The Kharkanas Trilogy

Set 300,000 years before the events of Malazan Book of the Fallen, the story is divided into three main narratives. The first revolves around the Tiste and the events leading up to their divide into the Andii, Liosan and Edur. The second revolves around the Jaghut and the events leading up to the declaration of war on Death. And the third around the Azathanai, some of whom are generous, while others who would only take advantage.

Much like in the case of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, the Kharkanas Trilogy draws inspiration from Erikson's background as an anthropologist and archaeologist.[1] The fact that many of the revelations from the Malazan series seem to be discredited as the story in the two published novels progress, gives credence to the fact that depending on the interpreter, historic events get distorted or forgotten and reinvented all the time. This is especially the case with long-lived characters.[2] That's not to say that the styles of the two series are similar; the author made an intentional choice to the contrary. Where the Malazan series sprawled outward, the Kharkanas trilogy sprawls inward; down scaled and as close to claustrophobic as possible. The reason behind this was already alluded to in the Malazan series, where the author spoke of ambition and railing against the notion of the word being a pejorative. So since he'd already drawn inspiration from Iliad for the Malazan series, he went in another direction — Shakespearean direction. He noted that Shakespeare was all about declamations, and sentence structures dictated by breath-length, and that he'd fallen in love with it.[3]

That the characters — even commoners — of both the Malazan series and the Kharkanas trilogy seem to be engaged in long philosophical discussions and introspection, can be attributed to the fact that Erikson has actively tried to dispel the notion or assumption that exists regarding the level of intelligence or lack thereof directly corresponding with a persons' class. In his experience, he has met numerous people who have shown evidence to the contrary.[2]

There are themes that are running through the trilogy which relate to how civilizations destroy themselves, and one of the themes I’m advancing is that the various forms of art have to be destroyed first — the meaning of art, if you will.

— Steven Erikson, Wired's Geek's Guide to the Galaxy [2]

Regarding the themes, again drawing inspiration from history, Erikson notes, "when art ceases to oppose — or to stand outside — the desires of the power bloc of a particular civilization, it gets into trouble".

The series overall has been received very well by both critics and readers, with critics praising the themes, the narrative and the style of the novels.

Reviewing Forge of Darkness, critics also noted the philosophical meanderings in the story and similarities in Erikson's fiction and historical or philosophical treatises, while praising the scope and breadth of the narrative.[17]

Writer and critic, Bill Capossere of Tor.com wrote in his very positive review, that while it certainly takes some time for the story to pick its pace, the wait is worth it. He stated that Fall of Light was filled with wonderfully thoughtful, intense, and important examinations of the world we live in.[18]

Dan Ruffolo of Strange Currencies, wrote that Fall of Light continued a fascinating glimpse into the history of the amazing setting of the world that was introduced in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and that Erikson continues his top-notch writing of both scene and dialogue. He concluded that Erikson's ability to handle even very serious scenes with exactly the right type of humour and wit made Fall of Light a pleasure to read.[19]

The reviewer at the Critical Dragon stated that the novel builds on the ground established in Forge of Darkness, adding further depth and complexity to the world, while fleshing out the conflict and characters, which bodes extremely well for the third book, Walk in Shadow. He concluded by saying Fall of Light tells riveting story of complex and powerful characters, with an amazing world to act as a backdrop, and key themes and concepts that give the story force and weight.[20]