What is the overarching story in Malazan Book of the Fallen?

The overarching story develops by gradually revealing the history and secrets of the Malazan world. As the books progress, more about the gods, the ancient races, and the magic system is disclosed, which helps in building the overall story. Also, the political and military events, like battles and power struggles, contribute to the development.

In the 'Malazan Book of the Fallen Novel', the theme of identity is quite prominent. Characters are often on a journey to discover who they really are. This is complicated by the fact that many of them have complex backstories and are often caught in the middle of larger events. Some characters start off with one identity but as the story progresses, they find out they are something else entirely. For example, some might think they are just simple soldiers, but then discover they have a much greater destiny or a more complex heritage that changes their understanding of themselves.

The Malazan Book of the Fallen novels mainly deal with themes like the nature of humanity. It shows the good and the bad in people, how they can be both heroic and cruel. Mortality is another theme, as characters face death in various ways. There's also the theme of mystery, as there are many unexplained elements in the world of the novels that keep readers intrigued and guessing.

The overarching plot of the Malazan Book of the Fallen is epic in scale. It involves wars between empires, the rise and fall of gods, and the fates of entire races. The series is not afraid to kill off major characters, which keeps the readers on their toes and adds to the sense of unpredictability.

One of the main themes is probably the complex nature of power. In the Malazan world, power is not simply about physical strength or political might but also about magic, and the different ways characters use or are used by power. Another theme could be the idea of redemption. Many characters seem to be on a journey to atone for past mistakes or actions.

One memorable character is Ganoes Paran. He's a complex character who gets drawn into many dangerous and important events. Another is Quick Ben, a wizard with a lot of tricks up his sleeve. And then there's Tavore Paran, who is a strong - willed military leader.

I would recommend reading some reviews or summaries first to get an idea of what you're getting into. Since the Malazan Book of the Fallen is complex, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Knowing a bit about the general themes and plot elements can help. For instance, if you know there are a lot of political intrigues and battles, you'll be more prepared for that when you start reading.

Quick Ben is one of the most interesting characters. His mastery of magic and his ability to outwit his opponents make him stand out. He is always in the middle of complex magical battles and political intrigues.

One of the important characters is Tavore Paran. She's a strong - willed leader who has to make tough decisions. Then there's Kallor, a rather malevolent character with his own motives. And let's not forget about Kruppe. He's a bit of an odd character but very resourceful and has his own charm.

Well, you could look for summaries or reviews online first. This can help you get an idea of the overall plot and themes in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. But if you just want to dive in, pick up the first book and start reading. The series has a lot of depth and you'll gradually understand the different storylines as you go.