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Gardens of the Moon

Book 1 in the series:Malazan Book of the Fallen

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'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.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and multifaceted, embodying a range of motivations, but their depth may vary due to the sheer number of personalities introduced.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is dense and assumes a lot from the reader, with minimal exposition and a high-paced narrative that combines action with deeper explorations of character and magic.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is intricate and multifaceted, revolving around the Malazan Empire's expansion, weaving complex motivations and rivalries among a large cast of characters.

Setting:

The setting is vast and complex, featuring a deeply interwoven history and a multitude of realms and factions shaped by magic and divine influences.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, initially slower as details are established, but accelerates significantly, especially in the latter portions of the book.
“Prod and pull,” the old woman was saying, “’tis the way of the Empress, as like the gods themselves.” She leaned to one side and spat, then brought a soiled cloth to her wrinkled lips. “Three husband...

Notes:

Gardens of the Moon is the first book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson.
The Malazan series is known for its complexity and large cast of characters.
Readers often feel confused initially due to the lack of exposition and background information.
The story is set in a world dominated by the Malazan Empire, focusing on its conquest of other territories.
The magic system in Malazan involves unique power sources called 'warrens', which function like conduits for magic.
Many readers recommend being patient with the first book as the storyline becomes clearer by the end.
The series features morally ambiguous characters from both sides, making it hard to determine who the 'good guys' are.
Critics point out that while some characters are well-developed, others are flat due to the sheer number of significant players.
Gardens of the Moon has been described as epic, combining elements of military fantasy, political intrigue, and divine intervention.
The series has gained a devoted fanbase and is often listed among the greatest fantasy series of all time.

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 (138)

Incredible (27)
Loved It (34)
Liked It (36)
It Was OK (17)
Did Not Like (18)
Hated It (6)

Reader Stats (385):

Read It (146)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (188)
Did Not Finish (8)
Not Interested (40)

5 comment(s)

Incredible
1 month

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.

 
Hated It
1 month

I tried, and unfortunately I fell int that group of people that could not follow ALL of the different view points and changes and what is the point of this story, really - I followed book one just fine, but once into book two, it was like starting over and I felt let down that I invested time into a book and found by that point a new book - and a totally different angle on EVERYTHING - yeah, so I quit - so sue me - i just can not deal with a book that has more person point-of-views than there are days in the week - sorry - too much jumping around - next time, it should be separate novels in the same world, not multiple novels within one binding.

UPDATE: Re-Read

Yeah - Just as it was the first time around. This one is just too out there with too much going on and nothing going on at the same time. "Give It Time" people say. If you cannot grab me by 25%, I will not invest my time, what little I have, to reading.

 
Incredible
1 month

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!

 
Loved It
2 years

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!

 
Loved It
2 years

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.

 

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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