Night of Knives by Ian C Esslemont

This text provides excerpts from the novel Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont, which is set in the shared world of Malaz, co-created with Steven Erikson. The introduction, written by Erikson, establishes the long history and collaborative nature of the Malazan world, confirming that Esslemont's novel is an authentic addition, not fan fiction. The subsequent sections include a dramatis personae listing various characters, followed by chapters that immerse the reader in the dark, chaotic events unfolding over a single night on Malaz Isle. The narrative follows multiple characters, including the retired soldier Temper and the young opportunist Kiska, as they navigate a dangerous Convergence involving Imperial assassins (The Claw), ancient powers (Shadow Cult), and the mysterious return of the empire's founders, Kellanved and Dancer.