We’re back in the world of Malazan—this time stepping into new territory with Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont.

In this episode, the crew begins their first-ever discussion of Esslemont’s work, breaking down the prologue and first two chapters of this gothic, atmospheric entry into the Malazan universe. While we planned to go further, there’s already plenty to unpack—from eerie tone-setting to early character impressions and the shifting political landscape of Malaz City.

We dig into:

• First impressions of Esslemont’s writing style and how it compares to Steven Erikson
• The edict against sorcery and what it reveals about Surly/Laseen’s rule
• Whether Night of Knives is a good entry point—or a risky detour—for Malazan readers
• The book’s dense, gothic atmosphere and how it shapes the reading experience
• Early thoughts on key characters like Temper and Kiska
• Why longtime fans might (or might not) want to explore the Novels of the Malazan Empire

We also tackle a big question: Why read Esslemont at all? If you’re deep into Malazan or just curious about expanding your understanding of the world, this episode lays out the case.

Whether you’re rereading alongside us or diving into Esslemont for the first time, this is your starting point for Night of Knives.

Next episode: Chapters 3 & 4.