Night of Knives is the first novel of the Novels of the Malazan Empire series by Canadian author Ian Esslemont, set after the prologue, but before the main body .
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- Night of the Long Knives
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Hitler hoped that his nationalist revolution in Bavaria would spread to the dissatisfied German army, which in turn would bring down the government in Berlin. However, the uprising was immediately suppressed, and Hitler was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison for high treason. Sent to Landsberg jail, he spent his time dictating his autobiography, Mein Kampf, and working on his oratorical skills. After nine months in prison, political pressure from supporters of the Nazi Party forced his release.
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Return to Book Page. Preview — Night of Knives by Ian C. Night of Knives Novels of the Malazan Empire, 1 3. The empire is named for the tiny island and city of Malaz, now a sleepy, seedy backwater port. Tonight however, a once-in-a-generation Shadow Moon brings demon hounds and darker beings. Also, a prophecy promises the return of long missing Emperor Kellanved to the contended imperial throne.
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This night will determine the fate of the world. Hardcover , pages. Published June 4th by Bantam Press first published Kiska , Temper , Tayschrenn , Agayla. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about Night of Knives , please sign up. Erickson's style is much better than Esslemont's When would you suggest reading Ian Esslemont's books?
After you finish the main Book of the Fallen series?
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Somewhere in the middle? Does it matter much? See all 4 questions about Night of Knives…. Lists with This Book. Just like the main series, I was determined to finish the Malazan Empire this year but I may have to rethink that decision after my experience of reading this book.
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But in this special situation, I must say that the comparison is really well deserved because both of them write canon stories in the same universe which they created together. I was honestly shocked by how bad the experience of reading this book was. Esslemont focused so much more on the never-ending barrage of action sequences rather than the crucially needed characterizations. Erikson is capable of making sure his giant cast of characters to be filled with unique, distinctive voice. It was infuriating as hell to read a POV full of teenage angst in a Malazan universe.
I understand reading something like this in YA books but not in Malazan! If Malazan Book of the Fallen absolutely requires Malazan Empire to be fully enjoyed then might as well put Malazan Empire as part of the main series instead of it being a spin-off. Night of Knives was a huge disappointment, I have no idea how this will benefit the main series and I will find out pretty soon. I did give Return of the Crimson Guard a go. You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions View all 21 comments. This is a very good book! Following two main character point of views.
One being Temper - an old school elite yet uncredited serviceman for the Malazan empire and Kiska - a youth urchin spy with 'the talent' of magic somewhere within her. Kiska was very mysterious - a bit whiny and kept getting caught by people throughout her sneaking antics - but I think she was an omnipotent device to show the unfolding events. The best parts for Temper was his lack of This is a very good book! Book of the Fallen. I think if you miss this out then you are missing so many crucial layers that make the world the best envisaged in fantasy.
The mystique created by Dancer and Kellevand frequents throughout this novel and is truly fascinating. It is the story about one night, where magic, worlds, accession and races all discombobulate and at the same time collide. Hounds, warrens, zombies, storm-riders etc This is a fast paced book. It might not showcase the linguistic acrobatics that Erikson sometimes presents - but does Erikson really know what all those complex synonyms and semantical equivalent words mean anyway?
I actually think if prior fans hadn't already ascertained the diamond tinted loving of, and egotistical disgust of anything that isn't Erikson Malazan - they may enjoy this story more as a new-comer. Esslemont has recently released Dancer's Lament which is reveled by all Malazan fans and carries on with the structural devices initiated here.
I think this is a great first book from Esslemont and can't wait to read the rest. He works the Malazan world well and creates wonder - let's hope it continues. View all 3 comments. Well, this seems incredibly underrated Esslemont, is not a huge brick of equal parts amazement and confusion like the doorstoppers of his friend Steven Erikson. It's a decidedly more standard fantasy novel, and it doesn't distinguish itself in the way of the Malazan Book of the Fallen. That does not mean, however, that it is any less impressive. Esslemont's style is more simple, both in language and in plot, and in many Well, this seems incredibly underrated Esslemont's style is more simple, both in language and in plot, and in many ways he appears to be less ambitious than his co-author.
But this book gives off the Malazan vibe more strongly than anything since Deadhouse Gates , and unlike reading an Erikson book, you don't have to work for it. Some people would probably argue that's a bad thing, but I found this book more engaging than the main Malazan books, despite lacking in a few of the qualities which have made the series so outstanding. Overall though, Esslemont lured me fully into the Malazan universe once again, and I'm very excited about continuing this epic. View all 7 comments. Aug 28, Choko rated it really liked it Shelves: A brush of cloth.
A sip of wine. Your name whispered just as you fall into sleep. He is not either better or worse than the bard who tells us the story of the Malazan, Book of the Fallen, he just has his own voice and his own way of telling us a story, and I truly appreciate that. Just as I love the Flight of the Bumble Bee played by a heavy metal band, or played by a violinist, I can enjoy either not only for their similarity and basic theme, but because of their differences as well. The world would be a very dull and boring place if all artist, writers and musicians expressed themselves exactly the same way.
Unfortunately, in the case of the Malazan World, I feel the need to start with the previous paragraph, because the works of the two creators of this world, Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esslemont, are intricately connected and a comparison between the two is almost inevitable. They are different, no question about it, and I guess it is up to the personal preferences of the readers to decide which stile fits their tastes batter, but for me, and I hope most readers approach this series in the same way, the two compliment each-other perfectly.
Where SE is edgy and at times heavy on the prose, ICE tends to go about telling a story in a more traditional way, softer around the edges and with more moody and spooky details in the world-building. SE overwhelms with his innate power of emotion he can bring out of the debts of your soul, while ICE sneaks up on you insidiously, but still potently.
If you plan on taking on this series, I have to say that it would be a loss not to read the books written by ICE. Not only do they give a background and feel in gaps of the mythology, but they would be just as good if read as The Malazan Empire Series on its own. In this first book of the series, all the action takes place in the span of one Shadow Moon Night, when the Warens something like magical dimensions can coalesce, and creepy creatures of different worlds could roam the streets of the magically heavy Isle.
The local residents know not to leave their homes and huddle in fear behind locked doors, only the uninformed or those who look for trouble dare step outside. This is the night we are introduced to the old, grizzled elite soldier Temper, who is hiding in plain sight, as just a veteran waiting to retire on a bedraggled post on Malaz Island. The other protagonist is Kiska, a young girl who fancies herself a spy, although she is not working for anyone, since the local Fist, which is like a General in the Empire Military, is refusing to give her a chance and higher her.
Night of the Long Knives | Summary & Facts | leondumoulin.nl
She is naive and dreams of a future away from the Island, adventures and anything where she could get an adrenaline rush. Temper is not of the locals and Kiska is just looking for adventure, thus they both end up involved in the perilous activities strangling the life out of the Island on that fateful night. It so happens that four of the familiar to us characters of the Book of the Fallen have major roles with their political and devious machinations. Emperor Kellenved and his partner Dancer have been missing for the past year, leaving Surly to the Imperial Regency.
Many think that this night will be the one Kellenved returns to reclaim his throne, while Surly and her Claws are there to make that impossible. We also have the High Mage Tayschrenn and he is much more interesting here than in any of the books of the Fallen I have read up to now. We also get a good idea who Edgewalker is, and I love how all the peaces are falling into place of the overall picture!!!
That is a minor concern given everything at stake this Conjunction. In the larger picture. Now, you must go. I have so many questions. I know I just can't get enough: View all 8 comments. Everything could change in just one night The night close to a year ago when he and Dassem died. Because, who k Everything could change in just one night Because, who knows, you might run out of Malaz material. Does it belong here? If you want to read it that way you should start with Gardens of the Moon and then after the prologue read this one Don't do it this way though, or you'll go mad.
It's impossible to read at least Erikson's books this way It's messy, but I love it that way. I didn't read all the books, and I can't judge to that account but it is the weakest one I've read. This isn't a bad book. It has it's great moments a fair number On the other hand had I not read a few of Erikson's books first getting into the world, history and characters of Malazan this book wouldn't be as half as good for me.
I know Erikson is Erikson and Esslemont is Esslemont, and I went into it with that in mind, but it was a bumpy ride all the same. Parts featuring Dassem Ultor, the return of Kellanved and Dancer The man was an artist at murder. In fact, so subtle was he that many had forgotten that Kellanved had a partner. The worst kind of killer: And the slippery bastard was supposed to be dead, too. Surly and her Claws and Tayschrenn were a treat. Who would know Tayschrenn could be an interesting character, with a different side to him.
Esslemont should try and write horror I would read it.
I could almost feel that mist and fog, and hear the howling of the hounds. I liked The Fisherman's scenes and his wife. Temper frowned at the old relic; the winds were calm this evening. I'll confirm it for myself At least he was in no danger of falling asleep, what with half his body yammering its pain at him. Temper eyed it — the damn thing appeared frozen athwart the wind. Down below, the bay glimmered calmly. The Strait seemed to be holding its breath. Heard more guessed but not witnessed. All there, and still a mystery. The subtle throb of the surf shuddered through the rock.
Dust falling and the stones losing heat to the night brought ticks and trickled motes from the walls. Then she heard it. A distinct tap and faint shush — tap-shush, tap-shush — crossing the ceiling, side to side. The soundless impact drove Kiska down into her chair and popped her eardrums. The candles snuffed out. Metal rang from the stones above. A thumping and clatter as of bodies falling. A shout — a wordless roar of rage — that faded into silence.
In the charged calm that followed, she barely breathed. What I liked a little less: He makes you work for it, and I love a challenge and the layers. Esslemont basically doesn't make scratch your head, he is more straightforward with his writing. This is not a bad thing, and someone else may prefer this style. They were described so grandly Am I reading Harry Potter? The wands almost ruined them for me. Nice save in the epilogue, and I hope I hear of no wands in this books anymore. They are so anticlimactic after all those great magic battles described in some of Ericson's books.
I love my wands where they belong What to say about Kiska. I get it she is a teenager, and so she acts accordingly. In that sense of a no-sense teenager she was well written. She doesn't really know what she want's besides getting as far away from the forgotten place Malaz Isle has become , she is stubborn, reckless and doesn't know when and with whom to hold her tongue, be it a ghost, a great powerful mage or a creature from the Shadow Realm Somehow they don't mix in my opinion, and that has made it a bumpy ride.
I thought to rate it 3 stars, but after thinking about it a few days I'll up it to 3. The frost that silences. View all 6 comments. Going into this book I tried to clear my mind of any expectations. The reason being a lot of the reviews by other Book of the Fallen lovers were so varied. The prologue was excellent and has that foreboding tone but is not the epic overtone that Erikson has in some of his works. Really Erikson is the king of the prologue in my opinion so NOK being good spoke well for this start. Moving into the start of the book, and really throughout, I struggled with Esslemont's sentence structure.
I'm hardly Going into this book I tried to clear my mind of any expectations. I'm hardly an English lit major but generally you pick up an author's cadence and once you have it figured out most stories flow from that point. His continued to be awkward and lacked Erikson's elegance. For better or worse there's no way to avoid the comparisons. The story itself I really enjoyed. Still if you're looking for this to be Deadhouse Gates or Memories of Ice it isn't. It lacks that epic scale. But it's not meant to be either. Everything takes place in one earth shattering night.
I loved guessing at who characters really were. I loved learning more about characters who aren't the main focus of the main series but are still important.
This book read more like an action, horror and war story all at once. The action was mostly fast and furious and I enjoyed it. I do wish there was more direct access to Dancer and Kellanved but the author went for more cloak and dagger action seen through the eyes of two characters on the peripheral edge of events and really it worked so I won't quibble.
If you love the main series you need to read this but don't think of it as the main series. The gaps it fills are invaluable and enjoyable. Feb 25, Gavin rated it really liked it Shelves: I thought this was a worthy addition to the Malazan world. Esselmont's writing style is a bit different to Erikson's but his story did retain the feel of a Malazan book. The plot was suitably entertaining and complex and Esselmont also did a great job with the characters, both the new and familiar ones.
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 th I thought this was a worthy addition to the Malazan world. Once it was the heart of the Imperial Malazan Empire but in the present day it is little more than a backwater.
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!
Night of the Long Knives
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. 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. Dec 04, Stefan Bach rated it it was ok. It is my opinion that long lasting debate when a person should read this book is finally coming to an end. That is, if you have already started Malazan journey with Path to Ascendancy series. Which I highly recommend for people to do. Now, the main argument why readers are recommending that this book should be read in-between Bonehunters and Toll the Houn It is my opinion that long lasting debate when a person should read this book is finally coming to an end.
Now, the main argument why readers are recommending that this book should be read in-between Bonehunters and Toll the Hounds, which are books 6 and 8, is to make sure you have avoided major spoilers. Even though, the story of this book is chronologically happening before first book of the MBotF series. Night of Knives should work as a great introduction to the main series, while also serving as a continuation of the prequels. Which means it should be a connecting bridge between the two. As for my impression of the novel: Although I had a lot of fun following two major POV characters — Kiska, desperate wannabe participant in any major plot out there in the world, be that as a spy, informant, thief, assassin or basically anything to make her life not just thrilling but also significant; and Temper, grizzly, retired Malazan veteran, troubled with nightmares of his past and not being able to find his place in future that Empire is set to provide for him — story itself and how the world works in it, are confusing at times.
The first few times I did a Malazan reread, I stuck with Erikson, thinking that the books by Esslemont were unnecessary. Plus, it felt a bit mean to be picking up a book, that someone has worked hard to produce, and being completely certain that it would be an average read, or worse. Though I suppose the fact that I consider me Erikson to be best there is in fantasy writing means everybody comes worse off in comparison. It's a relatively short book, and easy to read. It only took me half a day. And no, Esslemont isn't Erikson I'm pretty sure he's sick of people pointing this out.
Of course I was aware that there would be differences in style, but the fact that Esslemont explains things was a serious shock to the system. There would be a comment about something mysterious like the Shadow Moon or the Return, and i'd stop reading, tip my head back, close my eyes and try to remember if it had come up before in this book, or in Erikson's. What connections could be made? What could it be? What does it mean? Maybe the TOR reread will pick up something I didn't. Once i'd thought it through, i'd return to the book.
Are you telling me what's going on? Now, I realise it is a bizarre situation when a reader is complaining about their questions being answered. But it's precisely what I like about Erikson's work- I use it as a kind of brain training exercise. Yet for all that, I enjoyed the book. There were some great characters. Temper reads very much like the quintessential Malazan soldier so vital to this world, and he made a welcome break from Kiska's teen angst.
The representations of characters already well known from Erikson were handled well, they were part of the action but still retained mystery. While I didn't love it, it was good enough to make me read the next. Hardly an enthusiastic review, I know, but I see the potential for improvement. And next time, I'll know better what to expect.
Sep 14, Lee rated it really liked it Shelves: As a re-read I am changing my original rating for this and giving it an extra star. On my first read of these, I had just finished reading Malazan Book of the Fallen for the first time and was amazed by Eriksons story telling. I constantly compared ICE to SE and whilst it is fair to compare the way they tell the story, you have to allow them to be different in writing style. They are two different blokes after all. So 2 years after my second read of MbotF I am absolutely loving being back on the As a re-read I am changing my original rating for this and giving it an extra star.
So 2 years after my second read of MbotF I am absolutely loving being back on the Isle of Malaz and seeing those names that are big part of my fondest reading memories. Yes, it is a short book. Yes, it isn't as good as it could have been, but it is his first book and plenty of people complain about Gardens of the Moon.
So the extra star is all about me loving being back in Malazan: Fener's hairy balls, its great to back! Jan 02, Zayne rated it really liked it. After my second read, I decided to bump it up a star. It still didn't impress me, but I did like it more this time around. I still think that it reads like a Forgotten Realms book, but a better written one. Not to say that Esslemont's writing was flawless because it wasn't. At times, it was the structure was awkward and just didn't flow right. There were two main povs: A veteran of the Malazan army named Temper and a wannabe assassin named Kiska.
Temper's pov was great. His sections especially After my second read, I decided to bump it up a star. His sections especially the flashbacks to his solider days were fun and engaging with lots of combat and mystery. Kiska on the other hand was a very meh pov. The first read through I didn't like her one bit. I just wanted to get her sections over with and go back to temper. This second time, I still didn't like her, but I disliked her less. I took time to read her pov sections and try to understand her.
She gets caught up in events way over her head. Because her life is just boring. The first read through, I thought "Really? An adventure would be fun after a dull life. Kellanved and Dancer were there a bit, but more as a side characters. Even though the night this book revolved around was their most important night, Esslemont only teased us with their presence. The story was only told by Temper and Kiska. We saw the night through people unfamiliar with the events which lead to some interesting mysteries.
I still would have liked to see more of Kellanved and Dancer though. I really enjoyed this book the second time around. I was able to catch more thanks to the Malazan Fallen Group read Sorry I didn't keep up with the group read guys.