Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson Summary

Deadhouse Gates is the second novel in Steven Erikson's epic fantasy series The Malazan Book of the Fallen, set on the continent of Seven Cities during a massive rebellion called the Whirlwind Apocalypse. The story follows multiple storylines, most notably the legendary "Chain of Dogs"—a perilous 1,500-mile march where Coltaine of the Wickans leads 50,000 refugees to safety while pursued by rebel forces. The novel features complex themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the devastating human cost of war.

Steven Erikson is the pseudonym of Steve Rune Lundin, a Canadian novelist born in 1959 who is trained as both an archaeologist and anthropologist. He is a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and best known for his ten-volume Malazan Book of the Fallen series, which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide by 2018. His archaeological and anthropological background heavily influences his world-building and complex cultural narratives throughout the Malazan series.

Deadhouse Gates is ideal for readers who enjoy epic fantasy with complex, multi-layered narratives and are willing to engage with challenging, morally ambiguous storytelling. This book suits fans of grimdark fantasy who appreciate military strategy, cultural depth, and emotionally devastating character arcs. Readers should be comfortable with graphic violence, multiple storylines, and philosophical themes about sacrifice and imperialism. Those seeking straightforward heroic fantasy may find Erikson's ambitious scope overwhelming.

Deadhouse Gates is widely considered a masterpiece of modern epic fantasy, voted one of the ten best fantasy novels of 2000 by SF Site. The novel showcases Erikson at his best, with the Chain of Dogs storyline representing "the first true example of what Erikson is capable of". While demanding and emotionally brutal, the book rewards invested readers with incredible storytelling, unforgettable characters, and one of fantasy literature's most devastating conclusions. It's often cited as the book where readers become fully committed to the Malazan series.

The Chain of Dogs is the central storyline in Deadhouse Gates, chronicling the legendary Coltaine's 1,500-mile overland march to evacuate 50,000 Malazan refugees from Hissar to Aren during the Seven Cities rebellion. The 7th Army, commanded by Coltaine of the Crow Clan of the Wickans, faces constant attacks, starvation, and impossible odds throughout this epic journey. This extraordinary military feat becomes a defining legend of Seven Cities and culminates in one of fantasy literature's most tragic and memorable endings.

While Deadhouse Gates takes place a few months after Gardens of the Moon and features some returning characters, it primarily introduces new characters and settings on the Seven Cities continent. The storylines are largely independent, as Deadhouse Gates occurs simultaneously with the third book, Memories of Ice. However, reading Gardens of the Moon first provides valuable context about the Malazan Empire, establishes the world's complexity, and introduces key magical systems and factions that enhance understanding of the broader narrative.

The Whirlwind Apocalypse is the continent-wide rebellion engulfing Seven Cities against Malazan Imperial control, led by the prophetess Sha'ik from the Holy Desert Raraku. This violent uprising threatens to return Seven Cities to its pre-Imperial state, driving Malazan forces from nearly all the Holy Cities. The rebellion serves as the catalyst for all major events in Deadhouse Gates, including the desperate Chain of Dogs evacuation. By the novel's end, Sha'ik Reborn unleashes the true Whirlwind's devastating power against approaching Malazan forces.

Coltaine is the legendary commander of the Malazan 7th Army and a member of the Crow Clan of the Wickans, tasked with leading the extraordinary Chain of Dogs evacuation. He is portrayed as a brilliant military tactician who earns respect through his leadership, tactical genius, and willingness to sacrifice everything for the refugees under his protection. His character embodies themes of duty, honor, and sacrifice throughout the novel. Coltaine's fate becomes one of the most emotionally devastating moments in fantasy literature, ending in brutal crucifixion along Aren Way.

Deadhouse Gates concludes with the tragic crucifixion of Coltaine and his remaining forces along Aren Way, orchestrated by the traitor Korbolo Dom and allowed by High Fist Pormqual. Kalam's assassination attempt on Empress Laseen fails when she reveals her strategic manipulations, shifting his mission from vengeance to protecting the Empire. Felisin fully embraces her role as Sha'ik Reborn, unleashing the true Whirlwind's power to confront approaching Malazan forces. Multiple storylines remain unresolved, with characters like Icarium, Mappo, Fiddler, and Apsalar departing on new journeys.

Deadhouse Gates takes place primarily on the fictional continent of Seven Cities, a culturally diverse desert continent composed of warring tribes and religious cities. Unlike Gardens of the Moon's focus on Genabackis, this novel explores the Holy Desert Raraku, mining camps like Skullcup, and cities such as Hissar and Aren. The setting features harsh desert landscapes that "portray bleakness and despair that seem to seep into the very bones of this ancient civilization". Character storylines span vast distances, often separated by hundreds or thousands of miles across the continent.

Deadhouse Gates weaves together several major storylines across Seven Cities:

• The Chain of Dogs evacuation led by Coltaine
• The assassin Kalam's dangerous mission to kill Empress Laseen
• Felisin's transformation from enslaved noblewoman to Sha'ik Reborn at the mining camp of Skullcup
• The journey of Fiddler, Crokus, Apsalar, Icarium, and Mappo through warrens and their encounter with the Azath house Tremorlor

These narratives are "artfully woven together, creating a cohesive pattern of events that lead gradually but inevitably towards a catastrophic conclusion".

Deadhouse Gates is considered significantly darker because it features unprecedented levels of violence, suffering, and tragedy on a massive scale. The Chain of Dogs storyline chronicles continuous brutality, starvation, and sacrifice over 1,500 miles, culminating in the horrific crucifixion of thousands along Aren Way. The book explores themes of betrayal, slavery, and the complete devastation of hope through characters like Felisin's brutal enslavement and transformation. "The creepy and malevolent dark sorcery, violence, and mayhem" intensifies throughout, making it emotionally devastating compared to its predecessor.