Tiste Andii
A prequel exploring the ancient divide of the Tiste through a claustrophobic, Shakespearean lens set 300,000 years before Malazan Book of the Fallen.
The Kharkanas Trilogy serves as a prequel to Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, set approximately three hundred thousand years before the events of the main series. This epic fantasy series focuses on the Tiste, Jaghut, and Azathanai, detailing their histories through three novels: Forge of Darkness and Fall of Light (published as of 2025), with a third titled Walk in Shadow planned for later. The narrative centers on key figures such as Anomander Rake, Draconus, Hood, Gothos, and K'rul. Unlike the sprawling nature of the Malazan series, this trilogy is intentionally scaled down to be claustrophobic, drawing inspiration from Shakespearean declamation styles where sentence structures are dictated by breath-length.
- Origin
- Children of Mother Dark
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The story is divided into three main narratives. The first revolves around the Tiste and the events leading up to their split into the Andii, Liosan, and Edur. Themes run through the trilogy regarding how civilizations destroy themselves, specifically noting that various forms of art must be destroyed first—the meaning of art itself—when it ceases to oppose the desires of a civilization's power bloc. The narrative draws inspiration from Erikson's background as an anthropologist and archaeologist, suggesting that revelations from the Malazan series are discredited here to show how the present distorts or forgets past historical events. This is particularly relevant for long-lived characters. Characters across social classes engage in lengthy philosophical discussions, reflecting the author's view against assumptions regarding the intelligence of lower social classes.
In Their Own Story
The trilogy frames its story as being told by one poet to another, utilizing a Shakespearean declamation style. The first novel, Forge of Darkness, was released on July 31, 2012, in the UK and Canada, followed by an American release on September 18, 2012. The second novel, Fall of Light, published on April 21, 2016, four years after the first due to distractions and the creative toll of the writing style. Erikson revealed on October 25, 2017, that the third book, tentatively titled Walk in Shadow, would be written after completing The God Is Not Willing, citing lower-than-expected sales for the previous novels. Critics have praised the philosophical meanderings and the intense examinations of the world found in Fall of Light, noting it builds on the ground established in Forge of Darkness.
Reader's Guide
Readers entering the Kharkanas Trilogy should expect a shift from the outward sprawl of the Malazan series to an inward, claustrophobic focus. The narrative is driven by three interconnected storylines: the Tiste division into Andii, Liosan, and Edur; the Jaghut's declaration of war on Death; and the Azathanai, who range from generous to exploitative. The writing style mimics Shakespeare, prioritizing breath-length sentence structures and declamations over traditional pacing. Published by Bantam Books in the UK/Canada and Tor in the US, the series includes audiobooks voiced by Daniel Philpott (Forge of Darkness) and Random House Audiobooks (Fall of Light). While the first two books are available as of 2025, fans must wait for the third installment, which is delayed until after Erikson finishes The God Is Not Willing.
Did You Know?
- The trilogy is set 300,000 years before the events of the Malazan Book of the Fallen.
- Steven Erikson chose a Shakespearean declamation style for this series to contrast with the Iliad-inspired scope of his earlier work.
- Fall of Light was released four years after Forge of Darkness, partly due to Erikson working on other projects.
- The third novel, Walk in Shadow, remains on hold with no confirmed release date, primarily due to the emotional and creative difficulty of the writing style.
- Critics have noted that the series draws inspiration from history to show how the present distorts or forgets past events, especially regarding long-lived characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Tiste Andii?
The Tiste Andii are a race of shadow-born beings who originally descended from K'rul, the first child of the Shadow. Unlike their darker kin, they rejected the path of destruction to become guardians of light and champions against tyranny.
Who leads the Tiste Andii?
Their primary leader is Anomander Rake, a legendary figure who wields the sword K'rul's Hand and serves as a bridge between the mortal world and the Shadow. He has guided his people through ancient wars and continues to influence events across the Malazan timeline.
What are their powers and role?
As children of the Shadow, they possess immense magical abilities, including flight and mastery over light-based sorcery, yet they strive to balance these gifts with compassion. Their role is often that of protectors who intervene in conflicts to prevent the rise of evil forces like the Tiste Edur.
How does their story connect to the main series?
Their history predates the Malazan Empire by 300,000 years, establishing the ancient schisms that define the fate of all Tiste races. Key events from their past directly influence the motivations and abilities of characters seen in the Book of the Fallen.
Why are they important to the lore?
They represent the possibility of redemption for a race born of darkness, offering a counter-narrative to the inevitable destruction often associated with shadow. Their existence highlights the complex themes of free will and destiny that permeate Steven Erikson's epic.
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