Knight of Knives

Knight of Knives
Ian Cameron Esselmont
PS Publishing LLP
ISBN: 1-904619-18-5
Fiction, Fantasy
Reviewed by Qetesh

The Knight of Knives is the next installment of the Malazian series. The story dramatically opens in the Sea of Storms south of Malaz Isle. Captain Murl works feverishly to save his ship, Rheni’s Dream, his crew and loved ones as a severe ice storm sweeps in and threatens to destroy them. He walks the deck and sees his beloved Rheni lashed to a mast, slumped forward, covered in glistening ice. The Mole, a mere lad, has to be cut down from the ropes as he succumbs to the cold and driving storm. Murl shouts orders to Lack-eye who is stationed at the helm as he fights his way back to investigate the sails that had frozen solid and crashed to the deck below. He orders hammers to be used to shatter the thick coating of ice enveloping the sails and is dismayed as the ship begins to slow. He makes his way back to the helm, where Lack-Eye stands frozen solid at his post. The shadow moon that arrives once a generation has people locking their doors, and windows. This moon is known to bring evil beings and demon hounds to prowl among them. There is a prophecy that on this moon the lost Emperor Kellaved, who has been missing for years, will return. The shadow moon brings instead of demons, an alien presence that threatens to destroy the island and all civilizations beyond. This engaging story is unusual because it takes place in a single day and night. It features an introduction by Steven Erikson. This book is a masterwork of storytelling and writing skill, which will delight fantasy lovers. If you love the work of Ursula L le Guin, and intricate characters like in the Lord of the Rings, you will be completely entranced by this book.