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Night Of Knives

(Malazan Empire: 1): a wonderfully gripping, evocative and visceral epic fantasy
Series: Malazan Empire
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( 15,247 ratings, 862 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Night Of Knives by Ian C Esslemont, set in the rich world of the Malazan Empire, unfolds during a single night filled with intrigue and danger. The story revolves around a rare convergence in the city of Malaz, drawing a cast of characters into a web of machinations and prophecy. As individuals vie for power and secrets, this fantastical narrative explores themes of destiny and deception without the need for pre-existing knowledge of the larger series.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are a fan of high fantasy with complex characters and a richly developed world. Set in the captivating universe of the Malazan Empire, it explores themes of betrayal and destiny, with a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you appreciate stories filled with intrigue and magic against a backdrop of political machinations, this is an excellent choice.

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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.

The debut novel from the co-creator of Steven Erikson's brilliantly-imagined world of Malaz.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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 from 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 the world beyond...

Series: Malazan Empire

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  • Night Of Knives
    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...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Stonewielder
    A breathtaking addition to the history of Malaz - the new epic fantasy from the co-creator of this extraordinary imagined world... A must-read epic fantasy for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell, and Brandon Sanderson, Stonewielder capitalises further on Esslemont's mastery of world-building and fantasy storytelling. 'Epic fiction at its finest' - SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER 'A gripping, bloat-free military fantasy...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Night of Knives by Ian C Esslemont is praised for its intense and concentrated storytelling, set over one harrowing night, which delivers a powerful punch with impressive brevity. Reviews highlight its fast-paced narrative, balancing enjoyment with dramatic tension, and describe it as a promising and entertaining read. Fans of Steven Erikson's work are likely to find it particularly appealing, and it successfully combines action with a dark, atmospheric feel.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780553818291

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bantam Books (Transworld Publishers a division of the Random House Group)

Illustration: B & W maps

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 31.0mm

Width: 107.0mm

Height: 177.0mm

Weight: 247g

Pages: 480

About the Author

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

Also by Ian C Esslemont

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  • Forge of the High Mage
    Taking readers back to the turbulent early history of what would become the Malazan Empire, the enthralling fourth chapter in Esslemont's acclaimed epic fantasy series Path to Ascendancy. After decades of warfare, Malazan forces are now close to consolidating the Quon Talian mainland. Yet it is at this moment that Emperor Kellanved orders a new campaign far to the northβ€”the...
    Paperback
    $2800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Return of the Crimson Guard
    Epic and involving, Return of the Crimson Guard is an enthralling new chapter in the tumultuous history of the Malazan Empire from fantasy author Ian C. Esslemont The return of the mercenary company, the Crimson Guard, could not have come at a worse time for a Malazan Empire exhausted by warfare and weakened by betrayals and rivalries. Indeed, there are...
    Paperback
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  • Night Of Knives
    With the action taking place over the space of a single night, the bestselling Night of Knives expands on events touched on in the prologue of Steven Erikson's landmark fantasy Gardens of the Moon, and is thrillingly momentous - and essential - chapter in the epic, unfolding story of the extraordinarily imagined world of Malaz and its empire. The Malazan...
    Paperback
    $2800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Forge of the High Mage
    Taking readers back to the turbulent early history of what would become the Malazan Empire, the enthralling fourth chapter in Esslemont's acclaimed epic fantasy series Path to Ascendancy. After decades of warfare, Malazan forces are now close to consolidating the Quon Talian mainland. Yet it is at this moment that Emperor Kellanved orders a new campaign far to the northβ€”the...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Stonewielder
    A breathtaking addition to the history of Malaz - the new epic fantasy from the co-creator of this extraordinary imagined world... A must-read epic fantasy for fans of Steven Erikson, David Gemmell, and Brandon Sanderson, Stonewielder capitalises further on Esslemont's mastery of world-building and fantasy storytelling. 'Epic fiction at its finest' - SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER 'A gripping, bloat-free military fantasy...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

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