Amazing story and writing

The story flows really well from start to finish. There were moments (not usual for me) where I wasn't sure how it got there but with a slight rewind it became clear either what happened or how it was meant to be slightly unclear.

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A very good story of the Malazan world

Esselmont's style is more narrative than Steven Erickson's. Both indeed compliment the other. I kind of prefer Erickson's more sweeping style but Esselmont's works very well. Great story, reader is excellent.

This is an 8.5/10 novel.

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Great Little Story, But When Should You Read It?

This is a fun little story. Compared to most of the other stuff in the Malazan world, it’s brief (only a 10 hour listen compared to some that are upwards of 40+ hours), and very focused. It also is a less difficult read than the Erikson books, and some of the later Esslemont ones. I would suggest it as a teaser if you want to try the series but don’t want to get lost in the barrier-to-entry that is Gardens of the Moon. If you do that, it will spoil some small things and one big thing from the early series though.
I especially like both of the main characters here. Kiska feels like your classic young naive fantasy rogue, but the writing and events around her are still as expectation-inverting as you’d expect from Malazan. Temper is a great example of how well these authors write the perspective of veteran soldiers, and it’s thrilling to see him in action.

I liked the narration, but my mind wasn’t blown away either. I have a love-hate relationship with the narrator from the first 3 Erikson books, so this was refreshing. He was a little bland, but nothing terrible either. I’m giving him a solid 3 on performance, and will see if he improves for the other books.

Now, what I really came here to say, and what I think will maybe help a lot of new readers to the series: when should you read this one?
This is my second time reading through the core Malazan Books (Erikson’s Book of the Fallen & Esselmont’s Novels of the Malazan Empire), and I decided to do so by Audiobook. I’m trying to space them in a rough chronological order (where possible), and most of the Esslemont Book’s fall into place well (I’ll list those below if anyone’s interested). I read Night of Knives right after Gardens of the Moon this time, but I wouldn’t suggest that now for a few reasons:
- This book assumes you know a little more of the politics going on than you would from just Gardens of the Moon
- The ending of this book is spoiled halfway through Deadhouse Gates. However, that happens offscreen anyway, and it’s written as if you already know how it will end.
- I wouldn’t suggest breaking up the first 3 of Erikson’s books. They’re paced really well, and play off each other nicely. After Memories of Ice, the series takes a bit of a breath, so that’s a good time to slot this in.
- It should be read before the Bonehunters and Return of the Crimson Guard, since some characters and plotlines will show up again in those.
So, in retrospect, I’d either suggest placing this one between Memories of Ice and House of Chains, or between Midnight Tides and The Bonehunters.

If you’re interested, here’s the order I’d suggest a mix of the rest of Erikson & Esslemont’s books:
- Book of the Fallen 1-5 up to Midnight Tides (Erikson) + Night of Knives (Esslemont) [see above]
- The Bonehunters (Erikson)
- Return of the Crimson Guard (Esslemont)
- Reaper’s Gale (Erikson)
- Stonewielder (Esselmont)
- Toll the Hounds (Erikson)
- Orb Sceptre Throne (Esslemont)
- Dust of Dreams & The Crippled God (Erikson)
- Blood and Bone & Assail (Esslemont)

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