[ArchieVist]

ICE confirms the name change in the latest Ten Very Big Books podcast. I think it's kind of an odd name for two reasons. First, it sounds more like an R.A. Salvatore novel--or any D&D fiction title--rather than a Malazan book. But maybe they figure The Jhistal wasn't much of a selling point for a wider audience. Second, it's strange that there will now be two different Malazan books whose titles start with "Forge of". It's already causing me grief when updating the Malazan wiki because the wiki keeps trying to suggest Forge of Darkness.

[champ]

ArchieVist, on 18 March 2022 - 06:58 PM, said:

ICE confirms the name change in the latest Ten Very Big Books podcast. I think it's kind of an odd name for two reasons. First, it sounds more like an R.A. Salvatore novel--or any D&D fiction title--rather than a Malazan book. But maybe they figure The Jhistal wasn't much of a selling point for a wider audience. Second, it's strange that there will now be two different Malazan books whose titles start with "Forge of". It's already causing me grief when updating the Malazan wiki because the wiki keeps trying to suggest Forge of Darkness.

Jump to 29mins in the podcast, interesting discussion on who Jethiss is in Assail, goes on for 5 mins.

The title can be whatever, I'm looking forward to the book.

[ArchieVist]

Forge of the High Mage is now being listed with a 6 April 2023 publishing date in the UK by Penguin. Still no sign of it on Tor's publishing schedule.

Publisher summary:

Quote

This volume develops and details the Malazan expansion into the Falari Peninsula region. Kellanved and Dancer, impatient with the slow and methodical consolidation of the continent of Quon Tali, are up to no good and embroil the Malazan forces in an uprising against the ruling Theocracy of Falar.

These priests have maintained power over all the many islands through the threat of their terror-weapon: the dread 'Jhistal' . . .

Here readers will discover just what this weapon is, meet a younger Mallick Rel and find out just how the Malazans took the region into their grip.

[ArchieVist]

Ituralde on the Malazan wiki noticed that Penguin has posted the cover and book summary:

Quote

After decades of warfare, Malazan forces are now close to consolidating the Quon Talian mainland. Yet it is at this moment that Emperor Kellanved orders a new campaign far to the north: the invasion of Falar.

Since the main Malazan armies are otherwise engaged in Quon Tali, a collection of orphaned units and broken squads has been brought together under Fist Dujek - himself recovering from the loss of an arm - to fight this new campaign. A somewhat rag-tag army, joined by a similarly motley fleet under the command of the Emperor himself.

There are however those who harbour doubts regarding the stewardship of Kellanved and his cohort Dancer, and as the Malazan force heads north, it encounters an unlooked-for and most unwelcome threat - unspeakable and born of legend, it has woken and will destroy all who stand in its way. Most appalled by this is Tayschrenn, the untested High Mage of the Empire. He is all-too aware of the true nature of this ancient horror - and his own inadequacy in having to confront it. Yet confront it he must, alongside the most unlikely of allies . . .

And then the theocracy of Falar is itself far from defenceless - its priests are in possession of a weapon so terrifying it has not been unleashed for centuries. Named the Jhistal, it was rumoured to be a gift from the sea-god Mael. But two can play at that game, for the Emperor sails towards Falar aboard his flagship Twisted - a vessel that is itself thought to be not entirely of this world . . .

Here, then, in the tracts of the Ice Wastes and among the islands of Falar, the Empire of Malaz faces two seemingly insurmountable tests - each one potentially the origin of its destruction . . .
These are bloody, turbulent and treacherous times for all caught up in the forging of the Malazan Empire.

[Aptorian]

Unspeakable and ancient horror? Finally the Elder God of Toast is revealed.

[Macros]

I like the cover, but am I the only one seeing it as a collection of things photshopped together and not expertly blended in?

but looking forward to it, I've enjoyed the Path to Ascendancy books so far

[champ]

As long as the figure is on a ship that's all that matters!

But aye, looking forward to it too!

[Stalker]

I saw speculation on Reddit that an AI art bot could have been used. I’ve seen a few from friends into DND, and it does seem reminiscent.

[amphibian]

Stalker, on 05 October 2022 - 10:45 PM, said:

I saw speculation on Reddit that an AI art bot could have been used. I’ve seen a few from friends into DND, and it does seem reminiscent.

Not AI art at all.

[worry]

I think it's almost certainly a composite of various parts drawn or painted separately and then put together like animation cels/backgrounds, I don't think they were designed separately, like without intent, or thrown together arbitrarily or anything, just a matter of expediency in layering. But that's been true of a lot of the latter day Malazan covers imo. This one might have the highest immediate contrast between what's painted and what's drawn?

[Abyss]

amphibian, on 05 October 2022 - 11:17 PM, said:

Stalker, on 05 October 2022 - 10:45 PM, said:

I saw speculation on Reddit that an AI art bot could have been used. I've seen a few from friends into DND, and it does seem reminiscent.

Not AI art at all.

Agreed, it's almost too generic to give an AI credit.

Needs way more ship.

[Zuzu Bolin]

Best cover? I love Return.....

[champ]

Zuzu Bolin, on 14 October 2022 - 07:27 PM, said:

Best cover? I love Return.....

Now that's a cover with a ship on it!

[Jussi]

I wonder if Tor Books have dropped Esslemont. Forge of the High Mage will be published in the UK in April, but there is no sign of the US edition.

[Abyss]

Jussi, on 24 January 2023 - 09:53 AM, said:

I wonder if Tor Books have dropped Esslemont. Forge of the High Mage will be published in the UK in April, but there is no sign of the US edition.

Happens all the time, US gets a later announcement, sometimes months apart. In Canada we never know whether we'll be in line w the UK or US, just to complicate things.

[ArchieVist]

Amazon UK has posted a brief preview that includes the Dramatis Personae (no map yet).

Spoiler

In Cabil of the Falaran Isles
Rentil Orodrin, Celebrant of the Faith
Nuraj Senull, Guardian of the Faith
Ortheal Leneth, Protector of the Faith
Glinith Apanar, Abbess of Cabil
Mallick Rel, Overseer / Purser of Coin
Gianna / Giandra, A runaway from the Faith
Hedran, A priest of Mael
Brother Lethar, A priest of Mael
Jan / Janelle, A washerwoman
Janul, A carpenter

Of Malaz
Kellanved, The Emperor
Dancer, Master Assassin
Surly, Mistress of the Claws
Dassem Ultor, The Sword (Champion)
Tayschrenn, High Mage
Dujek Onearm, A commander
Nightchill, A High Mage
Hairlock, A cadre mage
Sialle, A cadre mage
Ullen, An officer
Orosé, An officer
Ute, A trooper
Missy, A trooper
Karsden, An Imperial Historian
Topper, A Claw

Of the Crimson Guard
Gregar Bluenth 'Blues', A mage and weapon-master
Smoky, A Mage
Gwynn, A mage
Black the Lesser, A Swordsman
Jacinth, A swordswoman

Of the Jhek
The Bird Mother / High Priestess, Leader of the assembled Jhek Clans
Looris, Chief of the wolf-warriors
Athan, Chief of the bear-warriors
Ursana, A female bear-warrior

The Shipwreck Survivors
Hessa, The Captain
Turnagin, Ship's mage
Corbin, Mate
Hyde, Crew
Ayal, Crew

Crew of the ''Twisted''
Cartheron Crust, A Malazan admiral
Geddin, Steersman
Creel, First mate
Teal, Quartermaster
The Nose, A talented sailor
Learnan, A sailor/scout
Jill, Ship's cook

Others
Singer, An exile
Koroll, A Thelomen, or 'Fenn'
Bellurdan, A Thelomen, or 'Fenn'
Endest Silann, A Tiste Andii
Feral, A Tiste Andii
Imanaj D'Shren, A Seven Cities fighter
Torva, An elderly smuggler
Brevin, Captain of the ''Sea Glimmer''
Realt, Steersman of the ''Sea Glimmer''
Brother Rendren, A priest of Mael

[worry]

WTH?

Spoiler

Mallick Rel doesn't go by another name for half the book? ICE is slipping!

Double WTH?!

Spoiler

Feral!

[Abyss]

worry, on 27 March 2023 - 03:20 PM, said:

...

Double WTH?!

Spoiler

Feral!

THIS!!!!!!!!!!

[champ]

Abyss, on 27 March 2023 - 04:28 PM, said:

worry, on 27 March 2023 - 03:20 PM, said:

...

Double WTH?!

Spoiler

Feral!

THIS!!!!!!!!!!

This indeed! Finally!

[ArchieVist]

Penguin has posted its own preview HERE (choose the Look Inside option), which goes all the way into chapter 3 and includes a map. It seems to be a redrawn map of the Central Malazan Empire that previously appeared in House of Chains.

This post has been edited by ArchieVist: 28 March 2023 - 07:43 PM