The ravaged continent of Genabackis has given birth to a terrifying new empire: the Pannion Domin. Like a fanatical tide of corrupted blood, it seethes across the land, devouring all who fail to heed the Word of its elusive prophet, the Pannion Seer. In its path stands an uneasy alliance: Dujek Onearm's Host and the Bridgeburners—each now outlawed by the Empress—alongside their enemies of old, including the forces of Warlord Caladan Brood, Anomander Rake, Son of Darkness, and his Tiste Andii, and the Rhivi people of the Plains.

But more ancient clans too are gathering. As if in answer to some primal summons, the massed ranks of the undead T'lan Imass have risen. Something altogether darker and more malign threatens the very substance of this world; the Warrens are poisoned and rumours abound of the Crippled God, now unchained and intent on a terrible revenge. This third volume of the Malazan Book of the Fallen marks the return of characters from Gardens of the Moon and introduces a host of new players to the sequence.