Night of Knives

Novels of the Malazan Empire, Book 1

By: Ian C. Esslemont

Narrated by: John Banks

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

The small island of Malaz and its city gave the great empire its name, but now it is little more than a sleepy, backwater port. Tonight, however, things are different. Tonight the city is on edge, a hive of hurried, sometimes violent activity; its citizens bustle about, barring doors, shuttering windows, avoiding any stranger's stare. Because tonight 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 was also prophesied that this night would witness the return of Emperor Kellanved, and there are those prepared to do anything to prevent this happening. As factions within the greater Empire draw up battle lines over the imperial throne, the Shadow Moon summons a far more ancient and potent presence for an all-out assault upon the island. Witnessing these cataclysmic events are Kiska, a young girl who yearns to flee the constraints of the city, and Temper, a grizzled, battle-weary veteran who seeks simply to escape his past. Each is to play a part in a conflict that will not only determine the fate of Malaz City, but also of the world beyond....

Drawing on events touched on in the prologue of Steven Erikson's landmark fantasy Gardens of the Moon, Night of Knives is a momentous chapter in the unfolding story of the extraordinarily imagined world of Malaz.

©2005 Ian Cameron Esslemont (P)2005 Random House Audiobooks, all rights reserved. Introduction © 2005 by Steven Erikson.

Love the Malazan World

I read Steven Erikson’s world and I was so happy to know that Ian Esslemont would be writing of the that world too. I happily picked this book up only to realize it was 4th in the chronological order of Malazan Empire and I enjoyed it immensely and totally recommend it.

Not too bad

I’ve heard bad things about this book so after finishing the Book of the Fallen I came here with low expectations. I enjoyed it but it’s short and not on the same level as the main series

Good Story and a great start to the Malazan series

the Narrator did a wonderful job with characters. this is a great bridge between the Kellanved and Dancer Trilogy and the Malazan books.

Hard to keep track of what is going on.

I keep trying to listen to his books but they continue to make me not want to.

Entry point in the Malazan World

This book is a good entry point in the Malazan World, it has a horror vibe and 2 POV characters

solid...

it was nice to get a little backstory into the old empire. Dancer, Kellenved, and Dassam.

Gripping

Another great entry into the malazan world I've come to adore. What a treat to have both these writers creating such a grand fantasy for us. many thanks

Pretty good for the 1st go

I read Malazan over about a ten year period. I’ve recently started again via audio books and have decided to put ICE in there between every couple of books. I kind of wish I had done so originally, as it gives some extra context and world building to the overall story.

And for Ian’s first story in Malazan, it wasn’t too bad. Very cool to to see some of Kellanved and Dancer before their rise and a little more about who Dassem was.

I liked it, and would suggest for any Malazan fan

A masterfully woven prelude for the Malazan empire book serie! MUST READ!

"Night of Knives" is an amazing novel, masterfully written and expertly paced. The narrative strikes a perfect balance, keeping the reader on edge with the sense that something significant is brewing in the shadows involving many figures and factions, ready to be unleashed. The book opens with a pivotal event that sets the stage for some of the core stories in the Malazan Empire series, seamlessly bridging the gaps between Stephen Erickson's books. If making a preludio for this story kickoff was Ian Esslemont intent, then he could completely succeeded. Ian has crafted a literary gem, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of his work for this world.

Worth the wait

This book was so worth the wait. As an avid listener of all things Malazan, I was thoroughly entranced through the whole story. To hear how seamlessly the story has been woven into the story I am so familiar with was a real treat. Can't wait to listen to book 2(starting in 5 minutes).