Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Tor Books (2004), Edition: 1st, Hardcover, 496 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. HTML: 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 from Steven Erikson. 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. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member clong
I love The Malazan Book of the Fallen. After seven books, I’m ready to call it the best fantasy series ever. Steven Erikson has both an amazing imagination and an ability to repeatedly conceive stories and imagery that resonate like the most powerful of myths. He offers great characters who
Having said that, I remember that, my first time through Gardens of the Moon I came away thinking “this is a pretty good story set in a really confusing universe.” I recently started a re-read of the entire series to date, and the second time around I came away from this book thinking, that while it is slow to get going (and the weakest of the series, so far at least, and I have pretty much given up on worrying that Erikson is going to start slumping now), it’s still a very entertaining story that provides a tantalizing introduction to this amazing world.
Any new reader is going to struggle a bit with being thrown into Erikson’s massively complex world with only a listing of dramatis personae and a bit of a glossary. Erikson’s paints on a really big canvas, giving us many layers to unravel in many areas: geography, races, history, geopolitical structure, physics, magic system, etc. This first book of the series is one where the new reader is going to have to pay close attention, re-read passages from time to time, and accept that quite a few things about this world are simply not going to make a whole lot of sense for a few books. I don’t have a problem with any of that.
Some people have complained that Erikson keeps pulling bigger and badder-ass magic out of nowhere in a way reminiscent of a novice RPG master, but I don’t really see it that way. This is a world where both the elder races and the ascendants are much more powerful than man (not that they don’t have their own weaknesses and challenges to worry about). It’s a good thing for humanity that, with the exception of the occasional Jaghut Tyrant, they’re all generally much more interested in their long-standing conflicts with each other than in dominating us puny lesser mortals (although they’re clearly not above using the occasional human as a pawn).
This book does have weaknesses beyond simply having a complicated setting. The introduction almost feels trite. Some of the writing is choppy and confusing. The Battle for Pale, Parran’s visit to Hood’s Gates (if anyone can explain to me where exactly his sword came from I would appreciate it), and Tattersail’s immolation still leave me confused after multiple re-readings.
The geography also at times seems not to make sense (or maybe it’s more fair to say that the map and the world don’t always match). Lake Azur doesn’t seem anywhere near big enough to support a substantial water-born merchant trade complete with privateers. And how can each of the four levels of Darujhistan, from highest to lowest, all be immediately adjacent to a Lake?
The characterization also takes quite a while to really draw you in. To the extent that the book has a single protagonist you’d have to say it is Ganoes Paran. I find it hard to warm to Ganoes much, especially in the first two thirds of this book (i.e., up until his fateful meeting with Anomander Rake). We’re told that he’s a good guy (rather than being shown that he’s a good guy). Much of what he says and does feels unconvincing (including the strange little romance with Tattersail).
In a book that constantly bounces back between storylines and characters it inevitably takes a while to get to know everyone. The Bridgeburners are likable and easy to root for. It is easy to sense that Quick Ben, Whiskeyjack, and Kalam are going to be the real stars of the series. And while it takes a while for Sorry to evolve into more than Cotillion’s pawn, I found her an intriguing and ultimately empathetic character. The supporting characters are generally quite strong. The Phoenix Inn regulars are a likable lot, with the mysteriously powerful and deliciously funny Kruppe stealing just every scene he pops into. Characters like Anomander Rake, Hairlock, Onos T’oolan are all original and memorable.
And while it takes a while to develop much momentum, the story does start to come together nicely about halfway through the book, building tension and keeping you turning pages. Erikson gives us a few of the brilliantly inspired scenes that will mark the series going forward (my favorite being Paran’s brief visit inside Dragnipur). And as the multi-layered (and at times confusing) story moves towards its multi-layered (and at times confusing) conclusion, we can tell that this is an author who is going to be well worth reading.
Show More
undertake great tasks. And a dark sense of humor. Reading these books is hard work, but work with a consistent intellectual and emotional payoff. Having said that, I remember that, my first time through Gardens of the Moon I came away thinking “this is a pretty good story set in a really confusing universe.” I recently started a re-read of the entire series to date, and the second time around I came away from this book thinking, that while it is slow to get going (and the weakest of the series, so far at least, and I have pretty much given up on worrying that Erikson is going to start slumping now), it’s still a very entertaining story that provides a tantalizing introduction to this amazing world.
Any new reader is going to struggle a bit with being thrown into Erikson’s massively complex world with only a listing of dramatis personae and a bit of a glossary. Erikson’s paints on a really big canvas, giving us many layers to unravel in many areas: geography, races, history, geopolitical structure, physics, magic system, etc. This first book of the series is one where the new reader is going to have to pay close attention, re-read passages from time to time, and accept that quite a few things about this world are simply not going to make a whole lot of sense for a few books. I don’t have a problem with any of that.
Some people have complained that Erikson keeps pulling bigger and badder-ass magic out of nowhere in a way reminiscent of a novice RPG master, but I don’t really see it that way. This is a world where both the elder races and the ascendants are much more powerful than man (not that they don’t have their own weaknesses and challenges to worry about). It’s a good thing for humanity that, with the exception of the occasional Jaghut Tyrant, they’re all generally much more interested in their long-standing conflicts with each other than in dominating us puny lesser mortals (although they’re clearly not above using the occasional human as a pawn).
This book does have weaknesses beyond simply having a complicated setting. The introduction almost feels trite. Some of the writing is choppy and confusing. The Battle for Pale, Parran’s visit to Hood’s Gates (if anyone can explain to me where exactly his sword came from I would appreciate it), and Tattersail’s immolation still leave me confused after multiple re-readings.
The geography also at times seems not to make sense (or maybe it’s more fair to say that the map and the world don’t always match). Lake Azur doesn’t seem anywhere near big enough to support a substantial water-born merchant trade complete with privateers. And how can each of the four levels of Darujhistan, from highest to lowest, all be immediately adjacent to a Lake?
The characterization also takes quite a while to really draw you in. To the extent that the book has a single protagonist you’d have to say it is Ganoes Paran. I find it hard to warm to Ganoes much, especially in the first two thirds of this book (i.e., up until his fateful meeting with Anomander Rake). We’re told that he’s a good guy (rather than being shown that he’s a good guy). Much of what he says and does feels unconvincing (including the strange little romance with Tattersail).
In a book that constantly bounces back between storylines and characters it inevitably takes a while to get to know everyone. The Bridgeburners are likable and easy to root for. It is easy to sense that Quick Ben, Whiskeyjack, and Kalam are going to be the real stars of the series. And while it takes a while for Sorry to evolve into more than Cotillion’s pawn, I found her an intriguing and ultimately empathetic character. The supporting characters are generally quite strong. The Phoenix Inn regulars are a likable lot, with the mysteriously powerful and deliciously funny Kruppe stealing just every scene he pops into. Characters like Anomander Rake, Hairlock, Onos T’oolan are all original and memorable.
And while it takes a while to develop much momentum, the story does start to come together nicely about halfway through the book, building tension and keeping you turning pages. Erikson gives us a few of the brilliantly inspired scenes that will mark the series going forward (my favorite being Paran’s brief visit inside Dragnipur). And as the multi-layered (and at times confusing) story moves towards its multi-layered (and at times confusing) conclusion, we can tell that this is an author who is going to be well worth reading.
Show Less
LibraryThing member woodge
This is the first book in a 10-volume series (eight of which are currently published). It's an epic fantasy spanning a world and with a myriad different characters. There are several maps, lists of dramatis personae, and glossaries to help you navigate this intricate world. It would be daunting to
Show More
someone new to the fantasy genre, and on someone less so to a fan (like me). Until relatively recently, I resisted getting involved in multi-volume fantasy series -- at least those that expand beyond a trilogy. But that all changed when I started George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series (4 published, 3 to come). Got hooked there. I also got hooked on Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series (I've read 2 of 6 so far). Erikson has been compared to Martin because both are not afraid to kill off main characters (both good, evil, and somewhere in between). But these three, Erikson, Martin, and Butcher all have very different writing styles. Erikson's style is less straight-forward than the others. With Martin and Butcher, following the plot and the character's motivations doesn't tax your brain. But there is so much going on in Erikson's world. It's a little much at first but then a third of the way through this book, it begins to get clearer. And his use of sorcery in the story is heavy, detailed, and fascinating. It's a strange place -- maybe not as strange as China Mieville's Bas-Lag, but wonderfully strange all the same. And the characters are wildly diverse as well. But they could use some more fleshing out. Of the two dozen or so that I followed through this tale, I was only getting a clear picture of four or five of them. But I found the whole thing to wickedly engrossing. I love some of the weirdness he puts into this tale, like, for instance, a sorcerer who ends up having his soul transferred into a marionette. Think Chucky with wizardly powers. In this series the Malazan empire is hellbent on world domination but that is neither easy nor assured. Who knows how long it will take me to get through this series, but I'm looking forward to doing so. One thing I gotta add is that Jeez Laweez, but these Malazan covers (US versions) are cheesy-looking! I mean, look at this one, is that guy sporting a mullet?! Sheesh. And, Book 3 looks like it may have the worst cover. I'd be embarrassed if I cared enough. Show Less
LibraryThing member patrickgarson
I tend to view fantasy blockbusters with a somewhat jaundiced eye. The genre is not one flush with quality, and the most popular tomes are frequently the worst. However, Steven Erikson's Gardens Of The Moon - for once - lives up to the hype. This debut novel (of a ten novel cycle!) is so assured,
In some respects, this is a fairly traditional high fantasy. The narrative takes place in the context of a continent-spanning military campaign. Empires contend with plucky rebels; mages mix with thieves and assassins; humans tangle with ancient gods etc.
It sounds pretty rote, but Erikson's execution is so... audacious for a debut fantasy novelist. Gods run riot through Gardens of The Moon, powerful but constrained. Dead lich races contend with insectoid warriors, and elves weave complex plots from a flying mountain. This gallimaufry of conceits yields originality without the quotation marks and "look at me!" quality that can permeate some New Weird fantasy. Oft-times, I was so swept up in the action I didn't stop to consider the sublime hyperbole of what I was reading until long after.
These febrile imaginings wouldn't be enough to sustain the novel, however, if they weren't put to servicing a complex, enjoyable plot. For an eight-hundred page book, Gardens of The Moon rarely felt like a slog, and there's little of the filler - like journeying from place A to B - that fills all too many doorstop fantasies. Though it regularly jumps from character to character, I found all the disparate plot-lines sustained my interest equally and I was neither to sorry to see them go, nor too eager for their return.
Much has been made of this complexity. All the negative reviews I've read lambast the book for dropping the reader into a story already in motion with no assistance or explanation. Fie to that, I say. Gardens of The Moon doesn't pander to its readers, certainly; it has the temerity to treat them like adults who can read for comprehension, are capable of dealing with ambiguity, and don't need to be spoon-fed mental pap like literary geriatrics. If you read at all outside the genre, and messianic stableboys are likely to inspire homicidal urges, you will be fine.
Refreshingly for this style of fantasy, Erikson eschews chauvinism. Gardens of The Moon is full of great, powerful characters or every gender (and race), and they make for interesting and usually likable protagonists. With such a large cast, he's not averse to relying on stock sometimes, but the rug is always waiting to be yanked when you think you have someone pegged. More frequently, some of the more powerful characters remain ciphers at this early stage - but again I think a little bit of ignorance can be a tantalising, attractive thing.
More importantly, I think Erikson understands something precious few epic fantasy writers do: it's not just world-ending and bending that's the important thing at stake _for the characters_. This understanding propels both small plots and large; a person's interior journey resonates just as or more strongly than external ones - and in some cases propels them.
Granted, Eriskon is doesn't bring the literary style or thematic depth of someone like Guy Gavriel Kay - but then, neither did Kay with his first books. What Erikson does bring, though, is superlative, exciting fantasy, that doesn't insult the reader's intelligence, latch onto tired cliches, or rely on endless pages of travel, enchanted commoners, simpering women, or gratuitous violence and sex. I don't know about you, but that's enough for me - more than enough.
Show More
imaginative and enjoyable I tore through its 800-odd pages and was left slavering for more. In some respects, this is a fairly traditional high fantasy. The narrative takes place in the context of a continent-spanning military campaign. Empires contend with plucky rebels; mages mix with thieves and assassins; humans tangle with ancient gods etc.
It sounds pretty rote, but Erikson's execution is so... audacious for a debut fantasy novelist. Gods run riot through Gardens of The Moon, powerful but constrained. Dead lich races contend with insectoid warriors, and elves weave complex plots from a flying mountain. This gallimaufry of conceits yields originality without the quotation marks and "look at me!" quality that can permeate some New Weird fantasy. Oft-times, I was so swept up in the action I didn't stop to consider the sublime hyperbole of what I was reading until long after.
These febrile imaginings wouldn't be enough to sustain the novel, however, if they weren't put to servicing a complex, enjoyable plot. For an eight-hundred page book, Gardens of The Moon rarely felt like a slog, and there's little of the filler - like journeying from place A to B - that fills all too many doorstop fantasies. Though it regularly jumps from character to character, I found all the disparate plot-lines sustained my interest equally and I was neither to sorry to see them go, nor too eager for their return.
Much has been made of this complexity. All the negative reviews I've read lambast the book for dropping the reader into a story already in motion with no assistance or explanation. Fie to that, I say. Gardens of The Moon doesn't pander to its readers, certainly; it has the temerity to treat them like adults who can read for comprehension, are capable of dealing with ambiguity, and don't need to be spoon-fed mental pap like literary geriatrics. If you read at all outside the genre, and messianic stableboys are likely to inspire homicidal urges, you will be fine.
Refreshingly for this style of fantasy, Erikson eschews chauvinism. Gardens of The Moon is full of great, powerful characters or every gender (and race), and they make for interesting and usually likable protagonists. With such a large cast, he's not averse to relying on stock sometimes, but the rug is always waiting to be yanked when you think you have someone pegged. More frequently, some of the more powerful characters remain ciphers at this early stage - but again I think a little bit of ignorance can be a tantalising, attractive thing.
More importantly, I think Erikson understands something precious few epic fantasy writers do: it's not just world-ending and bending that's the important thing at stake _for the characters_. This understanding propels both small plots and large; a person's interior journey resonates just as or more strongly than external ones - and in some cases propels them.
Granted, Eriskon is doesn't bring the literary style or thematic depth of someone like Guy Gavriel Kay - but then, neither did Kay with his first books. What Erikson does bring, though, is superlative, exciting fantasy, that doesn't insult the reader's intelligence, latch onto tired cliches, or rely on endless pages of travel, enchanted commoners, simpering women, or gratuitous violence and sex. I don't know about you, but that's enough for me - more than enough.
Show Less
LibraryThing member King_Bonez_Xx
I tried this book when I got it on Christmas day, anxious to see what all the recommendations were for. I made it to page 100 or so before giving up. A month or two later I was lurking on a forum and came to a forum comparing Erickson to George R. R. Martin. This alone was enough to make me try
From the get-go the book is very unique, and it's one of those things you'll probably either love or hate. We meet tons of new characters in a world we've never experienced, filled with complex politics and even more complex magic systems. As confusing as this can be, it's certainly better than a three page infodump.
The first 200-250 pages are nothing if not complicated. By the end of the first part, I was finally beginning to see what was happening, and by page 300 I was utterly immersed. The plot is unformulatic, filled with twists, and expertly handled by Erickson, who obviously can write.
Trying to sum up the plot of this novel is difficult, so I won't try. It's original. That's all you need to know.
GARDENS OF THE MOON is a fantastic read, gaining momentum as it goes until the climax (which you wouldn't think is possible, based on what comes before it), which is utterly superb. Can't wait for Book Two.
Show More
again; this time, I got to page 200 or so before putting it down. Then, in the middle of July, I was on a blog run by somebody whose view I always agree with. Said blogger was raving about GARDENS OF THE MOON, and I tried it once again. Third time turned out to be the charm.From the get-go the book is very unique, and it's one of those things you'll probably either love or hate. We meet tons of new characters in a world we've never experienced, filled with complex politics and even more complex magic systems. As confusing as this can be, it's certainly better than a three page infodump.
The first 200-250 pages are nothing if not complicated. By the end of the first part, I was finally beginning to see what was happening, and by page 300 I was utterly immersed. The plot is unformulatic, filled with twists, and expertly handled by Erickson, who obviously can write.
Trying to sum up the plot of this novel is difficult, so I won't try. It's original. That's all you need to know.
GARDENS OF THE MOON is a fantastic read, gaining momentum as it goes until the climax (which you wouldn't think is possible, based on what comes before it), which is utterly superb. Can't wait for Book Two.
Show Less
LibraryThing member PiyushC
And thus do I start with the Malazan series. A very voluminous book and a very voluminous series - something which made me delay and incur false starts a few times. It didn't help that I was quite lost during the first half of the book, where the story kept jumping and in the absence of any
This is one of those series in which everything is gray, and there are multilateral angles to the story with no good side or an evil one, except possibly the Empress Laseen (whose story we don't know yet). There are lots of political and social undercurrents; unlikely alliances and truces; a world where no faction ever trusts another.
And then there is action. Truly unconventional, amazing action. What more can one expect? Needless to say, I will be diving into Book 2 soon.
4/5
Show More
background, it was difficult to keep track of the characters, timeline or the story. I persisted and was richly rewarded in the second half when the book really picked up pace, the dots began to connect and the characters got fleshed out.This is one of those series in which everything is gray, and there are multilateral angles to the story with no good side or an evil one, except possibly the Empress Laseen (whose story we don't know yet). There are lots of political and social undercurrents; unlikely alliances and truces; a world where no faction ever trusts another.
And then there is action. Truly unconventional, amazing action. What more can one expect? Needless to say, I will be diving into Book 2 soon.
4/5
Show Less
LibraryThing member Jefficus
I normally start my reviews with an encapsulating blurb - my take on the primary story line, but in this case I'm at a loss. There is no single story driving the action. It's very much an ensemble cast, and we watch them struggle to find their various ways through a turbulent period in the history
The problem is that, in order to get excited by a story, I need to become emotionally invested in the characters first. But that just never happened for me here. So many people traipse through this tale, crossing and recrossing each other's story lines, that I just kept getting lost. Who is this, again? Who is he with now and what are they doing? Never mind that there doesn't seem to be a single likable character in the entire mix. I just can't keep them all straight long enough to bond with any of them.
So many of these characters seem to be interchangeable. There's a group of wizards, and a group of soldiers, and another group of wizards, and some thieves and some super-wizards... Most of the players in any one group seem completely indistinguishable from one another, and even characters from different groups seem equally depthless and banal. The magic system seems vague, and yet all powerful. I can't even tell how many races there are supposed to be, because it's not always clear whether this new "group" being mentioned is a race, or a religious order, or a nationality.
The first time I tried to read it, I got about 20% in and bailed. But I've read so many good reviews that I decided to give it another shot. This time I got 98% of the way in - I reached the freaking climax! - and I was so confused and so underwhelmed by the big finish that I just folded up my tent and went to watch some TV instead. If a 500 pg book can't hold me during the last 50 pages, when it is purportedly paying off that 450 pg investment, there is something seriously wrong.
A number of people have told me that it really starts coming together in book 2 or maybe book 3, but I'm just not willing to wade through 1000 or more pages of confusing crap to get to the good stuff. And frankly, I have a hard time believing there's anything in the future other than more confusing actions being conducted by interchangeable cardboard characters that I have come to loathe. So why on earth would I want to keep reading about them?
Show More
of their world. That should give us lots to see and do, and it should be exciting. But it isn't. At least, not for me.The problem is that, in order to get excited by a story, I need to become emotionally invested in the characters first. But that just never happened for me here. So many people traipse through this tale, crossing and recrossing each other's story lines, that I just kept getting lost. Who is this, again? Who is he with now and what are they doing? Never mind that there doesn't seem to be a single likable character in the entire mix. I just can't keep them all straight long enough to bond with any of them.
So many of these characters seem to be interchangeable. There's a group of wizards, and a group of soldiers, and another group of wizards, and some thieves and some super-wizards... Most of the players in any one group seem completely indistinguishable from one another, and even characters from different groups seem equally depthless and banal. The magic system seems vague, and yet all powerful. I can't even tell how many races there are supposed to be, because it's not always clear whether this new "group" being mentioned is a race, or a religious order, or a nationality.
The first time I tried to read it, I got about 20% in and bailed. But I've read so many good reviews that I decided to give it another shot. This time I got 98% of the way in - I reached the freaking climax! - and I was so confused and so underwhelmed by the big finish that I just folded up my tent and went to watch some TV instead. If a 500 pg book can't hold me during the last 50 pages, when it is purportedly paying off that 450 pg investment, there is something seriously wrong.
A number of people have told me that it really starts coming together in book 2 or maybe book 3, but I'm just not willing to wade through 1000 or more pages of confusing crap to get to the good stuff. And frankly, I have a hard time believing there's anything in the future other than more confusing actions being conducted by interchangeable cardboard characters that I have come to loathe. So why on earth would I want to keep reading about them?
Show Less
LibraryThing member Frozeninja
The first book in Erikson's fantastic series, Gardens of the Moon drops you right into the action. From discovering the horrific massacre on Itko Kan, to the siege of Pale, the opening chapters of the book display its ruthless attitude towards war and the games played by the Gods. Gods and
Erikson's universe is huge in scope, and while you don't get the full extent of it in Gardens, you can come to understand the vastness that Erikson fills out into during his later books. The book focuses on the expansion of the Malazan empire across the continent known as Genabackis, and how their weary army trundles onwards, from battle to battle, city to city.
This book serves mostly as a setup for the events that follow, but it introduces many characters that become prevalent throughout the books that follow, in particular Ganoes Paran and the Bridgeburners. The Bridgeburners are legendary in the second army, and prove to be very likable characters. They're tough soldiers who have been put time and time again into bad positions, and their options suddenly aren't looking that great. The other half of the book focuses on the inhabitants of the 'lone jewel' of the continent of Genabackis; Darujhistan, and how their lives come to interfere with those of the Malazan soldiers.
Gardens of the Moon is a tragic tale of war, and all that war entails. It does not shirk from the destruction and death that occur during the pursuit of conquest, it shows a somewhat gritty tale of soldiers just trying to get from one day to the next.
Show More
Ascendants prove a major role in the world, powerful beings of ever-differing character; from those who seek to meddle to those indifferent to the affairs of mortals.Erikson's universe is huge in scope, and while you don't get the full extent of it in Gardens, you can come to understand the vastness that Erikson fills out into during his later books. The book focuses on the expansion of the Malazan empire across the continent known as Genabackis, and how their weary army trundles onwards, from battle to battle, city to city.
This book serves mostly as a setup for the events that follow, but it introduces many characters that become prevalent throughout the books that follow, in particular Ganoes Paran and the Bridgeburners. The Bridgeburners are legendary in the second army, and prove to be very likable characters. They're tough soldiers who have been put time and time again into bad positions, and their options suddenly aren't looking that great. The other half of the book focuses on the inhabitants of the 'lone jewel' of the continent of Genabackis; Darujhistan, and how their lives come to interfere with those of the Malazan soldiers.
Gardens of the Moon is a tragic tale of war, and all that war entails. It does not shirk from the destruction and death that occur during the pursuit of conquest, it shows a somewhat gritty tale of soldiers just trying to get from one day to the next.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Cecrow
GotM is notorious for being a puzzling read if you're not careful. My second read did the trick, because I took it seriously this time. The writing is extremely dense. On practically every page something significant is happening, or revealing information is provided. If you don't at least try to
After a backstory prologue (essential reading) and an initial backstory chapter (also essential) that take place on different continents than the map that's provided, we get to the heart of the matter: the Malazan Empire is expanding, waging a military campaign in Genabackis. We're joining the story when only two significant strongholds remain defiant, and in short order we're introduced to a number of overlapping subplots involving players from a wide range of various factions and races (human, non-human and immortal). Towards the end, these threads come together in a powerful series of climactic events that extend for more than a hundred pages and that will leave you exhausted. I've not been so captivated since discovering Martin's "Ice and Fire" series (but fans of one won't automatically be fans of the other.)
The trouble with such a simple summary is that it mistakenly suggests GotM is conventional. There's a breakneck pace in this marathon of a book, and more factions and races than can be categorized into a simple good and evil schema. Seemingly throwaway lines can become surprisingly relevant. Very soon, if you're paying attention, you realize that 'throwaway' doesn't really apply here. That even includes the short poems prefacing each chapter, which all have something important to say (and might be your only means of acquiring some of the information.)
It's definitely impressive, although a book can't be made this dense for plot and pacing without sacrificing something. There are descriptive passages, but they're generally short and even those contain telling details. Gone is the flowery scene setting you're used to, normally intended for atmosphere rather than to convey information. The book's greatest weakness, for its demand on patience from readers, is the initial flatness of characters for lack of introducing them in immediate detail. Instead their facets are revealed to us in pieces at a time, gradually evolving into three dimensions over the course of pages and chapters.
The sheer density of GotM requires patience, absorption, and no skipping or skimming. The language is straightforward and it isn't actually a difficult book to follow and enjoy, provided you treat it with respect. If you don't "get it" on your first attempt, do some preliminary Internet research to help you sort out this world and its people, then try again. With moderate effort, any fantasy fan can find the magic that GotM has to offer and lose themselves completely in the rhythm and depth of this enormous beginning to an enormous story.
Show More
catch it all, then within ten pages you may as well have skipped a hundred of any other book for all that you'll understand what's going on. You might continue reading in a sort of fugue state as I did the first time, making the (usually safe) assumption that anything you missed won't matter - but it will.After a backstory prologue (essential reading) and an initial backstory chapter (also essential) that take place on different continents than the map that's provided, we get to the heart of the matter: the Malazan Empire is expanding, waging a military campaign in Genabackis. We're joining the story when only two significant strongholds remain defiant, and in short order we're introduced to a number of overlapping subplots involving players from a wide range of various factions and races (human, non-human and immortal). Towards the end, these threads come together in a powerful series of climactic events that extend for more than a hundred pages and that will leave you exhausted. I've not been so captivated since discovering Martin's "Ice and Fire" series (but fans of one won't automatically be fans of the other.)
The trouble with such a simple summary is that it mistakenly suggests GotM is conventional. There's a breakneck pace in this marathon of a book, and more factions and races than can be categorized into a simple good and evil schema. Seemingly throwaway lines can become surprisingly relevant. Very soon, if you're paying attention, you realize that 'throwaway' doesn't really apply here. That even includes the short poems prefacing each chapter, which all have something important to say (and might be your only means of acquiring some of the information.)
It's definitely impressive, although a book can't be made this dense for plot and pacing without sacrificing something. There are descriptive passages, but they're generally short and even those contain telling details. Gone is the flowery scene setting you're used to, normally intended for atmosphere rather than to convey information. The book's greatest weakness, for its demand on patience from readers, is the initial flatness of characters for lack of introducing them in immediate detail. Instead their facets are revealed to us in pieces at a time, gradually evolving into three dimensions over the course of pages and chapters.
The sheer density of GotM requires patience, absorption, and no skipping or skimming. The language is straightforward and it isn't actually a difficult book to follow and enjoy, provided you treat it with respect. If you don't "get it" on your first attempt, do some preliminary Internet research to help you sort out this world and its people, then try again. With moderate effort, any fantasy fan can find the magic that GotM has to offer and lose themselves completely in the rhythm and depth of this enormous beginning to an enormous story.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bibliogypsy1127
I'm really not sure what to say about this one, except that, if you read it, PAY ATTENTION TO EVERYTHING.
Parts were really good; parts were really sloggy. I really like some characters; I really dislike others. I hate books that have huge infodumps, but this one....it could have used a few.
Parts were really good; parts were really sloggy. I really like some characters; I really dislike others. I hate books that have huge infodumps, but this one....it could have used a few.
Show More
Erikson barely gives you anything, and what he does give, he leaks in dribs and drabs. And he only gives you the barest amount of info to give you a vague idea of what is going on. The further you read, the more sense it makes and everything comes together. And leaves you with many more questions. I'm definitely interested enough to check out the second book, but unsure whether I'll make it through the whole series. I don't read many books that leave me so firmly on the fence. Show Less
LibraryThing member BruderBane
Disappointment. Stuck it out almost to the bitter end, over 300+ pages, but it just never felt right. It was dull, meandered quite a bit, and I felt nothing for the characters involved. To compare the writing in this book to Marten’s is a disservice. 2 stars is a gift.
LibraryThing member RobinLythgoe
I have heard a lot of good things about this series. There is certainly a lot going on in 'Gardens of the Moon,' but stories of the many individuals involved are so splintered that they are difficult to follow. I am disappointed with the characterization—one fellow seems so much like the other(s)
The aspect of world-building leaves something to be desired. A good part of the problem may be because there are so many names and places and events being tossed around, willy-nilly. The places are so huge that I wondered if the author really knew what a 'league' was. The structure of the magic is only brushed upon—apparently the "warrens" (sources) the mages use have specific flavors/abilities, but that is not reflected in what the mages do with their magic. It is amazing to have so much magic going on and still not really know what happened.
The writing style... goes from 'fair' to 'atrocious' to 'funny.' The characters exchange inside jokes the readers have no way of understanding—or make references to things that make no sense to us outsiders. Was there an editor involved in this process? There are misused words, repetitious words/phrases, terrible punctuation, wildly awkward sentences that never will make sense no matter how often they're reread...
And yet...
The revelation of vast powers at work, political and military maneuvering, and tiny glimpses into the lives of pawns of every social station was just enough to keep me turning the pages, wondering how (and if and when!) problems would be solved. The whole is complicated emotionally by having points of view from the side of the conquerors as well as those being conquered. I've heard that the second book involves the characters better, as opposed to laying out the draft of the juggernaut empire. Here's hoping...
Show More
that they were confusing. We join in the middle of the story (which is good), and although I applaud the lack of long passages of exposition, the reader is a stranger in a very strange world and critical information is withheld, including the various motivations. And what is with giving characters such similar names that we can't remember who is who through this complicated weaving? Most of the names are just plain awful. Worse, they lack any kind of cultural cohesion that might help us keep track.The aspect of world-building leaves something to be desired. A good part of the problem may be because there are so many names and places and events being tossed around, willy-nilly. The places are so huge that I wondered if the author really knew what a 'league' was. The structure of the magic is only brushed upon—apparently the "warrens" (sources) the mages use have specific flavors/abilities, but that is not reflected in what the mages do with their magic. It is amazing to have so much magic going on and still not really know what happened.
The writing style... goes from 'fair' to 'atrocious' to 'funny.' The characters exchange inside jokes the readers have no way of understanding—or make references to things that make no sense to us outsiders. Was there an editor involved in this process? There are misused words, repetitious words/phrases, terrible punctuation, wildly awkward sentences that never will make sense no matter how often they're reread...
And yet...
The revelation of vast powers at work, political and military maneuvering, and tiny glimpses into the lives of pawns of every social station was just enough to keep me turning the pages, wondering how (and if and when!) problems would be solved. The whole is complicated emotionally by having points of view from the side of the conquerors as well as those being conquered. I've heard that the second book involves the characters better, as opposed to laying out the draft of the juggernaut empire. Here's hoping...
Show Less
LibraryThing member etimme
Honestly, the first time I read this, I had no idea what was going on. Erickson thrusts you into the middle of a campaign and does nothing to ease you into the setting or introduce you to the huge cast of characters. What's more, he flits from viewpoint to viewpoint in the telling of a very epic
This is an author and a series that cannot be appreciated without a re-read. Coming back to this after having read through Toll the Hounds (book 8) I have great admiration for the author and enjoyed the first book quite a lot. Compared to the later books, Gardens of the Moon is restrained in scope yet is rich in both character development and foreshadowing. It does a great job in setting the stage for the rest of the series.
The first time I read through this series I felt that Ganoes Paran was the main character, if you can say such a thing, but this time I enjoyed the genesis of Crokus a lot more, and noticed the care with which Erickson treats this character.
Show More
story with little regard for how dizzy he makes the reader.This is an author and a series that cannot be appreciated without a re-read. Coming back to this after having read through Toll the Hounds (book 8) I have great admiration for the author and enjoyed the first book quite a lot. Compared to the later books, Gardens of the Moon is restrained in scope yet is rich in both character development and foreshadowing. It does a great job in setting the stage for the rest of the series.
The first time I read through this series I felt that Ganoes Paran was the main character, if you can say such a thing, but this time I enjoyed the genesis of Crokus a lot more, and noticed the care with which Erickson treats this character.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lyrrael
(Yep. Never read it. Don’t laugh.) Something something epic fantasy reddit favorite.
The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting, and bloody confrontations. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet
I really punished myself with this book. I’d heard so much about how you have to read it so carefully for detail that I began studying it like an academic text rather than reading for enjoyment, and it ended up taking me nearly a month to read. That...that just isn’t feasible in my world. I don’t have the attention span for it. Once I allowed myself to read it for enjoyment and acknowledge that I’m not going to catch everything the first time through AND THAT THAT’S OKAY, I began enjoying myself significantly more.
Do I want to read something light and fun now? Yes. Do I want to return to the world? I dunno. The fog of the first half of the book is currently hovering over my psyche. I need to remember that I need to be fair to myself and my style of reading, no matter what other people say.
The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting, and bloody confrontations. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet
Show More
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. But 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.I really punished myself with this book. I’d heard so much about how you have to read it so carefully for detail that I began studying it like an academic text rather than reading for enjoyment, and it ended up taking me nearly a month to read. That...that just isn’t feasible in my world. I don’t have the attention span for it. Once I allowed myself to read it for enjoyment and acknowledge that I’m not going to catch everything the first time through AND THAT THAT’S OKAY, I began enjoying myself significantly more.
Do I want to read something light and fun now? Yes. Do I want to return to the world? I dunno. The fog of the first half of the book is currently hovering over my psyche. I need to remember that I need to be fair to myself and my style of reading, no matter what other people say.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Kiddboyblue
This was not my favorite fantasy novel. I felt like there was a lot going for it, but it fell short in a lot of places for me. It had all the right ingredients, war, magic, different races, epic destiny's, etc. However small things left me feeling frustrated. For example the author failed to really
His action scenes were great and full of perfect detail that really allowed me to get into it!
I think there were too many characters, that sort of distracted from the story.
Still, overall I would say it was a good fantasy novel, but not a great one. I am willing to continue reading the series so its good enough to keep me interested.
Show More
describe anything that was unique to his world, like different races or creatures. He would describe a beast as big and hairy...OK...and? That doesn't give !e much to go on. He described one race as dark skinned and tall; again...its hard for me to form a picture based on that. I felt like he could have given a better idea of what these different creatures and beings looked like to help me.His action scenes were great and full of perfect detail that really allowed me to get into it!
I think there were too many characters, that sort of distracted from the story.
Still, overall I would say it was a good fantasy novel, but not a great one. I am willing to continue reading the series so its good enough to keep me interested.
Show Less
LibraryThing member DRFP
Pretty much everything I want to say has already been covered by one reviewer or another, but here goes...
This is a decent fantasy novel with flashes of brilliance, although it was those same flashes that left me feeling slightly disappointed by the book's end. There are sections of the book with
In contrast to most people I think the story starts better than it ends. The machinations of the Empire up to the fall of Pale are murky and exciting; by the end of events in Darujhistan everything feels rather small time and anticlimactic. It's only at the end we're warned of the threat from the south (and GotM seems to imply only Dujek's men in the whole Empire are aware of this threat - something I find hard to believe unless the Malazan Empire is truly incapable, which would be a flaw in itself) and nothing was really accomplished in this book. I'm certain it will set things up for later but for now it appears as if nothing big has happened except perhaps Character X meeting Character Y.
Regardless, Erikson's biggest problem here, and which makes me worry about the future of the series, is his characterization. Paran is barely likeable - from the very start, in the prologue, he is little better than a snotty brat; when we meet him grown up he remains curt (at best) to everyone and arrogant (an aristocratic trait our "hero" should have left behind). I found extremely little in the entire 700 pages to make me like Paran. In all honestly I wish he hadn't been rescued from Hood's clutches early in the book. Crokus may be slightly annoying as the fantasy cliché "ordinary lad destined for great things" (one assumes), saddled with a rather pathetic and confused romance in this novel, but at least there's an innocence to him that gives you something to like and latch on to.
If the above two are going to be the series leads then I hope Erikson develops them enough to improve them significantly. The supporting cast in the story is, by comparison, pretty good. The Bridgeburners, the Darujhistan lot, the Moon's Spaw group, are all much more likeable and interesting. Kruppe is the best of the lot and probably the only really memorable character in the book (although others have the potential to advance). Adjunt Lorn ends up a sorry character. Her doubts about the mission seem unrealistic and a clumsy piece of moralising and / or attempt at sympathy; a feeling enhanced by the way she later discards her doubts. If the Claw is really all that then I find it hard to believe that Lorn would have risen so high if she weren't sufficiently convinced of her role. If Erikson had spent a bit more time on developing his characters and not moving many different story arcs along at a pretty fast pace then Lorn's doubts could have been made to seem more believable. As it was, the writing didn't convince me.
My other major concern with this book was its ratcheting up of, well, shall we say "power levels"? There's so much talk of great beings, that are capable of such destruction (wasn't the Jaghut potentially able to enslave most of the Genabackis continent?) and we've already seen some of them and witnessed most of those we have seen either completely defeated or damaged. One does wonder where the series can go from here, especially for another nine books. What can be the great fear that keeps this series running? I'm curious to find out and a little worried at what the answer will be. My feeling is Erikson should have done what Glen Cook did in the Black Company novels and keep the great powers that exist in that world at arm's length. But, then again, this is much more "epic" fantasy than the Black Company so we'll have to give Erikson his chance.
Overall, despite my criticisms here there was still a lot to like. As said, the supporting characters were good, the world building is very nicely done and the writing was, for the most part, better than I was led to expect. Significant flaws also, as I've mentioned, and that's what means this isn't as exciting a first instalment as the likes of The Blade Itself or A Game of Thrones but it's also by no means bad enough to prevent me from carrying on with these tales of the Malazan Empire.
This is a decent fantasy novel with flashes of brilliance, although it was those same flashes that left me feeling slightly disappointed by the book's end. There are sections of the book with
Show More
palpable darkness and excitement. Many say Erikson's writing gets a lot better after the first couple of Malazan books but I was impressed by the way he managed to weave several character arcs together on more than one occasion. There are other bits where his style of writing is a little lacking but that side of things was actually very solid, I found. I don't think this is as hard a book to get into as many say. War and Peace, with its numerous different names for its Russian characters, was much more confusing to begin with! I think any reader with a decent bit of concentration will have no trouble getting through this.In contrast to most people I think the story starts better than it ends. The machinations of the Empire up to the fall of Pale are murky and exciting; by the end of events in Darujhistan everything feels rather small time and anticlimactic. It's only at the end we're warned of the threat from the south (and GotM seems to imply only Dujek's men in the whole Empire are aware of this threat - something I find hard to believe unless the Malazan Empire is truly incapable, which would be a flaw in itself) and nothing was really accomplished in this book. I'm certain it will set things up for later but for now it appears as if nothing big has happened except perhaps Character X meeting Character Y.
Regardless, Erikson's biggest problem here, and which makes me worry about the future of the series, is his characterization. Paran is barely likeable - from the very start, in the prologue, he is little better than a snotty brat; when we meet him grown up he remains curt (at best) to everyone and arrogant (an aristocratic trait our "hero" should have left behind). I found extremely little in the entire 700 pages to make me like Paran. In all honestly I wish he hadn't been rescued from Hood's clutches early in the book. Crokus may be slightly annoying as the fantasy cliché "ordinary lad destined for great things" (one assumes), saddled with a rather pathetic and confused romance in this novel, but at least there's an innocence to him that gives you something to like and latch on to.
If the above two are going to be the series leads then I hope Erikson develops them enough to improve them significantly. The supporting cast in the story is, by comparison, pretty good. The Bridgeburners, the Darujhistan lot, the Moon's Spaw group, are all much more likeable and interesting. Kruppe is the best of the lot and probably the only really memorable character in the book (although others have the potential to advance). Adjunt Lorn ends up a sorry character. Her doubts about the mission seem unrealistic and a clumsy piece of moralising and / or attempt at sympathy; a feeling enhanced by the way she later discards her doubts. If the Claw is really all that then I find it hard to believe that Lorn would have risen so high if she weren't sufficiently convinced of her role. If Erikson had spent a bit more time on developing his characters and not moving many different story arcs along at a pretty fast pace then Lorn's doubts could have been made to seem more believable. As it was, the writing didn't convince me.
My other major concern with this book was its ratcheting up of, well, shall we say "power levels"? There's so much talk of great beings, that are capable of such destruction (wasn't the Jaghut potentially able to enslave most of the Genabackis continent?) and we've already seen some of them and witnessed most of those we have seen either completely defeated or damaged. One does wonder where the series can go from here, especially for another nine books. What can be the great fear that keeps this series running? I'm curious to find out and a little worried at what the answer will be. My feeling is Erikson should have done what Glen Cook did in the Black Company novels and keep the great powers that exist in that world at arm's length. But, then again, this is much more "epic" fantasy than the Black Company so we'll have to give Erikson his chance.
Overall, despite my criticisms here there was still a lot to like. As said, the supporting characters were good, the world building is very nicely done and the writing was, for the most part, better than I was led to expect. Significant flaws also, as I've mentioned, and that's what means this isn't as exciting a first instalment as the likes of The Blade Itself or A Game of Thrones but it's also by no means bad enough to prevent me from carrying on with these tales of the Malazan Empire.
Show Less
LibraryThing member somedaynovelist
An incredible book, although it took me a second pass through to truly understand it.
LibraryThing member TadAD
The Malazan series has probably been recommended to me a dozen times as great epic fantasy. And, if you look at the rating histogram, there's nothing to suggest otherwise. However, having finished this first volume, I find myself wondering where the extreme hype is coming from. Actually, that's not
My main problem with this book is that Erikson appears to have no internal governor or external editor and, so, we end up with a volume that just spews ideas at the reader like a fire hose. It felt like every fifth page introduced some new race, or a new type of being, or a new secret brotherhood, or a new system of magic, or a new...whatever. All lovingly described in intricate-yet-vague detail. The result is that it's hard to discern what is important to the story and what is just some cool-sounding term or idea that will make a momentary appearance because it crossed the author's imagination and then be dropped from the tale.
There's a corollary to this type of thing that you often see: once you toss in too many ancient powers (there are copious qualifications of things as "elder"), gods, omnipotent sorcerers and unstoppable assassins, all opposed to each other, you've only got three choices. One is a quick Armageddon—however, that doesn't lend itself to an 11 book series plus several novellas. Another is a stalemate due to mutually assured destruction—but that's kind of boring for a story. The third option...and the one chosen here...is a series of rather anticlimactic checkmates where a threat fizzles due to some Achilles Heel or the intervention of yet another new power. For example, we spent a significant portion of this book fearing the return of an eldritch entity of continent-destroying power, the Jaghut Tyrant, only to have something called an Azath (no real idea what that is) suddenly just appear on the scene to imprison it. Huh?
The disappointment with the above is that Erikson actually writes rather colorfully and with a lot of excitement. There is some good world-building, some great characters, and an exciting story line hiding amidst the chaff. If you like works such as Glen Cook put out, something here will resonate with you. I want to keep reading this story. But, I really don't want to slog through another forty-eleven "cool" ideas packed around it. I think I'm done with this series.
Show More
really true. When I was a teenager, epic fantasy books chock full of dread empires and arcane magics would have been enough. Now, they're not.My main problem with this book is that Erikson appears to have no internal governor or external editor and, so, we end up with a volume that just spews ideas at the reader like a fire hose. It felt like every fifth page introduced some new race, or a new type of being, or a new secret brotherhood, or a new system of magic, or a new...whatever. All lovingly described in intricate-yet-vague detail. The result is that it's hard to discern what is important to the story and what is just some cool-sounding term or idea that will make a momentary appearance because it crossed the author's imagination and then be dropped from the tale.
There's a corollary to this type of thing that you often see: once you toss in too many ancient powers (there are copious qualifications of things as "elder"), gods, omnipotent sorcerers and unstoppable assassins, all opposed to each other, you've only got three choices. One is a quick Armageddon—however, that doesn't lend itself to an 11 book series plus several novellas. Another is a stalemate due to mutually assured destruction—but that's kind of boring for a story. The third option...and the one chosen here...is a series of rather anticlimactic checkmates where a threat fizzles due to some Achilles Heel or the intervention of yet another new power. For example, we spent a significant portion of this book fearing the return of an eldritch entity of continent-destroying power, the Jaghut Tyrant, only to have something called an Azath (no real idea what that is) suddenly just appear on the scene to imprison it. Huh?
The disappointment with the above is that Erikson actually writes rather colorfully and with a lot of excitement. There is some good world-building, some great characters, and an exciting story line hiding amidst the chaff. If you like works such as Glen Cook put out, something here will resonate with you. I want to keep reading this story. But, I really don't want to slog through another forty-eleven "cool" ideas packed around it. I think I'm done with this series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lam.rock
Very complex and quite hard to follow. I struggled to care about any one particular character (probably because of the above). If the plot had been clearer and the pace more measured I think I would have enjoyed this book. I feel like the author was in a rush to get all his thoughts onto the page,
Show More
which isn't a bad thing, but because of this it doesn't come across as well edited. Show Less
LibraryThing member washor
Okay, so it’s about time I reviewed a book I read a couple of months ago. Prior to reading it, I had read a lot of reviews and did see some warning signs that book one might be hard to digest for some readers. I also saw that the series had a huge fan-base devoted to the Malazan empire – this
First I will go over what I liked in this novel – the writing. Steven Erikson has a way with words. I had read a couple of reviews saying the opposite – harping on Erikson for using the same few uncommon words over and over. I simply found this to be untrue. His language use was beautifully dark and sinister. At times I felt I was reading an epic poem instead of a novel. His style of writing is not something you can learn so much as it is part of his nature. I envy writer’s with this gift.
What some people may not like, but I can appreciate is the twisting maze full of dead ends, shifting corridors, and nasty traps Erikson guides his readers through. Some folks like this style of writing as it challenges them to stay on their game as they turn each page. Other people tend to want an easy to follow story where they can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Erikson has given us a glossary at the back of the novel which will come in very handy to those falling in the first category. If you fall in the latter, I would not recommend this book.
Now on to what I did not care for in the story – the characters. Erikson’s large list of main characters was quickly introduced to us and all of them (save for one who talked in the third person) appeared exactly the same to me. By this I mean their mannerisms were identical, their language was too similar. Even their thought processes were unoriginal, focused solely around their own survival in a world out to destroy each of them in a very personal way – all the while they were indiscriminately killing other poor souls who crossed their paths. There was no real buildup – fast or slow – explaining what defined the characters and the actions they took throughout the book. I was simply thrust into the middle of the story and expected to pick favorites based on what I still am not sure.
As an aspiring writer myself, reading Gardens has taught me that a great book is nothing without its characters. Prior to reading Gardens, I had been focusing too much of my own plot-lines around the story I want to tell, rather than character development and getting my readers invested which is the real reason they keep turning the pages.
The question now is: “will I continue on with this series?” I believe I will as I have read reviews saying book two is much better than its predecessor. If you have read it, what do you think (see Poll)?
Overall I give Gardens of the Moon 2 out of 5 stars, but who am I to say you won’t love it?
Show More
devotion is what prompted me to invest my time in the first place. Not wanting to get involved with another long (TEN epic Volumes) series just yet, Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson had been sitting on my shelf for almost a year as I read other books. In August I finally took the plunge out of pure curiosity.First I will go over what I liked in this novel – the writing. Steven Erikson has a way with words. I had read a couple of reviews saying the opposite – harping on Erikson for using the same few uncommon words over and over. I simply found this to be untrue. His language use was beautifully dark and sinister. At times I felt I was reading an epic poem instead of a novel. His style of writing is not something you can learn so much as it is part of his nature. I envy writer’s with this gift.
What some people may not like, but I can appreciate is the twisting maze full of dead ends, shifting corridors, and nasty traps Erikson guides his readers through. Some folks like this style of writing as it challenges them to stay on their game as they turn each page. Other people tend to want an easy to follow story where they can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Erikson has given us a glossary at the back of the novel which will come in very handy to those falling in the first category. If you fall in the latter, I would not recommend this book.
Now on to what I did not care for in the story – the characters. Erikson’s large list of main characters was quickly introduced to us and all of them (save for one who talked in the third person) appeared exactly the same to me. By this I mean their mannerisms were identical, their language was too similar. Even their thought processes were unoriginal, focused solely around their own survival in a world out to destroy each of them in a very personal way – all the while they were indiscriminately killing other poor souls who crossed their paths. There was no real buildup – fast or slow – explaining what defined the characters and the actions they took throughout the book. I was simply thrust into the middle of the story and expected to pick favorites based on what I still am not sure.
As an aspiring writer myself, reading Gardens has taught me that a great book is nothing without its characters. Prior to reading Gardens, I had been focusing too much of my own plot-lines around the story I want to tell, rather than character development and getting my readers invested which is the real reason they keep turning the pages.
The question now is: “will I continue on with this series?” I believe I will as I have read reviews saying book two is much better than its predecessor. If you have read it, what do you think (see Poll)?
Overall I give Gardens of the Moon 2 out of 5 stars, but who am I to say you won’t love it?
Show Less
LibraryThing member anemicoak
Don't let the cheesy cover of the US version fool you. If you're a fan of epic fantasy this is some of the best ever published.
LibraryThing member antao
(Original Review, 2002)
Steven Erikson's characters are great; the reader is thrown into his world from the off, expected to follow along with who's who and what's what, and while this is initially disconcerting, I realised it was part of the experience Erikson was trying to create - confusion and
I have to say I think Erikson has the edge over Martin for me. It took longer for me to get into the Malazan world, but once I did, it was a total conversion and a revelation. The first book - Gardens of the Moon - is inferior to the rest of the series in terms of writing; and Erikson just throws you into the action, with nothing explained at all. It's a little frustrating at first, but stick with it. Whatever you do, don't give up before the end of the second book, which I know is a big commitment - but totally worth it. Erikson is an archaeologist and anthropologist and (like Ursula Le Guin) uses his scholarly knowledge to good effect in his books. The level of magic used is *much* higher than in Martin; there's no use pretending you're reading anything other than fantasy.
Steven Erikson's characters are great; the reader is thrown into his world from the off, expected to follow along with who's who and what's what, and while this is initially disconcerting, I realised it was part of the experience Erikson was trying to create - confusion and
Show More
chaos in the heat of battle. Relationships are already established, his characters already know who they like or dislike, there's no need for clumsy explanations in dialogue of what this magical term means or what that fantastical creature can do - the reader is expected to get on and learn the hard way, it's a bit like being in room full of people speaking French having never experienced the language before (I don't do French; never learned it). In amongst this, the names were really useful as markers and helped me remember who was who; I think sometimes the authors imply something with their character names, a certain personality or habit and sometimes there may be a connection entirely by accident. The mages had some excellent ones, 'Tattersail', 'Tayschrenn', 'Hairlock'. To me, they imply mystery and power, exactly like their respective characters. The protagonist's name, Ganoes Paran, reminded me of the word 'gallows', as he is quite a dark and cynical character, often seeing things from a humorously negative perspective - this is probably an entirely personal interpretation, but it shows you the importance of a good name. The further the reader gets into the Erikson series, the more we stumble across one of the series' greatest charms; in many of the books the plot centres around the marines of the Malazan Empire, who, without going into too much detail, were all given nicknames by the recruiting sergeant Braven Tooth. The real names of the soldiers are never mentioned, and as the plot progresses the reasons for the enigmatic nicknames become apparent, each marine living up to his new title. How Braven Tooth knows the nature of each one of his recruits remains a mystery, whether this is some form of magic is not revealed, but it is just one of the series-long threads that ties this magnificent fantasy together.I have to say I think Erikson has the edge over Martin for me. It took longer for me to get into the Malazan world, but once I did, it was a total conversion and a revelation. The first book - Gardens of the Moon - is inferior to the rest of the series in terms of writing; and Erikson just throws you into the action, with nothing explained at all. It's a little frustrating at first, but stick with it. Whatever you do, don't give up before the end of the second book, which I know is a big commitment - but totally worth it. Erikson is an archaeologist and anthropologist and (like Ursula Le Guin) uses his scholarly knowledge to good effect in his books. The level of magic used is *much* higher than in Martin; there's no use pretending you're reading anything other than fantasy.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lewispike
I've jsut re-read this.
I remembered it as a massively complex, deeply interwoven book that starts one way and then twists expectations and ends up somewhere very different.
Of course, because my expectations were different now, and I've read the next four books in the series too: as I write I'm
I remembered it as a massively complex, deeply interwoven book that starts one way and then twists expectations and ends up somewhere very different.
Of course, because my expectations were different now, and I've read the next four books in the series too: as I write I'm
Show More
waiting for number 6 to come into print and be delivered - I didn't find it messed with my expectations. It did, however, I'm happy to say, live up to them. It is still a massive weave of complex intertwining stories operating at a range of levels from the mundane, to the political, to the magical, to the deific. It's beautiful executed and well worth the time and effort. On to book two! Show Less
LibraryThing member jimmaclachlan
There seems to be quite a complex world of politics & magic within these pages, but after 300 pages, I still couldn't care less about anyone or thing in the world. I wound up drifting off to another book days ago & still haven't felt like coming back to this one.
The prose is pretty dense, the world
Many seem too powerful to have wound up in their situation, too. There are super powerful magics wielded by thousands of year old gods and mages in blunt, rather stupid ways, yet I'm supposed to believe that there are really many levels of subtlety behind their actions. It's not working for me, though.
It might be a better story if I could really devote the time to it, possibly even read it a couple of times. Not happening. Some friends of mine certainly think it's a wonderful series, but they also say it's extremely epic (long, complex, & full of loose ends) & this book isn't as well written as the rest. I have too many other books I want to read.
I've given Erikson a fair shake at hooking me, but he didn't do it & I'm sorry for that. If he'd concentrated on developing a few of his characters a little better & quicker, then moved on to expanding the world, I think I could have gotten into this. As it is, there is too much confusion & I don't care about anyone, so why bother wasting more time?
The prose is pretty dense, the world
Show More
is quite strange & full of mysteries - too many. Only a few pages are devoted to any of a dozen different situations that are developing, each with a few to a dozen characters, none of whom seem to know what's going on or trust or even like each other, yet they're betting their lives on each other. IOW, motivations aren't making much sense, either. Too often characters have wondered why they or others stuck around. It's a good question considering what some are facing & I haven't seen a decent answer - quite the opposite. Many seem too powerful to have wound up in their situation, too. There are super powerful magics wielded by thousands of year old gods and mages in blunt, rather stupid ways, yet I'm supposed to believe that there are really many levels of subtlety behind their actions. It's not working for me, though.
It might be a better story if I could really devote the time to it, possibly even read it a couple of times. Not happening. Some friends of mine certainly think it's a wonderful series, but they also say it's extremely epic (long, complex, & full of loose ends) & this book isn't as well written as the rest. I have too many other books I want to read.
I've given Erikson a fair shake at hooking me, but he didn't do it & I'm sorry for that. If he'd concentrated on developing a few of his characters a little better & quicker, then moved on to expanding the world, I think I could have gotten into this. As it is, there is too much confusion & I don't care about anyone, so why bother wasting more time?
Show Less
LibraryThing member Narilka
Do not let the large list of characters at the beginning of the book intimidate you. Gardens of the Moon is epic fantasy at its best. The Malazan Empire has a new Empress and she is determined to conquer the world. The story focuses on the people she sends out to set her plans in motion and those
It takes a couple hundred pages to lay the foundation but once it does things really get going. I almost put the book down when I hit the second section and a second deluge of characters and information was introduced, completely separate and seemingly unrelated from the first portion of the book. I'm glad I stuck with it. This book has it all: war; magic; gods; assassins; politics; mystery; betrayal; loyalty. It offered a different twist on typical fantasy elements that I enjoyed. Erikson leaves several things for his readers to figure out as certain things are left deliberately ambiguous, which I also enjoyed. I may pick up other books in this series, especially if they feature Wiskeyjack and crew.
Show More
that oppose them. This is the first of many in the Malazan Empire series.It takes a couple hundred pages to lay the foundation but once it does things really get going. I almost put the book down when I hit the second section and a second deluge of characters and information was introduced, completely separate and seemingly unrelated from the first portion of the book. I'm glad I stuck with it. This book has it all: war; magic; gods; assassins; politics; mystery; betrayal; loyalty. It offered a different twist on typical fantasy elements that I enjoyed. Erikson leaves several things for his readers to figure out as certain things are left deliberately ambiguous, which I also enjoyed. I may pick up other books in this series, especially if they feature Wiskeyjack and crew.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Karlstar
I'm not sure what to say about this book. It is very ambitious - featuring a huge, world-gobbling empire rife with internal politics and backstabbing, a floating castle that is home to a race of near immortal sorceror/assassins, and a whole pantheon of meddling gods. On top of that, there is a lot
Show More
of magic going on, and the magic system is unique and confusing, to say the least. I've read a lot of fantasy, and I'm not sure I've ever seen a book feature so many fantasy names and terms that have no meaning, and often aren't explained at all. All of that doesn't mean it is good or bad, some will like it for these features, some won't. I found it interesting enough to finish, but at times I wished there wasn't so much heavy handed interference from the gods. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
World Fantasy Award (Nominee — Novel — 2000)
Original publication date
1999-04-01
Physical description
635 p.; 9.45 inches
ISBN
0765310015 / 9780765310019
Other editions
Gardens of the moon by Steven Erikson (Paper Book)