the working title of the first novel in the new Karsa Orlong trilogy would be 'The God is not Willing.'
• Tor released excerpts of Forge of Darkness's prelude and first five chapters between July and August 2012.

Themes and Style

The Kharkanas Trilogy, like Erikson's earlier Malazan series, draws on his background as an anthropologist and archaeologist. Revelations from the Malazan series are discredited in the trilogy, suggesting that the present distorts or forgets past historic events, especially for long-lived characters. The author intentionally made the style different: where the Malazan series sprawled outward, the Kharkanas trilogy sprawls inward, becoming as close to claustrophobic as possible. Erikson drew inspiration from Shakespeare, focusing on declamations and sentence structures dictated by breath-length. Characters, including lowborn ones, engage in lengthy philosophical discussions and introspection, reflecting Erikson's objection to assumptions about the intelligence of lower social classes. Regarding themes, Erikson notes that when art ceases to oppose the desires of a civilization's power bloc, it gets into trouble.

Development and publication history

Before completing the Malazan series, Erikson was contracted to write two Malazan-related trilogies. While working on the eighth Malazan novel, he began planting seeds for the Kharkanas Trilogy through flashbacks and character introductions. He approached the project with both new and old readers in mind, offering an alternative entry point while adding elements for existing fans. Forge of Darkness was first released in hardcover by Bantam Books in the United Kingdom and Canada on 31 July 2012, with a paperback edition on 2 August 2012. Tor released a US hardcover on 18 September 2012 and a paperback on 27 August 2013. PS Publishing issued a limited signed hardcover edition of 300 copies in October 2012. An ebook edition was released by both publishers, and an audiobook voiced by Daniel Philpott was released by Brilliance Audio on 16 September 2014. Fall of Light was published four years later, on 21 April 2016 by Bantam in the UK and Canada, and on 26 April 2016 by Tor. On 25 October 2017, Erikson announced that the third novel, tentatively titled Walk in Shadow, would be written after the first novel in the planned Karsa Orlong trilogy, due to lower than expected sales and the creative toll of the writing style.

Critical reception

The series has been received very well by both critics and readers, who praised the themes, narrative, and style. Reviewing Forge of Darkness, critics noted the philosophical meanderings and similarities to historical or philosophical treatises, while praising the scope and breadth of the narrative. Bill Capossere of Tor.com wrote that while the story takes time to pick up pace, the wait is worth it, and that Fall of Light was filled with thoughtful examinations of the world. Dan Ruffolo of Strange Currencies stated that Fall of Light continued a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Malazan setting, and that Erikson's ability to handle serious scenes with appropriate humour made it a pleasure to read. The Critical Dragon reviewer noted that the novel builds on Forge of Darkness, adding depth and complexity, and that it tells a riveting story of complex characters with key themes giving the story force and weight.