The Bonehunters (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #6) Summary & Key Insights

'The Bonehunters,' the sixth installment in Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, is a sprawling epic focusing on the aftermath of the events in Reaper's Gale and the escalating war against the Crippled God. The novel centers on the Bonehunters, a brutal but ultimately loyal mercenary force led by the enigmatic and powerful figure, Colonel Tavore Paran.

The main plot revolves around the Bonehunters' relentless pursuit of the Bridgeburners, a group of near-mythical soldiers seemingly annihilated in previous battles. Their search takes them across the shattered landscape of the continent of Antor, embroiling them in the complex political machinations of the Seven Cities and the encroaching Shadow. Simultaneously, Tavore faces internal struggles, grappling with her own doubts and the heavy burden of command, particularly concerning the increasingly unstable and conflicted Quick Ben.

A significant portion of the narrative follows the crippled and fragmented Bridgeburners who, instead of being dead, are scattered and engaged in their own individual battles for survival and redemption. Fiddler, Kalam, and Whiskeyjack (in spirit form) each grapple with their own past traumas and the weight of their collective history, highlighting the psychological toll of war and the fragility of identity. Their stories intertwine with Tavore's, illustrating the interconnectedness of fate and the overarching themes of loss and redemption.

The overarching themes of the novel explore the nature of power, both personal and political. The Crippled God's influence looms large, subtly manipulating events and fueling the conflicts across Antor. The novel explores the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and the corrosive effects of prolonged conflict, contrasting the brutal reality of warfare with the desperate longing for peace and understanding. The exploration of faith, doubt, and the nature of gods is also prominent, particularly as the characters grapple with the increasingly ambiguous morality of the situation.

Other key characters include the enigmatic figure of Icarium, a Bridgeburner whose fate is intertwined with the larger conflict, and numerous supporting characters from across the Malazan world, each with their own complex motivations and significant roles to play in the unfolding narrative. The novel culminates in a series of hard-fought battles, underscoring the high cost of war and the enduring power of human resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. While focusing on specific character arcs, 'The Bonehunters' significantly advances the larger narrative of the Malazan war, bringing the reader closer to the inevitable confrontation with the Crippled God.