Steven Erikson - House of Chains

House of Chains, the fourth book in Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, follows two main threads. It begins unconventionally with a lengthy prologue detailing the origin of Karsa Orlong, a brutal Teblor warrior from Northern Genabackis. His journey from a tribal raider to a significant, yet unwilling, player on the world stage explores themes of barbarism versus civilization. The second, larger section of the book returns to Seven Cities after the events of Deadhouse Gates. The newly appointed Adjunct Tavore arrives to lead a largely inexperienced army against the massive forces of the Whirlwind rebellion in the Holy Desert Raraku. Complicating matters is the fact that the rebel leader, Sha'ik, is her sister, Felisin. The novel culminates in a climactic, tragic battle that redefines the paths of many characters. The title refers to the various chains—of fate, revenge, and expectations—that bind its characters.