Night of Knives

I live close to the Canadian border, and on a trip to a bookstore there I was pleased to find the MMPB version of this book (US release is TBD). Esselmont co-created the Malazan world with Steven Erikson. I am here to tell you that Esselmont has the same ability to tell an engaging tale with action, detail, intrigue, etc....just as Erikson. This book is jam-packed with action and is virtually non-stop from the beginning. The story takes place on the Isle of Malaz, in some of the earlier days of the Malazan Empire (before Surly became Laseen, Empress of the Empire). You'll meet a couple new characters, but will also come across some familiar ones too. The entire book takes place in one night in Malaz City - The Shadow Moon. If you were curious about how some of the Malazan characters in Gardens of the Moon (Erikson's 1st in his series) got where they were, pick this book up. I highly recommend this book to any Malazan fan out there!

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 welcomed each others contributions.

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.

I wasn't sure how I was going to like a different author after having grown used to Steven Erikson's writing, but I was quickly converted to Ian Esslemont's style. I think he uses some big vocabulary words in places where they don't add anything to the text, but that is my only criticism. The plot moves along pretty well for the first 150 pages and then just takes off until the end. This is pretty typical of the other Erikson books in the series as well. It is nice to get a snapshot of history as to what happened with Malaz Island and Kellanved / Dancer before they ascended.

A very nicely done bit of work with an excellent story. Fits well with the whole mood of the other Malazon titles (Erikson's). Esslemont is now on my "buy whatever he writes" list. Hopefully he'll be publishing something new soon.