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Night of Knives

A Novel of the Malazan Empire, Book 1

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Night of Knives

By: Ian C Esslemont
Narrated by: John Banks
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About this listen

It gave the Empire its name, but the tiny island and city of Malaz is now a sleepy, seedy back-water port. However this night things are a little different. This night its residents are bustling about, barring doors and shuttering windows. Because this night a once-in-a-generation Shadow Moon is due and threatens the good citizens of Malaz with demon hounds and other, darker, beings....

And it was also prophesied that on this night the Emperor Kellanved, missing for all these years, will return. As factions within the greater Empire battle over the imperial throne, the Shadow Moon summons a far more alien and ancient presence for an all-out assault upon the island. Indeed the cataclysmic events that happen this night will determine the fate of the Malaz and of the entire world beyond.

©2016 Ian C Esslemont (P)2016 Random House AudioBooks Action & Adventure Classics Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction

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I thought this was a worthy addition to the Malazan world. Esselmont's writing style is a bit different to Erikson's but his story did retain the feel of a Malazan book. The plot was suitably entertaining and complex and Esselmont also did a great job with the characters, both the new and familiar ones.

The whole story took place in one city over the course of a single night.The city was Malaz City. Once it was the heart of the Imperial Malazan Empire but in the present day it is little more than a backwater. Not this night! The night of the Shadow Moon. A night where worlds and realms converge. Also a night that will see the prophesied Return. Many expect the long absent Emperor Kellenved to return for his throne. Surly, the Imperial Regent, means to see that never occurs. Theirs is not the only battle that will take place on this night of magic as a Convergence draws in all sorts of powerful creatures to the city.

The story was mainly told from the POV of two new characters. Kiska, a young would be spy who is determined to prove she deserves a place in the Imperial Army. Temper, a world weary war veteran. Once Temper served under the First Sword, but now he is keeping his head down and just trying to escape the notice of the Claw. We got a few others POV's and all served to give the story more depth.

I liked the story. It really did have the feel of Malazan story even if it did lack the witty dialogue that makes reading Erikson's books so much fun. I liked both Kiska and Temper. They were complete opposites but both were likeable and easy to root for. It was great to get a glimpse of the moment that Surly became Empress Laseen and to see both Dancer and Kellenved spin their own plots and seize another sort of power.

We got to meet the usual cool assortment of memorable human and non-human characters and I'm hoping we meet some again!

This was a good story that fell only slightly short of being as good as Erikson's own contributions to the Malazan world. All in all I was happy and impressed by Esselmont's first book and look forward to reading more of his books with the knowledge that he is a capable contributor to this great series.

Audio Note: This was narrated by Jonathan Banks. He had large boots to fill as I think both Page and Lister were excellent in narrating Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, but I thought he did a decent job with the audio of this one.

Not Erikson at the helm but still a worthy Malazan

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Well written and narrated. Action packed and cinematic. Exciting to read more about legendary Malazan characters. 4* because, I'm not sure... there was just something that allowed me to drift off at some points. Could be me though? I'd still recommend this book and I'm excited to read the next.

Ties is so nicely with the original series.

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audiable..... how about COMPLEATING the malazan book of the fallen series first.
esslemont complements original series writen buy esslemont and erikson.
and the only reason i havent read before is because i only read when its a full set.

you dont have to be a malaz fan

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I listened to this book on Audible. It filled in some background, but unfortunately didn’t have that epic quality that you get from Erikson’s writing. I also wasn’t blown away with the voice acting, but again I’d been spoiled with the narrators of the first five Malazan Tales books.
This is my second ‘read’ (first time was in paper book format) of the Malazan books, but I didn’t include Esselmont’s books last time around. I do think they’re a good supporting feature!

Filled in some background.

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Very well written. Amazingly read. Absolutely loved it. Good to hear about some of the characters earlier days

Awesome

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I really enjoyed this book. take it on its own merits and don't compare it to Steven Erikksons work as nearly any author would pale in the comparison.

I enjoyed this book.

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I hoped it wud explain more but it didn't but that's Malazan for ya!

Loved it!

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