Path to Ascendancy

Path to Ascendancy is a six volume epic fantasy series written by Ian C. Esslemont that serves as a prequel to both the author's six volume Novels of the Malazan Empire series and Malazan co-creator Steven Erikson's ten volume Malazan Book of the Fallen series. It starts with the events leading to the foundation of the Malazan Empire and is expected to conclude in the time period just before Erikson's Gardens of the Moon.
The series began as a trilogy, but Esslemont said it could be extended to more books if sales and interest warranted.Fantasy Book Review - An interview with Ian C. Esslemont By March 2019, Esslemont was indeed working on a second trilogy.Life on Thin Ice: Updating my Progress on The Witness Trilogy 
Starting with the fourth book, Forge of the High Mage, the series was retitled to the plural Paths to Ascendancy. Esslemont confirmed that the new series title indicated a change in direction from the first three books, which focused on Kellanved and Dancer. Forge of the High Mage, and the books that follow, look at "different paths and different characters' routes and story arcs".Forge of the High Mage, Ian C. Esslemont on his New Malazan Novel - Books with Banks - See 2:00
== The Books ==
* Dancer's Lament (2016)
* Deadhouse Landing (2017)
* Kellanved's Reach (2019)
* Forge of the High Mage (2023)
* Book 5 (TBA)
* Book 6 (TBA)
== Short Introductions ==
* Dancer's Lament depicts the rocky start of the partnership between a young mage and a young assassin that would eventually lead to the foundation of the Malazan Empire. The pair attempt to make their way in the city of Li Heng as unexpected foes both large and small stand in the way.
* Deadhouse Landing moves the action to Malaz City as Wu and Dancer attempt to establish a power base in the city of the notorious pirate, Mock. The strange duo are joined by many familiar Napan faces. Meanwhile Kartool is rocked by political intrigue amongst the priesthood of D'rek.
* Kellanved's Reach sees the mage's plans finally take root as he pursues an ancient seat of power and the beginnings of an empire are born.
* Forge of the High Mage shows Emperor Kellanved casting the eyes of empire beyond Quon Tali to neighbouring Falar, which is ruled by a ruling theocracy of Mael with its own schemes. Meanwhile High Mage Tayschrenn is discovering his own potential and destiny.
==Notes and references==