Night Of Knives: (Malazan Empire: 1): a wonderfully gripping, evocative and visceral epic fantasy

(Paperback)

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The debut novel from the co-creator of Steven Erikson's brilliantly-imagined world of Malaz. This incredibly atmospheric and action - packed epic fantasy from million copy seller Ian C Esslemont is a must read for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell and Brandon Sanderson. "Visceral power...telling a story set largely over just one terrifying night, it pulverises you with an economy that is rare in fantasy" - SFX "Fast paced storytelling...an enjoyable balance" - SFFworld "A pleasing...entertaining romp" - DeathRay "Absolutely outstanding" -- ***** Reader review "Fast paced and a compelling read" -- ***** Reader review "Brilliant. Couldn't put it down" -- ***** Reader review ******************************************************* THE ONE NIGHT THAT WILL CHANGE THINGS FOREVER Malaz gave a great empire its name, but now this island and its city amount to little more than a sleepy backwater. Until this night. Because this night 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 is also prophesied that the Emperor Kellanved will return this night, and there are many who would prevent that happening at any cost. As factions within the Empire draw up battle lines, an ancient presence begins its all-out assault upon the island. Witnesses to these cataclysmic events include a thief called Kiska, and Temper, a war-weary veteran. Although they do not know it, they each have a part to play in a confrontation that will determine not only the fate of Malaz City but also of the world beyond...

Reviews

Visceral power... telling a story set largely over just one terrifying night, it pulverises you with an economy that's rare in fantasy * SFX *
Fast paced storytelling... an enjoyable balance * SFFworld *
Hugely promising... a pleasing, entertaining romp * DeathRay *
I had a blast reading Night of Knives... I highly recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed the Steven Erikson novels * Fantasyhotlist.com *
Esslemont handles action and brooding atmosphere equally well * Starburst *

Author Bio

Born in Winnipeg in 1962, IAN CAMERON ESSLEMONT has studied and worked as an archaeologist, travelled extensively in South East Asia and lived in Thailand and Japan for several years. He now lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, with his wife and children. His novels - beginning with Night of Knives - are all set in the fantasy world of Malaz that he co-created with Steven Erikson. Dancer's Lament was the first book in the 'Paths to Ascendancy' sequence (which continues the story of the turbulent early history of this epic imagined world) while Forge of the High Mage is the fourth. To find out more, visit www.ian-esslemont.com and www.malazanempire.com