SFF Readalongs led by Kitty G discussion

This is for discussion of Chapter 3 of Night of Knives by Esslemont. Please don't post any spoilers for later parts of the book, but otherwise feel free to comment about what you've read.

What do you think of the plot?
How does it compare?
Is it faster-paced and fun?
What do you like/dislike?

So far I'm not loving this book. This story has too many elements consistent with tired old fantasy books. (I'm thinking mainly of Kiska's "Auntie" being the equivalent of the gnarly old witch that was always there, but we are just now coming to appreciate.) I also feel like the story is hopping around, but it isn't always clear when we are and what is going on. Maybe just me.

However, I like Temper a lot.

Michael wrote: "So far I'm not loving this book. This story has too many elements consistent with tired old fantasy books. (I'm thinking mainly of Kiska's "Auntie" being the equivalent of the gnarly old witch that..."

I'm with you Michael. Only my interest on Temper's backstory which is clearly linked to Dassem Ultor, and wanting to know how Kellanved and Dancer ascended kept me going..

I'm certainly of the same mind as TS and Michael now. This book is one I feel maybe I should have just sat and read in one go, but unfortunately I was focusing on other books and I haven't actually had time to dedicate to finishing this one until today.
I really do want to see how Kellanved and Dancer ascend too, and so I am also intrigued still, but this certainly feels like a very standard fantasy and not the detailed and in-depth style I have know and loved before now with Erikson's books. I do think that Esslemont's other books have high praise too though so I look forward to moving onto them after this.