Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
PS Publishing (2006), Paperback, 285 pages
Description
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 withdemon 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 veteranwho 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 fantasyGardens of the Moon,Night of Knives is a momentous chapter in the unfolding story of the extraordinarily imagined world of Malaz.… (more)
Media reviews
If you have made the commitment to undertake The Malazan Book of the Fallen, it will in all likelihood be the most challenging and rewarding reading experiences you will ever undertake. I couldn't imagine, after having tackled that endeavor, you wouldn't want to take some time to read this small,
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enjoyable, and enriching entry into the Malazan Empire. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member DRFP
An interesting read, though not a brilliant one. Having read the first four Erikson Malazan books I have ambivalent thoughts about the series. Sometimes it's great (most of Memories of Ice and portions of the other books) but at other times Erikson's reach frequently exceeds his grasp. For all the
I thought it was about time to see what Esslemont was up to before pushing on ahead with the main Malazan storyline. Esslemont is a very different writer. On the one hand he certainly isn't as skilled a prose stylist as Erikson but this short (by Malazan standards) novel, focused mostly on one night's events is refreshing in its brevity and avoids Erikson's constant mistake of trying to juggle too many balls at once.
It's true that the story could be written more tightly and perhaps Kiska could have been a more interesting main character (her little islander dreaming of bigger things and getting in over her head is pretty basic and cliché). Yet for the most part the action rolls along and the insights provided into events prior to Gardens of the Moon is enough to make this a worthwhile read for fans of the series.
I think this might actually be a good place to start the Malazan series. It's a more gentle introduction to the concepts of the world than the plunge into the deep end that GotM provides (aside from the fact that everyone in NoK calls Laseen "Surly" when we're informed in the prologue of GotM that, prior to NoK, she had already assumed the name Laseen - but whatever, a minor quibble).
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thousands of pages devoted to his storyline and characters many elements are oddly flat. I thought it was about time to see what Esslemont was up to before pushing on ahead with the main Malazan storyline. Esslemont is a very different writer. On the one hand he certainly isn't as skilled a prose stylist as Erikson but this short (by Malazan standards) novel, focused mostly on one night's events is refreshing in its brevity and avoids Erikson's constant mistake of trying to juggle too many balls at once.
It's true that the story could be written more tightly and perhaps Kiska could have been a more interesting main character (her little islander dreaming of bigger things and getting in over her head is pretty basic and cliché). Yet for the most part the action rolls along and the insights provided into events prior to Gardens of the Moon is enough to make this a worthwhile read for fans of the series.
I think this might actually be a good place to start the Malazan series. It's a more gentle introduction to the concepts of the world than the plunge into the deep end that GotM provides (aside from the fact that everyone in NoK calls Laseen "Surly" when we're informed in the prologue of GotM that, prior to NoK, she had already assumed the name Laseen - but whatever, a minor quibble).
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LibraryThing member Narilka
Malaz Island, the island that named a great empire, is little more than a sleepy back-water until this night. This is the night of a Shadow Moon, a once in a generation event that threatens everyone on the island as the borders between realms become thin. Demonic hounds roam the night and it is
Night of Knives is written in the world of the Malazan Empire drawing on events mentioned in Gardens of the Moon. The story is told from two vantage points: Kiska, a young and naive thief, and Temper, a war weary veteran. The two points of view contrast nicely. I really enjoyed reading Temper's perspective, especially the flash backs to his old army days, though the Kiska sections became annoying quickly, which was probably the point. It is not the most well written novel I've read. Some parts felt like they were padded to add length to the book while others felt rushed.
This book is primarily for people who are already fans of Erikson's series and they should enjoy being filled in on history only lightly touched upon in the books. I'm not sure I would recommend it to someone otherwise.
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rumored that the Emperor himself will return this night to the chagrin. As factions gather within to draw battle lines an ancient presence begins its all out assault on the island and its people.Night of Knives is written in the world of the Malazan Empire drawing on events mentioned in Gardens of the Moon. The story is told from two vantage points: Kiska, a young and naive thief, and Temper, a war weary veteran. The two points of view contrast nicely. I really enjoyed reading Temper's perspective, especially the flash backs to his old army days, though the Kiska sections became annoying quickly, which was probably the point. It is not the most well written novel I've read. Some parts felt like they were padded to add length to the book while others felt rushed.
This book is primarily for people who are already fans of Erikson's series and they should enjoy being filled in on history only lightly touched upon in the books. I'm not sure I would recommend it to someone otherwise.
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LibraryThing member lewispike
This is an odd book to review. It feels a bit like familiar old territory, but it doesn't quite fit. It's like, if you live in a street of identical houses, you go into your neighbour's by mistake. Things are subtly wrong rather than screamingly so.
The story is set, mostly, on the night that Surly
The problem? Well, it feels like a totally different story and setting. Perhaps the army really has all the magi, and it's weird and unusual for civilians, except that doesn't work with the comments about the concentration of witches etc. on Malaz Island. It's a shame.
I think, also, I was expecting at some level, a thousand pages of twists and turns and mingled stories. Obviously when I picked it up, it was too thin for that, but I was still expecting, as I eased back into the Malazan Empire, that kind of story, and it was not there.
This book really does more to frustrate and obfuscate than reveal. Who is the fisherman? It reveals nothing about Dancer and Kellanved either, annoyingly, although it does make Edgewalker a more intriguing character at long last.
The story is set, mostly, on the night that Surly
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becomes Empress, and Kellanved and Dancer become Shadowthrone and Cotillion. There are odd bits of reminiscences to other meaningful events, such as the night that Dassem Ultor "died."The problem? Well, it feels like a totally different story and setting. Perhaps the army really has all the magi, and it's weird and unusual for civilians, except that doesn't work with the comments about the concentration of witches etc. on Malaz Island. It's a shame.
I think, also, I was expecting at some level, a thousand pages of twists and turns and mingled stories. Obviously when I picked it up, it was too thin for that, but I was still expecting, as I eased back into the Malazan Empire, that kind of story, and it was not there.
This book really does more to frustrate and obfuscate than reveal. Who is the fisherman? It reveals nothing about Dancer and Kellanved either, annoyingly, although it does make Edgewalker a more intriguing character at long last.
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LibraryThing member saltmanz
Downright confusing and shakily written. My biggest complaint is a lot of ambiguous prose that could have been easily cleared up with some commas or the addition of a couple words. I also had a hard time following what was happening and keeping track of characters. Granted, much of this may have
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been intentional -- the main POV characters are as lost as we readers -- but that doesn't make it enjoyable to read. What does make it a worthwhile read is the additional depth it adds to the shared world of the Malazan Empire (co-created by Steven Erikson.) Show Less
LibraryThing member Arconna
Following the success of Erikson’s Malazan series, Night of Knives is a prequel that packs a punch. With interesting cast of characters, a lot of action, and some creepy imagery make this a fun read.
Night of Knives draws upon events hinted at in the prologue of Erikson’s Gardens of the Moon. It
I must admit that I have not read any of Erikson’s novels, though I have certainly heard a great deal about them. This poses a challenge for me, because many of the things I felt needed better explanation are probably explained in the numerous novels that take place later in the timeline.
Regardless, I did enjoy Night of Knives. It’s rare to see fantasy novels of this nature these days, what with all the vast, epic stories spanning five or more volumes flooding the bookshelves. Night of Knives is more or less an action-packed fantasy monster that happens to fit into a bigger story. But you don’t have to read that story to enjoy this book. That, I think, is Esslemont’s strong point here. Night of Knives chronicles events that take place over one night, meaning that it is not only fairly short, as far as fantasy novels go, but particularly action-filled, with plenty of creepy critters and tense moments to keep things interesting.
I only have two complaints:
1. There were certain things that I didn’t quite understand that I suspect are better explained in the Erikson novels, particularly in regards to events that occur at the tail-end of Night of Knives. I don’t think this will be an issue for people who are already fans of the novels, and probably won’t be too big a deal for those that are not. The novel largely stands on its own anyway, with a few minor elements that could have been strengthened by better explanation or foregrounding.
2. I had the lingering sense, while reading Night of Knives, that there was something wrong stylistically with the piece. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. This is likely nothing more than a personal quirk, or perhaps an issue with being unfamiliar with the world or with this style of fantasy novel (i.e. action-y fantasy).
Overall, Night of Knives was a lot of fun to read. I enjoyed the action and the imagery was well drawn and sometimes gorgeous and creepy. At some point I will read the Erikson novels; Night of Knives has sparked my curiosity for all things Malazan.
Night of Knives draws upon events hinted at in the prologue of Erikson’s Gardens of the Moon. It
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follows Kiska, a young girl who wants to escape the city of Malaz, and Temper, a war veteran trying to escape his past, as they witness the chaotic events of the Shadow Moon, a once-in-a-generation event that threatens to tear down the Malazan Empire. This is the night that Emperor Kellanved is prophesied to return, but there are some who will do anything to prevent that from happening. Kiska and Temper must survive as the various factions within the empire struggle over the imperial throne and forces from beyond the veil spill over into the normal world…I must admit that I have not read any of Erikson’s novels, though I have certainly heard a great deal about them. This poses a challenge for me, because many of the things I felt needed better explanation are probably explained in the numerous novels that take place later in the timeline.
Regardless, I did enjoy Night of Knives. It’s rare to see fantasy novels of this nature these days, what with all the vast, epic stories spanning five or more volumes flooding the bookshelves. Night of Knives is more or less an action-packed fantasy monster that happens to fit into a bigger story. But you don’t have to read that story to enjoy this book. That, I think, is Esslemont’s strong point here. Night of Knives chronicles events that take place over one night, meaning that it is not only fairly short, as far as fantasy novels go, but particularly action-filled, with plenty of creepy critters and tense moments to keep things interesting.
I only have two complaints:
1. There were certain things that I didn’t quite understand that I suspect are better explained in the Erikson novels, particularly in regards to events that occur at the tail-end of Night of Knives. I don’t think this will be an issue for people who are already fans of the novels, and probably won’t be too big a deal for those that are not. The novel largely stands on its own anyway, with a few minor elements that could have been strengthened by better explanation or foregrounding.
2. I had the lingering sense, while reading Night of Knives, that there was something wrong stylistically with the piece. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. This is likely nothing more than a personal quirk, or perhaps an issue with being unfamiliar with the world or with this style of fantasy novel (i.e. action-y fantasy).
Overall, Night of Knives was a lot of fun to read. I enjoyed the action and the imagery was well drawn and sometimes gorgeous and creepy. At some point I will read the Erikson novels; Night of Knives has sparked my curiosity for all things Malazan.
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LibraryThing member glshade
Essential for fans of the Malazan books of the Fallen novels. The events of this novel take place during the night that Kallenved and Dancer make their play for the "throne". The action is in and around Malaz city and fills out more of the mythos that is Malazan. Through the characters you get to
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be close to the events and their adventures are equally as relevant and central to the overall story. I think this sword and sorcery novel would be entertaining to people unfamiliar to Malazan but would spoil some of the revelations in the Book of the Fallen series if you read it first. An excellent ride none the less... recommended Show Less
LibraryThing member Skribe
Ultimately disappointing. I wanted so much to like this first novel by Esslemont, co-conspirator world-planner with Steven Erikson of the epic Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and it concerns a crucial event that took place before the start of series continuity, but... it fails on all fronts. The
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plot is a collection of almost random events, characters are flat and unoriginal, forward momentum is lost in a series of stop-and-start action scenes. It's worth reading for the continuity elements, but it's rough slogging, and makes you appreciate what Erikson's accomplishing on a grand scale: how easy it would be for the whole thing to fall apart. I still look forward to Esslemont's next contribution later on, and hope this was just flawed in the concept. Show Less
LibraryThing member macha
it's a thousand years before the Book of the Fallen, and this is the night that put that future in motion. so it's essential reading for anyone interested in the Malazan Empire. here we get lucky, as he zeroes in on one night that changed that world. and it's quite exciting to get a look at the
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Emperor Kellanved and his Dancer, with Tayschrenn, set against Surly before she became Laseen. and we get to look at the Claw and the Crimson Guard on the ground, the elder Warrens, and the Bridgeburners too. the new-to-us characters come across vividly, and the glimpses we get of members of the Elder Races, all quirky personalities driven by quite unhuman motivation, are pretty thrilling. Esslemont is not near the writer Erikson is: he's more of a plodder. but it's his world too, and it's a gift to finally get a close look at this earlier period. Show Less
LibraryThing member finalcut
One thing I can say is that Esselmont does a good job of capturing the feel of Malaz that Erikson has already created. I didn't really feel like I was reading someone else's work (even if the word potshards doesn't appear once in this book). As far as a collaborative work goes "Night of Knives" is
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a winner. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kelsomar
A closer look into the world of the Malazan Empire is revealed in Ian C. Esslemont's Night of Knives. Unlike the books written by Steven Erikson (of which I am a huge fan) this book was tightly paced while maintaining an epic feel. The characters are as always grey and the world is a dangerous
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place. I cannot reccomend this book enough to anyone looking for an epic ride and a very well fleshed out world that seems to only get bigger in each volume. Show Less
LibraryThing member olstevie
A quick and easy read. Action packed but it can be a little confusing to those of us who are new to the Malazan series.
LibraryThing member jercox
I liked this one. Backstory on the empire (relative to the main book of the fallen series), with some details fleshed out. Not quite as long as many of the books in the series, but possible better for that.
LibraryThing member Azuaron
Night of Knives is a difficult book to start reading, mainly because it is jarring, after having read four Erickson books, to have such a different authorial voice speaking of Malazan. Esslemont's style drops the majority of the purple language endemic in Erickson's novels in favor of something
And, ultimately, this is a good thing. I know of only two authors who can pull off the flowery language (Erickson being one), but even then it can be a chore to read (I'm looking at you, Kruppe), and Esslemont's style brings a welcome change of pace to the Malazan world.
Beyond comparisons to Erickson's work, Night of Knives works quite well on its own. Few authors can pull off something with a scope so ambitiously small--the entire novel takes place over the course of a single night--but Esslemont surpasses that challenge with ease, and none of the novel feels like contrived conflict or filler to pad out the page count (unlike the TV show 24).
I feel like this review is boiling down to all the things this book is not. It's not Steven Erickson's Malazan as written by Ian C. Esslemont. It's not 24 with magic. What it is, though, is the first return salvo of the Malazan "dialog" through which these two men created this world, and I look forward to the next.
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much more direct.And, ultimately, this is a good thing. I know of only two authors who can pull off the flowery language (Erickson being one), but even then it can be a chore to read (I'm looking at you, Kruppe), and Esslemont's style brings a welcome change of pace to the Malazan world.
Beyond comparisons to Erickson's work, Night of Knives works quite well on its own. Few authors can pull off something with a scope so ambitiously small--the entire novel takes place over the course of a single night--but Esslemont surpasses that challenge with ease, and none of the novel feels like contrived conflict or filler to pad out the page count (unlike the TV show 24).
I feel like this review is boiling down to all the things this book is not. It's not Steven Erickson's Malazan as written by Ian C. Esslemont. It's not 24 with magic. What it is, though, is the first return salvo of the Malazan "dialog" through which these two men created this world, and I look forward to the next.
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Language
Original publication date
2004-09-01
Physical description
285 p.; 8.03 inches
ISBN
1904619932 / 9781904619932
Local notes
The island and city of Malaz is a sleepy back-water port. This night its residents are barring doors and shuttering windows: a once-in-a-generation Shadow Moon has arrived and threatens to bring among them demon hounds and other, darker, beings. This is also the night prophecied for the return of Emperor Kellanved, missing these last years. As factions within the Empire battle over the Imperial throne, the Shadow Moon summons a far more ancient and alien presence for an all-out assault upon the island, one that will determine the fate of the Malaz, and the entire world beyond.