Steven Erikson - Midnight Tides

Midnight Tides, the fifth book in Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series, transports readers to a new continent and introduces an entirely new cast of characters. The story follows the rising conflict between two distinct societies: the traditional, tribal Tiste Edur and the expansionist, capitalistic Letherii empire. After decades of conflict, a peace treaty is proposed, but ancient forces and a deadly pact made by the Tiste Edur threaten to ignite a full-scale war. The narrative is told primarily through the eyes of two sets of brothers from opposing factions: the Tiste Edur Sengar brothers and the Letherii Beddict brothers. The story delves into themes of greed, betrayal, and the corrosive nature of unchecked power, with a unique balance of tragedy and humor, the latter largely provided by the fan-favorite duo, Tehol and his manservant Bugg. This self-contained epic offers a stunning exploration of clashing cultures and timeless moral questions.