Return of the Crimson Guard

Esslemont, Ian C.

ISBN 10: 0593058097 / ISBN 13: 9780593058091

Published by Bantam Press, 2008

First printing of this first trade edition, with full number line 1-10. A limited edition was first published by PS Publishing LLP. Inside is clean and unmarked. Dust jacket has some shelf wear. Dust jacket has crease down spine. Dust jacket has small tear on back top, see photo 5. Corners bend in slightly. See photos. Seller Inventory # ABE-1719598174259

Synopsis:

The return of the mercenary company the Crimson Guard could not have come at a worse time for the Malazan Empire. Drained by constant warfare, weakened by betrayal and rivalries, many see the grip of Empress Laseen weakening. Conquered kingdoms and principalities test their old independence. Into this gathering civil war on Quon Tali - the Empire's homeland - comes the Guard. And with their return comes the memory of their hundred year old vow: undying opposition to the existence of the Empire. Yet rivalries and betrayals stalk the Guard as well - elements of its elite, the Avowed, scheme to open paths to even greater power. Ancient potent entities, Ascendants, also lend a hand exploiting all sides to further their own arcane ends.Meanwhile, a swordsman, Traveller, and his companion Ereko, move from one strange encounter to another in a mysterious dance meant ultimately to bring the swordsman to a final confrontation from which none have ever returned. As the Crimson Guard gathers itself from around the globe, Empress Laseen faces more immediate threats. To feed her wars she has bled dry provincial garrisons across Quon Tali and now regional nationalists see their chance. Behind their insurrections stand the veteran commanders of Laseen's predecessor, Emperor Kellanved. These generals and powerful mages, the "Old Hands," have lost patience with what they see as Laseen's mismanagement and have selected their own replacement. Yet there are hints that Laseen may be using the uprisings to draw out and finally eliminate these last irksome survivors of her predecessor's rule.

About the Author: Ian Cameron Esslemont was born in 1962 in Winnipeg, Canada and currently lives in Alaska with his wife and three sons. He is a trained archaeologist, has travelled extensively in S.E. Asia and lived in Thailand and Japan. He is currently completing a Ph.D in English Literature. The acclaimed Night of Knives was his debut.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Return of the Crimson Guard
Publisher: Bantam Press
Publication Date: 2008
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Good