While the Malazan Empire faces unexpected resistance on the continent of Genabakis, rebellion is brewing in another part of the world, in the Seven Cities. The Vortex, long promised by prophecies, is coming - an uprising in which the imperial invaders will choke in blood. The rebels will be led by the mysterious Sha'ik - but who is she and what does she want?.. And in the very heart of the Vortex, the paths of the assassin Kalam, the eternal wanderers Ikarius and Mappo, as well as the ancient werewolves seeking the path to the Ascension converge. And the army of the commander Coltaine, on whom the enemies have already thrown the Chain of the Dog, retreats, protecting the civilians... The second novel from the majestic epic canvas “The Malazan Book of the Fallen” is for the first time in a new, verified and commented translation.