Night Of Knives
(Malazan Empire: 1): A wonderfully gripping, evocative and visceral epic fantasy
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Night Of Knives
Buy Now for £8.62
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Narrated by:
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John Banks
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By:
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Ian C Esslemont
Summary
This incredibly atmospheric and action - packed epic fantasy from million copy seller Ian C Esslemont is a must read for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson.
"Visceral power...telling a story set largely over just one terrifying night, it pulverises you with an economy that is rare in fantasy" - SFX
"Fast paced storytelling...an enjoyable balance" - SFFworld
"A pleasing...entertaining romp" - DeathRay
"Absolutely outstanding" -- ***** Reader review
"Fast paced and a compelling read" -- ***** Reader review
"Brilliant. Couldn't put it down" -- ***** Reader review
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THE ONE NIGHT THAT WILL CHANGE THINGS FOREVER
Malaz gave a great empire its name, but now this island and its city amount to little more than a sleepy backwater.
Until this night.
Because this night there is to be a convergence, the once-in-a-generation appearance of a Shadow Moon - an occasion that threatens the good people of Malaz with demon hounds and other, darker things.
It is also prophesied that the Emperor Kellanved will return this night, and there are many who would prevent that happening at any cost. As factions within the Empire draw up battle lines, an ancient presence begins its all-out assault upon the island. Witnesses to these cataclysmic events include a thief called Kiska, and Temper, a war-weary veteran.
Although they do not know it, they each have a part to play in a confrontation that will determine not only the fate of Malaz City but also of the world beyond...
Continue the series
Critic reviews
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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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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Loved it!
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Awesome
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I enjoyed this book.
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