Publishers Weekly
Steven Erickson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series only hints at the empire's distant history, which Esslemont, cocreator of the original world, explores in this dark, powerful novel (first published in the U.K. in 2004) and its planned sequels. On a Shadow Moon night on the Isle of Malaz, dead souls rise and demonlike hounds attack any who dare to leave their homes. Knowing that Emperor Kellanved is prophesied to use the Shadow Moon for his own ends, the emperor's enemies gather on the small island for their own nefarious purposes, starting a plot that spirals into bloody violence. Esslemont nails the feel and flavor of Erickson's books and brings the historical characters to life with a dexterity that will win over even the most skeptical fans. (May)
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Library Journal
On the rare night of the Shadow Moon, when the openings between the worlds widen to allow beings from one realm to pass into the other, the island of Malaz becomes a crucible of opposing forces. Countering the triumph of the Shadow realm are a few key individuals, among them a war-weary veteran and a young woman trying to prove herself. Cocreator, with Steven Erikson, of the world of Malazan, Esslemont fills his first novel with bloodthirsty ghosts, unholy hounds, and battles of swords and wits. This stand-alone serves as an adjunct or enticing introduction to the Malazan series. A good selection, particularly for libraries owning other Malazan titles.
—Jackie Cassada
Kirkus Reviews
A debut fantasy set in a universe previously established in Steven Erikson's Malazan Empire books. Esslemont co-created the fantasy setting of Malaz with Erikson more than 25 years ago for use in a role-playing game. Erikson went on to write books set in that world (Gardens of the Moon, 1999, etc.). Here the author introduces his own series of Malaz-set books. This debut takes place during the appearance of the Shadow Moon, when the realm of shadow and the world of mortals converge, and various factions seek to take advantage of the event. The resulting chaos is described by a young girl, Kiska, and a battle-scarred warrior, Temper. Warning to newbies: The book occasionally feels like fan fiction, and those who haven't read Erikson's work will likely have a hard time finding a way into it. A novel that will please fans already familiar with the Malaz mythos.
