Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a dream come true for epic fantasy fans who want to dive headfirst into a rich, intricate world brimming with magic, gods, sprawling empires, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Erikson’s imagination is off the charts: magical battles, a dizzying array of races and factions, gods meddling in mortal affairs, and a genuinely unique magic system that sets it apart from the rest. The plot moves fast, the action is big, and the stakes are huge. If you love stories where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and you enjoy piecing together a complex web of alliances, betrayals, and mysteries, you’ll be in your element. Ideal for patient readers who love epic worldbuilding, intelligent storytelling, and aren’t afraid to work a little for their fantasy fun.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find Gardens of the Moon downright bewildering at the start. Erikson drops you right in the middle of the action with little handholding - there’s minimal exposition and a massive cast of characters, and the plot can feel chaotic and overwhelming. If you prefer stories that gradually ease you into their world, or you really need to connect deeply with characters early on, this book might frustrate you. Many people struggled with the lack of clear explanations about the magic system, the sudden introduction of new characters and storylines, and the emotional distance they felt from the main cast.
About:
'Gardens of the Moon' in the series 'Malazan Book of the Fallen' by Steven Erikson introduces readers to a vast and complex world filled with intricate plots and fascinating characters. The story weaves together multiple storylines that eventually converge, creating a rich and compelling narrative that challenges readers with its depth and scope. Erikson's writing style immerses readers in a world where alliances shift, actions are complex, and choices have profound consequences, all while exploring themes of power, magic, and the involvement of gods in mortal affairs.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence, themes of death and decay, and the presence of torture.
From The Publisher:
Vast legions of gods, mages, humans, dragons and all manner of creatures play out the fate of the Malazan Empire in this first book in a major epic fantasy series
The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting and bloody confrontations with the formidable Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, ancient and implacable sorcerers. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Laseen's rule remains absolute, enforced by her dread Claw assassins.
For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze.
However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister, shadowbound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand...
Conceived and written on a panoramic scale, Gardens of the Moon is epic fantasy of the highest order-an enthralling adventure by an outstanding new voice.
Ratings (224)
Incredible (47) | |
Loved It (50) | |
Liked It (61) | |
It Was OK (30) | |
Did Not Like (27) | |
Hated It (9) |
Reader Stats (703):
Read It (238) | |
Currently Reading (7) | |
Want To Read (365) | |
Did Not Finish (14) | |
Not Interested (79) |
6 comment(s)
I found it so confusing
This was a reread, but such a different experience I would hesitate to say I've read it before. This is the prelude to my reread of the entire MBotF and I'm already beginning to think Erikson has real literary merit and not just writing dark elf dragon doorstoppers (and the fact that it resembles the latter at first glance is part of that).
Say I'm crazy. I read all 10 books 3 times. It's like falling in love again and again. This first book is "abrupt" I found it fun to figure out the backstories. The characters are incredibly well-made. The BEST fantasy series I've ever read and I did read quite a few.
I can see why this book initially confused me. There are a lot of people to keep track of and a lot of plotlines in motion simultaneously. It's a balancing act, and if you're not prepared for it, you will trip and fall. I was fortunate in that I found a guide to
Gardens of the Moon before I started reading the book, which helped keep the characters straight in my mind. Sometimes, I had to stop and reread passages to ensure I was getting the intended meaning. This doesn't normally happen to me, but I pushed through because the book is worth it.
And it
is worth it, at least to me. Is this a difficult read? Absolutely. Is it well written? I think so, although I know others will disagree with me.
Onto
Deadhouse Gates!
If you are new to fantasy, I would not recommend this series as a starter. The series is incredible, the world complex BUT the author does NOT make any attempt to 'explain' the magic/lore. You pick things up as you read (and re-read).
Is it worth it?
Yes, if you invest the time to immerse yourself into the works . Not light reading. The writing and prose improves as the series progresses. Some of the characters are incredible.
Most of the books start slow, switch POVS every few pages and conclude in a most satisfying and exciting way!
10 book series. Excellent writing and world building. Many non-human species & gods, with a complex and hard to follow plot and magic system. Almost all the books slowly buildup in pace, and usually end in an exciting climax.
What can you read after
Gardens of the Moon?
About the Author:
Steven Erikson is an archaeologist and anthropologist and a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop. His Malazan Book of the Fallen series, including The Crippled God, Dust of Dreams, Toll the Hounds and Reaper's Gale, have met with widespread international acclaim and established him as a major voice in the world of fantasy fiction. Gardens of the Moon was the first novel in the series and was shortlisted for a World Fantasy Award. The second novel, Deadhouse Gates, was voted one of the ten best fantasy novels of 2000 by SF Site. He lives in Canada.
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