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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Entry in the Malazan Series, August 15, 2007
Night of Knives is the first addition to the Malazan series by Ian C. Esslemont (ICE). The fantasy world featured in the Malazan Book of the Fallen was co-created by ICE and Steven Erikson, who has published 7 full-length novels and 3 novellas set in the world. I loved Steven Erikson's works and was worried to see the world in the hands of another author. However, ICE did not let me down. Night of Knives features all the epic fantasy storytelling action that I've come to expect in a Malazan novel. He has shown the potential to write a series just as grand and Erikson's. The story takes place before the action of all the other novels. The story is told mostly through the perspective of two characters: Temper, a retired veteran of many campaigns, and Kiska and young female talent with aspirations for greatness. Many characters from Erikson's works are featured and we get to learn more about there background. Dassem Ultor, Surly, Topper, The Claw, The Talon, Tayschrenn, Kellanved , Dancer, Edgewalker all show up. We also get to meet some new Bridgeburners! The events all unfold over a 24 hr period, the night of the Shadow Moon when it is rumored that Emperor Kellanved and his lieutenant Dancer will return after years of traveling the world. A proposition not everyone is thrilled about. This book is a must read for any fan of the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Though I recommend not reading this until after completing all of Erikson's current novels. It will spoil some plot points and reveals in Erikson's stories.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Entry in the Malazan Series, August 15, 2007
Night of Knives is the first addition to the Malazan series by Ian C. Esslemont (ICE). The fantasy world featured in the Malazan Book of the Fallen was co-created by ICE and Steven Erikson, who has published 7 full-length novels and 3 novellas set in the world. I loved Steven Erikson's works and was worried to see the world in the hands of another author. However, ICE did not let me down. Night of Knives features all the epic fantasy storytelling action that I've come to expect in a Malazan novel. He has shown the potential to write a series just as grand and Erikson's. The story takes place before the action of all the other novels. The story is told mostly through the perspective of two characters: Temper, a retired veteran of many campaigns, and Kiska and young female talent with aspirations for greatness. Many characters from Erikson's works are featured and we get to learn more about there background. Dassem Ultor, Surly, Topper, The Claw, The Talon, Tayschrenn, Kellanved , Dancer, Edgewalker all show up. We also get to meet some new Bridgeburners! The events all unfold over a 24 hr period, the night of the Shadow Moon when it is rumored that Emperor Kellanved and his lieutenant Dancer will return after years of traveling the world. A proposition not everyone is thrilled about. This book is a must read for any fan of the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Though I recommend not reading this until after completing all of Erikson's current novels. It will spoil some plot points and reveals in Erikson's stories.
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Malazan Empire tale...another gem!, September 28, 2007
Another interesting Malazan story! This novel takes place in the city of Malaz; the time frame is in the early days of the ascent of the Malazan empire. This novel is extremely well written, captivating and well paced. Like Erikson, Esslemont has that intangible skill with prose that draws you into the tale, almost making you feel like your right there. I had difficultly putting this book down...it just got better and better. There is also an excellent map of Malaz City that helps sort out some of the geographic twists and turns that occur in the telling of this tale. And finally...I find it hard to believe that another writer could pen a Malazan tale as well as the original author, but it has actually happened. This is a wonderful addition to the ongoing story of Erikson's Malazan Empire. Anyone who has enjoyed the previous books will want to read the newest edition of this series. 5 Stars. (more if I could) R.Nicholson P.S. Apparently Erikson and Esslemont are 'co-founders' of the Malazan world, and both have agreed to and have welcomed each others contributions.
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